Alliance for Growth: FTI and e& Collab Targets Global Market

Telcos and fintech – what brings the two together in 2026… or perhaps, who?

Freedom Telecom International (FTI), a secondary of Freedom Holding Corp., has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the collaboration of telecoms and financial technology with global tech group, e&.

Within the agreement is an outline of a framework which assesses opportunities in fintech, digital financial services and telecom innovation, with a view to launching joint initiatives in partner markets.

The news follows e& announcement of its new Chief Information Officer, Antonietta Mastroianni, who will be supporting initiatives like this.

FTI and e&’s MoU enables both companies to evaluate how their combined infrastructure and digital capabilities can introduce new customer offerings and support broader access to financial services. As it stands, the agreed arrangement is preliminary but sets the stage for deeper cooperation.

Timur Turlov, Founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., says: “Telecommunications development is a core pillar of our long-term strategy. Partnering with such a major global player as e& opens new horizons for Freedom Telecom International’s global growth. 

“The combined strengths of a global telecom ecosystem and a high-growth fintech platform enable us to scale innovation across key markets. 

“We firmly believe that this synergy will create strong competitive advantages and accelerate the implementation of joint initiatives worldwide.”

Telco infrastructure meets fintech expertise

e&, based in the United Arab Emirates, provides telecom, internet and technology services across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. 

The group supports more than 250 million customers, including over 16 million users of its fintech platforms. Its expansion into financial services allows customers to access mobile wallets, remittances and digital payments, often in markets with limited financial infrastructure.

The collaboration with FTI allows e& to strengthen its fintech position through a partner focused on scaling digital finance. For FTI, access to e&’s customer base and regional presence offers a route to extend financial services into untapped markets.

Jasim Abdalla, Head of Partner Networks at e& international, says: “We see strong potential to work with trusted partners who help us bring more value to customers. 

“This collaboration with FTI builds on our experience serving more than 250 million overall subscribers, including more than 16 million fintech customers across international markets. 

“Together we aim to expand reliable financial services into new markets and develop offerings that meet real customer needs.”

Both companies aim to co-develop services that use mobile technology to reach customers underserved by traditional finance. 

The MoU allows the companies to explore advisory and operational opportunities without committing to specific commercial terms at this stage.

Exploring new joint opportunities

The agreement gives both sides a structure to examine how telecom services and financial technology can work together to meet customer needs in emerging markets. 

It also supports their long-term growth plans, particularly where digital infrastructure is still evolving.

Johannes Hummer, CEO of Freedom Telecom International, says: "This MoU marks an important milestone in our relationship with e&. Together, we are exploring how the combined strengths of a global technology group and a high-growth financial technology ecosystem can open new avenues for innovation across diverse markets. 

“Today’s signing is the first step toward building long-term, scalable value for customers and partners worldwide.”

While the partnership remains at an early stage, both FTI and e& say the agreement forms the basis for developing joint services, sharing technical expertise and expanding their presence in relevant markets. 

As telecom networks continue to serve as a key access point for digital services, both companies see value in combining their strengths to reach more customers.

The collaboration may also help address challenges around financial inclusion by using mobile networks to deliver essential services. 

With millions still lacking access to secure financial tools, both companies highlight the importance of working together to deliver practical, scalable solutions.