Checkout.com Secures UAE Stored Value Licence to Launch Unified Issuing and Acquiring

Quick Summary

Checkout.com has secured in-principle approval for a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) licence from the Central Bank of the UAE. This regulatory milestone enables the fintech leader to offer unified acquiring and issuing services on a single platform, helping UAE merchants optimize liquidity and simplify cross-border payment flows.

How Does Checkout.com Solve Payment Complexity in the UAE?

Checkout.com addresses the challenges of fragmented payment ecosystems by integrating acquiring and issuing capabilities into one modular platform. By securing the Stored Value Facilities licence, the company allows enterprise merchants to manage the entire lifecycle of money—from accepting customer payments to issuing corporate or partner cards—without switching between multiple providers.

• Unified Data: Shared insights across acquiring and issuing improve performance tracking.
• Operational Efficiency: Reduces the need for multiple vendor integrations.
• Scalability: Modular solutions allow businesses to adopt services as they grow.

What Results Has Checkout.com Delivered in the MENA Region?

The company has demonstrated explosive regional growth, reporting a 62% year-on-year increase in total processing volume between 2024 and 2025. This momentum is supported by a client list of global enterprise brands including Uber, Netflix, and SHEIN. The new SVF licence aligns with the UAE’s national FinTech Strategy, positioning Checkout.com as a critical infrastructure partner for the digital economy.

How Does Unified Issuing Improve Merchant Liquidity?

The primary benefit of the Stored Value Facilities licence is the ability for businesses to fund cards directly from their acquired balances. This innovation eliminates the operational burden of pre-funding card programs, which traditionally ties up significant capital. By linking business accounts with issuing, merchants gain real-time visibility and enhanced control over their working capital.

FF NEWS TAKE:

This is a major power move for Checkout.com in the Middle East. By securing the SVF licence, they aren't just adding a feature; they are challenging traditional banks by offering a full-stack financial ecosystem. The 62% growth rate proves the demand is there, and providing instant liquidity through unified issuing will likely make them the default choice for high-volume UAE merchants. This absolutely moves the needle for regional fintech maturity.