First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has selected Thunes to provide worldwide mobile wallet payouts via its Direct Global Network, aiming to enhance international payment options for its clients in the UAE.

Upon full integration of the solution, the customers of the bank will be able to send payments instantly to over 130 nations, offering them with accessible and transparent international payment solutions.

This collaboration supports key national strategies, including the “We the UAE 2031” vision and the “Central Bank’s Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT)” programme.

These initiatives are intended to foster digital innovation, interoperability, and financial inclusion.

FAB and Thunes aim to broaden access to next-gen payment channels worldwide.

Thunes chief commercial officer Simon Nelson said: “First Abu Dhabi Bank joining our Direct Global Network is a clear vote of confidence in Thunes’ ability to deliver global interoperability at scale.

“Together, we are making cross-border payments faster, and easier for everyone.”

Thunes’ Direct Global Network is said to enable members to conduct real-time payments in over 80 currencies.

The company’s Network links to over seven billion mobile wallets, stablecoin wallets, as well as bank accounts globally, and also supports payments to 15 billion cards through over 320 distinct payment methods.

Singapore-headquartered Thunes operates from 14 offices globally, including locations in Atlanta, Beijing, Barcelona, Dubai, Johannesburg, Hong Kong, London, Nairobi, Manila, Paris, Riyadh, Shanghai, and San Francisco.

In October, Thunes and Ecobank Group entered into a collaboration aimed at facilitating instant cross-border payments for businesses and individuals across Sub-Saharan Africa.

This agreement aims to integrate banking and fintech systems on a large scale, simplifying the processes of sending, receiving, and managing funds internationally.