Mastercard, Fundbot partner to streamline buyer-supplier payments

By Gloria Methri

Mastercard has collaborated with Fundbot, a UAE-based supply chain financing firm, to accelerate business-to-business (B2B) payment flows across all industries. The two companies will launch a streamlined payments platform that seamlessly links buyers and suppliers.

Rolled out initially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the tech-driven solution will boost the user experience by including added-value capabilities, such as Fundbot’s discount product that incentivizes quicker B2B payments, fast-tracking the conversion of receivables to cash for suppliers and reducing days sales outstanding (DSO).

The solution’s initial rollout will focus on early claim settlements in the healthcare sector, tackling these significant payment delays.

“At Mastercard, we seek to empower businesses of all sizes to enable them to benefit from the digital economy. We are driving a paradigm shift in the B2B payments landscape, putting an end to the operational and financial challenges caused by inefficient processes and multiple payment systems. We provide digital payment solutions that allow companies to pay and get paid quickly and securely, expand their reach and deliver a seamless experience for their customers. We are delighted to join forces with Fundbot to co-create this game-changing platform that will streamline B2B transactions and increase the use of virtual cards,” said Amnah Ajmal, EVP, Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard.

Fundbot’s discount product is fully integrated with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, ensuring compatibility and accessibility. It features an AI-powered tool that uses advanced algorithms to recommend the optimal discount rate for each transaction based on country, vertical and industry trends, helping buyers achieve high acceptance rates.

In addition, it allows buyers to maximise savings by utilising early payment discounts before the invoice due date. This investment in the supply chain accelerates payments and helps address cash flow issues, which represent a crucial pain point for SMEs in the MENA region.

“Fundbot is on a mission to revolutionize B2B payments, which form a key part of any economy. Through our dynamic discount product, we provide companies with access to funds when they need them most, enabling them to manage their finances more effectively and grow their businesses. We are excited to work together with Mastercard to fuel the growth of digitized payments in this segment,” said Karl Abouzeid, Founder & CEO of Fundbot.

The platform will also leverage Mastercard’s ‘In Control for Commercial Payments’ (ICCP) solution to issue virtual cards for suppliers in partnership with selected banks in the region.

Buyers will be onboarded onto the platform and can initiate digital campaigns for their suppliers. Automated onboarding will allow for the cost-effective inclusion of small suppliers. Customer support will be provided in Arabic, English and French to engage businesses in regional markets.