Tabby Acquires Saudi Digital Wallet Tweeq
Tabby, Saudi Arabia’s buy now pay later fintech firm, which is MENA’s leading shopping and financial services app, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Tweeq, a Saudi-based digital wallet licensed by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), during 24 Fintech, Saudi’s flagship fintech event, which was inaugurated in Riyadh on Tuesday.
The transaction is subject to undergoing regulatory approvals and the required legal and administrative proceedings.
Tweeq, which is licensed by Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), will continue to operate independently, and through future opportunities, Tabby could explore expanding its financial products suite to include digital spending accounts, cards, and money management tools in accordance with laws and regulations.
Tabby’s acquisition of Tweeq aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader objectives under the National Fintech Strategy, a key component of Vision 2030’s Financial Sector Development Program. The strategy targets the establishment of 525 fintech companies by 2030, with the aim of creating 18,000 jobs and contributing $3.5 billion to the Saudi economy.
Tweeq, founded in 2020, is one of the early electronic money institutions licensed to operate in Saudi Arabia, providing an alternative to traditional banking accounts. As a fintech company, Tweeq offers a spending account that allows customers to spend, send, and manage their money with ease, giving them more control over their finances.
The agreement is a significant step towards realising the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, contributing to the expansion of digital financial services. Tweeq will partner with Tabby, pending regulatory approval, to expand its services within Tabby’s ecosystem and consumer scale. By offering accessible savings and spending accounts, Tabby aims to contribute to building a more inclusive economy and promoting a cashless society.
Mission Accomplished
Tabby CEO and Co-Founder Hosam Arab said that Tweeq has made it its mission to meet the financial needs of Saudi Arabia by building the best mobile-first spending account.
“With Tweeq joining forces with Tabby, we will unlock a whole new suite of financial products designed to empower our customers to do even more with their money when they spend, send or save,” he said.
Tweeq CEO and Co-Founder Saeed Albuhairi said that they were looking forward to merging Tweeq’s offerings into Tabby’s ecosystem so that they can cater to the financial needs of millions of users across the GCC, providing them with an innovative alternative to traditional banking.
Tabby graduated from the SAMA regulatory sandbox and received its BNPL permit in July last year. The acquisition agreement reinforces the growing maturity and potential of Saudi Arabia’s fintech industry, spotlighting the region’s expanding financial technology sector and representing a breakthrough for the broader Middle Eastern fintech ecosystem.