Thunes, the Singapore-headquartered cross-border payments infrastructure provider, has extended its Direct Global Network into six new Middle East markets, adding local payout options in bank accounts, mobile wallets, and cash pickup locations. The rollout, announced on September 14, 2026, builds on Thunes’ 2025 expansion of real-time payments in Saudi Arabia and strengthens Singapore’s role as a base for global payments infrastructure serving fast-growing remittance corridors.
Key Facts At A Glance
- Thunes added payout services in six markets: Bahrain, Lebanon, Oman, South Yemen, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates
- New bank account payouts are available in Bahrain, Oman, and the UAE
- Lebanon gains mobile wallet payout support
- South Yemen recipients can access funds via bank accounts or cash pickup locations
- Syria gains cash pickup access as its banking system continues to rebuild
- Members can connect through direct API integration with Thunes or via existing SWIFT connectivity
- The expansion follows Thunes’ September 2025 launch of real-time payment services in Saudi Arabia
- Lebanon receives roughly US$7 billion annually in remittances, while remittances account for more than 38% of South Yemen’s GDP
A Regional Buildout Tied To Remittance Demand
Thunes said the new payout routes are designed around the specific financial needs of each market rather than a uniform rollout. In Bahrain, where the non-oil sector made up 85% of real GDP in 2025, the company is positioning bank payouts as support for the country’s National Digital Economy Strategy. In Oman, bank account payouts are tied to the goals of Oman Vision 2040 amid projected GDP growth of 4% in 2026.
The remittance-dependent markets received particular attention. Lebanon, which receives close to US$7 billion in remittances each year, gains mobile wallet payout capability. South Yemen, where remittances make up more than 38% of GDP and rank among the highest shares globally, gains both bank and cash pickup access. Syria’s addition of cash pickup locations comes as the country works to rebuild its banking infrastructure after years of disruption.
What It Means For Southeast Asia’s Payments Sector
While the expansion itself is centered on the Middle East, it reinforces Singapore’s standing as a hub for global cross-border payments infrastructure providers. Thunes operates its network out of Singapore and continues to build out international payout rails that Southeast Asian banks, remittance companies, and fintech platforms can plug into for outbound transfers to these markets. Deputy CEO Chloé Mayenobe said the new capabilities are meant to unlock value for the company’s network members and their end users by expanding participation in international commerce.
Publicly available information on this development remains limited to the company’s own announcement and its coverage by trade press; no regulatory filings or independent financial disclosures accompanied the rollout.