- Tarabut has acquired Vyne, a London-based real-time account-to-account payments platform, enhancing its capability to offer faster and more interconnected financial services.
- The acquisition is set to integrate Vyne’s advanced payment technology into Tarabut’s operations.
- The integration will support compliance with new financial regulations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, including Payment Initiation Services and Open Finance.
- This move extends Tarabut’s operational footprint to the UK, bolstering its position as a global leader in open banking and expanding its service offerings in the Middle East.
Tarabut, the pioneering open banking platform based in the UAE, has recently acquired Vyne, a London-based fintech company specializing in real-time account-to-account (A2A) payments. This strategic move enhances Tarabut’s ability to offer faster, more accessible, and interconnected financial services both regionally and internationally.
Founded in 2019 by Abdulla Almoayed, Tarabut has established itself as the largest regulated open banking platform in the MENA region.
Its innovative universal application programming interface (API) connects a network of banks and fintech companies across the region. Vyne, also founded in 2019, is known for its advanced A2A payments platform, which allows online businesses to process transactions swiftly and securely.
Enhancing Financial Services
The acquisition, finalized on August 1, 2024, marks a significant milestone for Tarabut. The integration of Vyne’s cutting-edge technology into Tarabut’s operations will enhance the company’s payment capabilities in the Middle East, starting with Bahrain.
The initial rollout is expected to go live by the end of the year, with further expansion planned for Saudi Arabia and the UAE as Open Banking regulations evolve.
This strategic acquisition has been approved by both the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It positions Tarabut to lead in the upcoming regulatory changes, including new Payment Initiation Services in Saudi Arabia and Open Finance in the UAE.
Vyne’s Technological Advantage
Vyne’s technology revolutionizes the payment landscape by enabling real-time transactions directly from bank accounts. This bypasses traditional payment methods, which can be costly and slow. Vyne’s platform has already processed billions of dollars through its extensive network of clients and partners in the UK, covering sectors such as retail, financial services, and automotive.
The integration of Vyne’s technology into Tarabut’s infrastructure will facilitate instant, bank account-linked payments. This development is particularly beneficial for businesses in the retail, automotive, and SME sectors, offering them unparalleled service and efficiency.
Impact on the Region
As financial regulations in the MENA region continue to evolve, Tarabut is poised to lead with its compliance-first approach and advanced technological offerings. The acquisition of Vyne complements Tarabut’s existing tech stack, which includes data and compliance products. The combined expertise of Tarabut and Vyne will introduce new solutions for seamless, cardless, account-to-account payments and streamlined operational processes.
Enhanced features such as real-time reporting and reconciliation will provide Tarabut’s clients with improved operational efficiency and financial transparency.
Executive Insights
Abdulla Almoayed, CEO of Tarabut, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “We are thrilled to welcome Vyne into the Tarabut family. This acquisition is a crucial step in our long-term growth strategy. It allows us to introduce mature, tested payment products to the region and address the everyday challenges faced by merchants and consumers.
With Vyne’s technology, we are well-positioned to leverage new opportunities for innovation and growth. This is a significant milestone in our mission to seamlessly connect financial ecosystems in the Middle East.”
Karl MacGregor, CEO and Co-Founder of Vyne, also shared his excitement: “The Middle East is experiencing rapid growth and transformation in financial services. Our technology is designed to ensure compliance while delivering convenience. As regulations evolve, our digital solutions can meet the demand for fast, secure, and personalized payment experiences. Joining Tarabut enables us to bring our innovative payment solutions to one of the fastest-growing markets globally.”
Broader Implications
The acquisition of Vyne not only strengthens Tarabut’s technological capabilities but also extends its operational footprint to the UK, solidifying its position as a global leader in open banking. Existing customers of both Tarabut and Vyne will benefit from enhanced services, while new clients will gain access to state-of-the-art A2A payment solutions as regulatory changes unfold across the region.
This acquisition is part of a broader strategy by Tarabut to maintain and expand its market dominance. The company’s recent $32 million Series A funding round, led by Pinnacle Capital and supported by investors like Aljazira Capital, Visa, and Tiger Global, underscores its commitment to innovation and growth. Tarabut has also announced significant partnerships with major banks in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Tarabut’s acquisition of Vyne represents a pivotal development in the open banking sector. By integrating Vyne’s advanced A2A payment technology, Tarabut is set to enhance its service offerings and strengthen its position as a leader in the MENA region and beyond.
The acquisition aligns with the evolving regulatory landscape and positions Tarabut to drive future innovations in financial services, benefiting both businesses and consumers across the region.
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