Dubai, Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DeFa by InvoiceMate, the Deloitte Future 100 company, to commence tokenization of  AI-validated invoice financing at scale Enables institutional-grade opportunities to become accessible to everyday investors on a global scaleOpening $5.2 trillion global SME financing gap to Retail Investors Dubai, UAE, December 16, 2025 – DeFa by InvoiceMate, the Deloitte Future 100 company, will tokenize its AI-validated SME financing opportunities on ZIGChain, bringing institutiona ...

Core Insights - Erad has partnered with Jefferies and Channel Capital to secure $125 million in a credit deal aimed at enhancing embedded finance solutions for SMEs in the GCC region [1] - This transaction marks Jefferies' first asset-backed financing in the GCC and supports its expansion plans in Saudi Arabia [1] - SMEs contribute approximately 50% of the GCC's GDP and employ two-thirds of the workforce, highlighting their importance in economic diversification efforts [1] Company Overview - Erad is a financing platform founded in 2022 that provides Shariah-compliant working capital solutions to SMEs in Saudi Arabia and the UAE [1] - The company has processed over SAR 250 million in financing for regional SMEs, utilizing a 48-hour approval process to address the estimated $250 billion SME credit gap in the GCC [1] - Erad leverages technology to offer flexible financing across various sectors, including retail, healthcare, and food and beverage [1] Industry Context - The partnership with Jefferies and Channel Capital is seen as a transformative moment for SME financing in the region, addressing a significant financing gap that limits growth potential [1] - The support from regulators and financial partners underscores the strategic importance of alternative finance in achieving the Kingdom's SME growth objectives [1] - Channel Capital, a global alternative asset manager, has approximately $26 billion in capital invested and has facilitated financing in over 35 countries as of September 30 [2]

United Trust Bank (UTB) Asset Finance has agreed to a £900,000 ($1.18m) funding arrangement with a plant hire small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), aimed at enabling the company to grow its collection of scissor lifts to address higher customer demand. The transaction was facilitated by UTB business development manager Kerry Pickering and senior underwriter Rob Irving, who worked alongside the introducing broker familiar with the bank from previous dealings. This existing relationship reportedly allow ...

Core Insights - The British Business Bank (BBB) has partnered with 4Syte to provide an ENABLE Guarantee, supporting a facility of up to £100 million ($117.4 million) to enhance 4Syte's lending capacity to smaller businesses in the UK [1][2] - The ENABLE Guarantees program aims to reduce the capital required for lenders, thereby promoting increased financing to SMEs [1][2] - The UK Government shares a portion of the lending risk under this scheme to encourage debt finance for SMEs [2] Company Overview - 4Syte is an independent invoice finance provider based in Chelmsford, Essex, with additional offices in London, Leeds, and Banbury, established in 2016 [3] - The company offers a variety of financial services, including construction finance, trade finance, and asset-based lending to support SMEs [3] Strategic Implications - The partnership with NatWest Bank is expected to double 4Syte's existing funding facility, demonstrating a commitment to increasing the diversity of providers in the lending market [2][4] - 4Syte's managing director emphasized the importance of this facility in supporting the SME sector, which plays a crucial role in driving growth across the UK [4]