Tabby’s UAE Wallet Licence Unlocks 3 Major Fintech Growth Opportunities
Middle East fintech leader Tabby has taken a major step toward becoming a full-scale financial platform after securing a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) licence from the Central Bank of the UAE.
The licence allows Tabby to hold customer funds and offer a broader range of financial services, marking a strategic shift beyond its core Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) model.
A shift from BNPL to full financial ecosystem
With this approval, Tabby will introduce new products including spending accounts, payment cards, and money management tools.
This move signals a clear transformation: from a payments solution into a comprehensive financial super app. Users who already rely on Tabby for flexible payments will soon be able to manage daily financial activities from spending to transfers within a single platform.
The company’s CEO, Hosam Arab, emphasized that the licence enables Tabby to “serve customers beyond credit” and redefine how users interact with money in everyday life.
Strengthening regulatory position in the GCC
The UAE licence significantly strengthens Tabby’s regulatory footprint across the Gulf region.
The company already holds a BNPL licence in Saudi Arabia and has expanded its capabilities through the acquisition of a licensed digital wallet there.
Now, with direct regulatory approvals in both key markets, Tabby is positioned to build and deploy financial services independently across the GCC, rather than relying on third-party infrastructure.
Why this matters for fintech and e-commerce
Tabby currently serves millions of users and partners with over 65,000 brands globally, including major retail and e-commerce players.
This development reflects a broader industry trend:
BNPL providers are evolving into full-service financial platforms to deepen user engagement and unlock new revenue streams.
For the UAE and wider MENA region, it also highlights the growing maturity of the fintech ecosystem, where regulators are enabling innovation while maintaining strong oversight.
Outlook
With its new licence, Tabby is expected to accelerate product innovation and intensify competition in the region’s digital finance space.
As consumer demand shifts toward integrated financial experiences, Tabby’s transition into a multi-product platform could reshape how users manage money, not just how they pay.