The DFSA and The Union of Arab Securities Authorities lead regional discussion on innovation and regulatory advancement
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), in collaboration with the Union of Arab Securities Authorities (UASA), hosted a high-level Regulatory Insights Session focused on fostering innovation across the financial services sector in the Arab region. Held in the DIFC, the session brought together senior representatives from both financial regulatory and capital market authorities from the region to explore opportunities, challenges, and regulatory approaches in the rapidly evolving financial services landscape.
The session, which was held during the Dubai AI Week 2025, served as a platform for open dialogue on the integration of financial technology, digital assets, artificial intelligence, and other emerging innovations into regulatory frameworks. It also emphasised the importance of regional cooperation among Arab securities regulators to support sustainable growth, investor protection, and market integrity.
Fadel Al Ali, Chairman of the DFSA, welcomed the initiative, stating:
'Innovation is no longer a concept of the future – it is a present-day imperative. At the DFSA, we believe that by fostering collaborative dialogue and sharing regulatory insights, we can build a dynamic, forward-looking financial ecosystem that balances innovation with strong regulatory safeguards. Our partnership with the Union of Arab Securities Authorities reflects a shared commitment to shaping a resilient and competitive financial future for Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and the wider region.'
HE Dr Tamy Bin Ahmed Bin Ali Al-Binali, Chairman of the UASA, added:
'Our region is rich in opportunity, and innovation is key to unlocking its full potential. This session marks an important step in aligning regulatory visions and approaches across Arab securities authorities. Through collaboration, we aim to empower our markets, ensure investor confidence, and embrace technologies that are reshaping financial services globally.'
The event featured sessions on various topics such as the DFSA's Innovation Testing Licence, the DIFC financial services ecosystem, and the role of regional cooperation in accelerating innovation.
The DFSA also took the opportunity to provide an update on its Cyber Threat Intelligence Platform.
Established in 2020 as the first regulator-led cyber threat intelligence platform in the Middle East region, the DFSA Threat Intelligence Platform plays a critical role in safeguarding and enhancing the cybersecurity landscape within the DIFC. Businesses are encouraged to leverage and capitalise on the platform to strengthen their cyber defence with actionable intelligence. Since inception, the DFSA's Threat Intelligence Platform has issued more than 46 million compromise indicators to users a major milestone underscoring the platform's impact.
The DFSA also plans to scale the Threat Intelligence Platform with new data feeds to promote further threat intelligence and information sharing. Find out more about the DFSA's Threat Intelligence Platform.
The Regulatory Insights session included a tour of the DIFC Innovation Hub – a thriving facility which aims to generate new economic value by fostering innovation, enterprise, and talent across various sectors especially in future-orientated industries. The session concluded with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation and knowledge exchange through future joint initiatives.
For further information, please contact:
Corporate Communications
Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
Level 13, The Gate, West Wing
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 (0)4 362 1500
Email: DFSAcorpcomms@dfsa.ae
https://www.dfsa.ae/
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Channel Post MEA
32 minutes ago
- Channel Post MEA
GBM And Arab Open University Forge Cybersecurity Alliance
Gulf Business Machines (GBM) has announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arab Open University (AOU) aimed at fortifying cybersecurity resilience, building digital trust, and supporting the sustained evolution of secure digital learning in the region's education sector. Headquartered in Kuwait, AOU is a pioneering non-profit institution committed to providing accessible and high-quality blended learning opportunities across the Arab world. In response to the rising volume and sophistication of cyber threats targeting academic institutions, the agreement sets the foundation for a full-spectrum cybersecurity engagement. The initiative will be powered by GBM's proprietary COR. platform, delivering a comprehensive suite of Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services, integration, and cybersecurity consultancy. As part of the engagement, GBM Kuwait (also known as Khorafi Business Machines – KBM) will provide AOU with 24×7 threat monitoring, threat hunting, digital forensics, and strategic advisory support. Leveraging the vendor-agnostic GBM Shield framework and the AI-powered COR. platform, the university will benefit from deep visibility, predictive analytics, and fast response capabilities to reduce risk exposure and increase operational resilience. 'At Arab Open University, we view cybersecurity not just as a technical necessity, but as a strategic enabler of educational progress,' said Prof. Omar Al-Jarrah, Vice President for Planning and Development and CIO at Arab Open University. 'By partnering with GBM, we are investing in the safety and integrity of our digital infrastructure, empowering our faculty and students with the confidence to teach, learn, and collaborate without disruption. This collaboration reinforces our role as a future-ready institution committed to delivering secure, high-quality education across Kuwait and the wider region.' Established in 2002, AOU Kuwait serves as a central hub for more than nine Arab countries, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields like Business Administration, Information Technology and Computing, English Language and Literature, and Education, in partnership with the Open University in the United Kingdom. Through this collaboration, AOU demonstrates a forward-thinking commitment to protecting its digital ecosystem while enhancing student and faculty experiences through secure, uninterrupted access to digital education platforms. The partnership also represents GBM's expanding leadership in securing educational environments and reinforces its position as the cybersecurity partner of choice for public sector institutions in Kuwait and across the region. 'The education sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation, and with it comes a heightened responsibility to safeguard sensitive academic and personal data. Academic institutions must take proactive steps to protect their people, platforms, and intellectual capital. Leveraging our deep local expertise and comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, we are proud to support AOU in building a secure, trusted digital learning environment that enables innovation and academic excellence. Our partnership with the university reflects our shared commitment to securing the digital foundation and embedding robust, proactive cybersecurity into the heart of modern education,' said Wassim Seliman, General Manager of GBM Kuwait. As regional education systems accelerate their digital agendas, this initiative highlights how an intelligent, layered cybersecurity framework can not only defend against modern cyber threats but also unlock more engaging and secure digital classroom experiences to deliver world-class education for the region's future generations.
