Thunes Expands Cross Border Payouts Across Six Middle East Markets
Thunes has expanded its cross-border payout network into six new Middle Eastern markets. The company now offers services in Bahrain, Lebanon, Oman, South Yemen, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates. Thunes’ Direct Global Network members can process payouts to bank accounts, mobile wallets, or cash pickup locations. Lebanon alone receives approximately US$7 billion in remittances annually, according to Thunes.
Thunes’ expansion into six Middle Eastern markets, including the UAE and Lebanon, marks a continued push for digital payment infrastructure in remittance-heavy regions. The company enables local currency payouts to bank accounts, mobile wallets, and cash pickup. This follows its September 2025 launch of real-time payments in Saudi Arabia. The company extends its reach across critical corridors.
For Asia, this expansion points to growing competition in the cross-border payments sector. Asian fintechs and traditional banks will face pressure to match the speed and reach of platforms like Thunes. The focus on mobile wallets in Lebanon, for example, reflects a broader trend of digital adoption in emerging markets, a model many Asian companies are already pursuing.
The thing to watch is how quickly Thunes can scale transaction volumes in these new markets. Its ability to capture significant market share will depend on local partnerships and user adoption, particularly in markets like South Yemen where cash pickup remains crucial. Success here will validate its regional strategy.
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