Flend Secures FRA License as Egypt’s First Digital NBFI for SMEs

Flend, a pioneering digital financing platform specializing in small, emerging, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first non-bank digital financial institution (Digital NBFI) in Egypt. The license, granted by the Egyptian Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), empowers Flend to revolutionize the SME financing landscape through cutting-edge digital solutions.

As the first fully licensed digital NBFI dedicated to SMEs, Flend is setting a new industry standard by introducing innovative digital contracts and e-signatures. This approach simplifies the financing process, enhances transparency, and accelerates access to funding for SMEs. The move aligns with the FRA’s progressive vision to foster innovation within the non-banking financial sector, paving the way for a more efficient, inclusive, and transparent financial ecosystem.

“We are delighted to be the first to secure the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) Digital Non-Bank Financial Institution (NBFI) license, with a focus on SME Finance,” said Nehal Helmy, Co-Founder at Flend. “Our strategy at Flend is to transform the SME financing landscape by addressing critical need for fair, fast, and flexible SME financing. Leveraging proprietary technology, we provide seamless onboarding, advanced risk assessments, and efficient loan disbursements. By replacing cumbersome paperwork with digital contracts and e-signatures, we can cut approval times from weeks to days and ensure a transparent and efficient experience tailored to SMEs.”

Empowering SMEs Through Regulatory Backing

The FRA’s support highlights the critical role of regulatory bodies in enabling a modernized financial landscape that addresses the evolving needs of businesses and promotes sustainable economic growth. By securing this license, Flend can uphold the highest standards of governance, enforce strong legal recourse on borrowers, and access affordable local bank funding. These advantages enable Flend to offer competitive financing rates and scalable solutions designed to bridge the SME financing gap effectively.

Closing Egypt’s $50 Billion SME Financing Gap

According to IFC estimates, Egypt’s SMEs face a financing gap exceeding $50 billion. Flend is strategically positioned to address this shortfall with its data-driven infrastructure and innovative digital solutions. The platform’s technology streamlines operations, reduces customer acquisition costs, and enhances loan servicing. Additionally, Flend forms strategic partnerships with key digital players, including marketplaces, e-commerce platforms, payment service providers, and logistics companies, to deliver tailored financial solutions to SMEs.

Backed by Prominent Investors

Flend’s mission is supported by a strong consortium of investors, including Plus VC, Banque Misr, Digital Finance Holding, and leading family offices in the region. This backing underscores the platform’s agility, reliability, and commitment to empowering SMEs across vital industries.

Driving Economic Growth with a Visionary Team

At the heart of Flend’s success is a diverse team of experts with backgrounds in finance, technology, government, international financial institutions, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This collective expertise enables Flend to craft innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by SMEs, driving meaningful impact across the Egyptian economy.

By harnessing digital technology and regulatory support, Flend is redefining SME financing in Egypt, bridging critical gaps, and contributing to sustainable economic growth. With its transformative approach, Flend is well-positioned to lead the charge in modernizing Egypt’s financial landscape and empowering SMEs to thrive.

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