Dubai Financial Services Authority
(DFSA)Regulatory Snapshot
The Dubai Financial Services Authority is the independent regulator of financial services conducted within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Established in 2004, the DFSA regulates all financial and ancillary services provided from the DIFC, operating a robust risk-based supervisory framework informed by international best practices.
About the DFSA
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) is the independent financial regulator operating within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a purpose-built financial free zone in the United Arab Emirates. Since its establishment in 2004, the DFSA has developed into a respected regulator that combines international regulatory standards with the strategic advantages of Dubai's position as a global financial hub.
Regulatory Framework
The DFSA regulates all firms providing financial services from within the DIFC, including banking, capital markets, collective investments, insurance, and ancillary services. Its risk-based regulatory framework draws on international standards set by organisations including IOSCO, the Basel Committee, and the IAIS. Authorised firms must meet capital requirements, governance standards, and ongoing compliance obligations.
Investor Protection
The DFSA imposes comprehensive client money rules requiring the segregation of client assets, alongside mandatory professional indemnity insurance. The DIFC Courts provide an independent judicial system based on common law principles, offering firms and their clients access to a sophisticated dispute resolution mechanism separate from the UAE's civil law courts.
- Client money rules requiring segregation of client assets
- Minimum capital requirements based on risk profile
- Professional indemnity insurance mandatory for authorised firms
- Comprehensive conduct of business rules
| Instrument | Retail | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Major Forex | 1:20 | 1:100 |
| Minor Forex | 1:10 | 1:50 |
| Gold | 1:10 | 1:50 |
| Indices | 1:10 | 1:50 |
| Shares CFDs | 1:5 | 1:25 |
Restricted Countries
DFSA regulates entities within the DIFC free zone only, not the broader UAE.
Body: DIFC Courts / Financial Markets Tribunal
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JFSA
AATier 1Japan Financial Services Agency
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SFC
AATier 1Securities and Futures Commission
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SC
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SCA
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SEBI
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