Revolut Secures CBUAE Payment Licenses Ahead of UAE Launch
Revolut has received its Stored Value Facilities (SVF) license and Retail Payment Services (Category II) license from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), marking a key regulatory milestone ahead of its planned launch in the country.
The approval follows an in-principle clearance granted to the global fintech platform in September 2025. With the licensing process now completed, Revolut is moving forward with its expansion strategy in the Middle East, using the UAE as a core market for its regional growth.
According to the company, the period since the initial approval has been used to strengthen its local presence. Revolut has expanded its workforce in the UAE and established the operational infrastructure needed to support long-term activities in the market.
Regulatory Backing and Market Readiness
The licensing decision underscores the role of the UAE’s regulatory framework in attracting international fintech firms. Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Investment, said the country’s position as a global financial services hub is supported by its regulatory environment and the confidence shown by international companies in the UAE’s long-term vision.
He added that Revolut’s approval by the CBUAE contributes to the depth of the local ecosystem and reflects the growing international presence that supports the UAE’s knowledge-based economy.
Revolut’s GCC CEO, Ambareen Musa, said the approval marks an important stage in the company’s growth and reflects its commitment to operating under high regulatory standards. Musa also said the firm sees strong potential to support the country’s digital economy by offering consumers more choice and greater control over how they manage their money.
“We look forward to deepening our presence in the UAE and bringing more people access to the secure, intuitive and globally connected financial services that Revolut is known for,” Musa said.
What Revolut Plans to Offer
Following the completion of the application process, Revolut is preparing its local product suite ahead of a full-scale market launch. The company plans to offer UAE users a single application that allows them to hold multiple currencies, manage physical and virtual cards, and make both local and international transfers.
The licenses position Revolut to enter the UAE market with a regulated framework for payment services and stored value facilities, supporting the company’s broader efforts to scale across the region.
Industry Analysis
Revolut’s licensing approval adds to the momentum in the UAE’s digital financial services sector, where regulators continue to attract global fintech players while maintaining a strong compliance environment. For the market, the move signals continued demand for multi-currency, mobile-first payment solutions and cross-border transfer capabilities.
It also reflects the UAE’s growing importance as a launchpad for international fintech expansion in the Middle East. As more global platforms establish licensed operations in the country, competition in digital banking and payments is likely to intensify, potentially accelerating innovation and improving consumer choice.
