Following a pilot phase conducted in May involving over 200 users, some reported receiving payouts within as little as ten minutes. This represents an improvement over the typical multi-day processing periods commonly encountered in real estate investment withdrawals.
The launch of Pay to Card aligns with broader trends in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where digital finance adoption has surged rapidly. According to a recent report by Checkout.com titled ‘The State of Digital Commerce in MENA 2025,’ Account Funding Transactions (AFTs) have seen a remarkable increase of 388% year-on-year in the UAE. The report also notes a 176% rise in total processing volume from 2023 to 2024, along with a significant 320% growth in daily online shopping since 2020.
Pay to Card is now available to investors in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, offering more immediate access to returns. This feature supports Stake’s commitment to simplifying the investment experience by addressing withdrawal delays and enhancing user convenience.
Growing demand for real-time payments infrastructure
The MENA region has witnessed rapid growth in digital payment adoption over recent years, driven by technological advancements and strong government support. Countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia are actively implementing strategies to modernize their financial ecosystems. Initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 emphasize economic diversification and digital transformation, encouraging widespread adoption of electronic payments and reducing reliance on cash transactions.
In the UAE, government efforts to foster a cashless society have accelerated the development of real-time payment systems and instant settlement infrastructure. These frameworks facilitate faster, more efficient payment solutions for both consumers and businesses. The enhanced availability of real-time payment rails has not only improved everyday transactions but also opened new opportunities for sectors such as e-commerce, digital investing, and online services to thrive in a competitive environment.
For fintech companies operating in the MENA region, establishing capabilities for real-time transactions has become essential to meet rising consumer expectations and regulatory requirements. Faster settlement systems enable firms to reduce processing friction, enhance user experience, and support innovative financial products that require instant access to funds. As digital payment volumes continue to rise, the integration of real-time infrastructure is positioning the region as a leading hub for financial technology development.
