This report captures outcomes from the closed-door Quarterly Fintech Update Session held in April 2025 between the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and the MENA Fintech Association. Led by Paul Kayrouz, Chief Fintech Officer at the CBUAE, the session featured in-depth regulatory briefings across six core pillars shaping the UAE’s fintech evolution.

The update outlines the CBUAE’s strategic progress in developing frameworks for Open Finance, stablecoins, the Digital Dirham (CBDC), eKYC, and cross-border payments—efforts aligned with the UAE 2031 Vision and the National Digital Economy Strategy. It also details real-time licensing activity, stakeholder onboarding plans, and the launch of key innovation initiatives in AI, biometrics, and digital ID under the CBUAE Innovation Hub.

This publication offers industry-wide insight into the UAE’s regulatory direction and reinforces the importance of collaborative policymaking for responsible fintech growth.