OSON establishes DIFC headquarters to build a digital financial corridor between central Asia and MENA

OSON, a leading international fintech holding with a strong footprint across Central Asia, has announced the establishment of its global headquarters in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The move marks a significant milestone in the company’s international expansion strategy, positioning OSON to develop a comprehensive digital financial corridor connecting Central Asia with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

With a rapidly expanding ecosystem of more than 2.8 million users and over 30 million transactions processed in the first nine months of 2025, OSON enters the UAE market not as an emerging startup, but as a mature financial infrastructure provider. The company is poised to support growing trade, tourism, and capital flows between the two regions.

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OSON brings extensive experience operating under diverse financial regulatory frameworks across Central Asia. The company has developed proprietary Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) systems aligned with stringent global compliance standards. This robust regulatory foundation positions OSON as a trusted partner for UAE institutions and enables seamless integration with regional banks and financial regulators.

The newly established DIFC office will serve as OSON’s regional command centre, overseeing regulatory coordination, institutional partnerships, and the deployment of secure cross-border payment infrastructure.

As economic cooperation between the GCC and Central Asia accelerates, demand for efficient payment rails and digital financial services continues to grow. OSON aims to address these gaps through targeted solutions designed to support both consumers and businesses.

Central Asia is emerging as one of the fastest-growing source markets for UAE tourism. OSON is strengthening this expanding travel corridor by enabling:

• Frictionless, cash-free payments for Central Asian visitors using OSON’s digital wallet across UAE merchants and services.

• A unified cross-border payment experience that allows UAE travellers in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and neighbouring countries to transact securely without reliance on cash.

With trade volumes and investment flows rising between the regions, OSON is also developing infrastructure to support:

• Faster settlements for SMEs, exporters, logistics providers, and service companies engaged in cross-border operations.

• Direct digital connectivity that reduces dependence on legacy banking systems and streamlines multi-jurisdictional financial interactions.

Unlike many fintech players that rely on outsourced platforms, OSON owns its entire technology stack. Its infrastructure includes:

• A proprietary payment processing engine

• Advanced risk management and anti-fraud technologies

• OSON Business, an API-first platform for banks and fintechs

• Dedicated research and development centres in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

This end-to-end ownership enables rapid product localisation and ensures OSON can meet the sophisticated regulatory and operational expectations of the UAE and the wider MENA market.

Aligned with Dubai’s ambition to be a global hub for financial innovation, OSON’s decision to establish its global headquarters in the emirate reflects a long-term commitment to the region. The move will also support the development of a world-class leadership team focused on regulatory compliance, product innovation, and regional partnerships.

Commenting on the expansion, Farkhod Makhmudov, founder and CEO of OSON, said: "Our presence in DIFC represents a strategic anchor for OSON’s international expansion. As the economic relationship between the Gulf and Central Asia strengthens, the financial infrastructure connecting the two regions must evolve accordingly. From enabling everyday transactions for tourists to simplifying settlement processes for SMEs, we are building a unified digital bridge designed to enhance prosperity and accelerate connectivity between our regions."