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Behind the Investment: Tamara – Revolutionizing Consumer Finance

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March 29, 2025

At Anfal, we pride ourselves on identifying and partnering with companies that are reshaping industries. Today, we're excited to launch our "Behind the Investment" series by sharing the compelling story of our investment in Tamara, a pioneering Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform in Saudi Arabia.

Why Tamara? Our Investment Thesis

1. Addressing an Underserved Consumer Finance Market

Saudi Arabia's consumer finance landscape presents a unique opportunity. With low credit card penetration and significantly underleveraged households compared to global standards, there's a clear gap in the market. Tamara steps in to bridge this divide, offering flexible,

2. Riding Strong Secular Tailwinds

The rapid adoption of digital payments and e-commerce in Saudi Arabia has created a fertile ground for innovation. Tamara is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this trend, serving as a critical enabler in the region's digital economy transformation.

3. Exceptional Leadership at the Helm

At the core of any successful venture is its leadership. Tamara boasts a visionary and charismatic founder, supported by a leadership team with extensive experience in scaling unicorns globally. This combination of vision and execution capability gives us confidence in Tamara's long-term success.

4. Harnessing Powerful Network Effects

With millions of users and tens of thousands of merchants already on board, Tamara has built a robust two-sided network. This ecosystem enhances user stickiness, strengthens the brand, and opens up exciting cross-selling opportunities in both payments and shopping.

5. Evolving Towards a Full-Fledged Digital Bank

Tamara's recent acquisition of a consumer finance license from the Saudi Central Bank marks a significant milestone. This regulatory approval not only validates Tamara's business model but also paves the way for its evolution into a comprehensive digital bank, expanding its financial product offerings.

Looking Ahead

We at Anfal are thrilled to support Tamara on its journey to reshape financial services in Saudi Arabia. The company's innovative approach to consumer finance, coupled with the vast market opportunity, positions it for remarkable growth and impact.

As Tamara continues to expand its reach and services, we're confident in its potential to drive financial inclusion, support the growth of e-commerce, and contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia's digital economy goals.

Stay tuned for more insights in our "Behind the Investment" series, where we'll continue to spotlight the groundbreaking companies we're proud to partner with.