Robinhood Markets has secured regulatory authorization from the Dubai Financial Services Authority to offer retail trading and custody services from the Dubai International Financial Centre. The company plans to launch its regional product suite in 2027, establishing its Middle East and North Africa headquarters in Dubai. The regulatory permission covers ten DFSA-permitted asset classes, including equities, cryptocurrencies, exchange-traded funds, and investment tokens.
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.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority has fined Hayman-Woodward Global Mobility Services (DIFC) Ltd $454,367 (Dh1.67 million) for operating without required registration. The regulator found the company delivered unauthorised corporate formation and registered address services to 71 clients over six years. The penalty was discounted by 30 percent from $522,047 after the firm agreed to a settlement.
China's outbound direct investment into the UAE reached $2.6 billion, more than tripling from the previous reporting year, according to the UAE-China Chamber of Commerce. Bilateral non-oil trade surpassed $100 billion as Chinese financial institutions expanded their presence in the Dubai International Financial Centre. Multiple Chinese energy companies and healthcare delegations also advanced bilateral commercial engagements.
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