As businesses increasingly move online, the demand for secure, efficient and versatile payment systems has never been higher. This shift is particularly pronounced in the MENA region, where a young, tech-savvy population and supportive regulatory frameworks create a fertile ground for innovation.
Khalil Alami is the founder and CEO of online payment gateway company Telr and has more than 22 years of experience within the financial services, fintech, as well as the payments and card industries across the US, UAE, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
In this week’s Behind the Idea, Alami reveals how Telr has navigated the complexities of regional markets and its solutions that address merchant needs, from payment links to financing options.
Tell us more about your company and its offerings
Established in 2014, Telr has rapidly emerged as a leading fintech innovator in the region, choosing Dubai as its headquarters. Dubai’s strategic location and vibrant e-commerce ecosystem make it an ideal base for Telr. It offers a unique payment gateway that handles over 120 currencies and 30 languages and has top-tier security. It is the first in MENA to achieve PCI DSS Level 1 and NESA certifications. Through a single integration, businesses access diverse local and international payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, JCB, Apple Pay, PayPal, SADAD, Mada, STC Pay and UrPay, ensuring unmatched convenience and customer satisfaction.
Telr’s comprehensive e-commerce solutions go beyond payment processing, including social commerce, QR codes, payment links, digital invoicing, and Telr buy now, pay later (BNPL) service. Telr Finance further supports businesses with essential merchant financing, enabling them to grow and prosper. These integrated services have not only earned Telr prestigious awards, such as the ‘Fintech Company of the Year’ at the Finance Middle East Awards 2024 and ‘Best Payment Gateway of the Year 2024’ for both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, but also recognition as one of ‘The Middle East’s Fintech 50’ by Forbes Middle East, underscoring its significant impact on the fintech landscape.
Continuously spearheading digital transformation, Telr is dedicated to establishing pioneering benchmarks in security, convenience, and business solutions, shaping the future of digital payments and e-commerce. This commitment is vital as Dubai’s retail landscape undergoes a technological revolution, supported by the government’s proactive adoption of cutting-edge technologies to maintain competitiveness and meet consumers’ evolving demands.
What problem was your company set up to solve?
Over the past decade, businesses across the region have grappled with costly foreign payment systems that often lacked sufficient customer support. In response, we introduced a state-of-the-art, in-house payment gateway tailored to enhance operational efficiency for startups, SMEs and large enterprises throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the broader GCC.
In Dubai’s dynamic commercial landscape, Telr has emerged as a pioneer in digital payment solutions. Leveraging its proprietary, fully in-house-developed technology, we lead in a city renowned for its vibrant retail environment and appeals to global brands seeking tailored services. This strategic approach not only grants Telr complete control over its payment gateway but also ensures it meets the diverse demands of online businesses with precision, solidifying its position as a leader in the digital payment sector.
Telr’s commitment goes beyond its inception. We continuously strive to address merchants’ challenges. We adopt a holistic approach, aspiring to serve as a comprehensive solution for all e-commerce customers. This involves offering the latest payment trends and tools, facilitating access to financial capital, and introducing innovative tools such as Telr split payments for marketplaces to automate vendor reconciliation processes and minimise errors.
Since launch, how has your company evolved?
Since its inception, Telr has recognised SMEs as the backbone of the economy, focusing on empowering them with innovative tools and services. These include diverse local and international payment methods, cutting-edge trends such as payment links and recurring payments, and facilitating access to financial resources. Telr’s strategic initiatives have significantly benefited sectors like hailing apps and fitness centers, enabling rapid service expansion.
Telr has also expanded its services to Saudi Arabia and established partnerships with various entities to offer new services, such as “buy now, pay later,” in collaboration with Tabby. As Dubai continues to establish itself as a hub for digital commerce, Telr’s proactive initiatives reinforce its leadership in digital payment solutions and underscore its role in shaping the future of e-commerce in the city. By driving innovation and supporting business growth, Telr remains at the forefront of Dubai’s dynamic e-commerce landscape, setting new standards for the industry.
What has been the biggest challenge or most ‘tricky moment’ to overcome?
One of the most challenging moments for Telr has been navigating the ever-evolving landscape of market trends and diverse merchant needs while maintaining our customer-centric strategy. Actively engaging with merchants has provided deep insights into their evolving requirements, which we address by leveraging cutting-edge technology to craft bespoke solutions that precisely align with these changing needs.
Our focus on continuous enhancement, innovation, and delivering exceptional customer experiences defines our approach in this competitive arena. Strategic partnerships are pivotal to our differentiation and growth strategy, enabling us to remain adaptable and sustain leadership in the dynamic realm of online payments.
What are your biggest achievements or ‘proudest moments’ so far?
As CEO of Telr, one of our proudest achievements has been establishing ourselves as a leading online payment gateway in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Securing a $15million funding round was pivotal, enabling us to expand our services, invest in cutting-edge technology, and enhance our offerings to serve merchants and customers better. Witnessing Telr’s growth from a startup to a respected name in digital payments has been immensely rewarding. Dubai’s innovation-focused business landscape and its status as a premier retail hub have attracted regional and global brands, playing a crucial role in our success.
This environment facilitated our funding and supported our growth and innovation, solidifying our position as frontrunners in the digital payment industry. Beyond financial success, the tools and solutions we have launched reflect our mission to create a secure and innovative platform that empowers businesses and individuals in the digital payment landscape. As CEO, witnessing Telr’s impact on the industry and our users has been immensely rewarding. It inspires us to continue innovating and setting new standards in digital payments.
How would you describe the culture of your company?
Creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture at Telr is a core value. We emphasise open communication, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. Embracing diverse perspectives and encouraging varied viewpoints is essential to spark innovative ideas. Our commitment to employee well-being includes support mechanisms, work-life balance, and flexible working hours. We offer continuous learning opportunities and recognition programs to empower our team and boost morale. Our policies promote fairness and equality, creating an environment where everyone feels respected and has equal opportunities.
What’s in store for the future?
Telr’s future is bright with promise. We plan to strengthen our strategic partnerships with industry leaders to broaden our network and introduce groundbreaking tools that empower our merchants. Our forthcoming initiatives will showcase cutting-edge solutions, integrating new payment trends and advanced security measures, underscoring our steadfast dedication to providing premier digital payment services. Our core focus remains on continual improvement and innovation, shaped by our clientele’s dynamic demands. As we cultivate additional partnerships and unveil pioneering tools, Telr remains resolute in our mission to empower merchants to flourish in the digital economy.
