Pinsent Masons

Policy & Legal Updates

ADGM FSRA Introduces Lighter Regulatory Regimes for Smaller Fund Managers

Abu Dhabi Global Market's Financial Services Regulatory Authority has introduced lighter-touch regulatory regimes for lower-risk fund managers to reduce capital and compliance burdens. The reforms establish three distinct categories—sub-threshold, venture capital, and institutional—exempting all three from requirements to appoint a finance officer or maintain an internal audit function. Qualifying managers also benefit from reduced capital requirements and fee or insurance concessions.

Policy & Legal Updates

Saudi Arabia Consults on Data Protection Implementing Regulation Reforms

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has opened a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Implementing Regulation of the Personal Data Protection Law. The proposed revisions include changes to breach notifications, data subject access requests, direct marketing consent, and record retention requirements. The consultation closes on 5 November 2026, with the revised rules entering into force 60 days after official gazette publication.

Policy & Legal Updates

ADGM Regulator Sets Out Comprehensive Financial Reform Agenda Through 2027

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.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Central Bank Implements Stricter Licensing Framework for Insurance Companies

The Central Bank of the UAE has introduced the Insurance Company Licensing Regulation (Circular 4/2026), establishing stricter entry rules for domestic and foreign insurers. Regulators will assess applicants based on their commercial proposition, product demand, and domestic premium retention alongside technical compliance. Insurers based in financial free zones such as DIFC and ADGM will be treated as foreign insurance companies for onshore operations.