Ripple Secures DFSA License in the UAE

Ripple has secured a major license in the Middle East after getting regulatory nod from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
The license allows Ripple to offer regulated crypto payments and services within the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC).

Ripple announced on March 13, 2025 that it had secured a major license in the Middle East.

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has greenlit Ripple to offer regulated crypto payments and services within the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC).

Ripple becomes the first blockchain-enabled payments provider to snag this crucial DFSA license.

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 secures license in Middle East milestone

This DFSA approval marks another of Ripple’s footprint in the Middle East, with this adding to a presence that includes major partnerships in the region.

It enhances the XRP creator’s recognition and aligns with Ripple’s plans to add to its global customer base. The license also means a potentially massive opportunity for XRP adoption.

“We are entering an unprecedented period of growth for the crypto industry, driven by greater regulatory clarity around the world and increasing institutional adoption,” said Brad Garlinghouse, chief executive officer of Ripple. “Thanks to its early leadership in creating a supportive environment for tech and crypto innovation, the UAE is exceptionally well-placed to benefit.”

A 2024 Ripple survey found 64% of finance leaders in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) see faster payments as the killer app for blockchain-based currencies. No surprise, then, that over 82% of MEA finance bosses say they’re “very or extremely confident” about integrating this tech into their operations.

“Dubai and the broader UAE have established themselves as leaders in fostering a progressive and well-defined regulatory framework for digital assets,” said Reece Merrick, Ripple’s managing director for Middle East and Africa.

Merrick added;

“Securing this DFSA license is a major milestone that will enable us to better serve the growing demand for faster, cheaper and more transparent cross-border transactions in one of the world’s largest cross-border payments hubs.”

This license will be great for Ripple’s stablecoin RLUSD, which the company launched late last year. Like other stablecoins, RLUSD could supercharge crypto adoption in the UAE, with users accessing real-time settlement for cross-border payments and remittances.