The CBUAE regulates large-value payment systems and its subsidiary launched the Aani instant payment platform in 2023. The UAE is outside SEPA. Cross-border rails are not covered by the sources used here.
What the sourced central bank material says about UAE payment systems, and what it does not cover.
The CBUAE large value payment systems regulation covers systems operated in the UAE or clearing or settling transfer orders in the UAE currency inside or outside the country, and does not apply to financial free zones or their systems unless it says so expressly.
Al Etihad Payments, a CBUAE subsidiary, announced the launch of Aani on 16 October 2023 as an instant payment platform that processes transactions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including transfers to a recipient's phone number and QR merchant payments.
The UAE is not among the countries and territories in the EPC's SEPA scheme geographical scope (v8.0, Dec 2025): 27 EU states, 3 EEA states and 11 non-EEA countries, none of which is the UAE.
Large Value Payment Systems Regulation — Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE Rulebook)
Al Etihad Payments launches Aani (press release, 16 Oct 2023) — Central Bank of the UAE
EPC list of countries in the SEPA Schemes' geographical scope, v8.0 (24 Dec 2025) — European Payments Council
Fact sheet last reviewed 2026-09-28. Jurisdiction rules are confirmed against the sources above; a provider's own requirements differ and are confirmed by the provider.
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The CBUAE large value payment systems regulation covers systems operated in the UAE or clearing or settling transfer orders in the UAE currency inside or outside the country, and does not apply to financial free zones or their systems unless it says so expressly.
Al Etihad Payments, a CBUAE subsidiary, announced the launch of Aani on 16 October 2023 as an instant payment platform that processes transactions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including transfers to a recipient's phone number and QR merchant payments.
The UAE is not among the countries and territories in the EPC's SEPA scheme geographical scope (v8.0, Dec 2025): 27 EU states, 3 EEA states and 11 non-EEA countries, none of which is the UAE.
No. Latynex is not a bank, EMI or payment institution. We review your case and, where suitable, introduce it to an independent, regulated financial provider who handles the account itself.
No. No introducer can guarantee a banking or payment-account decision. The provider you are introduced to runs its own KYC/KYB review and makes the final call under its own policies.
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