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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.

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50% of European Consumers Use BNPL as Usage Rapidly Expands

Half of European consumers adopt BNPL

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services are now used by 50% of consumers across Europe, according to data published by Ecommerce News Europe.

The report shows that BNPL has moved into the mainstream, with many consumers using these services multiple times per year as part of their regular online shopping behavior.

Adoption differs by market

Despite strong overall uptake, usage varies significantly between countries.

In markets such as Switzerland, BNPL penetration remains lower, with roughly one in four consumers using these services. The gap highlights the influence of local financial habits, credit culture, and regulatory frameworks across Europe.

Flexible payments reshape checkout

The growth of BNPL reflects a broader shift in payment preferences.

Installment-based options often interest-free are increasingly integrated into the checkout experience, offering consumers greater flexibility compared to traditional credit products. As a result, payment methods are playing a more central role in purchase decisions.

Regulatory scrutiny increases

The expansion of BNPL has drawn attention from regulators across the region.

Authorities are assessing the need for stricter consumer protection measures, including improved transparency, clearer terms, and stronger affordability checks. Proposed updates to consumer credit rules are expected to address gaps related to BNPL services.

Merchants respond to demand

For online retailers, BNPL is becoming a standard feature rather than an optional add-on.

Merchants are integrating these solutions to support conversion and align with evolving consumer expectations, while also navigating compliance requirements as regulatory oversight increases.

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Kuwait Expands Fintech Reach Across 4 Global Markets with New E-Trading Platform

Kuwait’s financial sector is taking another step toward digital transformation with the launch of a new e-trading platform by Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz). The initiative reflects a broader shift across the Gulf, where investor expectations are rapidly evolving toward seamless, digital-first experiences.

The newly introduced iMarkaz Invest platform is designed to enhance access to both regional and global markets, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the United States.

This move signals Kuwait’s growing ambition to position itself as a competitive fintech hub within the region.

A New Standard for Digital Trading Experience in Kuwait

The platform combines real-time data, an intuitive interface, and simplified onboarding – key features increasingly demanded by modern investors.

Users can monitor portfolios in real time, access multiple markets, and complete account setup through a streamlined digital process.

Unlike traditional trading systems, iMarkaz Invest also integrates with wealth management services, offering a hybrid model that blends self-directed investing with advisory support.

This reflects a broader industry trend where platforms are no longer just transactional tools but full-service investment ecosystems.

Expanding Access Beyond Borders

One of the platform’s most strategic elements is its cross-border reach. By enabling access to international markets, it supports portfolio diversification while maintaining a local entry point for investors.

This aligns with rising demand across the GCC for global investment exposure, particularly as regional investors increasingly look beyond domestic markets.

At the same time, the platform’s development highlights how fintech solutions are becoming essential in connecting regional capital with global opportunities.

What This Means for the Region

The launch of iMarkaz Invest is more than a product update – it reflects a structural shift in how financial services are delivered in Kuwait and across the wider Middle East.

As digital adoption accelerates, financial institutions are being pushed to:

enhance user experience
offer real-time capabilities
expand cross-border access

Platforms like this are setting a new benchmark, where speed, accessibility, and integration define competitiveness.

Source: MENA Fintech

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