Thunes has entered into a strategic partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank to expand real-time cross-border and wallet payment capabilities from the UAE to global markets. The collaboration will see FAB use Thunes’ Direct Global Network to power international payouts, including to mobile wallets. Announced on November 18, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, the agreement reinforces the UAE’s position as a regional hub for next-generation financial infrastructure.
Strategic Partnership Overview
Under the partnership, FAB will integrate Thunes’ Direct Global Network to offer customers real-time payments to more than 130 countries. Once live, the solution will enable transparent, efficient, and more accessible international transfers, including to mobile and digital wallets across key corridors. By choosing Thunes as a core payments partner, FAB is strengthening its cross-border capabilities while responding to growing customer demand for faster, more flexible payout options.
Enhancing Cross-Border Payments From the UAE
The collaboration between FAB and Thunes focuses on simplifying global payments for businesses and individuals who rely on timely international transfers. By connecting to Thunes’ infrastructure, FAB customers will benefit from reduced friction, better visibility, and improved speed when sending money abroad. This upgraded service aims to support trade, remittances, and digital commerce flows that depend on reliable real-time payments.
Alignment With National Digital Initiatives
The partnership supports the UAE’s broader economic and digital transformation agendas, including the “We the UAE 2031” vision. It also aligns with the Central Bank of the UAE’s Financial Infrastructure Transformation program, which aims to build a more integrated and resilient digital financial ecosystem. Through this collaboration, FAB and Thunes are positioning themselves as active contributors to national efforts around interoperability, innovation, and financial inclusion.
Thunes’ Role and Network Capabilities
Thunes brings a global payments network that connects to mobile wallets, bank accounts, cards, and alternative payment methods in over 130 countries and more than 80 currencies. Its infrastructure links directly to billions of endpoints, including leading wallet providers and super-apps, allowing members of its network to execute real-time payouts at scale. FAB’s decision to join this network demonstrates confidence in Thunes’ ability to deliver interoperability, compliance, and operational efficiency across multiple markets.
Leadership Perspective on the Collaboration
Thunes’ Chief Commercial Officer, Simon Nelson, highlighted FAB’s participation in the Direct Global Network as a strong endorsement of the company’s global strategy. He emphasized that the partnership is designed to remove friction in cross-border payments, making international transfers faster and easier for end users. His comments underscore how the collaboration is intended to push both organizations further into the leading tier of cross-border payment innovators.
About Thunes and Its Market Position
Headquartered in Singapore with offices in major financial and technology centers worldwide, Thunes has built a reputation as a specialist in real-time cross-border payments. The company’s proprietary infrastructure combines treasury capabilities and compliance tools to give its members greater control, transparency, and risk management across payment flows. Its customers include global platforms, fintechs, banks, and payment service providers that depend on scalable, compliant connectivity into diverse local payment systems.
The partnership between First Abu Dhabi Bank and Thunes marks a meaningful step forward for real-time cross-border and wallet payments originating from the UAE. By linking FAB’s franchise with Thunes’ Direct Global Network, the collaboration promises faster, more accessible, and more transparent international payment options for customers. In doing so, it advances national digital finance goals while reinforcing both organizations’ positions at the forefront of cross-border payment innovation.