Latest · 28 Sep – 4 Oct 2026
DFSA enacts significant amendments to Islamic Finance, Conduct of Business, and Prudential rules.
This week saw a surge in regulatory activity, particularly from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), which enacted high-impact amendments to its rulebooks governing Islamic Finance, Conduct of Business, and Prudential requirements. These changes aim to align with international standards and enhance consumer protection, financial stability, and operational clarity. Firms must promptly review and adjust their compliance frameworks to meet these new requirements.
16
new items
5
high impact
5
regulators
3
open consultations
Key developments
1 · Dubai Financial Services Authority · High impact
Islamic Finance Rules (IFR) Rule-making Instrument (No. 445) 2026
The amendments enhance the regulatory framework for Islamic financial activities, aligning with international standards.
Who's affected: Firms engaged in Islamic finance within the DIFC.
Next step: Review and adjust compliance frameworks to align with new IFR amendments.
2 · Dubai Financial Services Authority · High impact
Conduct of Business Module (COB) Rule-making Instrument (No. 444) 2026
These changes aim to enhance consumer protection and ensure fair treatment of clients.
Who's affected: All firms operating within the DIFC.
Next step: Review and update business conduct policies to comply with the new COB requirements.
3 · Dubai Financial Services Authority · High impact
Strengthens prudential requirements to enhance financial stability and resilience of firms.
Who's affected: Financial institutions within the DIFC.
Next step: Assess and adjust capital and risk management strategies in line with the new PIB rules.
4 · Dubai Multi Commodities Centre · High impact
Introduces enhanced legal frameworks for wealth management, attracting high-net-worth individuals to the DMCC.
Who's affected: Wealth management firms and family offices within the DMCC.
Next step: Review the new regulations and assess their impact on wealth structuring strategies.
5 · Federal Tax Authority · High impact
Executive Regulation of Federal Decree Law No 8 of 2017 and its amendments
Ensures compliance with the latest VAT requirements, critical for businesses operating in the UAE.
Who's affected: All businesses subject to VAT in the UAE.
Next step: Update VAT compliance processes to align with the amended regulations.
Patterns this week
- Regulatory Alignment and Enhancement. Several amendments this week focus on aligning UAE regulations with international standards and enhancing operational clarity.
What firms are asked to do
- Review and adjust compliance frameworks to align with new IFR amendments.Dubai Financial Services Authority — Islamic Finance Rules (IFR) Rule-making Instrument (No. 445) 2026
- Firms must review and update their business conduct policies to comply with the new COB requirements.Dubai Financial Services Authority — Conduct of Business Module (COB) Rule-making Instrument (No. 444) 2026
- Financial institutions must assess and adjust their capital and risk management strategies in line with the new PIB rules.Dubai Financial Services Authority — Prudential – Investment, Insurance Intermediation and Banking Business Module (PIB) Rule-making Instrument (No. 443) 2026
- Review the new regulations and assess their impact on existing and future wealth structuring strategies.Dubai Multi Commodities Centre — DMCC Establishes Foundations Regulations to Expand Private Wealth and Structuring Offering for Members
- Update VAT compliance processes to align with the amended regulations.Federal Tax Authority — Executive Regulation of Federal Decree Law No 8 of 2017 and its amendments
- Review the consultation paper and provide feedback by the deadline.Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM — Consultation Paper No. 4 of 2026 – Proposed Strata Regulations 2026
- Update valuation practices according to the new guide.Real Estate Regulatory Authority — Dubai — Dubai Real Estate Valuation Guide
- Review the proposals and submit feedback by the consultation deadline.Dubai Financial Services Authority — Consultation Paper No. 173 - Proposals to Enhance the DFSA’s Collective Investment Fund Framework
Coming up — next 45 days
Regulator activity
The DFSA was notably more active with 8 items this week, compared to an average of 1 per week over the prior 3 weeks.
| Regulator | This week | 3-week avg |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Financial Services Authority | 8 ▲ | 1 |
| Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM | 4 ▲ | 1 |
| Federal Tax Authority | 2 ▲ | 0.3 |
| Dubai Multi Commodities Centre | 1 | 0.3 |
| Real Estate Regulatory Authority — Dubai | 1 | 0 |
Found automatically on regulators' websites and summarised by AI, without manual review. Not legal advice — check the official source before relying on any item.