The four main regulators
- DFSA: financial services carried on in or from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- FSRA: financial services in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
- Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE): banks, finance companies, payment services and stored-value facilities onshore
- Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA): securities, funds and related services onshore, outside the financial free zones
How we run a licence project
- Perimeter analysis: which activities are regulated and which licence category fits
- Jurisdiction and entity choice, including substance and banking needs
- Business plan, policies, compliance and AML/CFT framework
- Application, approved-person filings and regulator meetings
- Post-licence compliance support
Regulators expect real substance in the UAE, including key people on the ground. We plan for that from day one so there are no surprises late in the process.
Frequently asked questions
DIFC or ADGM: which is better for my firm?
Both are respected common-law centres. The right choice depends on your activities, clients, costs and where your team will be based.
How long does licensing take?
It varies by regulator and activity. We give you a realistic timeline after the perimeter analysis.