9th Audit Monitoring Report – Setting the Standard in Audit Quality within DIFC

DFSA's ninth audit monitoring report (covering Jan 2024-Dec 2025, 26 audit firms, 93 engagement files) found improved audit quality overall; flagged five priority areas (opinion rationale, investment valuation, related-party assessment, revenue recognition testing, continuous risk evaluation) and signalled upcoming inspection focus on QMS, AI use in audits, and governance/culture. Relevant to DIFC-registered auditors and the firms they audit.

What firms should do

Yes — auditors should address the five flagged priority areas ahead of next inspection cycle

Regulator: Dubai Financial Services Authority
Type: Guidance
Status: Final/In Force
Published: 9 Jul 2026
Topic: Governance
Impact: Medium

Read it on the regulator's website

Found automatically on the regulator's website and summarised by AI by Arakan Lexara. Not legal advice; check the official source before relying on it.

Arakan Lexara Weekly

Get the week's UAE regulatory changes every Monday.

Key developments, what firms are asked to do and the deadlines ahead. Free.

More from the Dubai Financial Services Authority

The DFSA has amended the Glossary Module (GLO) as part of its rule-making instruments for 2026. This amendment is intended to update and clarify definitions within the regulatory framework, ensuring consistency and clarity for regulated entities.

1 Oct 2026Rulebook AmendmentHigh impact

Conduct of Business Module (COB) Rule-making Instrument (No. 444) 2026

Amendments to the Conduct of Business Module (COB) have been made to enhance consumer protection and ensure fair treatment of clients. These changes are part of the DFSA's ongoing efforts to maintain high standards of business conduct within the DIFC.

23 Sept 2026Regulatory NoticeMedium impact

Notice of Approval of New Development Bank as an Exempt Offeror Under Rule A5.1.1 of the Markets Rules

The DFSA has approved the New Development Bank as an Exempt Offeror under Rule A5.1.1 of the Markets Rules. This approval exempts the New Development Bank from the obligation to issue a Prospectus and from certain reporting requirements under the Markets Law 2012.

23 Sept 2026Regulatory NoticeMedium impact

Notice of Approval of the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China as an Exempt Offeror Under Rule A5.1.1 of the Markets Rules

The DFSA has approved the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China as an Exempt Offeror under Rule A5.1.1 of the Markets Rules. This designation exempts the Ministry from the requirement to issue a Prospectus and from certain reporting obligations under the Markets Law 2012.

9th Audit Monitoring Report – Setting the Standard in Audit Quality within DIFC

More from the Dubai Financial Services Authority

Prudential – Investment, Insurance Intermediation and Banking Business Module (PIB) Rule-making Instrument (No. 443) 2026

Islamic Finance Rules (IFR) Rule-making Instrument (No. 445) 2026

Glossary Module (GLO) Rule-making Instrument (No. 446) 2026

Conduct of Business Module (COB) Rule-making Instrument (No. 444) 2026

Notice of Approval of New Development Bank as an Exempt Offeror Under Rule A5.1.1 of the Markets Rules

Notice of Approval of the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China as an Exempt Offeror Under Rule A5.1.1 of the Markets Rules