A Step Forward to Transparent Banking: The Strategic Partnership of WIO Bank and Garant in the UAE

The banking sector in the United Arab Emirates has always been a cornerstone of the international business ecosystem. Yet, while opening an account once meant queues, lengthy checks, and endless paperwork, today the focus has shifted toward digital solutions. Entrepreneurs want to manage their finances online — quickly, efficiently, and with full transparency. It is in this context that WIO Bank emerged: a next-generation fintech bank reshaping the banking experience in the UAE.

Founded in 2022 and licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE, WIO Bank represents a new model of financial services. Its shareholders — ADQ, Etisalat, and First Abu Dhabi Bank — combined capital and technological expertise to create not just an online bank, but a full-fledged banking-as-a-service platform. Unlike traditional banks, WIO is designed with entrepreneurs in mind: business accounts can be opened entirely online, often within hours.

For companies in the UAE, WIO offers services that once required complex approvals: multi-currency corporate cards, low-cost international transfers, accounting integration, and flexible user access management. Even features like a cheque book — rare among fintech providers — make WIO especially attractive for businesses that need both digital convenience and traditional instruments.

Still, technology alone does not solve the key challenge faced by entrepreneurs: compliance and transparency in the process. Even the most innovative banks must adhere to the UAE’s strict regulatory framework. Many clients attempting to open an account on their own face delayed applications or unexplained rejections. This is where the value of the partnership between Garant Business Consultancy and WIO Bank becomes clear.

As a strategic partner of WIO, Garant provides its clients with a dedicated channel that makes the entire process faster and more predictable. From company formation to successful account opening, we guide entrepreneurs through every stage, explaining compliance requirements and preparing all documentation in advance. This proactive approach minimizes risks and saves valuable time — often weeks, if not months.

The international context also plays an important role. Worldwide, digital banks are gaining popularity: in Europe and Asia, established providers have already set high industry standards. WIO fits into this global trend while simultaneously demonstrating rapid growth, building a strong reputation, and steadily expanding its capitalization. What sets WIO apart is its ability to combine cutting-edge digital solutions with the regulatory requirements of the UAE and the specific needs of the GCC market.

The outlook for WIO Bank is clear: it is becoming one of the driving forces of banking digitalization in the UAE. For Garant’s clients, this partnership provides a seamless and transparent solution: company formation, account opening, and tax strategy — all integrated into one streamlined support system:
https://garant.ae/en/corporate-services/banking-solutions

At Garant Business Consultancy, we provide end-to-end support in the UAE — from company registration to opening a WIO Bank account and developing a tax strategy. Thanks to our strategic partnership with the bank, the process is faster, more efficient, and fully transparent.