Gulf Business · 22 Sep, 11:11 · Technology briefing

PhonePe secures UAE central bank in-principle approval for payments licences

PhonePe has obtained in-principle approval from the UAE Central Bank for payments licences, marking a significant expansion for the Indian fintech giant into the Middle East.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

PhonePe has obtained in-principle approval from the UAE Central Bank for payments licences, marking a significant expansion for the Indian fintech giant into the Middle East. This regulatory green light allows the company to operate digital payment services within the UAE market. The development signals growing cross-border fintech integration and increasing competition in the region’s financial technology sector. For professionals, it highlights the accelerating pace of digital transformation in traditional banking and payment infrastructure, suggesting new opportunities in regulatory compliance, cross-border transactions, and strategic market entry for established technology firms seeking international growth.

Employer demand for Compliance And Governance skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This expansion signals a surge in demand for professionals skilled in cross-border regulatory compliance and fintech integration. You should prioritise expertise in payment systems architecture and international financial regulations. If you work in banking or technology, upskill in risk management and digital transaction security to stay relevant. Professionals in legal and compliance roles must deepen their knowledge of UAE financial laws. Strategically, consider acquiring certifications in payment gateway technologies or regulatory frameworks. This move also creates opportunities for project managers overseeing complex market-entry initiatives. Focus on understanding the technical and legal nuances of operating in emerging markets. By aligning your skills with these emerging requirements, you position yourself as a valuable asset in the evolving global fintech landscape.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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