Pakistani-origin fintech ABHI-Middle East has teamed up with LuLu Financial Holdings, a global leader in financial services, to enhance financial inclusion and remittance solutions in the UAE. The partnership aims to provide expatriate workers with instant access to their earned wages and enable faster, more flexible remittances to their families back home.
Founded in 2021, ABHI-Middle East has rapidly expanded, operating not only in the UAE but also in Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. The company raised $17 million in Series A funding led by Speedinvest and secured $15 million in debt financing last year, supported by Shorooq Partners and Amplify Growth Partnership. ABHI’s innovative financial products include Earned Wage Access (EWA), allowing employees to withdraw their salaries anytime before payday.
Financial Flexibility through Innovative Services
Through this partnership, UAE workers can now benefit from ABHI’s Earned Wage Access and LuLuFin’s Send Now, Pay Later remittance services. This means they can access their pay instantly and send money abroad without delay, providing much-needed financial flexibility and control.
The initiative addresses a critical financial challenge faced by many expatriates: the need to support families in their home countries without waiting for monthly salaries. ABHI will provide the operational technology for LuLuFin, enabling wage advances and instant cross-border transfers with deferred payment options. The service is set to launch soon, initially focusing on Pakistani customers.
“This partnership with ABHI is 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 that empowers expatriates and promotes financial inclusivity without borders.”
Driving Financial Inclusion Across Borders
Omair Ansari, Co-Founder and CEO of ABHI-Middle East, described the collaboration as a significant move to help expatriates manage their finances with ease. “Integrating ABHI’s technology with LuLu’s market expertise enables us to offer underserved communities greater flexibility and convenience,” he explained.
In early 2025, ABHI-Middle East furthered its financial inclusion mission by acquiring FINCA Microfinance Bank in Pakistan. FINCA operates in 108 cities, providing modern deposit and payment solutions alongside micro-credit facilities designed to improve livelihoods nationwide.
Additionally, ABHI launched the ABHI Microfinance Bank in collaboration with TPL Corp, enhancing access to financial services for millions across Pakistan.
Together, these efforts reflect ABHI’s commitment to bridging financial gaps for expatriates and low-income communities, while LuLuFin strengthens its position as a trusted partner in global remittances.
