Frequently Asked Questions

We work as an independent financing broker, connecting your business with UAE banks and lenders for the right account, loan, or trade finance product, and managing the process from application to approval.

No, the initial consultation is free. We'll discuss your business and outline the options available before any commitment is made.

Timelines vary by bank and business activity. Preparing complete documentation up front is the biggest factor in speeding up approval, which is where our team focuses first.

Yes. We support startups, SMEs, and established enterprises, with advice matched to each stage of business.

This depends on the product and bank, but generally includes your trade license, shareholder and passport copies, and recent bank statements or financials. We'll confirm the exact list for your case during consultation.

Yes, we structure letters of credit and letters of guarantee to help secure international trade transactions.

Our terms are discussed transparently before any engagement begins, and there are no hidden markups added after the fact.

We work with clients in Dubai and across all seven emirates, by phone, WhatsApp, video call or in person. Our office is on the 26th Floor, Amber Gem Tower, Sheikh Khalifa Street, Ajman.

The document list itself doesn't change: a valid trade license, certificate of incorporation or memorandum of association, shareholder register and passport copies for all shareholders, and evidence the business is genuinely operating. What changes is scrutiny rather than paperwork: mainland licenses sit within a regulatory framework banks already know well, while free zone applications get a closer look depending on how established that specific free zone is.

A rejection from one bank doesn't end the process. Where a bank gives a reason, we review it, then re-approach a different lender whose risk appetite fits better, or help restructure the application, revised documentation or a clearer ownership structure, before resubmitting. We can't guarantee the next bank will approve it, but a single rejection is treated as information to act on, not a final outcome.

Yes, though expect more scrutiny - a strong business plan, credible founding team, and any evidence of real operations (even pre-revenue) materially improve your odds.

2-4 weeks for a well-prepared application; longer for complex ownership structures or incomplete documentation.

It can - well-established free zones rarely cause issues; less familiar or newer zones may draw closer scrutiny from some banks.

Yes. Some banks offer accounts with no minimum balance, usually with a monthly plan fee instead. See our business account minimum balance comparison for what each bank publishes.

Most conventional lenders want 12-24 months of trading history; some digital lenders will consider less with strong revenue signals. Personal and business credit history both typically factor into the decision.

Digital lenders can move in as little as 24-48 hours for soft approval and 1-3 days to disbursal; traditional banks typically take 1-4 weeks.

Not always - unsecured facilities exist, but typically at a higher rate than secured options.

Typically the trade licence, owners' passports and Emirates IDs, 6-12 months of company bank statements and financial statements. The full checklist is in our business loan guide.

Lenders check credit reports on every application, and often the owners' personal reports as well as the company's. Read our AECB report guide and the guide to the company AECB report.

Realistically 7-14 business days for a straightforward transaction with complete documentation - faster for repeat transactions, slower if documents need correction.

They're similar in function but differ in typical use case and convention - an SBLC is more common in cross-border, ongoing-relationship contexts, while a bank guarantee is more common for domestic UAE tenders and contracts.

Yes, but expect closer scrutiny - banks weigh trading history and financial strength, and may require additional collateral or cash margin for newer companies.

A written commitment from your bank to pay a beneficiary if you fail to meet an obligation. See our bank guarantee guide for the types, costs and how to get one.

No - that's the defining feature versus factoring. Your customer pays you as normal; the financing arrangement sits behind the scenes.

Typically within 24-48 hours of submitting an eligible invoice, subject to the provider's verification process.

Under a recourse arrangement, you may need to cover the advance in the interim, then reconcile once your customer actually pays - confirm this specifically before signing.

Neither is universally better - a debit card is simpler and cash-capped; a credit card adds flexibility and rewards but requires underwriting and carries interest if not paid in full.

Yes, similarly to bank account opening - mainland companies are generally viewed as more straightforward, though most free zones remain fully eligible.

Our corporate credit card guide sets out a structural comparison of annual fees, FX costs, and rewards across the main UAE banks. Confirm current figures directly with Fintrust before deciding, since fee schedules and promotional waivers change often.

There's no single published rule for commercial assets specifically - expect a range broadly similar to the regulated residential-investment limits (roughly 50-65%), confirmed only at underwriting for your specific business and property.

Commonly 5-15 years, occasionally extending toward 20 for strong applicants.

Not always, but banks generally offer sharper terms to businesses with an existing account or facility relationship.

Options include consolidation, a buyout by another lender or restructuring with your current lender. Compare the total cost, not just the instalment. See our guide to debt consolidation options.

UAE Central Bank rules cap total monthly obligations, loans and cards together, at 50% of gross salary. Check yours with our DBR calculator.