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Regulatory updates

Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM: latest updates.

New rules, circulars, consultations and notices from UAE regulators, each summarised with who is affected and what to do. Collected by Arakan Lexara from the regulators' own websites.

Arakan Lexara Weekly

The week's changes, what they mean and the deadlines ahead. Every Monday, free.

1 Oct 2026Consultation PaperMedium impactConsultation open
Consultation Paper No. 4 of 2026 – Proposed Strata Regulations 2026
The FSRA has released a consultation paper on the proposed Strata Regulations 2026. This paper seeks feedback from stakeholders on the new regulatory framework for strata management, which aims to enhance governance and operational standards in the sector.
25 Sept 2026GuidanceLow impact
Annual Accounts Guidance (September 2026)
The FSRA has issued updated guidance on the preparation and submission of annual accounts. This guidance aims to clarify reporting requirements and ensure compliance with the latest financial reporting standards.
23 Sept 2026GuidanceMedium impact
Guidance – Regulatory Framework for Private Financing Platforms and Multilateral Trading Facilities dealing with Private Capital Markets
This guidance outlines the regulatory framework for private financing platforms and multilateral trading facilities in the private capital markets. It provides clarity on the operational and compliance requirements for entities operating in this space.

Updates are found automatically on regulators' websites and summarised by AI. Check the official source before relying on any item.

Past weekly briefings

14 Sept 2026Consultation PaperMedium impactConsultation open

Consultation Paper No. 3 of 2026 – Proposed Undeveloped Commercial Land Regulations 2026

The ADGM Registration Authority has issued a consultation paper to invite public feedback on proposed regulations for undeveloped commercial land. This aims to establish a regulatory framework for managing undeveloped commercial properties within ADGM.

14 Aug 2026Press ReleaseLow impact

FSRA Signs Memorandum of Understanding with GCGRA to Strengthen Regulatory Cooperation

The FSRA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) to strengthen cross-border regulatory cooperation and information-sharing. This is a cooperation arrangement rather than a rule change and has no direct compliance obligations for regulated firms.

11 Aug 2026News AnnouncementLow impact

Coinbase Establishes Tokenization Hub in Abu Dhabi with FSRA Financial Services Permission

Coinbase was granted a Financial Services Permission by the FSRA to establish a tokenization hub in ADGM, signalling continued regulatory acceptance of digital-asset tokenization activity under the existing FSRA licensing framework. No new rules were introduced; this is a licensing/market development of interest to digital asset firms.

27 Jul 2026Consultation PaperHigh impactConsultation open

Proposed Regulatory Framework for Transfer Schemes

The FSRA proposed a new Chapter 8A of the General Rulebook (GEN) establishing a proportionate framework for transfer schemes (transfers of business within ADGM), retaining mandatory court approval for insurance-business transfers while introducing lighter-touch requirements for other business transfers. Firms considering a portfolio or business transfer should review the proposed regime before the consultation closes.

23 Jul 2026News AnnouncementMedium impact

Tether's XAU₮ Recognised as Accepted Spot Commodity in ADGM

The FSRA recognised Tether's gold-backed token XAU₮ as an accepted spot commodity within ADGM's regulatory framework, a notable precedent for how commodity-backed digital tokens are treated under the Market Rulebook. Firms trading or custodying commodity-backed tokens should note this classification precedent.

21 May 2026GuidanceLow impact

Guidance and Policies Manual (GPM) — Updated Edition

The FSRA updated its consolidated Guidance and Policies Manual, its principal reference resource on FSRA regulation and supervision of financial services firms, reflecting the finalised AML framework enhancements and other recent policy changes.

21 May 2026Rule AmendmentHigh impact

FSRA Finalises Enhancements to its Anti-Money Laundering Framework

Following Consultation Paper No. 1 of 2026, the FSRA finalised amendments to the FSMR and its AML Rulebook covering AML/CFT, counter-proliferation financing and sanctions compliance, aligned with updated federal laws and FATF standards. The FSRA stated the changes have minimal impact on existing compliance practices for most firms, but all Authorised Persons should confirm alignment with the updated rules.

30 Apr 2026Consultation PaperHigh impact

Proposed Enhancements to the Anti-Money Laundering Framework of the FSRA

The FSRA proposed enhancements to its AML/CFT, counter-proliferation financing and sanctions framework to align with updated federal laws and FATF recommendations. These proposals were finalised in May 2026 (see FSRA-2026-002).

9 Dec 2025Press ReleaseMedium impact

FSRA Showcases Enhancements to its Funds Regulatory Framework at ADFW

The FSRA highlighted that new periodic (tailored) reporting requirements for Funds are now in effect, and recapped the open Consultation Paper No. 12 of 2025 proposals, alongside Q3 2025 sector growth figures (48% YoY AUM growth, 161 Fund Managers, 220 Funds). Fund managers should confirm they are meeting the new periodic reporting obligations.

5 Dec 2025Consultation PaperMedium impact

Updating the Regulatory Framework for Insurance in ADGM

A companion discussion paper seeking broader stakeholder views on modernising ADGM's insurance regulatory framework, complementing Consultation Paper No. 13 of 2025 on ICPs and climate risk. Insurers and intermediaries should consider both papers together when assessing forthcoming rule changes.

26 Nov 2025Consultation PaperHigh impact

Enhancements to Insurance Regulatory Framework — IAIS Insurance Core Principles and Climate Risk Management

The FSRA proposed enhancements aligning ADGM's insurance regime with IAIS Insurance Core Principles, covering risk management, market conduct, reinsurance, IFRS 17 implementation, and proportionate climate-related financial risk requirements for insurers. Insurance firms should review governance and climate-risk disclosure implications.

24 Nov 2025Consultation PaperHigh impact

Proposed Enhancements to the FSRA's Funds Framework

The FSRA proposed a Sub-Threshold Fund Manager category (under USD 200m committed capital, USD 50,000 base capital), an Institutional Fund Manager regime for institutional-only investors, integration of Venture Capital Fund Managers as an STFM subcategory, tightened Foreign Fund Manager controls, and an Employee Investment Vehicle exemption. Fund managers should assess which streamlined category may apply to them.

6 Nov 2025GuidanceMedium impact

Guidance on Restricted Securities

The FSRA published guidance assisting applicants and listed entities in understanding requirements relating to restricted securities under the Market Rulebook, clarifying disclosure and eligibility considerations for admission to the Official List.

30 Sept 2025Consultation PaperHigh impact

Proposed Framework for the Staking of Virtual Assets

The FSRA consulted on a proposed regulatory framework governing staking of virtual assets by Authorised Persons, addressing client asset protection, disclosure and risk management for staking services. Virtual asset service providers offering or planning to offer staking in ADGM should assess the proposed obligations.

9 Sept 2025Consultation PaperHigh impact

Proposed Regulatory Framework for Fiat-Referenced Tokens

The FSRA proposed a dedicated regulatory framework for fiat-referenced tokens (stablecoins), covering issuance, reserve backing and redemption requirements. Firms dealing in or planning to issue fiat-referenced tokens in ADGM should review the proposals for future licensing and prudential impact.