Bridging the SME Funding Gap

For many SMEs, getting access to financing can still be a time-consuming and fragmented process. A new partnership between Wio Bank and Geidea aims to make that journey simpler by bringing banking and financing services closer to where merchants already manage their day-to-day operations.

Wio Bank PJSC has signed an agreement with Geidea, a fintech and merchant payments provider in the MENA region, to make Wio’s business banking and financing solutions available to SMEs through Geidea’s merchant network. The agreement was signed by Prateek Vahie, Chief Commercial Officer at Wio Bank, and Pankaj Kundra, Chief Executive Officer at Geidea UAE.

Under the partnership, eligible merchants using Geidea’s services will be able to access Wio’s banking and lending products through a more streamlined process. Instead of dealing with multiple providers and disconnected systems, businesses will have a single route to explore financing options, complete onboarding, and access capital.

Geidea will serve as a distribution and referral partner, connecting merchants with Wio’s offerings. All financing assessments, approvals, onboarding, and fund disbursements, however, will continue to be managed by Wio under its existing underwriting and regulatory framework.

The collaboration comes at a time when many SMEs across the Middle East and Africa continue to face challenges in securing timely access to capital. Limited financing options and lengthy approval processes often create barriers for businesses looking to expand, manage cash flow, or invest in growth.

By combining Geidea’s merchant network with Wio’s digital banking capabilities, the two companies hope to provide businesses with easier access to financial services through platforms they already use.

Since its launch, Wio Business has focused on helping SMEs access banking and financing through digital onboarding and data-driven lending solutions. The partnership gives the bank an opportunity to extend those services to a broader base of merchants across the UAE.

Commenting on the partnership, Prateek Vahie, Chief Commercial Officer at Wio Bank, said SMEs play a critical role in the UAE economy, but access to financing often remains one of the more complex aspects of running a business. He noted that integrating banking and lending services into tools merchants already use can help create a more connected and efficient experience.

Pankaj Kundra, Chief Executive Officer at Geidea UAE, said the collaboration allows Geidea to support merchants beyond payment acceptance by connecting operational and financial services in one ecosystem. According to him, this can help businesses spend less time navigating different systems and focus more on managing and growing their operations.