CBUAE Licensed Money Transfer Providers UAE 2025
Verify your money transfer provider is licensed by the Central Bank of UAE before sending money. This list covers known CBUAE-regulated providers.
Why CBUAE Licensing Matters
The Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE) regulates all financial institutions and payment service providers operating in the UAE. A CBUAE license means:
- ✓The provider has met UAE capital, AML/CFT, and consumer protection requirements
- ✓You have regulatory recourse if something goes wrong with your transfer
- ✓The provider is subject to CBUAE oversight and regular audits
- ✓Your funds have basic protections under UAE financial consumer protection rules
Important: Using an unlicensed money transfer service is risky and may be illegal. If an operator is not CBUAE licensed, you have no regulatory protection in the UAE if your money disappears.
Two Main License Types for Money Transfer
RPSCS License
Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes
Covers providers offering retail payment services including money transfers, bill payments, and card-based payments. Digital remittance apps and exchange houses with digital services typically hold this license.
SVF License
Stored Value Facility
Covers digital wallets and prepaid accounts where users store electronic money. Providers like Careem Pay and e& money hold SVF licenses, often combined with RPSCS for full payment services.
Exchange houses also require an Exchange House License from the CBUAE, separate from RPSCS. Most major exchange houses hold both.
Known CBUAE-Licensed Providers
This list is based on publicly available information and provider disclosures. It is not an official CBUAE publication. Always verify on the official CBUAE website at centralbank.ae before using any provider.
| Provider | License Type | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Ansari Exchange | Exchange House + RPSCS | ✓ Licensed | UAE's largest exchange house network |
| LuLu Exchange | Exchange House + RPSCS | ✓ Licensed | Part of LuLu Group International |
| Al Fardan Exchange | Exchange House + RPSCS | ✓ Licensed | One of UAE's oldest exchange houses |
| GCC Exchange | Exchange House + RPSCS | ✓ Licensed | Exchange house with UAE-wide branches |
| Orient Exchange | Exchange House | ✓ Licensed | UAE exchange house |
| Wise | RPSCS | ✓ Licensed | Digital cross-border payment provider |
| Remitly | RPSCS | ✓ Licensed | Digital remittance provider |
| Western Union | RPSCS | ✓ Licensed | Global money transfer network |
| MoneyGram | RPSCS | ✓ Licensed | Global money transfer service |
| Careem Pay | SVF + RPSCS | ✓ Licensed | Digital wallet and payment services |
| Payit (FAB) | SVF | ✓ Licensed (FAB subsidiary) | First Abu Dhabi Bank digital wallet |
| e& money | SVF | ✓ Licensed | Etisalat/e& digital financial services |
| Hubpay | RPSCS Cat. II | ✓ Licensed | Digital payment platform |
Last reviewed: June 2025. License statuses can change. This is not legal advice. Always verify at centralbank.ae.
How to Verify a Provider Yourself
- 1
Visit the official CBUAE website
Go to centralbank.ae — the official website of the Central Bank of UAE.
- 2
Find 'Licensed Entities' or 'Regulated Entities'
Navigate to the consumer protection or licensing section of the site.
- 3
Search for the provider name
Look for the company's legal entity name — sometimes different from the brand name.
- 4
Check the license category and status
Confirm the license is active and covers the service you plan to use (money transfer).
- 5
If in doubt, contact CBUAE directly
Call the CBUAE Consumer Protection Unit or use their official contact form at centralbank.ae.
Warning: Unlicensed Providers
Be aware of these warning signs that a money transfer service may be unlicensed or fraudulent:
- ✗No clear company name, address, or license number displayed
- ✗Operating only via WhatsApp or social media with no official website
- ✗Offering rates significantly better than all other providers
- ✗No customer support phone number or official address
- ✗Asking for payment to a personal bank account or individual's name
- ✗No reference to CBUAE licensing anywhere on their materials
FAQ — CBUAE Licensing
Are all exchange houses in the UAE CBUAE licensed?
Legitimate exchange houses operating in the UAE must be licensed by the CBUAE. However, you should always verify independently on the CBUAE website, especially before using a new provider.
Does remit.ae verify provider licenses?
remit.ae is a comparison platform, not a regulatory body. The information on this page is based on publicly available data. We do not certify or guarantee any provider's license status. Always verify directly with CBUAE.
What happens if I use an unlicensed provider and lose money?
You have very limited recourse. UAE financial consumer protection laws only protect you when using CBUAE-licensed providers. Unlicensed operators may be in violation of UAE law, making recovery extremely difficult.
How often does CBUAE update its licensed entities list?
The CBUAE updates its licensing records on an ongoing basis. Licenses can be granted, suspended, or revoked at any time. Always check the current status on centralbank.ae before making a significant transfer.