LSN News › India

Business · India Bureau

PhonePe eyes UAE expansion as fintech giant goes international

Indian digital payments platform PhonePe has secured regulatory approvals to launch operations in the United Arab Emirates, marking its first venture beyond India's borders. The company has obtained two licences from the Central Bank of the UAE to offer payment services to consumers and merchants.

LSN India · 9 September 2026

PhonePe eyes UAE expansion as fintech giant goes international

PhonePe, one of India's leading fintech companies, is stepping onto the international stage with its entry into the UAE market. The firm has secured dual regulatory clearances from the Central Bank of the UAE, permitting it to offer consumer payment instruments and provide e-payment acceptance infrastructure to merchants operating in the emirate.

The move represents a significant milestone for the Bengaluru-headquartered fintech player, which has built a formidable presence in India's digital payments ecosystem. The UAE licence grants PhonePe the ability to establish payment services that cater to both individual users and business entities seeking digital transaction solutions.

The expansion into the UAE aligns with PhonePe's growth trajectory and reflects broader ambitions among Indian fintech firms to establish footholds in high-growth international markets. The company joins a wave of Indian technology companies seeking to leverage their expertise and scale in newer geographies.

The UAE, with its advanced digital infrastructure and significant expatriate Indian population, presents a natural market for Indian fintech services. PhonePe's entry is expected to introduce its digital payment capabilities to this market, though specific details regarding service launch timelines and product offerings remain to be disclosed.