LuLu Exchange, one of the UAE’s most trusted financial services companies and a subsidiary of LuLu Financial Holdings, has announced a strategic partnership with Abhi Middle East Limited (ABHI), a next-generation neo-bank backed by Hub71 and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), with funding enabled by Commercial Bank International (CBI).
The collaboration aims to transform financial access for expatriate workers across the UAE by providing instant Earned Wage Access (EWA) and seamless cross-border remittance solutions, enabling workers to support their families without having to wait for payday.
Through this partnership, workers will gain immediate access to their earned wages and can remit money to their home countries in real time, significantly improving financial flexibility and reducing short-term financial stress. The initiative is expected to benefit expatriate communities that form the backbone of the UAE’s workforce.
By combining LuLu Exchange’s extensive remittance network and market trust with ABHI’s advanced financial technology, the partnership seeks to redefine how workers access, manage, and move money across borders. The collaboration also reflects LuLu Exchange’s ongoing commitment to innovation and customer-centric financial solutions, while reinforcing ABHI’s mission to drive inclusive, technology-led financial empowerment across the region.
Commenting on the partnership, Thampi Sudarsanan, CEO of LuLu Exchange UAE, said that timely access to earnings is a fundamental financial need for workers. He noted that the collaboration enables greater control and confidence for employees supporting families back home, while creating a powerful ecosystem that places customer empowerment at its core.
Omair Ansari, Co-Founder and CEO of Abhi Middle East Limited, highlighted that partnering with LuLu Exchange allows ABHI to extend its vision of financial inclusion by enabling workers to access their wages on demand and manage financial obligations without strain. He added that the partnership represents a significant step toward true economic empowerment.
Founded in 2021, ABHI has rapidly expanded its footprint across Pakistan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, serving over one million users, onboarding more than 5,000 businesses, and processing transactions exceeding USD 500 million. The fintech company has earned global recognition, including the World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneer Award 2023, selection under Mastercard’s Start Path Small Business program, and inclusion among the UAE’s Future 100 companies.
LuLu Financial Holdings continues to strengthen its position as a global financial services leader, operating over 370 customer engagement centers across more than 10 countries in the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, and APAC regions, with a strong focus on innovation, trust, and customer satisfaction.
