Ripple has secured in-principle approval for a financial services license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), marking a significant milestone in its expansion plans for the Middle East . This license will enable Ripple to offer end-to-end managed payment services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and strengthen its global footprint as a regulated entity .

With this approval, Ripple will be the first blockchain-enabled payment services provider to be licensed by the DFSA . The company plans to expand its services from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and introduce seamless cross-border payment services, including Ripple Payments Direct (RPD), in the UAE .

Ripple's CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, noted that "blockchain and crypto technologies are here to stay," and the UAE's forward-thinking regulatory approach has positioned it as a global leader in financial technology . The company has committed to investing in the region, with a focus on driving the growth of blockchain technology and supporting local financial innovation .

This development aligns with Ripple's mission to provide faster, more cost-effective, and efficient cross-border payment solutions, while prioritizing regulatory compliance . The company already holds over 55 licenses worldwide, including from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), and the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) .