Ant International Secures UAE Regulatory Approval
Ant International has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and secured in-principle approval from the Central Bank of the UAE for two payment licences.
The approvals cover Stored Value Facilities and Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes operations.
The moves represent progress in the company's expansion into the UAE market. Ant International operates digital payment and financial technology services globally.
Partnership targets Abu Dhabi fintech growth
The memorandum of understanding with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office establishes a framework for collaboration on financial technology development in the emirate.
Ant International will provide technological expertise to support local fintech sector growth.
The partnership aims to equip local businesses with technology solutions and promote financial connectivity between the UAE and international markets.
The agreement focuses on supporting small and medium enterprises.
Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, says the agreement reflects changes in digital finance priorities. “Scale is no longer just about reach, but about resilience, trust and regulatory clarity,” Badr says.
He adds that Abu Dhabi's regulatory environment and digital infrastructure position the emirate as a jurisdiction for global fintech companies seeking partnerships.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office has supported Ant International's establishment in the emirate. Peng Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International, says this support has been instrumental in the company's Abu Dhabi presence.
“This strategic collaborative relationship is foundational to our mission to empower local businesses, especially SMEs, and connect them to new global growth opportunities,” Yang says.
Central Bank approvals enable UAE operations
The in-principle approvals from the Central Bank of the UAE cover two licence categories. The Stored Value Facilities licence enables digital wallet and prepaid card services. The Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes licence covers payment processing and card scheme operations.
These approvals represent preliminary regulatory clearance. Ant International must complete additional requirements to obtain full operating licences from the Central Bank.
The regulatory framework aligns with the UAE's digitalisation strategy outlined in the 'We the UAE 2031' programme. This national initiative promotes digital transformation across economic sectors.
Once full licences are granted, Ant International plans to offer merchant acquiring services in the UAE market. The company will provide payment aggregation services for businesses processing customer transactions.
The planned services include e-wallet issuance for consumers and businesses.
Ant International also intends to offer domestic fund transfer services within the UAE and cross-border payment solutions connecting the UAE with international markets.
Technology solutions target business digitisation
Ant International's UAE operations will focus on artificial intelligence-powered fintech solutions.
The company develops merchant services technology for businesses and wallet technology that enables digital payment storage and transactions.
“Receiving this In-Principle Approval from the Central Bank of the UAE is a testament to our productive collaboration and shared vision for a digitally-driven, inclusive economy,” Yang says.
Yang acknowledges guidance from the Central Bank's Fintech Office during the approval process.
The planned services target business expansion in the UAE market. Ant International's UAE operations follow the company's presence in other international markets where it provides digital payment and financial technology services.
“We are grateful for the guidance and support of CBUAE's Fintech Office,” Yang concludes.
