Licence types · Payments

Stored value / e-wallet licence

Licensing for multi-purpose stored value facilities and wallets (e.g. Hong Kong SVF, UAE SVF).

Stored value regimes cover prepaid wallets and similar products. Requirements include float safeguarding, capital, and technology risk management.

By jurisdiction

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

Regulator: Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)
Permitted activities: Stored value facilities and retail payment services onshore.
Minimum capital: Verification required
Ownership, management & substance: UAE onshore presence.
Application procedure: Application to CBUAE.
Government fees: Verification required
Indicative timeline: No reliable published estimate
Limitations: —
Legal basis: CBUAE Stored Value Facilities Regulation

🇭🇰 Hong Kong

Regulator: Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)
Permitted activities: Multi-purpose stored value facilities.
Minimum capital: Paid-up share capital of at least HK$25 million — confirm with HKMA.
Ownership, management & substance: Hong Kong company.
Application procedure: Application to HKMA.
Government fees: Verification required
Indicative timeline: No reliable published estimate
Limitations: —
Legal basis: Payment Systems and Stored Value Facilities Ordinance