International partnership formed between Ant International and Abu Dhabi Investment Office, securing an IPA from the Central Bank of the UAE. Collaboration aims to boost local digitalisation and fintech strategies.
Ant International Strengthens Presence in UAE with Strategic Collaboration
Ant International, a global digital payment provider, has taken a significant step forward in its business expansion in the UAE. The company has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) for the Stored Value Facilities (SVF) and the Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes (RPSCS) licenses from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE).
This approval is a prerequisite for obtaining the full licenses required to introduce Ant International's innovative fintech solutions to the country. Once the final licenses are granted, Ant International will be positioned to offer a comprehensive suite of payment and other related solutions in the UAE, including merchant acquiring, payment aggregation, e-wallet issuance, and domestic and cross-border fund transfers.
The strategic collaborative relationship between Ant International and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is aimed at accelerating Abu Dhabi's digital finance ecosystem. This partnership focuses on empowering local businesses, especially SMEs, with advanced digital tools, promoting financial inclusion, and enhancing connectivity between Abu Dhabi, the rest of the UAE, and global markets.
Peng Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International, commented that receiving the In-Principle Approval from the Central Bank of the UAE is a testament to the productive collaboration and shared vision for a digitally-driven, inclusive economy. He also expressed gratitude for the guidance and support of CBUAE's Fintech Office as they work to bring their AI-powered fintech solutions to the UAE.
H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, stated that Abu Dhabi is a key jurisdiction for fintech firms seeking longevity and regulatory clarity. He highlighted the importance of progressive regulation, strong digital infrastructure, and strategic location in making Abu Dhabi a key jurisdiction for global fintech firms.
The suite of solutions offered by Ant International, spanning merchant services, wallet technology, and digitisation tools, aims to help scale the UAE's growth. Ant International intends to empower local businesses with advanced digital tools through its partnership with ADIO. The partnership also aims to support the growth of Abu Dhabi's financial technology sector.
The collaboration between Ant International and ADIO reflects a broader inflection point in digital finance, where scale is not just about reach, but about resilience, trust, and regulatory clarity. It aligns with the UAE Central Bank's digital transformation agenda and seeks to expand Abu Dhabi’s digital financial infrastructure and cross-border fintech innovation.
Peng Yang stressed the collaboration’s foundational role in establishing Ant International’s presence in the UAE and supporting their mission to empower local businesses and connect them globally. He also expressed excitement about contributing to the UAE's growing digital economy and looking forward to a future of shared success.
Abu Dhabi is actively shaping digital innovation for the future, according to H.E. Badr Al-Olama. The strategic partnership between Ant International and ADIO is a significant step towards achieving this goal, promoting financial inclusion, and enhancing the UAE's position as a global fintech hub.
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