Background & Challenges
Cardless, a Riyadh-based fintech startup founded in 2018, aimed to revolutionize digital payments in Saudi Arabia. Their vision was to create a seamless, secure mobile app for peer-to-peer transactions and merchant payments. Key challenges included:
Zero to MVP
No existing technical infrastructure; needed a robust app built from scratch under tight deadlines.
Market Competition
Competing with established players in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing fintech sector.
Regulatory Compliance
Adhering to Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) regulations for financial apps.
User Trust
Designing an intuitive interface to drive adoption in a market transitioning from cash-based transactions.
Ongoing Partnership
Today, we continue to support Cardless through:
- Feature Expansion - Recently launched *Cardless Business* for SMEs, enabling payroll and invoicing tools.
- Localization - Adapting the app for GCC expansion (e.g., UAE and Bahrain).
- Compliance Updates - Ensuring alignment with evolving SAMA regulations.
Why This Worked
Hyperlocal Expertise
Developers and designers with experience in Saudi fintech regulations and user behavior.
Cost Efficiency
Avoided overheads of in-house hiring through flexible retainers.
Agile Iteration
Biweekly sprints ensured rapid response to market feedback.
Solution
Remote Talent Augmentation & Agile Development
We partnered with Cardless to deliver a phased, scalable solution:
Phase 1: Prelaunch MVP Development (2018)
- Dedicated Developers: Assigned 1 senior Android and 1 senior iOS developer to build a secure, SAMA-compliant MVP.
- Core Features: Instant money transfers, QR-based payments, and transaction history tracking.
- Security First: Integrated encryption, biometric authentication, and fraud detection mechanisms.
Maslow Pyramid
Phase 2: Post-Launch Scalability (2019–2020)
- User Feedback Integration: Added features like bill splitting, merchant loyalty programs, and Arabic/English language support.
- Performance Optimization: Reduced app load time by 40% and improved transaction success rates to 99.5%.
- UI/UX Refresh: Streamlined onboarding flow, cutting drop-off rates by 30%.
Phase 3: Retainer Model for Sustained Growth (2020–Present)
- Monthly Development Retainer: Ongoing bug fixes, feature updates (e.g., integration with Saudi Post and local banks).
UI/UX - Modernization: Designed a dynamic dashboard for spending analytics and personalized financial insights.
Client Overview
Client: Cardless
Industry: Fintech (Digital Payments)
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Engagement Timeline:
- Prelaunch Phase: 2018 (Android & iOS app development)
- Active Development: 1+ year post-launch
- Ongoing Partnership: Development retainer + UI/UX design (2019–present)
Services Provided:
-Cross-Platform Mobile App Development (Android & iOS)
– UI/UX Design Overhaul
– Ongoing Feature Enhancements & Maintenance
Results & Impact
Cardless emerged as a key player in Saudi Arabia’s fintech boom, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 digital transformation goals:
Market Traction
- Acquired 500,000+ users within 2 years of launch.
- Partnered with 1,200+ merchants across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Recognition
- Featured in Saudi Gazette as a “Top 10 Fintech Innovator” (2021).
- Won the SAMA Fintech Sandbox Award for compliance excellence.
User Engagement
- 4.7/5 App Store rating (iOS) and 4.6/5 Google Play rating (Android).
- 65% month-over-month growth in transaction volume post-UI overhaul.
Client Testimonial
Their team didn’t just code an app—they became our tech partners. Their understanding of Saudi users and regulatory needs was critical to our success.
— CTO, Cardless
Conclusion
Cardless’s journey from a prelaunch startup to a fintech leader underscores how **remote resource augmentation can accelerate growth in regulated, high-stakes industries. By blending technical expertise with localization insights, we helped Cardless tap into Saudi Arabia’s digital payment revolution while maintaining agility and compliance.