News

Whish Money Gains Canadian Licenses In Global Expansion Push

The Lebanese fintech takes its first step beyond the MENA region with regulated entry into North America.

Published

12 months ago

October 27, 2025

whish money gains canadian licenses in global expansion push

Lebanon’s Whish Money has been granted financial services licenses in Canada, its first regulatory approval outside the MENA region and the opening move in a wider expansion plan. The fintech is now seeking licenses in the US, UK, EU, and Australia, aiming to build fully regulated operations in each market rather than rely on agent networks or third-party partners.

The company said the Canadian approval gives it a regulated base for North America and confirms its strategy of direct, in-country licensing — a model it says ensures control over customer experience, compliance, and security. The approach contrasts with many regional money transfer operators that operate under lighter agent models or partner licenses.

“Securing our Canadian license is a monumental step that validates our compliant, customer-focused model and sets the foundation for our international expansion,” explained Toufic Koussa, chairman of the board at Whish Money. “This move is about more than just entering a new market; it’s about strategically connecting high-diaspora communities with reliable financial infrastructure, beginning with North America. We are committed to building a regulated, transparent global ecosystem that truly serves our users”.

Also Read: X To Sell Rare Usernames For Up To Seven Figures

Whish Money, headquartered in Beirut and regulated by the Central Bank of Lebanon, came to prominence during Lebanon’s financial collapse, providing digital payroll, transfer, and bill-payment tools when banks were paralyzed. It now counts more than 1.5 million users and operates through over 1,200 agents in Lebanon and 3,000 points of sale in the UAE, according to company figures.

The firm’s network includes partners such as Visa, Mastercard, Ria, and Terrapay, strengthening its cross-border payment system. With the Canadian licenses secured, Whish Money is positioning itself to shift from a regional payments player to a regulated global platform linking diaspora markets worldwide — a move that underlines the growing push by MENA fintechs to formalize their reach into mature, highly regulated markets.

Related Topics:FinTech Lebanon Whish Money

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New Disney+ Streaming App Has Officially Launched In The UAE

The app’s recommendations now factor in what’s popular in the UAE, and a dedicated Junior Mode gives kids their own corner of Disney+.

Published

1 day ago

October 9, 2026

Dana Saadeh

Disney

A new Disney+ app has officially launched in the UAE, and subscribers can now keep watching their favorite titles when they travel. Disney+ says access extends across supported markets in Europe, the United States and beyond.

The app is built around a dynamic homepage and simpler navigation, with recommendations drawn from each customer’s viewing habits and what’s popular in the UAE. Content from Hulu and ESPN is now easier to find alongside Disney+’s own library, the company says. Audio and subtitles come in up to 25 languages, and supported devices get high-quality video and sound.

For families, the app includes Junior Mode, a dedicated, simplified version of Disney+ for younger viewers, built around age-appropriate shows and movies. It sits alongside existing controls such as PIN-protected profiles, customizable content ratings and account notifications when a profile is changed.

The catalog still spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu and FX. Returning series include Season 8 of “The Kardashians,” Season 23 of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Season 38 of “The Simpsons”. Also on the service are the second season of International Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning series “Rivals,” comedy “Only Murders in the Building,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootropolis 2” and 20th Century Studios’ “Send Help”.

Also Read: Best Video Streaming Services In The Middle East

Marvel Television’s “VisionQuest” is on the way, and Disney’s live-action “Moana” is due later this autumn. Beyond Hollywood, the Turkish title “Halef” is coming to the platform alongside a lineup of Korean entertainment: Korean-Japanese romantic comedy “Merry Berry Love” is streaming now, and “The Remarried Empress” arrives November 4.

Existing subscribers will be prompted to download the new app and sign in with their current credentials, with on-screen steps covering account confirmation and profile setup. Subscriptions start at AED 49.99 per month and can be canceled at any time.

For UAE subscribers planning to travel, the update will likely be well received, but Disney has left one question open. It confirms Europe and the United States as supported markets but doesn’t yet say which others fall under and beyond.