The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) continues to write new chapters of global leadership and impact through forward-looking strategies and milestone decisions that are redefining the future of regional and international financial markets. The SCA’s Board of Directors convened its third meeting of 2025, chaired by H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa and attended by Deputy Chairman H.E. Faisal Yousef Sulaitin, CEO H.E. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, and Board Members H.E. Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Rumaithi, H.E. Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, H.E. Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, H.E. Arif Mohammed Amiri, and Mr. Rashid Ali Al Neyadi.
During the meeting, the Board approved a series of strategic decisions that reaffirm the SCA’s commitment to accelerating the development of the financial markets sector and aligning its regulatory framework with global best practices. These decisions are intended to enhance the UAE’s market competitiveness and support the country’s broader vision for economic transformation.
Commenting on this milestone, H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the SCA, stated: “Our vision is grounded in a firm belief in the UAE’s role as a global hub for future economic transformation, driven by the development of an integrated financial ecosystem built on innovation and regulatory excellence. This approach strengthens the UAE’s role as a key financial player actively shaping the global economic landscape.”
H.E. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, reaffirmed the SCA’s commitment to driving a transformative shift in the global economic system, positioning the UAE as a benchmark for regulatory innovation and investor protection. He said:“We are not merely keeping pace with global developments; we are actively reshaping them by setting new standards that unlock unprecedented opportunities for sustainable growth. Through an innovative regulatory framework, we are redefining transparency, accountability, and excellence, establishing the UAE as a global leader in advancing the international economy.”
The Board also reviewed the SCA’s key performance indicators for the first half of 2025, demonstrating the success of forward-looking strategies that elevate the UAE’s influence in global financial markets. The SCA recorded exceptional growth, with a 55% increase in newly issued licenses and a 60% rise in the total number of licensed companies compared to the same period in 2024. Licensed local investment funds increased by 79%, driving a record 230% growth in total assets under management. Meanwhile, registered foreign investment funds grew by 54%, and the value of registered bond and sukuk programs rose by 35% compared to the first half of 2024. These figures highlight the SCA’s capacity to attract global investment and solidify the UAE’s strategic position on the global investment map.
As part of its ongoing commitment to investor protection and market transparency, the Board reviewed progress on unclaimed dividends and dormant account balances held by brokerage firms. By the end of the second quarter of 2025, approximately AED 190 million had been disbursed to rightful beneficiaries.
In a strategic move reflecting strong regulatory integration within the UAE, the Board approved the formation of a coordinating Committee chaired by the SCA, with members from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), and a distinguished group of industry experts, namely Mr. Bryan Stirewalt, Mrs. Sahar Badran, and Mr. Saeed Mansour Al Awar. This committee is tasked with reviewing draft legislation, evaluating existing regulatory frameworks, and proposing amendments to enhance harmonization between regulatory authorities. This initiative strengthens the resilience and agility of the financial ecosystem and positions the UAE as a leading strategic hub in international financial markets.
The meeting also reviewed key outcomes from the landmark launch of the region’s first-ever Finfluencer registration and authorization framework, marking a transformative milestone in the digital economy’s regulatory framework. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to reinforce transparency and safeguard investors, aligning with the rapid evolution of the digital financial sector. Moreover, it creates a dynamic and forward-looking regulatory framework that promotes market integrity, drives innovation, and unlocks new avenues for the UAE’s economic influence on the global stage.
Furthermore, the Board approved a new regulatory framework governing goodwill in public joint-stock companies, recognizing it as an intangible asset that includes brand strength and corporate reputation. The framework aims to promote compliance with international accounting standards and establish clear valuation principles to support boards of directors, audit committees, and external auditors, while enhancing transparency and investor disclosure practices.
These decisions underscore the SCA’s impactful regulatory leadership and its role in advancing the integration of the global financial system through innovative practices that promote transparency and sustainability. They further elevate the UAE’s position as a proactive leader shaping the future of the global economy.
