Ripple Secures Dubai License for Regulated Crypto Payments

Ripple has received regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to offer licensed crypto payments and services within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Announced on March 13, 2025, this milestone makes Ripple the first blockchain-powered payments provider to obtain a license from the DFSA, reinforcing its expansion into the Middle East’s growing fintech sector.

Ripple Strengthens UAE Presence

The approval cements Ripple’s commitment to compliance-driven crypto solutions and enables the company to serve businesses in one of the world’s largest cross-border remittance markets—valued at $40 billion.

“We are entering an unprecedented period of growth for the crypto industry, driven by greater regulatory clarity and institutional adoption,” said Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple.
“Thanks to its early leadership in fostering tech and crypto innovation, the UAE is exceptionally well-positioned to benefit.”

Ripple established its Middle East headquarters in DIFC in 2020, and today, nearly 20% of its global client base operates in the region. As financial institutions and crypto-native enterprises seek faster, more cost-effective cross-border payment solutions, Ripple’s compliance-first approach is gaining traction.

UAE’s Crypto-Fintech Boom

A 2024 survey by Ripple found that 64% of financial leaders in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) cited faster payments and settlements as the primary reason for adopting blockchain-based currencies.

Dubai officials have welcomed Ripple’s deeper involvement, recognizing its potential to drive financial innovation.

“Ripple securing a DFSA license solidifies its role as a leader in blockchain-powered payments,” said Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC.
“This milestone opens new growth opportunities across the region and reinforces Dubai’s position as a global fintech hub.”

Expanding Global Regulatory Approvals

With over 60 regulatory licenses worldwide, Ripple continues to strengthen its compliance framework. Notable approvals include:

✅ Major Payments Institution License – Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
✅ Trust Charter – New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS)
✅ Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) Registration – Central Bank of Ireland
✅ Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs) – Multiple U.S. states

“Securing this DFSA license enables us to meet the growing demand for faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border transactions,” said Reece Merrick, Managing Director, Middle East & Africa at Ripple.

Stablecoin Innovation & Future Expansion

Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, launched in December 2024, has already surpassed $100 million in market capitalization. With stablecoins becoming a key component of digital payments, Ripple is well-positioned to integrate them into the UAE’s financial ecosystem.

As Dubai continues to embrace blockchain and crypto innovation, Ripple’s DFSA approval sets the stage for further adoption of crypto payments across the region.