Lexara Weekly · 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.
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
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.