Global fintech giant Revolut gets SVF and RPS category II licenses from the CBUAE. The Stored Value Facilities (SVF) licence and Retail Payment Services (Category II) licence from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) are a major milestone for the company, following the in-principle approval in September 2025.
This development will enable the company to move toward a full-scale launch of its local product offering and strengthen its long-term expansion strategy across the Middle East.
With more than 75 million customers globally, Revolut has become one of the world’s most recognised fintech companies by offering digital banking, payments, foreign exchange, and financial management services through a single mobile platform. The newly granted licences will allow the company to establish regulated payment operations in the UAE and tailor its services to the needs of local consumers and businesses.
The development also reinforces the UAE’s growing reputation as a global destination for financial innovation and digital financial services.
What the SVF and RPS Category II Licenses Allow Revolut to Do
The newly awarded licences provide the regulatory foundation required for Revolut to begin building its local operations and preparing customer-facing services for the UAE market.
Key Regulatory Permissions
| Licence | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Stored Value Facilities (SVF) Licence | Allows the company to provide stored-value and digital wallet-related services |
| Retail Payment Services (Category II) Licence | Enables regulated payment services and transaction capabilities within the UAE |
These approvals are particularly important because they allow Revolut to operate under the oversight of the Central Bank of the UAE, ensuring compliance with local financial regulations, consumer protection requirements, and operational standards.
For customers, this means access to services delivered within a regulated framework designed to support security, transparency, and financial stability.
What UAE Customers Can Expect
Once its local platform goes live, Revolut plans to introduce many of the capabilities that have helped it attract millions of users globally.
Expected Features of the Revolut Platform
| Service | Customer Benefit |
| Multi-Currency Accounts | Hold and manage multiple currencies within one app |
| International Transfers | Send money across borders efficiently |
| Physical and Virtual Cards | Make payments online and offline |
| Mobile Financial Management | Track spending and manage finances digitally |
| Cross-Border Payments | Simplify transactions for international lifestyles |
| Digital Wallet Functionality | Access seamless payment experiences through mobile channels |
The offering is particularly relevant in the UAE, where a large expatriate population frequently sends money abroad, manages international financial commitments, and operates across multiple currencies.
By bringing these services under a single platform, Revolut aims to simplify how users manage money across different countries and financial systems.
Why the UAE Is an Important Market for Revolut
The UAE has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing fintech ecosystems, attracting global financial technology firms seeking expansion opportunities.
Several factors make the market especially attractive:
A Digitally Connected Population
The UAE consistently ranks among the leading countries for smartphone adoption, internet penetration, and digital service usage. Consumers are increasingly comfortable managing financial activities through mobile applications.
Strong Regulatory Environment
The country’s regulators have actively supported financial innovation while maintaining robust governance standards. This balance has helped attract global fintech companies seeking a stable environment for growth.
International Population
The UAE’s diverse expatriate community creates significant demand for multi-currency financial services, international money transfers, and globally connected banking solutions.
Growing Digital Economy
The government’s continued investment in digital transformation is accelerating the adoption of innovative payment technologies and financial services across both the public and private sectors.
About Revolut
Revolut is one of the world’s largest financial technology companies, serving more than 75 million customers globally.
Founded in 2015, the company began as a digital payments and foreign exchange platform before expanding into banking, wealth management, business services, and financial technology solutions. Today, Revolut offers a broad ecosystem of financial products through a mobile-first platform designed to help users manage money more efficiently.
The company operates across multiple international markets and continues expanding its presence through regulatory approvals and strategic market entries.
Conclusion
Revolut has established the regulatory foundation needed to bring its globally recognised financial platform to local consumers via securing its SVF and RPS category II licenses from the Central Bank of the UAE. As digital payments, international money management, and mobile-first financial services continue gaining traction, the Revolut UAE Licence could play a significant role in shaping the next phase of fintech innovation and competition within the country’s financial sector.
