We’re proud to share some exciting news: following its win at the 2024 Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) Excellence Awards as the Emerging FinTech, our flagship Islamic nano-financing solution, Hakeem, has been nominated for the 2025 APAC Payments Excellence Award!
Organised by the Emerging Payments Association Asia (EPAA), the APAC Payments Excellence Awards shine a spotlight on the most impactful and innovative payment solutions in the financial sector across the Asia-Pacific region. These awards celebrate advancements that redefine how payments work – whether it’s through real-time processing, B2B or B2C experiences, QR Code innovations, or digital wallets.
Now in its fourth year, the awards continue to attract entries from some of the most forward-thinking companies in the industry and from a competitive pool of submissions across 12 diverse categories, Hakeem has been named a finalist alongside global powerhouses like Mastercard, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Commonwealth Bank, Thunes, IDEMIA, and others.
In a country like Pakistan, where inclusive financial solutions are scarce, especially in underserved regions; Hakeem’s 100% digital model bridges the gap, bringing access to users from bustling cities to remote villages. This nomination in the Sustainable and Inclusive Payments Innovation category affirms our progress toward true inclusion.

Why Hakeem Stands Out
I have spent over two decades working in banks and financial institutions. And what I saw was that the vast majority were neglected, left out, or made to feel that banking wasn’t for them”, said Noshad Minhas, CEO of Walee Financial Services. “At Hakeem, we wanted to change that. To make a system where no one feels intimidated by big banks or formal suits, but instead feels served, respected, and empowered, all from the comfort of their home
What’s Next?
About the APAC Payments Excellence Awards
Stay tuned for updates as we head to Hong Kong for the awards ceremony, and thank you to everyone who has supported Hakeem’s journey so far. Let’s continue building a more inclusive financial world, together.