Karandaaz, an impact investment platform, has partnered with Vizpro, a technology-driven `Middle Mile` fintech platform transforming the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) retail ecosystem, as per a press release.

This collaboration seeks to minimise dependency on cash-based transactions and enable access to formal financial services for small merchants most of whom are currently unbanked and operate within the informal economy in the FMCG retail landscape. By building digital financial identities and integrating payment and credit services, the initiative aims to unlock greater resilience, transparency, and growth across Pakistan`s retail value chain.

A key component of the project includes the enablement of Raast QR, allowing retailers to accept instant digital payments from customers. This move is expected to accelerate the shift toward a cash-lite economy, reduce the friction associated with informal cash handling, and deepen financial inclusion at the last mile.m