UAE regulator reports 43% surge in licensed firms as markets show resilience
By Business & Property Desk2 min read
The number of companies holding licences from the UAE Capital Market Authority (CMA) grew by 43 per cent in the first nine months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, the regulator said on Monday, pointing to resilient market conditions and stronger oversight.
The count of accredited professionals in the financial sector rose by 64 per cent, reflecting the expansion of the country’s regulated financial services ecosystem, the CMA stated.
Market Performance
The combined market capitalisation of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) stood at Dh3.7 trillion at the end of September. Total traded value over the nine months reached Dh408 billion, with foreign investors accounting for 49 per cent of activity.
Both the ADX and DFM general indices closed September higher than a year earlier, and market volatility eased during the third quarter, the authority noted.
Bond and sukuk issuances during the period totalled Dh576 billion. Companies completed capital increases worth approximately Dh3.4 billion.
The investment funds sector also expanded. The number of local funds jumped 94 per cent to 97, while their assets under management grew 30 per cent to Dh28.6 billion.
Enforcement and Investor Protection
The CMA intensified its enforcement actions. Financial penalties imposed rose 246 per cent year-on-year, with their total value increasing 23 per cent to Dh12.9 million. The number of warnings issued surged 767 per cent.
Complaints handled climbed 192 per cent. Some Dh1.2 billion was refunded to clients, compared with Dh8 million in the same period of 2025.
The period saw the implementation of Federal Decree-Laws No. 32 and 33 of 2025, which took effect on 1 January 2026. These laws enhance the CMA’s regulatory independence, supervisory powers and mechanisms for investor protection and market stability.
Regulatory Developments
The authority issued six regulatory instruments during the nine months. These included the Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework, Basel III-aligned capital requirements for licensed firms and expanded flexibility in the use of collateral. Seven further legislative proposals are in progress, and a consultation paper on corporate governance disclosure has been released.
Under the virtual assets framework, 102 virtual assets were registered for admission to trading through the CMA’s new digital service in the third quarter.
Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer of the CMA, said: “Despite the challenges faced by global financial markets in 2026, the UAE’s capital markets continued to demonstrate resilience and adaptability, underpinned by strong regulatory foundations and advanced infrastructure.”
He added that the growth in licensed companies and continued capital raising reflected the strength of the markets and their capacity to support economic activity. “Looking ahead, we aim to further enhance their competitiveness and reinforce the UAE’s position as a trusted destination for long-term investment,” he said.
Al Awadhi said the CMA’s focus is on a more proactive and efficient supervisory approach, stronger investor protection and market transparency, and the use of advanced technologies to support responsible innovation.
