botim money, the financial services arm of Astra Tech, has entered a long-term WPS partnership with City Exchange, one of the UAE’s payroll processors, to launch a co-branded Salary Card that expands digital salary access and accelerates financial inclusion for workers across the country. The Wage Protection System (WPS), mandated by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, is the national framework that ensures employees receive their salaries securely, transparently, and on time through approved financial channels. This partnership expands botim money’s existing WPS capabilities, offering employers a smoother digital payroll route and giving workers an improved, app-based salary experience. The announcement was made at a signing ceremony between the two entities at Astra Tech offices in DIFC.
Through this partnership, City Exchange’s established payroll infrastructure is seamlessly integrated into botim’s digital ecosystem, enabling real-time salary disbursement for thousands of employees across the UAE. The co-branded Salary Card gives workers instant access to their earnings and a simple way to use key financial services on botim, including money transfers, low-cost remittances, payments, access to credit, and investment opportunities. This partnership addresses a critical gap in accessing and moving salary by giving employees immediate control over their earnings. This supports them financially by allowing workers to manage transfers, payments, and savings the moment they are paid.
Commenting on the partnership, Bernadine Clark, VP Consumer Payments and Core Projects stated: “Partnering with City Exchange allows us to meaningfully improve how workers manage their money day to day. Providing timely and transparent salary access is only the first layer – what truly matters is enabling workers to send money home with ease, save with purpose, and access fair financing when they need it. Together, we are building a pathway to long-term financial access and security for workers across the UAE.”
“This partnership marks an important step in enhancing customer convenience and expanding our digital service offerings”, said Mr. Mithun Charles – General Manager, City Exchange
The co-branded salary card also positions City Exchange as a future-ready payroll innovator, enabling its corporate clients to shift toward digital-first salary disbursement. The partnership will streamline onboarding, widen customer reach, and help accelerate WPS adoption at a national level, supporting the UAE’s broader vision for an inclusive and technology-enabled financial ecosystem.
As the growth of botim money accelerates across payments, remittances, and digital financial services, its partnership with City Exchange represents a major step forward in expanding safe, convenient, and connected financial access for workers across the UAE.
