Securities and Commodities Authority
(SCA)Regulatory Snapshot
The Securities and Commodities Authority is the federal regulatory body overseeing securities and commodities markets in the United Arab Emirates, excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre (which is regulated by the DFSA). Established in 2000, the SCA regulates financial activities, commodities exchanges, and clearing houses.
About the SCA
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) is the federal financial regulatory body of the United Arab Emirates, established by Federal Law No. 4 of 2000. The SCA oversees the regulation of securities, commodities, and financial activities across the UAE, excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre which operates under the DFSA's jurisdiction.
Regulatory Framework
The SCA licenses and supervises brokers, financial advisers, and other market participants operating in the UAE's securities and commodities markets. Its regulatory framework covers market conduct, financial adequacy, governance standards, and anti-money laundering requirements, contributing to the UAE's development as a regional financial hub.
- Licensing and registration requirements for market participants
- Capital adequacy standards
- Market surveillance and enforcement capabilities
- Investor education and awareness programmes
Restricted Countries
SCA covers UAE mainland. DIFC and ADGM free zones have their own regulators (DFSA, FSRA).
Related Regulators
MAS
AAATier 1Monetary Authority of Singapore
The Monetary Authority of Singapore serves as Singapore's central bank and integrated financial regulator. Established in 1971, MAS administers the various statutes pertaining to money, banking, insurance, securities, and the financial sector in general. Its dual role as central bank and financial regulator makes it uniquely positioned to maintain financial stability in one of Asia's leading financial centres.
JFSA
AATier 1Japan Financial Services Agency
The Japan Financial Services Agency is the government body responsible for overseeing banking, securities, exchange, and insurance sectors in Japan. Established in 2000, the JFSA ensures the stability and integrity of Japan's financial system — one of the largest and most active forex markets in the world, with Japan being the single largest retail forex trading market globally.
SFC
AATier 1Securities and Futures Commission
The Securities and Futures Commission is Hong Kong's statutory body responsible for regulating the securities and futures markets. Established in 1989, the SFC administers the laws governing the securities and futures markets in Hong Kong and facilitates the development of these markets.
DFSA
AATier 2Dubai Financial Services Authority
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.
SC
ATier 2Securities Commission Malaysia
The Securities Commission Malaysia is a statutory body established under the Securities Commission Act 1993 to regulate and develop the Malaysian capital market. The SC oversees all matters relating to securities and futures contracts, the regulation of companies and licensees, and the development of the capital market.
SEBI
ATier 2Securities and Exchange Board of India
The Securities and Exchange Board of India is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India, established under the SEBI Act of 1992. SEBI's primary functions include protecting the interests of investors, regulating the securities market, and promoting the development of India's capital markets.