Chinese AI-driven digital payment provider Lianlian DigiTech Co., Ltd. has officially received a payment services license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). This move allows the company to operate from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), marking a strategic shift from simple market entry to establishing a fully licensed regional headquarters in the heart of Dubai’s financial hub.
Quick Facts
- New License: Obtained a payment services license from the DFSA.
- MENA Base: Operating from Dubai’s International Financial Centre (DIFC).
- Strategic Goal: Enhance cross-border payment flows within the Middle East.
From Market Entry to Regional Headquarters
By securing its position within DIFC, Lianlian is significantly upgrading its operational infrastructure in the Middle East. The company aims to improve its cross-border payment and settlement capabilities by working with local banking partners to offer more localized and efficient financial solutions. This will help facilitate smoother fund transfers for businesses operating both within the region and internationally.
The new license expands Lianlian’s regulated footprint, which already includes 68 payment licenses and qualifications across major global markets. The company’s payment network currently covers over 100 countries and regions.
A Strategic Move for Global and Local Connectivity
Company officials framed the Dubai expansion as a critical step in its global strategy, emphasizing the Middle East’s role as a key commercial hub.
“The Middle East serves as a critical trade and financial gateway connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Securing a DFSA licence represents a key step in advancing Lianlian’s global localisation strategy,” said Emily Zhou, General Manager, UAE, at Lianlian. “Going forward, we will continue to deepen collaboration with local financial institutions and ecosystem partners to build a more resilient regional payment network.”
The move was welcomed by DIFC, which continues to attract major international fintech players to its ecosystem.
“We are pleased to welcome Lianlian to grow their presence in the region and connect across global markets. Lianlian’s expertise in managing cross‑border transactions will support businesses that rely on efficient and compliant settlement infrastructure,” commented Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority.
Aligning with DIFC’s AI-Native Vision
Lianlian’s recent strategic pivot towards becoming an “AI-native global financial infrastructure model” directly supports DIFC’s own ambition to become the world’s first AI-native financial centre. This shared focus on AI-driven finance signals potential for deeper integration and innovation within Dubai’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.
About Lianlian DigiTech
Lianlian DigiTech Co., Ltd. was founded in 2009 and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2024. As a leading AI-driven digital payment service provider headquartered in China with a global footprint, Lianlian adheres to its mission of “Connecting the world, Empowering global commerce” and pursues an “AI-Native + Globalization” strategy. The Company is committed to building a trusted global intelligent financial infrastructure, enabling seamless connectivity between Chinese enterprises and global businesses.
About Dubai International Financial Centre
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the world’s most advanced financial centre, shaping the global financial landscape and cementing Dubai’s reputation as a leading business destination across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA). As the region’s only financial centre operating at scale across all sectors, DIFC is home to 8,844 active firms. These include 1,052 regulated firms, including over 500 Wealth and Asset Management firms (including 100 hedge funds), 290 banks and capital markets firms, 135 insurance and (re)insurance companies, and 70 brokerage entities. Home to over 1,677 AI, FinTech and innovation firms, DIFC sets the benchmark for financial innovation and is a top four ranked FinTech hub across the world.
Source: Zawya
