Upfront, a financial operations platform serving SMEs across MENA, has partnered with Mastercard to expand digital payment options for smaller businesses.
The collaboration is aimed at giving SMEs additional ways to manage working capital and handle business expenses.
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Under the plan, Upfront will add Mastercard commercial card capabilities to its platform. This will sit alongside its existing accounts receivable, accounts payable and cash flow management services.
The new feature is intended to let eligible SME customers access approved financing through a commercial card. They would then be able to use those funds for business payments, including supplier bills and operating expenses.
The companies said bringing card-based payments into Upfront’s platform is meant to give SMEs “greater flexibility” in how they use working capital.
It is also expected to improve visibility and control over business spending.
Under the proposed structure, Upfront will continue to manage the financing relationship with its SME customers.
The Mastercard commercial card programme will act as an additional digital payment channel through which approved funds can be used for business expenses.
The initial rollout is expected to centre on Upfront’s SME customers in the UAE.
Any broader expansion will depend on the final programme structure, regulatory requirements and market readiness.
Mastercard said its wider SME support includes Built Small. Moving Strong. The platform was developed in response to the pressures faced by small businesses during recent disruption.
It brings together fintechs, financial institutions and other partners to help SMEs access practical tools, digital payment solutions and working capital support.
Upfront CEO and founder Anas Qudahsaid: “Our partnership with Mastercard is an important step towards making business finance more responsive, giving SMEs the ability to move faster, manage liquidity smarter and capture opportunities as they arise.”
Mastercard EVP for EEMEA commercial and new payment flows Onur Kursun said: “Through our collaboration with Upfront, we are combining fintech innovation with secure commercial payment capabilities to give SMEs greater control over their business payments and open up new opportunities.”
