Full banking
Banking services in DIFC
$10M+
Paid-up capital
$10M+
Paid-up capital
Licensed to operate as a fully regulated bank in DIFC with deposit-taking, lending, and credit facilities under DFSA oversight.
Complete banking services
Focused on full-scale banking operations
The DIFC category 1 license is the premier financial authorisation in the Dubai International Financial Centre, granting institutions the ability to operate as fully regulated banks. With this license, your organisation can provide end-to-end banking services, including deposit-taking, client account management, credit issuance, and lending facilities.
Holders of this license are permitted to
- Operate as a fully licensed bank
- Access international markets
- Gain investor confidence
- Join a premier ecosystem
- Leverage legal certainty
Authorised Rights
Increase approval success
Who needs a category 1 license?
This license is for institutions providing full banking services
Islamic banks and Sharia-compliant financial institutions
Retail and commercial banking institutions
Investment banks with deposit-taking operations
Banks looking to scale across the MEASA region
International banks setting up a regional hub
Permitted activities
- Accepting deposits and managing client accounts
- Issuing credit and loans
- Foreign exchange services and custody
- Structured finance, trade finance, and letters of credit
- Local and international payment services
- DFSA-supervised with capital adequacy and liquidity requirements
The DIFC category 1 license gives your financial institution the authority and infrastructure to operate with trust, scale, and compliance at the highest global standards.
Regulatory requirements
Minimum paid-up capital of USD 10 million or more (depending on the business model)
Full compliance with DFSA’s prudential, conduct, and risk regulations
Regular submission of financial returns, audit reports, and compliance reviews
Internal controls, governance, AML, and KYC frameworks must be in place
Starting your DIFC license application?
Get expert guidance and step confidently into Dubai’s premier financial hub. With the right preparation and Aston VIP’s trusted support, your institution can operate as a fully DIFC-regulated firm, building credibility and earning investor trust worldwide.
Why choose DIFC for banking operations?
Tax
foreign ownership
Credibility Boost
Enhance regional credibility and global standing
Strategic Network
Proximity to banks, family offices, funds, regulators, and professional services
Tax
foreign ownership
Global Hub
Operate within a world-class financial hub recognised globally
Legal Certainty
Legal framework based on English common law
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