The Mastercard SME platform enters its next phase across the region with new commercial tools, digital payment initiatives, and market intelligence resources. Announced in Riyadh during Money20/20 Middle East, the Built Small Moving Strong program brings together financial institutions, technology providers, and government entities to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in navigating market pressures.
Expansion of the Mastercard SME Platform
Mastercard designed this recent update to address key operational challenges faced by business founders. The initiative focuses on business intelligence, practical growth frameworks, commercial payment infrastructure, and broader access to working capital. Through active participation at Money20/20 Middle East, the payments company connects regional stakeholders with scalable commercial resources.
As part of the rollout, financial institutions receive structured guidance through the newly introduced SME Growth Playbook. This resource helps issuers identify, acquire, and support growing enterprises through tailored financial products and merchant services within the broader economy.
Survey Highlights Strong Business Confidence in Saudi Arabia
Alongside the operational tools, Mastercard published findings from its SME Confidence Index. The data indicates that 75% of small business leaders in Saudi Arabia express confidence about their commercial outlook for the coming year. In addition, 67% of surveyed enterprises reported revenue growth over the previous 12 months.
Digital transformation remains central to commercial operations in the Kingdom. Specifically, 77% of small businesses now accept online transactions through mobile and web channels. Seamless payment infrastructure continues to serve as an essential driver for retail and enterprise expansion across modern apps.
Commercial Card Partnerships with HyperPay and Jarir
Mastercard collaborated with HyperPay to introduce an SME Business Card tailored for corporate expense management. The payment card allows business owners to manage company expenditures securely while improving operational efficiency. The payment offering is currently active in Saudi Arabia, with planned expansions into the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
Furthermore, Mastercard teamed up with retail giant Jarir to provide cardholders with direct discounts on essential business supplies purchased through the Jarir e-commerce portal. The collaboration helps business owners lower operating costs while procuring hardware such as office computers.
“SMEs are the backbone of inclusive economies, but they need more than ambition to grow. They need insight, access, tools and trusted partners.”
Onur Kursun, Executive Vice President, Commercial and New Payment Flows, EEMEA, Mastercard
Long-Term Outlook for Regional Small Businesses
The expansion aligns with a global commitment by Mastercard to bring 500 million individuals and micro-merchants into pathways for financial health by 2030. Additional activations and support programs under the Mastercard SME platform will roll out across Middle Eastern markets throughout the current fiscal year.
