Adyen Secures UAE Central Bank License, Enhancing Local Payment Control and Compliance
Adyen, the global financial technology platform, has achieved a significant regulatory milestone with the acquisition of its Retail Payment Services Category II license from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). This development, announced on June 29, 2026, marks a strategic advancement for Adyen’s operations in the United Arab Emirates, where it has been active since 2020, supporting prominent brands such as Careem, Ellington Properties, Gargash Group, Noon, and Ziina.
The newly obtained license empowers Adyen with direct control over local settlements within the UAE, eliminating reliance on third-party intermediaries. This enhanced operational capability is crucial for ensuring greater oversight of compliance and settlement processes, ultimately facilitating a more streamlined, secure, and locally attuned payment experience for merchants. Furthermore, the license is poised to drive continued innovation in the region, enabling Adyen to bolster its local expertise in areas including fraud prevention, the integration of emerging payment methods, and unified commerce solutions. It also lays a foundational framework for the development of future technologies, such as agentic artificial intelligence.
“Adyen has always taken a long-term view toward responsible innovation,” stated Mariëtte Swart, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at Adyen. “Technology alone isn’t enough to serve large enterprises and platforms; it requires a solid, owned foundation that removes middlemen and protects customers from third-party risk. This owned infrastructure means fewer risks, more control, and the ability to scale with speed and confidence. Securing our license in the UAE is a continuation of this commitment, underscoring our focus on compliant growth in the region. This license ensures that our expansion in the UAE will continue to advance in close alignment with regulatory frameworks, laying the groundwork for future advancements in financial technology.”
Daumantas Grigaravicius, Head of Middle East at Adyen, commented on the significance of the license: “The UAE is a dynamic market for digital commerce, and this license marks a major step forward in our growth journey. We can now offer even greater control, reliability, and innovation through our local operations, while maintaining the same single platform approach. This complements the country’s wider push to accelerate its digital economy.”
This regulatory achievement by Adyen is particularly relevant for legal counsel, compliance officers, and corporate executives navigating the evolving fintech landscape in the UAE. The ability to operate with direct control over local settlements and enhanced compliance oversight reduces third-party risk, a critical consideration for investors and business leaders seeking robust and secure payment infrastructures. The expansion of Adyen’s local capabilities is expected to support both domestic and international businesses operating within the UAE, aligning with the nation’s broader objectives to foster a thriving digital economy.
