The UAE's Capital Market Authority facilitated approximately AED 1.2 billion in client refunds during the first nine months of 2026, up sharply from AED 8 million in the same period last year. Licensed firms rose 43% year-on-year as regulatory complaints handled jumped 192%. The expansion comes in the CMA's first nine months operating under Federal Decree-Laws No. 32 and 33 of 2025.
Legal advocacy group Detained in Dubai has highlighted regulatory and legal risks under the UAE's expanded 2026 Virtual Assets Framework and Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2025. The legislation broadens regulated virtual asset activities from three to eight categories and introduces criminal penalties, including potential imprisonment and fines reaching AED 250 million for unlicensed financial activities. The organization warned that commercial disputes could expose founders, executives, and advisers to prosecution and asset confiscation.
Google is updating its financial advertising policy for campaigns targeting users in the United Arab Emirates starting 21 October. Advertisers promoting crypto exchanges, software wallets, contracts for difference, and rolling spot forex must hold recognised UAE regulatory licences and obtain separate Google certification. The update broadens recognised crypto regulators to include the Capital Market Authority and Dubai Financial Services Authority, while updating forex rules to reflect the Capital Market Authority as successor to the Securities and Commodities Authority.
EFG Hermes UAE LLC has introduced market-making and liquidity provision services on the Dubai Financial Market. The service forms part of the exchange's Market Maker programme and provides continuous two-sided quotations for listed securities. Exchange officials stated the initiative aims to enhance trading depth, narrow bid-ask spreads, and attract broader investor participation.
Policy updates, China–UAE business news and industry insights, delivered to your inbox.
Membership
Tell us about your experience and connection to UAE–China business. UECN assesses your application and offers the right membership category — fees are shared privately with your offer.
We send you a one-time sign-in link — your answers are saved as you go.
