Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
A fast-growing hub with multiple free zones and onshore regulators for banking, fintech, and VASP activity.
Overview
Regulatory overview
A high-level view of regulatory expectations and market access.
Fit for
Who this jurisdiction is best suited for
Typical profiles and business models that align to this base.
- Firms seeking GCC market access and regulatory credibility
- Teams needing a strong regional base for operations
- Crypto and fintech firms pursuing ADGM or DIFC frameworks
Typical pathway
Typical licensing pathway
Steps commonly required to move from feasibility to approval.
Regulator selection
Select DIFC, ADGM, or onshore licensing based on activity scope and target clients.
Governance and substance
Prepare governance, capital, and local substance evidence.
Submission and review
Submit the application and respond to regulator queries and interviews.
AML obligations
Core AML obligations
Baseline AML expectations regulators will assess.
- Risk-based AML program with documented governance
- CDD/KYC standards aligned to regulator guidance
- Monitoring and SAR escalation procedures
Common pitfalls
Common pitfalls to avoid
Issues that delay approvals or trigger remediation.
- Misalignment between activity scope and license category
- Insufficient local substance or oversight planning
- Incomplete evidence of AML controls
Related
Recommended services and industries
Services that typically support applications and operations in this jurisdiction.
Licensing Strategy & Compliance
From pre-application readiness to regulator interviews, we align governance, capital, and operational requirements to secure and maintain licenses.
AML/CFT Program Design
Risk-based AML frameworks, monitoring standards, and escalation playbooks built for regulatory scrutiny and operational efficiency.
Legal Advisory & Regulatory Compliance
We translate regulator expectations into clear policies, control ownership, and reporting routines that teams can execute and defend.
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