Establishing your financial services business in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) offers a strategic gateway to the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. With a world-class regulatory framework overseen by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), ADGM is an increasingly preferred jurisdiction for asset managers, fintech firms, venture capital platforms, and investment advisors.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) recently released its Thematic Review on Audit Working Papers Archiving and Retention a key document examining how Registered Auditors (RAs) operating in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) are managing the archiving, retention, and integrity of audit documentation.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has released a comprehensive FAQ to support authorised Firms in understanding and preparing for the revised Client Assets Regime, which will come into effect on 1 January 2026. These updates follow Consultation Paper 160 (CP160) and aim to enhance the safeguarding of client assets in or from the DIFC.
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the region’s leading financial hub, has released Consultation Paper No. 2 of 2025, proposing a new Variable Capital Company (VCC) regulatory framework. This initiative aims to expand the Centre’s appeal to private investors by providing greater flexibility in structuring proprietary investment vehicles.
Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global financial hub with the launch of the Dubai Financial Services Unified Guidebook. Developed in partnership with the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), this guide is designed to simplify financial services licensing in the UAE and help businesses establish their operations in Dubai's thriving ecosystem.
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial centre of UAE’s capital, has accomplished yet another quarter of strong growth along with a rise in global recognition, upholding momentum from a record-breaking 2024. Rising assets under management, a surge in new licences, and expanding human-capital expansion on Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands highlights Abu Dhabi’s strategic appeal to global financial firms.
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has officially launched its comprehensive all-in-one mobile app, designed to transform how businesses, professionals, residents, and visitors engage within the financial district. This innovative app offers seamless access to a wide range of tools and services, supporting ADGM’s commitment to a digitally enabled, connected, and vibrant business environment.
The rising influx of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) into the UAE has driven increased demand for bespoke wealth management services. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has emerged as the preferred jurisdiction for Wealth and Asset Management (WAM) firms looking to tap into the MEASA region.
Recent alerts from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) highlight a significant increase in sophisticated fraudulent schemes and phishing attempts targeting both individuals and businesses in the UAE.
On 12 May 2025, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) announced that nearly 100 firms have expressed interest in its first-ever Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox, marking a significant leap forward in DIFC’s fintech ecosystem. This initiative forms part of the DFSA’s Innovation Testing Licence (ITL) programme and reinforces the regulator’s ongoing commitment to fostering responsible financial innovation.
