The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has set out to “reinforce” its risk-based regulation in its new business plan for 2025-2026,
Aligned with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, Digital Dubai, and the DIFC 2030 Strategy, the plan focuses on four key strategic themes:
- Delivery – Ensuring our regulatory framework remains effective and responsive to the evolving needs of the financial sector.
- Engagement – Strengthening our relationships with stakeholders and fostering a collaborative approach across the industry.
- Innovation – Embracing technological advancements to enhance our operations and keep DIFC at the forefront of the global financial landscape.
- Sustainability – Supporting initiatives that contribute to long-term economic, environmental, and social sustainability
Fadel Al Ali, chairman of the DFSA, said: “Our Business Plan for 2025-2026 underscores our dedication to maintaining international standards and best practices. By enhancing our regulatory frameworks and embracing digital transformation, we aim to support the DIFC’s growth and contribute to the prosperity of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. This Plan is a testament to our forward-thinking approach as we navigate the evolving financial landscape.
Key priorities for 2025-2026 include Reinforcing risk-based regulation, Innovation and technology at the core and fighting financial crime and enhancing cyber resilience and investing in talent and culture.
Specifically the plan focuses on advancing the DFSA’s risk-based regulatory approach, facilitating innovation, reinforcing alignment with international regulatory standards, participating actively in international regulatory standard-setting bodies, engaging with the regulated community, and collaborating closely with authorities in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.
In an era of rapid technological change, the DFSA will continue to adapt its regulatory framework to provide clarity on emerging areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and fintech while safeguarding market integrity. Initiatives such as the Innovation Testing Licence and enhancements to regulatory sandboxes illustrate the DFSA’s commitment to fostering innovation.
Combatting financial crime remains a top priority for the DFSA.
The Business Plan outlines continued collaboration with federal authorities to implement FATF recommendations and enhance its financial crime prevention measures.
The DFSA said it will also focus on improving cybersecurity resilience within the DIFC, with plans to expand the Threat Intelligence Platform internationally, contributing to global cyber cooperation and protection.
The DFSA remains committed to building a resilient, agile organisation, and will continue to invest in its people and culture, introducing initiatives to attract and develop talent, with a particular focus on nurturing Emirati professionals. This ensures that the DFSA’s workforce remains future-ready and equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow, the statement said.
Ian Johnston, chief executive of the DFSA, said: “We are committed to ensuring that the DIFC thrives as an international centre for financial services. Our Business Plan emphasises agility, collaboration, proportionate enforcement, a streamlined and transparent licensing process, and regulatory excellence, which are all vital to navigating an ever-evolving global financial landscape.”
