Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, has enacted amendments to select legislation, primarily the Data Protection Law: DIFC Law No. 5 of 2020. Several substantial revisions have been implemented, and can be found in the DIFC Amendment Law: DIFC Law No. 1 of 2025.
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial center in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), declared its best-ever performance for the first half of a year, reinforcing its vital role in driving the future of finance, and contributing to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
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.
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.
With a record AED 25 billion in assets under management and heightened enforcement actions, the DFSA solidifies its role as a global financial regulator.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a year of significant growth, robust regulatory oversight, and a clear vision for the future of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has set the tone for the next two years with its 2025-2026 Business Plan, reinforcing its commitment to regulatory excellence, risk-based supervision, financial crime prevention, and fostering fintech innovation in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
As the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) continues to solidify its position as a leading global financial hub, several recent developments underscore its commitment to innovation, talent development, and strategic growth.
As Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) continues to solidify its position as a premier international financial center, its 2025 initiatives reflect a commitment to innovation, regulatory excellence, and sustainable finance. With enhanced ESG frameworks, regulatory updates, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge financial technology advancements, ADGM is shaping the future of finance, fintech, and investment in the UAE.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to be a leading financial hub, attracting businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs from across the globe. With DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) offering robust regulatory frameworks, setting up a financial services firm in these jurisdictions requires strategic planning and expert guidance.
