Thunes, the smart superhighway for international money transfers, and Barq, Saudi Arabia’s fast-expanding digital wallet, have introduced Barq’s improved remittance services to millions of customers throughout the Kingdom.
Barq customers can now send money securely across borders using Thunes’ reliable Direct Global Network, with transactions reaching billions of bank accounts and mobile wallets globally in real time. By providing end users with international remittances, cards, and a variety of cutting-edge financial solutions, Barq has solidified its position as the top mobile wallet in Saudi Arabia.
The launch comes after Thunes and Barq announced their partnership in 2024. The partnership aimed to provide Saudi customers with growth, increased reach, and reliable service.
Saudi Arabia, one of the biggest remittance markets in the world, is changing quickly due to the ambitious Vision 2030 programme, which aims to digitise payments. Thanks to this partnership, which combines Thunes’ global reach with Barq’s local leadership, customers receive the best possible service.
Thunes and Barq react to the partnership
Thamer Alharbi, Director of International Partnerships at barq, said, “Our collaboration with Thunes has moved from vision to reality. By going live with these services, we empower our customers with faster, more reliable remittances and strengthen Barq’s role as the digital wallet of choice in Saudi Arabia. This is another important step in our journey to deliver innovative and accessible financial services, and Thunes’ trusted solutions are helping us to deliver on this mission.”
Ahmad Yaacoub, VP MENA and Country Head for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Thunes, stated, “We are proud to see our partnership with barq delivering impact at scale. With this live launch, Thunes and barq reaffirm their shared commitment to delivering efficient and customer-focused payment experiences, supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision for a digital-first financial ecosystem.”
About Thunes
Thunes is the “Smart Superhighway” for international money transfers. Through Thunes’ Direct Global Network, members can instantly make payments in over 80 currencies and 130 countries.
In addition to 15 billion cards, Thunes’ Network has direct connections to over 7 billion bank accounts and mobile wallets globally through more than 320 different payment methods, including GCash, M-Pesa, Airtel, MTN, Orange, JazzCash, Easypaisa, AliPay, WeChat Pay, and many more.
Thunes’ Direct Global Network distinguishes itself by offering cost efficiencies for real-time payments worldwide, along with its global reach, in-house SmartX Treasury System, and Fortress Compliance Platform to give its members unparalleled speed, control, visibility, and protection.
Thunes’ Direct Global Network comprises banks, MTOs, fintechs, PSPs, gig economy behemoths like Uber and Deliveroo, and super-apps like Grab and WeChat. Atlanta, Barcelona, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, London, Manila, Nairobi, Paris, Riyadh, San Francisco, and Shanghai are among the 14 locations where Thunes maintains offices. Its headquarters are located in Singapore.