Ant International Secures UAE Licenses to Expand Digital Payments in AI Era
Event summary
- Ant International obtained RPSCS (Category II) and SVF licenses from the Central Bank of the UAE on October 14, 2026.
- The licenses align with the UAE’s ‘We are UAE 2031’ digitalization and fintech strategy.
- Antom, a subsidiary, will offer merchant acquiring services in the UAE, supporting 300+ payment methods across 200+ markets.
- WorldFirst will provide digitalized cross-border financial services in the UAE.
The big picture
Ant International’s licenses mark a strategic move to strengthen its foothold in the UAE’s fintech ecosystem, aligning with the nation’s push for digital transformation. The company processes 20 million daily transactions globally, positioning it to leverage AI and blockchain technologies to enhance cross-border payments and financial management. This expansion underscores the growing trend of fintech firms seeking regulatory approvals to operate in high-growth markets.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Compliance
- How Ant International will navigate CBUAE’s regulatory framework while scaling its AI-powered payment solutions.
- Market Penetration
- The pace at which Antom and WorldFirst can capture market share in the UAE’s competitive fintech landscape.
- AI Integration
- Whether Ant International’s AI-driven commerce solutions will differentiate it from traditional payment providers.
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