Ant International has secured in-principle approval (IPA) for the Stored Value Facilities (SVF) and the Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes (RPSCS) from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE).  

The IPA is a mandatory precursor to the acquisition of full licences, which will enable Ant International to roll out its financial technology services in the UAE. 

Upon securing the final licences, Ant International is expected to offer services including merchant acquisition, payment aggregation, e-wallet issuance, as well as facilitate both local and international fund transfers. 

Besides, Ant International entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU)  an agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to advance the UAE digital finance sector.  

With the agreement in place,  Ant aims to utilise its technological expertise in advancing  Abu Dhabi’s financial services industry, with a focus on local business growth, financial inclusivity, and international connectivity. 

ADIO Director General H.E. Badr Al-Olama said: “This agreement with Ant International reflects a broader inflection point in digital finance, where scale is no longer just about reach, but about resilience, trust and regulatory clarity. More than just welcoming global fintech players to join our thriving financial ecosystem, Abu Dhabi is actively shaping digital innovation for the future.” 

Ant International CEO Peng Yang said: “The support from ADIO has been instrumental in helping us to establish our presence in Abu Dhabi. This strategic collaborative relationship is foundational to our mission to empower local businesses, especially SMEs, and connect them to new global growth opportunities. 

“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.”  

In March, Ant International partnered with LankaPay, Sri Lanka’s national payment network, to support the acceptance of Alipay+ in the country.