The DIFC Gate in Dubai. Rapid innovation is challenging financial sector regulators to provide much more than frameworks that guide businesses and attract investors. Photo: DIFC
The DIFC Gate in Dubai. Rapid innovation is challenging financial sector regulators to provide much more than frameworks that guide businesses and attract investors. Photo: DIFC
The DIFC Gate in Dubai. Rapid innovation is challenging financial sector regulators to provide much more than frameworks that guide businesses and attract investors. Photo: DIFC
The DIFC Gate in Dubai. Rapid innovation is challenging financial sector regulators to provide much more than frameworks that guide businesses and attract investors. Photo: DIFC

How Dubai’s financial services regulation has evolved to keep pace with innovation


  • English
  • Arabic

While the UAE’s anti-financial crime framework has come under increased monitoring of late, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has recognised the positive progress made towards the country’s efforts to counter anti-money laundering and terrorism and proliferation financing.

The Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) has firmly repeated its stance on identifying and eliminating financial crime networks, which, in line with the UAE’s National Action Plan, underpins the country’s position as an attractive global business centre that operates in line with international standards.

The Dubai Financial Services Authority, which serves as the independent regulator of financial services conducted in or from the Dubai International Financial Centre, is entirely aligned with the UAE’s stand on financial crime. To this end, the provision of all-rounded regulation is at the core of the DFSA.

Over the past five years, the DFSA has witnessed significant evolution in the financial services regulation sector in the UAE.

While in the past the focus was largely on the development of best-practice legislation and regulations that serve businesses in the financial services industry, the mandate for the DFSA and for other regulators across the UAE has since advanced.

Today, innovation plays a key role in the very formulation of legislation, calling for the provision of safe regulatory environments that are suited to new ways of doing business.

Rapid innovation within the sector is challenging supervisors to provide much more than frameworks that guide businesses, attract investors and protect financial services consumers.

Lessons learnt from financial crises and stock market crashes have created the need for principles-based regulatory approaches, which are more adaptable to changes in economic conditions, enable innovation and support new business formation.

Increased investments and trade in virtual or digital assets, however, places greater emphasis on addressing money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing risks arising from these activities.

Combating money laundering, terrorism and proliferation financing

Efforts to identify and tackle financial crime are of utmost importance even as the UAE makes large strides in being a major international financial centre.

Since the FATF Mutual Evaluation Report of the UAE was published in April 2020, the UAE has taken significant steps to align regulatory, supervisory and enforcement frameworks further with the FATF Recommendations.

The DFSA has been actively contributing to supporting national efforts to prevent or combat financial crimes, with an increasing focus on money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing (ML/TF and PF) risks.

The DFSA has also participated in the discussions and policy works of the various national AML/CFT and CPF committees and sub-committees.

To this end, the DFSA’s systematic assessment of risk allows us to identify common issues across our regulated companies. Leading up to the evaluation of the UAE’s compliance levels with FATF standards, the DFSA made a series of policy amendments to bring its AML/CTF and CPF framework into further alignment with the FATF's recommendations for 2021.

Our recently published Financial Crime Prevention Programme report 2019-2021 highlights the key efforts made by the DFSA and DIFC Authority’s Registrar of Companies (RoC) to prevent abuse of the financial system in the UAE.

International assessors have shared favourable views recognising the DFSA’s efforts in developing a detailed understanding of ML/TF risks and in applying effective and dissuasive sanctions against both companies and individuals.

Recent DFSA enforcement actions against several big companies ranging from banks to private equity firms accused of financial misconduct, corruption and money laundering have resulted in companies and individuals being named and held accountable for their wrongdoings.

Heavy fines and severe restrictions have been imposed, acting as a strong message and credible deterrent to others from engaging in similar misconduct.

These enforcement actions taken by the DFSA against entities that have engaged in misconduct have led to better regulatory outcomes. On one hand, companies in the wrong have co-operated to rectify their compliance failures, putting in place stronger internal risk assessment controls and due diligence processes, while raising compliance awareness at organisation-wide levels.

On the other, subjecting financial institutions and companies in the DIFC to higher levels of scrutiny fosters a stronger culture of compliance and transparency.

Protecting the financial ecosystem’s integrity in the UAE

Ultimately, the regulation of financial services is an ever-evolving process of checks and balances, which involves working closely with companies and individuals in the DIFC to educate them about, and mitigate, financial crime risks. Compliance obligations should be proportionate to the mitigation of risks.

Keeping in mind the fine line between over and under regulation, the DFSA undertakes assertive efforts ranging from monitoring programmes to thematic reviews, as well as compliance assessments, underpinned by intensive and sustained cycles of supervision.

Increased accountability and stronger internal controls mean companies within our regulatory jurisdiction are more likely to have in place measures to prevent corruption, financial mismanagement and the more serious crimes linked to money laundering and terrorism and proliferation financing. This effectively limits the risks that companies and individuals can take, resulting in a more transparent and compliant financial ecosystem.

Moreover, as new innovations continue to disrupt the UAE’s financial services sector, giving rise to a rapidly expanding interest in virtual assets and virtual asset service providers, the DFSA has also moved to regulate this space.

