In the near future, UAE residents will be able to access salary advance, remit money, and pay in instalments to meet their immediate financial requirements. This service is the outcome of a partnership between Halan, a fintech firm, and Al Ansari Financial Services, the parent company of Al Ansari Exchange.
The service is primarily designed to assist mid and low-income salaried individuals in alleviating their financial burden by reducing their reliance on high-interest credit options. It is primarily targeted at underbanked and unbanked residents.
The salary-in-advance facilities that all the main banks in the UAE offer are utilised by a significant number of UAE residents. Customers of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Ras Al Khaimah Bank, United Arab Bank, Ajman Bank, Sharjah Islamic Bank, and Emirates NBD were granted access to advance salary facilities. This facility was discontinued by Dubai Islamic Bank earlier this year.
Deputy group CEO of Al Ansari Financial Services, Mohammad Bitar, stated that the agreement promotes financial independence and increases inclusivity.
“We are providing a practical and ethical solution to support the financial well-being of our customers, especially those who have limited access to traditional banking services,” according to him.
Mr. Omar Ramadan, the managing director of Halan GCC, stated that the agreement guarantees that this solution not only addresses the requirements of the underbanked but also establishes a new standard for financial accessibility and inclusion in the region.
Al Ansari Financial Services’ send now, pay later (SNPL) service will enable customers to transfer a larger sum of money to family members immediately and repay it in instalments over time, thereby improving their financial capabilities.
The World Bank reported that the UAE residents’ remittances in 2023 totalled $38.5 billion, the second highest quantity after the United States ($85.5 billion).
Halan, which was established in December 2024, offers a salary advance solution to enterprises and employees. It is designed to meet the requirements of the UAE’s 3.7 million underbanked expatriates, who frequently encounter obstacles in obtaining conventional banking services.
Since April 2024, Halan Advance has acquired more than 40,000 customers in the UAE, indicating that it has already garnered momentum. By the conclusion of 2025, the organisation intends to serve 250,000 clients and disburse Dh350 million in loans.
“The response to Halan Advance has been exceptional,” stated Omar Ramadan, the managing director of Halan GCC.
