The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market has outlined its regulatory reform agenda through 2027, covering funds, digital assets, and decentralized finance. The roadmap introduces streamlined regimes for sub-threshold and institutional fund managers alongside forthcoming guidance on DeFi activities. ADGM currently hosts over 410 authorised financial institutions, with approximately 160 additional firms seeking authorisation.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority. The agreement establishes a framework for regulatory coordination, information sharing, and supervisory oversight between the two entities. Both authorities will maintain independent legal mandates while addressing intersections in payment processing, anti-money laundering, and banking channels.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority has fined wealth advisory firm Vault Wealth Dh401,000 ($109,200) for conducting unauthorised business activities in the DIFC. Although licensed by the FSRA in Abu Dhabi Global Market, the firm lacked DFSA authorisation. The penalty was discounted by 30 percent from Dh573,000 following a settlement.
The UAE's Capital Markets Authority has shifted its mandate from an enforcement watchdog to an economic enabler supporting market expansion. Following an 18-month reform period, the authority completely rewrote its statutory framework and harmonized rules with the Dubai Financial Services Authority and Abu Dhabi Global Market's Financial Services Regulatory Authority. The regulator expects the alignment to strengthen market stability and draw major international financial institutions.
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