Saudi central bank licenses two firms to provide payment services in open banking push

RIYADH, March 26, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi Arabia’s central bank on Thursday licensed two companies to provide payment services and offer account information services as part of the Kingdom’s open banking push.

The Saudi Central Bank, known as SAMA, granted the licences to New Technology for Software Solutions and Lean Technologies Saudi Arabia for Information Systems Technology.

The approvals came after the two companies completed the trial period within the central bank’s regulatory sandbox.

SAMA said the step was aimed at supporting the financial sector, improving the efficiency and flexibility of transactions, and encouraging innovation in secure and reliable financial services.

The move also seeks to enhance financial inclusion and expand access to financial services across all segments of society.

The central bank urged customers to deal only with licensed or authorised financial institutions and said their status can be verified on its website.