RIYADH: The Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, has authorized STC Bank to launch its full operations in Saudi Arabia.
As the first licensed digital bank in the Kingdom, STC Bank’s approval marks a significant step in SAMA’s ongoing strategy to accelerate digital transformation and enhance competitiveness in the banking sector.
At the same time, the move ensures the safeguarding of financial stability, according to a press statement from the central bank.
This milestone underscores the growing dynamism and potential of Saudi Arabia’s digital economy, while also highlighting SAMA’s efforts to create a regulatory framework that fosters innovation within the financial sector.
“SAMA is committed to strengthening the resilience of the banking sector, boosting its appeal, and increasing its role in achieving Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s broader national objectives. This includes empowering entrepreneurs and financial institutions to deliver innovative financial services to the Saudi market,” the central bank said.
The approval follows a significant step taken in April 2024, when SAMA formally approved the transition of STC Pay — the mobile financial services arm of Saudi Telecom Co. — to STC Bank. Following a nine-month beta launch, STC Bank is now poised to begin its full banking operations.
Additionally, in December 2024, SAMA also gave the green light to D360 Bank, another digital financial institution, allowing it to begin its operations in the Kingdom.