For SMEs, growth can stall before the business has even properly begun. A delayed bank account, slow payments or limited access to working capital can affect hiring, supplier relationships and the ability to enter the market quickly.

In this episode of AB Majlis, Reporter Nicole Abigael speaks with Rajeev Chalisgaonkar, Head of Business Banking and NEO BIZ at Mashreq, about the changing demands of SME banking in the UAE.

The conversation looks at why speed-to-market has become critical for founders, how digital onboarding and eKYC are changing business account opening and why cashflow, resilience and operational efficiency are now central to SME survival.

They also discuss Mashreq NEO BIZ’s One-Day Service Promise for eligible business customers, the role of banks beyond lending and payments, and what entrepreneurs should expect ...