- Ripple receives DFSA approval, becoming the first blockchain-powered payments provider in the DIFC, expanding its UAE operations.
- Ripple’s blockchain solutions aim to address cross-border payment inefficiencies, with growing adoption in the Middle East and Africa.
Ripple has secured regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to offer crypto payment services in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
This move comes as a step in Ripple’s expansion into the Middle East, as the company becomes the first blockchain-powered payments provider to receive this approval from the DFSA. This license allows Ripple to expand its operations in the UAE, further strengthening its global footprint and commitment to regulatory security.
Ripple has secured regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), making us the first blockchain payments provider licensed in the DIFC. https://t.co/6oHWtnjODr
This milestone unlocks fully regulated cross-border crypto payments in the UAE, bringing…
— Ripple (@Ripple) March 13, 2025
Ripple’s entry into the UAE market is not new. Since 2020, the company has maintained its regional headquarters in Dubai. Over the years, Ripple has built relationships within the DIFC, which ended in the recent regulatory approval for its XRP usage in 2023.
The company also partnered with the DIFC Innovation Hub to support the development of blockchain technologies. Ripple’s blockchain-powered solutions aim to address the challenges faced by traditional banking systems regarding cross-border payments.
With the DFSA license, Ripple continues solidifying its regional presence. The company’s focus on regulatory compliance within the Middle East aligns with its approach to expanding into major financial hubs internationally. This approval comes when institutions in the region seek alternative solutions to traditional payment systems, particularly those involving high fees and long processing times.
Ripple’s Role in Addressing Cross-Border Payment Issues
Ripple’s blockchain technology has gained traction as an effective alternative to conventional banking systems, especially for cross-border payments. A recent Ripple survey indicated that 64% of finance leaders in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region view faster settlements as the benefit of blockchain-based payments. Additionally, 82% of regional financial leaders were willing to adopt blockchain solutions for their businesses.
Ripple’s expanding customer base in the Middle East, which accounts for approximately 20% of its global clientele, positions the company to meet the growing demand for faster, more cost-effective payment services.
Ripple’s Regulatory Success Beyond Dubai
With major global financial authorities ‘ approval, Ripple’s regulatory progress extends beyond Dubai. These include licenses from Singapore’s Monetary Authority (MAS), the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), and the Central Bank of Ireland.
Additionally, Ripple holds money transmitter licenses across several U.S. states, giving the company a strong regulatory foundation. The DFSA license, according to ETHNews, enhances Ripple’s ability to offer stablecoin services, such as the RLUSD stablecoin, which has exceeded $135 million in market capitalization.
However, according to His Excellency Arif Amiri, CEO of the DIFC Authority, Ripple’s DFSA approval is seen as a move that could help drive blockchain adoption across the region. As the UAE continues to be a major hub for financial innovation, Ripple’s expansion into the DIFC’s free zone further solidifies its presence in the region.
Ripple’s operations in the UAE and the Middle East are expected to grow as the demand for blockchain-based payment solutions continues to rise. With the company already experiencing success, Ripple is projected to serve a role in the region’s financial ecosystems.