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UAE Capital Markets Authority Overhauls Regulatory Framework to Support Market Growth

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.

Published Source: The National
Issuing authority
Capital Markets Authority
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Publication date
October 1, 2026
Stage
Final rule

The UAE's Capital Markets Authority announced an institutional transformation on October 1, 2026, transitioning from a conventional regulatory watchdog to an economic enabler designed to support market growth, according to a report by The National.

The strategic shift follows an 18-month period of regulatory review during which the authority completely rewrote its laws and regulations to position the UAE as a leading global financial center.

Under the reform, the authority aligned its statutory framework with the Dubai Financial Services Authority and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market.

Leadership at the authority stated that harmonizing the regulatory environments across jurisdictions aims to enhance domestic financial stability, increase investor confidence, and attract major international financial institutions to the UAE.

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