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SAMA Services in
Saudi Arabia

Navigating the rigorous regulatory landscape for Fintechs, Banks, and Insurance companies. Secure your license from the Saudi Central Bank.

Apply for SAMA License

Saudi Arabia is witnessing a Fintech boom driven by Vision 2030's Financial Sector Development Program (FSDP). The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) acts as the gatekeeper, ensuring stability and innovation. Obtaining a SAMA license is a complex, high-stakes process that requires absolute precision in compliance, cybersecurity, and operational planning.

Role of SAMA

SAMA regulates commercial banks, insurance companies, finance companies, and credit information companies. Recently, it has established specific frameworks for payment service providers (PSPs), digital banks, and open banking activities.

Regulatory Sandbox: A safe space created by SAMA that allows local and international Fintech firms to test new digital solutions in a controlled environment before full licensing.

SAMA Advisory Services

We guide financial institutions through the rigorous authorization journey.

  • 💳
    Fintech Licensing Obtaining Payment Service Provider (PSP) license, Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license.
  • 📦
    Regulatory Sandbox Application strategy and management for entering the SAMA Sandbox cohort.
  • 🔒
    Cybersecurity Audit Ensuring compliance with SAMA's strict Cybersecurity Framework.
  • 📄
    Policy Manuals Drafting mandatory AML/KYC, Risk Management, and Governance manuals.

Authorization Roadmap

The path to a SAMA license involves multiple critical checkpoints.

1
Pre-Assessment Reviewing your business model against current regulations to determine feasibility.
2
Application Submission of detailed business plans, financial projections, and technical architecture.
3
Development Technical integration, including setting up servers in KSA and passing security checks.
4
Go-Live Receiving the final 'No Objection' letter to commence operations.

Targeted Licenses

  • Payment Gateway Services
  • E-Wallet & Digital Money
  • Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)

Importance of Compliance

SAMA regulations are strictly enforced. Non-compliance results in severe penalties.

Data Residency

Financial data must be hosted on servers physically located within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Capital Adequacy

Companies must maintain minimum capital requirements to ensure financial stability.

Anti-Money Laundering

Robust AML and Counter-Terrorism Financing controls are non-negotiable.

Market Opportunities

  • Access to Capital Licensed entities attract significant investment from regional VCs and sovereign funds.
  • Consumer Trust A SAMA license allows you to build immediate trust with Saudi consumers.
  • Rapid Growth Tap into the region's largest economy with a digital-first population.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants must demonstrate a genuinely innovative solution that solves a market problem, is ready for testing, and has the intention to be deployed in Saudi Arabia.
The timeline varies significantly based on readiness. Sandbox testing can last 6-12 months, while direct licensing may take 4-8 months depending on the completeness of documentation.
Yes, establishing a local entity (capitalized locally) and having key personnel (like a Compliance Officer) on the ground is mandatory for final licensing.
No. Conducting regulated financial activities without SAMA authorization is illegal and will lead to blacklisting and closure.

Launch Your Fintech in KSA

Partner with experts who understand the SAMA regulatory framework inside out.

Consult on Fintech Licensing
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