Ripple has officially secured full regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), granting it the ability to offer crypto-based cross-border payment services in the UAE.
The company confirmed on March 13 that it had received its DFSA license, enabling operations within the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), a special economic zone with independent tax and regulatory policies. This milestone follows an initial approval granted nearly six months earlier, as Ripple worked toward full authorization to expand its digital asset infrastructure in the region.
With the license in place, Ripple can now provide blockchain-powered payment solutions to financial institutions across the UAE, catering to businesses seeking partners to integrate digital assets into real-world financial operations. The company highlighted the region’s growing demand for such services, particularly from both crypto-focused firms and traditional banks.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse praised the UAE’s proactive stance on technology and digital assets, describing it as an ideal hub for innovation. He emphasized that the industry is entering a period of rapid expansion, fueled by regulatory clarity and increasing institutional interest worldwide.
The approval also marks Ripple as the first blockchain-driven payments provider authorized to operate within the DIFC. DIFC CEO Arif Amiri welcomed the company’s growing presence, noting that the license positions Ripple to capitalize on opportunities in both the UAE and the wider MENA region.
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