Pakistan-origin fintech ABHI-Middle East has announced a strategic partnership with LuLu Financial Holdings, a global financial services conglomerate, to boost financial inclusion and streamline remittance services for expatriate workers in the UAE. The collaboration aims to give workers greater control over their income by offering Earned Wage Access (EWA) and Send Now, Pay Later solutions.
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Under the new partnership, UAE-based workers will be able to instantly access their earned wages and remit money back home through LuLu Exchange — eliminating the wait for payday and easing financial burdens for millions of expatriates. The service is set to launch for Pakistani customers in May, followed by expansion across other major remittance corridors.
“This partnership with ABHI represents a bold step toward redefining financial connectivity for global diasporas,” said Thampi Sudarsanan, CEO of LuLu Exchange UAE. “By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we aim to create a seamless bridge for expatriates to support their families, setting the stage for a future where financial inclusivity knows no borders.”
Omair Ansari, Co-Founder & CEO of ABHI-Middle East, added, “This marks a significant step in enabling expatriates to access their hard-earned wages seamlessly and support their families back home without financial strain. Our collaboration with LuLu underscores our joint mission to serve the underserved.”
Founded in 2021, ABHI-Middle East has rapidly scaled its operations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bangladesh, with the help of \$17 million in Series A funding led by Speedinvest and \$15 million in debt financing from Shorooq Partners and Amplify Growth. It was also named one of the UAE’s Future 100 companies in 2023.
The fintech’s EWA technology enables employees to withdraw part of their earned income any day before payday, offering increased financial flexibility and reducing dependence on high-interest loans. The newly introduced “Send Now, Pay Later” service will also allow remittances to be sent instantly with deferred payments, addressing a long-standing challenge for low-income workers.
The partnership comes on the heels of ABHI-Middle East’s acquisition of FINCA Microfinance Bank in Pakistan earlier this year, further strengthening its commitment to financial inclusion. In February, the company also launched the ABHI Microfinance Bank in collaboration with TPL Corp, aiming to serve millions across Pakistan through inclusive digital financial services.
As ABHI continues expanding its reach and offerings, this partnership with LuLu marks a pivotal moment in bridging the financial gap for migrant communities, providing them with the tools to manage their income more efficiently and support their families with dignity and ease.
