FAB pilots virtual B2B card solution with Oracle and Mastercard

By Gloria Methri

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has become the first bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to pilot an embedded finance and payments solution developed in collaboration with Oracle and Mastercard.

The pilot initiative integrates Mastercard’s virtual card platform directly into Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. The solution seeks to address long-standing inefficiencies in B2B payments—such as fragmented systems and data—by offering a ready-made digital payments setup that avoids the need for extensive technology implementation.

According to the 2024 ‘Payment Practices Barometer’, nearly 40% of businesses in the UAE cite inefficient payment processes as the main reason for delays. The virtual card platform aims to tackle this by automating manual tasks, enhancing real-time visibility into spending and cash flow, and improving overall operational efficiency.

FAB’s collaboration with Oracle and Mastercard is part of a broader strategy to offer clients modernised tools that respond to shifting business demands. The bank says the solution will help businesses reduce costs, improve payment security, and foster more reliable relationships with suppliers.

As announced at the Oracle CloudWorld Tour in Dubai, the pilot will offer FAB’s corporate clients several features:

• Automated payments: Integration with Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP allows payments to be processed within the existing platform, helping reduce manual work and operational expenses.
• Improved security: Payments are processed using single-use virtual card numbers, which help reduce the risk of fraud and protect sensitive financial data.
• Better financial oversight: Consolidated cash flow insights give businesses tools to manage working capital more effectively, reduce overheads, and potentially earn rebates.
• Supplier benefits: Faster and more consistent payments aim to simplify reconciliation and strengthen supplier relationships.
• Cross-border capabilities: Mastercard’s global network supports international transactions while remaining compliant with local regulations.

Gina Petersen-Skyrme, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for the UAE and Oman at Mastercard, said, “In an increasingly fast-paced environment, businesses of all kinds are turning to virtual cards to bring the ease, security, and efficiencies of digitisation to their operations. At Mastercard, we are delighted to leverage our innovative virtual card platform to expand the benefits of embedded finance in Oracle Cloud ERP to FAB’s commercial customers.”

Liam Nolan, Vice President of Applications Development at Oracle, added, “This collaboration introduces a proven consumer payment method to the B2B world, simplifying supplier onboarding, reducing risk, and enhancing working capital management for both buyers and suppliers. Mutual customers can now streamline key finance and operational functions and enhance working capital management.”