Tribe Payments Expands Into Middle East With New Dubai Office
Tribe Payments, a pioneering fintech company specializing in issuer and acquirer processing, is making bold strides in the Middle East with the launch of a new office in Dubai. This latest move marks a significant chapter in Tribe’s strategic expansion plan, following its robust presence across Europe, Asia, and beyond. The company is aimed at empowering banks, fintechs, and acquirers with cutting-edge payment processing solutions, further solidifying its footprint in the global financial landscape.
Founded in London in 2018, Tribe Payments has rapidly grown into a formidable force within the fintech sector, now boasting a workforce of over 200 employees across multiple locations. With major technology hubs in Kaunas, Lithuania, and Singapore, the company has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation and regional growth. The newly established office is situated in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), one of the leading financial hubs in the Middle East, positioning Tribe at the heart of a dynamic and fast-evolving market.
Leading the charge in the Middle East is Aurangzaib Khan, who has taken on the role of General Manager for the Middle East & Africa. Aurangzaib brings a wealth of experience with him, spanning two decades in the payments industry. His impressive career includes key roles at major global and regional players such as Amazon Payments Services, Mastercard, Visa, MCB Bank, and Bank Alfalah. Notably, he spearheaded the launch of Bahrain’s first open banking super-app, Beyon Money, highlighting his expertise in driving payment innovations across diverse markets.
Aurangzaib expressed enthusiasm about his new role, emphasizing the exciting potential in the region. “I’m eager to embark on this opportunity to drive innovation in the payments industry. It’s hugely exciting to be entrusted to lead Tribe’s operations in Dubai and the Middle East,” he stated. He also noted the region’s aspiration to be a leader in banking and payments technology and how Tribe’s unique offerings are perfectly aligned to help banks realize their goals.
One of Tribe Payments’ standout features is its unique position as Europe’s only processor working seamlessly with Mastercard, Visa, American Express, UnionPay International, Discover, and JCB. This extensive global connectivity is accessible through a single integration, offering unrivalled advantages for financial institutions looking to expand their payment capabilities across multiple card schemes worldwide.
Andrew Hocking, CEO of Tribe Payments, shared his insights on the company’s Middle Eastern venture. Having lived and worked in the UAE previously, Andrew views the country as the vibrant epicenter of fintech innovation in the region. He highlighted the importance of a physical presence, calling it a testament to Tribe’s commitment to the market. “It’s great to have Aurangzaib on board at Tribe. His leadership and payments knowledge – both at a regional and global level – will be invaluable to Tribe as we embark on our next strategic expansion,” he noted. Reflecting on the lessons learned from their Singapore office, Andrew expressed excitement about bringing those insights to the Middle East and fostering new partnerships.
Tribe Payments is bringing its cloud-based, modular platform to the Middle East market, offering users exceptional scalability and flexibility. This platform is designed to empower banks and fintech companies to quickly adapt and grow in a rapidly changing payments industry, enabling them to stay ahead of the curve with innovative and efficient payment processing solutions.
With the opening of its Dubai office, Tribe Payments is set to deepen its roots in the Middle East’s fintech ecosystem, driving forward the region’s ambitions to become a leader in next-generation financial services. The fusion of Tribe’s technology, local expertise from Aurangzaib Khan, and the strategic location of DIFC positions the company well for significant growth and influence in this vibrant market.
