Ripple has achieved a significant regulatory milestone by securing a license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), making it the first blockchain payment provider to receive such approval.

The announcement on March 13 follows an initial in-principle clearance, paving the way for the company to expand its services in the region.

Reece Merrick, Ripple’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized that the DFSA approval is pivotal.

He noted that the license enables Ripple to address the growing demand for seamless, cost-effective, and transparent payment solutions in a critical global trade and remittances region.

This development adds to Ripple’s expanding regulatory footprint. The company now holds over 60 licenses worldwide, including a Major Payments Institution license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), a Trust Charter from the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registration from the Central Bank of Ireland, and multiple Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs) across the United States

Why UAE?

This marks Ripple’s first full regulatory license in the Middle East, highlighting its strategic focus on compliance and financial innovation.

The UAE is a key player in global finance, and according to World Bank data, its cross-border payments market is valued at approximately $40 billion.

Ripple noted that the demand for efficient international transactions continues to rise as both digital asset firms and traditional financial institutions seek alternatives to outdated payment infrastructures.

Considering this, Ripple’s approval in the UAE would allow businesses in the region to use its enterprise-grade payment solutions, which are designed to enhance transaction speed, reduce costs, and improve transparency.

Since establishing its regional headquarters at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) in 2020, Ripple has strengthened its presence in the Middle East.

With the region already accounting for 20% of its global customer base, the new license positions the company for further growth in one of the world’s most active financial corridors.

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