Network International and Commercial Bank of Dubai expand SME lending access with new financing solutions for UAE businesses

• New financing solutions support SMEs at different stages of growth, from managing working capital requirements to investing in long-term business assets.
• Broader eligibility expands access to finance for smaller and relatively new businesses across the UAE.
• Partnership brings together Network International's merchant ecosystem and CBD's banking expertise to help businesses access relevant financing as their needs evolve.

Dubai, UAE, 15 October, 2026: Network International (Network), the leading fintech company across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) have expanded their merchant lending referral partnership beyond point-of-sale (POS) loans. This will provide eligible UAE-based SMEs and merchants a broader range of financing options for both long-term investment and day-to-day cash flow. 

Eligible businesses can now finance their own commercial premises through commercial property financing, or access short-term funding through working capital loans that require no collateral. Eligibility also extends to small and relatively new businesses, bringing bank financing within reach of a wider range of enterprises, helping more SMEs invest with confidence, accelerate expansion, and contribute to the UAE's economic growth.

Building on the existing POS lending referral partnership, the expanded offering brings commercial property financing and working capital loans into a single merchant proposition. By combining Network's extensive merchant ecosystem with CBD's banking expertise, the partnership creates a more connected financing experience that helps businesses access solutions aligned to different stages of their growth journey. 

Together, these solutions address two of the most common financing priorities for growing businesses – investing in long-term assets and maintaining healthy cash flow. By supporting both objectives, the partnership aims to help SMEs strengthen financial resilience, pursue expansion opportunities and build a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.

Görkem Köseoğlu, Group Chief Customer and AI Officer at Network International, commented: “SMEs are central to the UAE’s economic growth, but many still need faster, more relevant access to financing that matches their stage of development. By expanding our partnership with CBD beyond POS loans to include commercial property and working capital financing, we are giving merchants practical routes to invest, manage liquidity, and scale their businesses through a relationship they already have with Network. This reflects our broader ambition to use our merchant platform, data-driven ecosystem, and banking partnerships to help businesses access the capital they need to grow.”

For CBD, the expansion builds on a long record of backing UAE businesses, supported by its digital platforms including iBusiness and UP by CBD, which help micro and small businesses across the UAE with integrated banking, payments, credit and financial management. Working with Network gives CBD a route to merchants where they already do business, with financing designed for different stages of growth.

The collaboration reinforces Network’s role in connecting merchants with financing from UAE banks, and CBD’s commitment to supporting business at different stages of growth. It also reflects Network’s broader evolution as a commerce enablement partner, bringing together payments, value-added services and banking partnerships to help businesses operate and expand, from accepting payments to accessing the capital to grow.

About Network International

Network International is the Middle East and Africa's leading fintech company. Our purpose is to help businesses and economies grow by simplifying payments and commerce. We serve a diverse ecosystem of banks, fintechs, telcos, merchants, governments, and public sector entities spanning 50+ countries, empowering our partners with innovative technology, value-added services, and deep expertise in payment systems and infrastructure. Our 3,000+ team strength on the ground works closely with 250+ financial institutions and 240,000+ merchants to deliver reliable, scalable, and future-ready payment and fintech solutions across the region.

About Commercial Bank of Dubai

Commercial Bank of Dubai (DFM: CBD) is a Public Shareholding Company established in 1969 by an Emiri Decree issued by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. CBD provides a comprehensive range of retail and commercial banking products and services through an extensive network of branches and ATMs in the UAE.  

As of 30 June 2026, the Bank reported total assets of AED 154.5 billion and a net profit of AED 1,885 million before tax, reflecting its strong market standing and ongoing growth. The Bank delivers a full suite of personal, elite, private, business, corporate and institutional banking services through both conventional and Shari’ah-compliant formats. These are further supported by advanced digital platforms, including a next-generation mobile app and the award-winning iBusiness platform. CBD also operates ‘UP by CBD’, a digital banking platform designed to support micro and small businesses across the UAE with integrated banking, payments, credit, and financial management solutions.  Recognised for its innovation and digital leadership, CBD actively supports national development goals while backing its customers and enabling their growth through financial technology, Emiratization, and strategic partnerships.