After completing a pilot phase in May, which involved over 200 users, some investors reported receiving payouts within ten minutes. This represents a significant improvement compared to the usual multi-day processing period experienced by most real estate investment withdrawals.
This launch is part of broader trends in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region where digital finance adoption has seen rapid growth. According to Checkout.com’s report, ‘The State of Digital Commerce in MENA 2025,’ Account Funding Transactions (AFTs) have surged by 388% year-on-year in the UAE. Additionally, there was a 176% increase in total processing volume from 2023 to 2024, alongside a 320% growth in daily online shopping since 2020.
The Pay to Card feature is now available to investors in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the UK. It aims to provide more immediate access to returns for these regions and is aligned with Stake’s goal of simplifying the investment experience by addressing withdrawal delays and enhancing user convenience.
Increasing Demand for Real-Time Payment Infrastructure
The MENA region has witnessed rapid growth in digital payment adoption, driven by technological advancements and strong government support. Countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia are actively working on strategies to modernize their financial ecosystems. Initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 highlight the importance of economic diversification and digital transformation, promoting widespread use of electronic payments.
In the UAE, efforts to create a cashless society have sped up the development of real-time payment systems and instant settlement infrastructure. These frameworks enable financial institutions and fintech companies to offer faster, more efficient payment solutions that benefit both consumers and businesses. The increased availability of real-time payment rails has improved everyday transactions while also fostering growth in sectors like ecommerce, digital investing, and online services.
For fintech companies operating in the MENA region, establishing real-time transaction capabilities is now crucial to meet consumer expectations and regulatory requirements. Faster settlement systems help reduce payment processing friction, enhance user experience, and support innovative financial products that require instant fund access. As digital payment volumes continue to rise, integrating real-time infrastructure positions the region as a leading hub for financial technology development.