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.
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.
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).
