Mastercard has announced a new partnership with CredibleX that will integrate Mastercard’s Small Business Credit Analytics (“SBCA”) into CredibleX’s financing platform. This collaboration marks the first application of this innovative product in the region, aimed at providing enhanced data-driven insights based on anonymous and aggregated transaction data. The initiative is designed to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by simplifying their access to financing.

The SBCA tool, developed by Mastercard, provides lenders with essential insights, contingent upon the business’s consent, to evaluate the financial performance and retail sales of small businesses. The metrics offered by SBCA can deliver valuable performance data, enabling lenders to make informed decisions regarding a small business’s financial health. This partnership with CredibleX is a significant step forward, allowing the company to improve its lending assessments, minimize underwriting times, and enhance risk management processes.

Beyond improving credit access, this partnership aims to foster financial inclusion for SMEs throughout the UAE. Many small businesses encounter obstacles to traditional financing due to limited credit histories or insufficient formal documentation. With the insights derived from SBCA metrics, CredibleX can conduct a more thorough evaluation of a business’s financial status, which can lead to better loan terms and increased credit amounts for SMEs. This collaboration not only supports the individual growth of SMEs but also aligns with the UAE’s objectives for economic diversification and its aspiration to be a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Selin Bahadirli, Executive Vice President of Services for Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Mastercard, stated, “This partnership with CredibleX underscores Mastercard’s commitment to supporting the SME ecosystem in the UAE. SBCA is a game-changer, offering unparalleled insights into small business performance. Together, we aim to empower SMEs with better credit access, improved loan terms, and enhanced opportunities for growth.”

Hassan Reda, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at CredibleX, remarked that the partnership exemplifies their mutual vision of promoting financial inclusion and innovation. He highlighted that by merging CredibleX’s lending expertise with Mastercard’s advanced analytics, they are setting a new standard for data-driven SME financing in the region.