In a country where economic challenges often push the salaried class, particularly the frontline workforce, into cycles of debt, Neem is excited to introduce Neem Paymenow—a shariah-compliant earned wage access (EWA) solution designed to provide financial relief and promote economic empowerment for salaried workers in Pakistan.

Increasing strain on the financial stability and well-being of salaried workers

Pakistan’s salaried segment, especially the frontline workforce in sectors such as retail, healthcare, security, manufacturing, and logistics, often faces major financial pressure and runs out of money way before payday. The rising cost of living and unforeseen expenses force many to rely on high-interest financial sources like bank loans, loan sharks, or credit cards, trapping them in a cycle of debt. As a result, a large portion of their salary goes toward repaying debts, leaving little for savings or essential needs. This cycle of borrowing and repayment leads to financial stress, affecting long-term financial stability and well-being of those individuals, their families and wider communities.

The psychological toll of running out of money and relying on loans is severe for many salaried employees in Pakistan. Constant financial anxiety can lead to hopelessness, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies.

This is where Neem Paymenow steps in—a meaningful financial wellness solution that offers employees responsible access to their earned wages before payday, providing a debt-free alternative to traditional financial options.

Neem Paymenow - A timely solution for Pakistan's salaried workforce

Earned Wage Access (EWA), also known as on-demand pay, allows employees to access a portion of their earned wages before payday. This solution is gaining global popularity for addressing financial challenges faced by the salaried workforce. With the global EWA market projected to reach $48.68 billion by 2030, its growth highlights its value in solving critical pain points for employees when it comes to accessing their salaries. (EY Report: Earned wage access market in Pakistan).

Neem Paymenow, a new product launched by an established embedded finance platform, Neem, stands out as a unique value proposition in Pakistan's financial landscape. The solution is not just another EWA service; it's a commitment to the financial well-being of the country’s workforce, particularly those who need it most.

• Focus on the frontline workforce: We recognise the critical role of frontline employees in Pakistan’s economy. Neem Paymenow is tailored specifically to meet the needs of these workers, offering timely and responsible access to their salaries when they need it the most.
• Shariah-compliant financial wellness: In a market where ethical financial solutions are in high demand, Neem Paymenow offers a Shariah-compliant alternative, ensuring that workers can access their earnings in a manner that aligns with their values.
• Responsible access to salary: We provide responsible access to earned salary. Employees can withdraw upto 40% of their salary, which encourages employees towards encouraging thoughtful usage while preventing overspending
• Accessibility: Understanding the diverse linguistic landscape of Pakistan, Neem Paymenow is available in both Roman Urdu and English, ensuring it's accessible to a wider audience, particularly those in frontline workforce.
• Financial education: To promote long-term financial wellness, our app includes gamified financial education modules, which consist of mini-courses on key topics such as savings, budgeting, scams and more to empower employee with the knowledge they need to manage their finances effectively.

Our goal with Neem Paymenow is to offer a solution that provides financial relief to Pakistan's hardworking salaried workforce. Many employees we spoke to often had to borrow from friends, family, or high-interest loan sharks due to a lack of alternatives and no access to their earned wages. As a result, our objective is to support employees and improve the financial health and well-being of the companies that employ this segment of our society,” shared Niran Rehman, Director at Neem Paymenow

An easy solution for employers to roll out at zero cost

Neem Paymenow positively impacts both employers and employees in Pakistan by integrating seamlessly with payroll systems at no cost. It allows employees to access their earned wages before payday, boosting productivity and reducing financial stress. This approach enhances employee retention, lowers hiring costs, and supports overall workforce well-being.

Backed by credible partners with global experience

Neem is launching its EWA solution, Neem Paymenow, in partnership with Paymenow, a market-leading EWA provider from South Africa, and with the backing of DNI Group, a mutual investor for both of the ventures. DNI Group has also provided $4 million credit facility to accelerate the launch and scaling of the Neem Paymenow solution across Pakistan.

We're proud to collaborate with Neem, bringing our global expertise to deliver a solution that aligns with the needs of Pakistan’s workforce. Together we have created Neem Paymenow, making financial wellness accessible and ethical - Deon Nobrega, Paymenow CEO

These partnerships bring together global expertise and local understanding, ensuring that Neem Paymenow is not just a product but a movement towards financial empowerment in Pakistan.

Financial inclusion and sustainability are at the heart of DNI's objectives as a Group. Neem Paymenow embodies these core principles and we are delighted to be invested in an initiative that truly benefits and helps people - Ziyaad Manie- Chief Strategy Officer- DNI Group

More than just a financial tool— a vehicle for social change

By offering early access to earned wages, the platform helps alleviate the financial stress faced by the working class, reducing their dependence on high-interest loans and promoting financial stability. Neem Paymenow is actively scaling into key industries such as retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing, aiming to reach more businesses employing frontline workers. These collaborations highlight the positive impact of earned wage access (EWA) on both businesses and their employees.

In a country where many workers face financial strain, Neem Paymenow offers a responsible, Shariah-compliant solution that addresses the immediate needs of the salaried segment while paving the way for a more equitable financial landscape in Pakistan.

Learn more about the solution at www.neem.io/neem-paymenow