Users can also pay bills and carry out transactions seamlessly thanks to automation.

With limitations on movement, visits to public spaces including banks have been replaced by online services like e-banking that have allowed people to explore the convenience and speed, with which they can carry out transactions without having to wait in line at counters. Along with remote banking, residents in the Middle East also enjoyed swift online payments to clear their bills, and for making purchases as e-commerce emerged as an a viable alternative for local grocers and malls.

Since cash flow is quickly going online with digital currencies taking over, apps have also been launched to boost financial management skills among residents of cities in the UAE and neighbouring countries, while smart fintech apps are facilitating seamless investments for netizens. Among these services, a platform based in Egypt has introduced a solution which is meant to empower employees in the country, by joining hands with firms for processing advanced payments, which can make workers financially independent when they need it the most.

Uncertainty triggered by the pandemic has highlighted how people may need funds at short notice for healthcare among other emergencies, and such situations can disrupt financial planning of a household. But NowPay addresses this problem by bringing companies on board, to ensure that their employees can pick up an advance on salaries ahead of time, while automated systems will enable deduction of the money later on.

With a focus on saving, spending, budgeting and borrowing, the platform has also integrated features for digital bill payments and online transactions into its mechanism, for providing an inclusive financial management solution to the workforce. Other than borrowing money as an advance from businesses, employees can also help out each other through the app that facilitates transfer of funds among colleagues.

NowPay has been able to bring over 200 local and multinational companies on board for its innovative lending service, since it charges a nominal fee for processing transactions.