Business

Basatne, a global provider of sustainable trade solutions and reverse logistics services, has launched ORBT, a new fintech platform aimed at transforming how refunds, trade-ins, and incentive payouts are delivered in the UAE. The company said the platform is designed to support growing demand for mobile-first, instant digital value instead of traditional cash-based payouts.

Announced in Dubai on February 11, ORBT converts payouts into digital formats such as credits, gift cards, and wallet-based value, allowing funds to remain within participating brand ecosystems rather than exiting through bank refunds.

Shift away from cash-based refunds

According to Basatne, most refunds and trade-in payments are still processed through bank transfers or cash equivalents, which reduces customer retention and breaks brand engagement cycles once funds are withdrawn and spent elsewhere.

ORBT is built around a closed-loop model that keeps payout value circulating within a defined partner network. Instead of cash refunds, customers receive digital value that can be redeemed across participating brands and retailers.

The company said this approach improves engagement and repeat spending while aligning with circular economy and sustainability goals.

Rising demand for digital value and gift cards

Basatne cited platform-level and market indicators showing increased consumer preference for digital rewards and stored-value instruments. Data referenced by the company shows:

1. 75% of millennials prefer digital gift cards

2. 77% of consumers value instant delivery of digital rewards

3. 66% of digital gift cards are used for self-spend rather than gifting

4. 43% of open-loop gift card users purchase at least monthly

5. 50% of consumers cite convenience as the main driver

6. 52% of businesses use gift cards in employee benefit programmes

The company said these trends point to a broader shift toward digital, flexible payout options across both consumer and enterprise segments.

Integration across brands and sectors

Built on Basatne’s proprietary infrastructure, ORBT integrates directly with brand systems to enable instant issuance of digital refunds, trade-in credits, loyalty rewards, and employee incentives once approved.

Digital value distributed through ORBT can be redeemed across more than 4,000 regional and global retail partners, providing flexibility for users while allowing businesses to maintain structured value flows.

Ammar Aboulnasr, CEO of Basatne, said the platform embeds fintech capabilities directly into circular trade and reverse logistics workflows, making payouts instant, traceable, and ecosystem-based rather than cash-driven.

Mohammad Sleiman, CEO of Basatne MENA, said fragmented payout models are increasingly misaligned with consumer expectations and that unified digital systems can improve user experience and brand retention.

Regional market opportunity

Basatne noted that the reverse trade and buyback market across the UAE and Saudi Arabia is projected to exceed $30 billion, representing a significant pool of refunds and trade-in payouts that could be digitised. The company plans to expand ORBT adoption across this segment starting in 2026.

ORBT is designed to support multiple industries including e-commerce, telecom, fintech, logistics, hospitality, and human resources. Planned future features include integrations with Buy Now, Pay Later services, eSIM-linked loyalty programmes, and crypto-based payouts, including stablecoins.

Basatne said the platform is intended to reposition payouts from a cost centre into a strategic tool for retention, operational efficiency, and circular value creation.

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