SOLOWIN Launches Dubai Operations Center, Accelerating Expansion in UAE Market Following Saudi Layout

Rhea-AI Summary

Solowin Holdings (NASDAQ: SWIN) has announced the launch of its Dubai Operations Center and initiated the application for a Category 3C asset management license from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This strategic move follows the company's recent collaboration with CITIC Construction for developing fintech infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

The company has signed an MOU with a UAE local enterprise to accelerate market penetration. Solowin chose DIFC as its Middle Eastern hub due to its regulatory mutual recognition framework with Hong Kong's SFC, potentially enabling a streamlined three-month approval process. The initiative aims to enhance capital connectivity between the Middle East and Asia, focusing on Sharia-compliant products and digital asset management services.

Positive

• Strategic expansion into Dubai financial market through DIFC operations center
• Potential fast-track licensing process due to Hong Kong SFC mutual recognition
• Partnership with prominent UAE local enterprise for market penetration
• Recent collaboration with CITIC Construction strengthens regional presence
• Focus on institutional Sharia-compliant products opens new market opportunities

Negative

• License approval process still pending and subject to regulatory approval
• Initial services limited to institutional clients only

Hong Kong, Aug. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Solowin Holdings (NASDAQ: SWIN) (“Solowin” or the “Company”), a leading financial services firm providing comprehensive solutions across traditional and digital assets, today announced the official launch of its Dubai Operations Center and the commencement of its application for a Category 3C asset management license from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), one of the world’s most advanced financial centers and the leading financial hub for the Middle East. This move follows Solowin’s recently disclosed strategic collaboration with CITIC Construction on August 20, 2025, to develop financial technology infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, further underscoring the Company’s accelerating expansion across the Middle East region of compliant financial services.

Solowin has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a prominent UAE local enterprise, aiming to rapidly penetrate the local financial services market by leveraging established client networks. The Company selected DIFC as its Middle Eastern hub, primarily due to its regulatory advantage of mutual recognition framework with Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). Leveraging Solowin’s existing regulatory licenses, the DIFC approval process is expected to be substantially streamlined with chance to be completed within three months. This expansion is set to strengthen capital and asset connectivity between the Middle East and Asia, offering regional investors access to compliant digital asset management and tokenized products.

“The Dubai Operations Center is a pivotal addition to Solowin’s global compliance network,” said Peter Lok, CEO of Solowin. “By integrating Saudi-based infrastructure resources, we are fully committed to contribute a cross-regional ‘digital financial silk road’.”

The initial services will target institutional clients seeking Sharia-compliant products, offering structured products supported by real-world assets (RWA) and computing power.

About SOLOWIN HOLDINGS

SOLOWIN HOLDINGS (NASDAQ: SWIN) is a leading global financial services firm operating in both traditional and Web3 industry. Founded in 2016, it has delivered a unique, full-spectrum ecosystem that bridges traditional and decentralized finance. Leveraging its Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) licensed subsidiaries with full digital asset capabilities, the Company operates a robust Web3 Infrastructure division. Through its self-developed, vertically integrated, enterprise-grade platform, Solowin delivers compliant traditional finance (TradFi), real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, and global digital payment solutions—solidifying its role as a key player in reshaping global finance through a seamless Web3-to-TradFi ecosystem.

For more information, visit the Company’s website at https://solowin.io or investor relations webpage at https://ir.solowin.io.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. The Company has attempted to identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and other factors discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) including the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F as well as in its other reports filed or furnished from time to time with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov.

For investor and media inquiries please contact:
SOLOWIN HOLDINGS
Investor Relations Department
Email: ir@solomonwin.com.hk

Ascent Investor Relations LLC
Tina Xiao
Phone: +1-646-932-7242
Email: investors@ascent-ir.com

Corporate Communications
IBN
Austin, Texas
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
Phone: +1-512-354-7000
Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

FAQ

What is Solowin's (NASDAQ: SWIN) expansion strategy in Dubai?

Solowin is launching a Dubai Operations Center and applying for a Category 3C asset management license from DIFC, while partnering with a UAE local enterprise to penetrate the market with compliant financial services.

How long will Solowin's DIFC license approval process take?

The approval process is expected to be streamlined due to DIFC's mutual recognition framework with Hong Kong's SFC, with potential completion within three months.

What types of services will Solowin offer in Dubai?

Solowin will initially focus on institutional clients, offering Sharia-compliant products, structured products backed by real-world assets (RWA), and computing power.

How does Solowin's Dubai expansion connect with its Saudi Arabia operations?

The Dubai expansion follows Solowin's recent collaboration with CITIC Construction in Saudi Arabia, forming part of their strategy to build a cross-regional 'digital financial silk road' connecting Middle East and Asia.

Who will be the target clients for Solowin's Dubai operations?

The initial services will target institutional clients seeking Sharia-compliant products and digital asset management services.