MIDDLE EAST with some of the leading global fintech entities and multiple startup incubators to further its digital ambitions . It has associated with the likes of New York University ’ s StartAD , ADGM and the DIFC Fintech Hive to transform the fintech landscape regionally . Along with it the group has also built a state-of-the-art DigiLab at its global headquarters in Abu Dhabi , which is an innovation window showcasing the group ’ s digital assets .
Retail , a vital touch point “ Investments on digital doesn ’ t mean that our focus on retail has wavered ,” Manghat points out . Currently the group has direct presence in 45 markets , while UAE Exchange and Travelex together have around 2,500 outlets globally . This , coupled with the complementary
synergies that Travelex brings on board , multiplies technological prowess and economies of scale exponentially . Meanwhile Xpress Money , its instant money transfer arm , has presence in 160 countries with 200,000 agent locations .
Speaking on the importance of retail , Manghat says : “ We cannot overlook the criticality of our physical presence as a brand nor the impact of this customer touch point . Hence retail will continue to feature at the top of all our plans . Meanwhile retail is strongly transforming from being hi-touch to hi-tech and we are emerging into a sort of an aggregator of payments and bringing a differently enriching customer experience . To further enhance our global footprint , we have also acquired a series of businesses in South Africa , Singapore and Brazil .” www . gigabit . net 163