Qatar Greenlights Pay Later in Landmark BNPL Licence, Boosting Fintech Sector

Editorial Team

Last updated 4-04-2025

2 min

Qatar Central Bank issued its first "buy now, pay later" licence to Pay Later.

This approval enhances Qatar's fintech landscape, totalling thirteen regulated fintech companies.

The strategy aims to boost competitiveness and improve financial market infrastructure.

Qatar seeks to become a global hub for next-generation digital financial services.

Recent proactive measures have allowed innovative financial offerings for individuals and businesses.

Qatar Central Bank has just issued its first-ever licence for a "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) service, granting approval to fintech newcomer Pay Later. This marks a significant milestone in Qatar's continued push towards enhancing its fintech landscape—sparking fresh innovation in its bustling financial sector.

According to an announcement by the country's central bank, Pay Later's entry brings the total number of fintech companies actively monitored and regulated by the Qatar Central Bank up to thirteen. This move is part of the broader strategy aimed at nurturing diversity and creativity in Qatar's financial industry, vital steps seen as pivotal for a healthy local econemy.

Web Summit Qatar 2025 Sparks Startup Growth with Investor-Ready Opportunities

The central bank is forging ahead with its fintech strategy, which aims to capitalise on Qatar’s unique strengths and established business ecosystem. The objective? Well, it's pretty straightforward really—to bolster competitiveness, improve financial market infrastructure, tap into homegrown fintech talent and, ultimately, open new doors that have a clear positive impact on society.

A key plank of this overarching strategy revolves around building an advanced fintech infrastructure and ramping up human resource capabilities. The ultimate aim is positioning Qatar as a true go-to destination for next-generation digital financial services—not just regionally but also globally.

Over recent years, banking in Qatar has gone through a noticeable evolution, keeping pace impressively with global fintech trends. Experts have pointed out that the central bank’s proactive stance has had a transformative impact, allowing financial institutions to roll out innovative offerings to cater to both individuals and businesses alike.

Just chatting with a friend about this Arageek story today, she mentioned how nice it'd be to pay for those slightly-too-pricey trainers in easy instalments. Moves like this make life simpler for everyday shoppers, showing that Qatar is serious about embracing the convenience-driven, digital-first financial future we're steadily edging towards.

🚀 Got exciting news to share?

If you're a startup founder, VC, or PR agency with big updates—funding rounds, product launches 📢, or company milestones 🎉 — AraGeek English wants to hear from you!