In conversation with Armin Moradi, CEO and Co-Founder of Qashio on how Qashio is solving real CFO challenges

As the financial technology landscape in the Middle East evolves, homegrown businesses like Qashio are leading the charge. Gulf Today sat down with Armin Moradi, CEO and Co-Founder of Qashio, to discuss how the company is leveraging AI, building tailored solutions for key industries like travel, and helping finance teams stay compliant and agile in a fast-changing regulatory environment.

 1.⁠ ⁠With increased interest in AI-driven financial tools, is Qashio exploring or integrating any AI technologies to enhance automation, insights, or user experience?

Qashio has been at the forefront of innovation and was an early adopter of AI, using it to streamline manual processes like scanning receipts and automating transaction categorisation. We are now exploring additional AI applications cautiously, with a strong focus on compliance and data privacy. Since UAE regulations mandate local data storage, we partner exclusively with UAE-based AI providers. Fortunately, the UAE’s heavy investment in AI has created world-class technologies we are evaluating, particularly for delivering deeper insights and enhancing user experience. Any AI-driven features we roll out will strictly adhere to local privacy and compliance standards.

 2.⁠ ⁠What’s driving Qashio’s focus on the travel industry, and how does your platform cater to the specific financial needs and pain points of travel-related businesses?

 Travel is one of the UAE’s largest industries, with the UAE receiving over 18.7 million visitors in 2024 alone. As a UAE-based company, we’re committed to supporting businesses across all sectors. It was a natural step to design Qashio for Travel, a solution built specifically for the unique needs of the Travel industry. Travel companies can instantly create unlimited corporate cards, leverage multi-currency wallets to save on high FX fees, and integrate seamlessly with GDS platforms. This tailored approach helps streamline financial operations and supports travel agencies book the 5.4 million UAE residents who travelled last year.

 3.⁠ ⁠How is Qashio differentiating its offering to stand out among regional and global players?

 Innovation is at the core of Qashio's DNA. We want to ensure we’re offering our clients the most functionality and value for their business. We are the only spend management solution in the region with a corporate loyalty programme, enabling businesses to earn rewards on their spending, redeemable for air miles, hotel points, and retail benefits.

 Built by ex-CFOs, Qashio offers unmatched functionality tailored to real-world finance challenges, including WhatsApp-based receipt collection and hyper-segmented accounting abilities. To support our clients fully, we’ve assembled a UAE-based team of experts with experience at ERP giants like Oracle, Odoo, and SAP, ensuring hands-on, localised support for our clients.

   4.⁠ ⁠How is Qashio supporting finance teams in navigating today’s fast-changing regulatory and economic landscape across the GCC?

 Qashio is committed to helping UAE businesses thrive in the fast-changing regulatory and economic landscape. Our fully local team monitors shifts in GCC regulations and proactively advises clients on compliance requirements, ensuring they remain agile and informed.

At the same time, we continuously refine our platform based on client feedback. Designed by finance professionals, for finance professionals, Qashio empowers teams to navigate complexity with automation, visibility, and control at their fingertips.