Collaboration with our regional and global peers to enhance our alignment with international financial crime prevention standards will remain a top priority.

As the country moves forward with its ambitions to become a digital economy, the DFSA will continue to contribute towards establishing the UAE as a thriving global financial centre through innovative regulations.

Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi is chief operating officer of DFSA

Madrid Open schedule

Men's semi-finals

Novak Djokovic (1) v Dominic Thiem (5) from 6pm

Stefanos Tsitsipas (8) v Rafael Nadal (2) from 11pm

Women's final

Simona Halep (3) v Kiki Bertens (7) from 8.30pm

Brief scoreline

Switzerland 0

England 0

Result: England win 6-5 on penalties

Man of the Match: Trent Alexander-Arnold (England)

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

No.6 Collaborations Project

Ed Sheeran (Atlantic)

ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA

Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi

Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser

Rating: 4.5/5

Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDirect%20Debit%20System%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sept%202017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20with%20a%20subsidiary%20in%20the%20UK%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elaine%20Jones%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

While you're here
The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol

Power: 154bhp

Torque: 250Nm

Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option 

Price: From Dh79,600

On sale: Now

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

Company Profile:

Name: The Protein Bakeshop

Date of start: 2013

Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani

Based: Dubai

Size, number of employees: 12

Funding/investors:  $400,000 (2018) 

WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?

1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull

2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight

3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge

4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own

5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed

TOP%2010%20MOST%20POLLUTED%20CITIES
%3Cp%3E1.%20Bhiwadi%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Ghaziabad%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20Hotan%2C%20China%0D%3Cbr%3E4.%20Delhi%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E5.%20Jaunpur%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E6.%20Faisalabad%2C%20Pakistan%0D%3Cbr%3E7.%20Noida%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E8.%20Bahawalpur%2C%20Pakistan%0D%3Cbr%3E9.%20Peshawar%2C%20Pakistan%0D%3Cbr%3E10.%20Bagpat%2C%20India%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20IQAir%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Racecard

6.35pm: American Business Council – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Dirt) 1,600m 

7.10pm: British Business Group – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,200m 

7.45pm: CCI France UAE – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,400m 

8.20pm: Czech Business Council – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,400m 

8.55pm: Netherlands Business Council – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,600m 

9.30pm: Indian Business and Professional Council – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,200m  

Safety 'top priority' for rival hyperloop company

The chief operating officer of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Andres de Leon, said his company's hyperloop technology is “ready” and safe.

He said the company prioritised safety throughout its development and, last year, Munich Re, one of the world's largest reinsurance companies, announced it was ready to insure their technology.

“Our levitation, propulsion, and vacuum technology have all been developed [...] over several decades and have been deployed and tested at full scale,” he said in a statement to The National.

“Only once the system has been certified and approved will it move people,” he said.

HyperloopTT has begun designing and engineering processes for its Abu Dhabi projects and hopes to break ground soon. 

With no delivery date yet announced, Mr de Leon said timelines had to be considered carefully, as government approval, permits, and regulations could create necessary delays.

TYPES%20OF%20ONLINE%20GIG%20WORK
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDesign%2C%20multimedia%20and%20creative%20work%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELogo%20design%2C%20website%20design%2C%20visualisations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBusiness%20and%20professional%20management%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELegal%20or%20management%20consulting%2C%20architecture%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBusiness%20and%20professional%20support%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EResearch%20support%2C%20proofreading%2C%20bookkeeping%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESales%20and%20marketing%20support%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESearch%20engine%20optimisation%2C%20social%20media%20marketing%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EData%20entry%2C%20administrative%2C%20and%20clerical%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EData%20entry%20tasks%2C%20virtual%20assistants%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIT%2C%20software%20development%20and%20tech%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EData%20analyst%2C%20back-end%20or%20front-end%20developers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWriting%20and%20translation%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EContent%20writing%2C%20ghost%20writing%2C%20translation%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EOnline%20microtasks%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EImage%20tagging%2C%20surveys%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20World%20Bank%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
Sheer grandeur

The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.

A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.

RESULTS

6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 – Group 1 (PA) $55,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Rajeh, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Musabah Al Muhairi (trainer)

6.35pm: Oud Metha Stakes – Rated Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Get Back Goldie, William Buick, Doug O’Neill

7.10pm: Jumeirah Classic – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Turf) 1,600m
Winner: Sovereign Prince, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby

7.45pm: Firebreak Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer

8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 – Group 2 (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Hot Rod Charlie, William Buick, Doug O’Neill

8.55pm: Al Bastakiya Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Withering, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass

9.30pm: Balanchine – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Creative Flair, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

ICC Awards for 2021

MEN

Cricketer of the Year – Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)

T20 Cricketer of the Year – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)

ODI Cricketer of the Year – Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Test Cricketer of the Year – Joe Root (England)

WOMEN

Cricketer of the Year – Smriti Mandhana (India)

ODI Cricketer of the Year – Lizelle Lee (South Africa)

T20 Cricketer of the Year – Tammy Beaumont (England)

Updated: March 10, 2022, 10:09 AM`