Saudi Arabia Sama Fintech Payment Licence Compliance 2026

Key Insights

• SAMA requires fintech payment companies to obtain explicit licensing from either the Central Bank (SAMA) and/or the Capital Market Authority (CMA) before operating legally in Saudi Arabia, with regulatory oversight including potential authority-conducted compliance audits.
• Fintech companies operating in Saudi Arabia must comply with anti-money laundering laws under Cabinet Decision No.
• As a mandatory regulatory requirement for payment licence applications and ongoing operations.
• SAMA has issued updated Implementing Regulations for Finance Companies Control Law that establish clear requirements for all financing activities, including revised aggregate finance limits and bank guarantee thresholds that directly impact fintech payment licensing eligibility and operational parameters.
• Fintech payment licence compliance in Saudi Arabia requires demonstration of adherence to strict financial regulations and legal standards, with SAMA enforcing these standards through formal compliance frameworks designed to ensure operational safety and consumer protection.

Source

[Fintech Laws and Regulations Saudi Arabia 2025-2026](https://iclg.com/practice-areas/fintech-laws-and-regulations/saudi-arabia) *Market: SA*