New Al Masraf-Finneva Partnership: A Lifeline for UAE SMEs
Al Masraf has taken a significant step towards enhancing financial access for SMEs in the UAE by partnering with Finneva Information Technologies LLC. This partnership is set to introduce cutting-edge Supply Chain Finance solutions tailored specifically for SMEs, helping them optimise their working capital, improve cash flow, and foster sustainable growth across key sectors of the economy.
The collaboration was officially announced at the Global Trade Review MENA 2025, where Fuad Mohamed, CEO of Al Masraf, and Anthony Manning, GM and Executive Director of Finneva, signed the agreement. The partnership is designed to provide much-needed liquidity and risk mitigation for SMEs by leveraging the financial strength of larger corporations, known as anchor corporations. This move comes at a crucial time as the UAE’s SME sector continues to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, job creation, and diversification.
What Does This Mean for SMEs?
Supply Chain Finance has become an essential tool for businesses to maintain cash flow and keep operations running smoothly. Through this partnership, Al Masraf and Finneva aim to introduce a suite of SCF products that will do just that, but with a stronger focus on making these services accessible to SMEs. Some of the key solutions include:
Payables Finance: Buyers can extend payment terms while allowing suppliers to receive payments early at a reduced cost, which ultimately improves the buyer’s working capital.
Receivables Finance: Suppliers will have the opportunity to get faster payments based on the buyer’s creditworthiness, giving them access to liquidity without waiting for long payment cycles.
These solutions are particularly crucial for SMEs, who often face cash flow challenges due to delayed payments or difficulty securing financing from traditional banks. The partnership seeks to ease these pain points, allowing SMEs to focus on their core operations and expansion plans.
A Joint Vision for Financial Inclusion and Growth
Speaking on the partnership, Fuad Mohamed, CEO of Al Masraf, emphasised how this collaboration is more than just a business deal. “This collaboration with Finneva marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to redefine financial support for SMEs. We’re not just offering solutions but providing strategic tools that drive efficiency, enhance liquidity, and empower sustainable growth. By leveraging innovative, digitised financial solutions, we aim to unlock new avenues of growth for SMEs, ensuring they remain resilient and competitive in a rapidly evolving business environment. This partnership reinforces our commitment to the UAE’s vision of elevating SMEs as a cornerstone of the national economy.”
Anthony Manning, GM and Executive Director of Finneva, echoed similar sentiments. “Our collaboration with Al Masraf is a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing the financial infrastructure for SMEs in the UAE. By introducing tailored, digitised supply chain finance solutions, we aim to provide SMEs with the liquidity and flexibility they need to accelerate their business potential and improve their financial resilience.”
Why This Matters for the UAE’s Economy
SMEs are a critical component of the UAE’s economy. According to the Ministry of Economy, SMEs contribute significantly to economic diversification, job creation, and national human capital development. It is forecasted that there will be 1 million SMEs in the UAE by 2030, highlighting their increasing role in driving sustainable growth.
With partnerships like the one between Al Masraf and Finneva, SMEs can gain access to the financial tools and support they need to thrive. By making these solutions available, the two organisations are not only helping individual businesses but also contributing to the broader economic goals of the UAE, ensuring that the country remains a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.
This partnership is yet another example of how technology and finance can come together to create meaningful change, especially for smaller businesses that are often the backbone of economic growth.
