Revolut has received two key licences from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), clearing the way for the fintech giant to launch its services in one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing digital banking markets.
Revolut announced that it has been granted a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) licence and a Retail Payment Services (Category II) licence, completing a regulatory approval process that began with in-principle approval from the CBUAE in September 2025.
The authorisation marks a significant milestone for the UK-founded fintech, which now serves more than 75 million customers globally. It also strengthens Revolut’s expansion strategy across the Gulf region, where demand for digital-first financial services continues to rise.
The licences will allow Revolut to offer a range of services to customers in the UAE, including multi-currency accounts, local and international payments from the UAE, physical and virtual cards, and international money transfers through a single mobile app.
H.E. Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Investment, said the approval highlights the country’s growing appeal as a hub for financial innovation. He noted that international companies such as Revolut are helping to strengthen the UAE’s knowledge-based economy and reinforce its position as a leading global financial centre.
Ambareen Musa, Revolut’s GCC Chief Executive Officer, described the approval as a “pivotal moment” for the company. She said the UAE is one of the world’s most forward-looking financial markets and offers significant opportunities for innovation and financial inclusion.
Revolut has been building its presence in the UAE since receiving preliminary approval last year, investing in local infrastructure, governance frameworks, technology and talent. Revolut said its immediate focus will be on preparing and tailoring its product offering for local customers ahead of a full launch.
The move comes as competition in the UAE’s digital banking and payments sector intensifies, with both local and international fintech firms seeking to capture a share of a market characterised by a large expatriate population and high levels of cross-border financial activity.
For Revolut, the UAE represents a strategically important market, providing a gateway to broader expansion opportunities across the Middle East while supporting its ambition to become a truly global financial super-app.
Richard is the founder of the Good Money Guide (formerly Good Broker Guide), one of the original investment comparison sites established in 2015. With a career spanning two decades as a broker, he brings extensive expertise and knowledge to the financial landscape.
Having worked as a broker at Investors Intelligence and a multi-asset derivatives broker at MF Global (Man Financial), Richard has acquired substantial experience in the industry. His career began as a private client stockbroker at Walker Crips and Phillip Securities (now King and Shaxson), following internships on the NYMEX oil trading floor in New York and London IPE in 2001 and 2000.
Richard’s contributions and expertise have been recognized by respected publications such as The Sunday Times, BusinessInsider, Yahoo Finance, BusinessNews.org.uk, Master Investor, Wealth Briefing, iNews, and The FT, among many others.
Under Richard’s leadership, the Good Money Guide has evolved into a valuable destination for comprehensive information and expert guidance, specialising in trading, investment, and currency exchange. His commitment to delivering high-quality insights has solidified the Good Money Guide’s standing as a well-respected resource for both customers and industry colleagues.
