Monty Finance: The company 'revolutionizing' digital finance in Lebanon
Monty Finance's chairman, Montaser Hashem, never sought to build a single product; instead, he aimed to establish a modern financial infrastructure that simplifies the way money is managed, collected, and spent. This system today includes payment solutions, digital wallets, lending services, financial transfers, and collection services.
The company, a licensed financial institution regulated by the Banque du Liban, was designed for both individuals and companies, finding solutions to address genuine market gaps in Lebanon, such as the limited digital financial infrastructure, difficulty accessing loans, lack of innovation, the need for stronger customer support, and more transparent and efficient financial services.
They aim to give individuals and companies more control and confidence in their financial lives.
Integrated System
The group aims to create an integrated financial system offering services that support various stages of the business journey.
Monty Finance markets two main products. MyMonty focuses on financial services like digital wallets, cards, and lending solutions while MontyPay provides a payment infrastructure through online payment gateways for businesses, as well as in-store payment devices.
Merchants start accepting payments via MontyPay either online or in-store, and then funds are transferred to MyMonty Business, where they can use them for payments with prepaid cards, request credit cards to grow their businesses, or manage payroll localization, allowing their employees to benefit from financial services as well. The concept of the system means a connected financial journey where different solutions work together to simplify financial processes and support sustainable business growth.
Building trust
The group recognizes trust as the cornerstone of a consumer relationship. After the financial crisis, clients no longer seek innovation, but reassurance, transparency, and reliability. Monty Finance focuses on three fundamental pillars:
- Regulation and compliance: Operating under the supervision of Banque du Liban ensures adherence to strong regulatory frameworks that protect clients and enhance governance.
- Technology and transparency: We provide immediate visibility and control through real-time reports, along with an advanced fraud management system that relies on artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance security and prevent fraudulent activities.
- Human element and support: A specialized team accompanies clients from the onboarding stage to technical support and after-sales services, ensuring there is real human support alongside technology.
Supporting small business
Supporting small and medium enterprises is a core focus of their. The platform seeks to welcome companies of various sizes, from small traders to large corporations.
For online businesses, they offer a comprehensive payment gateway that includes advanced features such as ready-made payment pages, payment links, invoice links, and recurring payment services, making fund collection efficient.
As for traditional stores, they provide smart payment devices operating on Android, which go beyond accepting payments to include value-added services such as integration with cashier systems, bill payment, and the new loyalty program that helps merchants boost customer loyalty, increase sales, and encourage card usage.
Additionally, merchants gain comprehensive visibility into their business through instant dashboards and analytics that help them make better decisions. Funds can be transferred to any bank account or managed through a business wallet. As operations grow, the merchant builds a financial profile that opens up the possibility of obtaining corporate cards and financing for small and medium enterprises.
Trends in payments
The Monty Finance team spoke of several key trends shaping the future of payments, and we have a research and development department that continuously monitors market evolution and innovation.
- Firstly, Payment Orchestration, which is becoming increasingly important, especially for international companies, allows merchants through MontyPay's global partnerships to use a single API to accept payments in several countries with smart operation routing based on geographic location and payment method.
- Secondly, the spread of self-checkout, especially via QR codes in sectors like hospitality, where the customer can browse the menu and pay directly, enhancing operational efficiency and improving the user experience.
Finally, payments are no longer just a financial transaction; they have become a comprehensive service platform that includes loyalty programs, advanced analytics, and integrated financial services that help companies build stronger relationships with their customers and achieve sustainable growth.
The future of Lebanon's digital finance
The coming years will be pivotal for digital finance in Lebanon. There is a real opportunity to surpass traditional financial models and adopt digital solutions at a faster pace than many advanced markets.
Consumer behavior is already shifting towards digital payments and online financial services, and companies have come to realize that digital finance is no longer an option but a necessity for achieving efficiency, transparency, and growth.
Monty Finance's predictions
- Continued growth in the use of cards and digital wallets.
- Deeper integration between payment services and financial services within integrated systems.
- Financial innovation within regulatory frameworks that enhance long-term trust and support responsible growth.
Despite the challenges Lebanon has faced, the country possesses the skills, flexibility, and ability to transform itself into a regional hub for innovation in the fintech sector.
Digital finance will not only grow but will transform into a more organized, trustworthy, and impactful sector. Monty Finance sees its role as shaping this transformation by combining technology, regulation, and long-term vision, enabling individuals and businesses to confidently move towards the future of digital money.