Gulf Business
an hour ago
- Gulf Business
Dubai's Binghatti launches DIFC-based Shariah-compliant asset management firm
Image: Binghatti Holding UAE's based luxury real estate developer The new entity plans to manage approximately $1bn in Shariah-compliant private credit and real estate strategies. Binghatti Capital has received authorisation from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator for financial services conducted in or from DIFC. The firm is licensed to work exclusively with professional clients. As part of its real estate strategy, Binghatti Capital will implement separate mandates covering the acquisition and sale of off-plan residential properties, as well as the development and sale of residential projects. Its private credit platform will offer supply chain financing solutions to construction companies, property management entities, and key sector suppliers. In addition to private funds, Binghatti Capital will offer discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio mandates, providing tailored investment solutions to meet the specific objectives of professional clients. Read: Move to deepen Binghatti Holding's investment footprint Katralnada Binghatti, Executive Director of Binghatti Capital, said: 'The creation of an asset management arm represents a strategic move to deepen Binghatti Holding's investment footprint and enhance access to alternative capital. 'We believe that Binghatti Capital's offerings are one of a kind, underscoring our long-term vision to expand into high-value, income-generating investments that deliver sustainable growth. Through our new Shariah-compliant private investment strategies, we are not only reinforcing our position in the UAE's real estate sector but are supporting Dubai's efforts to become one of the world's leading foreign investment destinations.' Shehzad Janab, SEO of Binghatti Capital, added: 'Binghatti Capital represents a strategic extension of Binghatti Holding's capabilities, designed to accelerate growth and strengthen resilience, ensuring sustained success through all market conditions. Our inaugural suite of what we believe are unique strategies represents a thoughtful, well-structured approach to real estate investing, providing access to opportunities that are typically reserved for large institutions. 'Through disciplined governance, active management, and a strong Shariah-compliant foundation, we aim to deliver compelling returns while diversifying our source of capital for Binghatti Group's future developments.' Salmaan Jaffrey, chief business development officer at DIFC Authority, said: 'We are delighted to welcome Binghatti Capital to DIFC, the region's largest financial centre and home to more than 46,000 professionals. 'Binghatti Capital's presence will further strengthen Dubai's financial ecosystem and reinforce DIFC's position as the leading hub for asset management in the region. With over 400 wealth and asset management firms, DIFC continues to be the preferred destination for asset management companies seeking growth and opportunity in the region.'
Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE real estate giant Binghatti Holding launches $1bn asset management arm in Dubai
UAE real estate developer Binghatti Holding Ltd has launched Binghatti Capital Limited, an asset management firm based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) that plans to manage approximately $1 billion in Shariah-compliant private credit and real estate strategies. The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has authorised Binghatti Capital to operate in DIFC, the financial centre serving the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia region. The firm holds a licence to engage exclusively with professional clients. 'The creation of an asset management arm represents a strategic move to deepen Binghatti Holding's investment footprint and enhance access to alternative capital. We believe that Binghatti Capital's offerings are one of a kind, underscoring our long-term vision to expand into high-value, income-generating investments that deliver sustainable growth. Through our new Shariah-compliant private investment strategies, we are not only reinforcing our position in the UAE's real estate sector but are supporting Dubai's efforts to become one of the world's leading foreign investment destinations,' Katralnada Binghatti, Executive Director of Binghatti Capital said. Binghatti creates DIFC-based asset management firm Binghatti Capital will implement separate mandates within its real estate strategy, covering the acquisition and sale of off-plan residential properties alongside the acquisition, development and sale of residential projects. The firm's private credit solutions will focus on supply chain financing within the real estate sector, providing financing to construction firms, property management entities and suppliers. 'Binghatti Capital represents a strategic extension of Binghatti Holding's capabilities, designed to accelerate growth and strengthen resilience, ensuring sustained success through all market conditions. Our inaugural suite of what we believe are unique strategies represents a thoughtful, well-structured approach to real estate investing, providing access to opportunities that are typically reserved for large institutions. Through disciplined governance, active management, and a strong Shariah-compliant foundation, we aim to deliver compelling returns while diversifying our source of capital for Binghatti Group's future developments,' Shehzad Janab, SEO of Binghatti Capital added. Beyond private funds, Binghatti Capital will offer tailored discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio mandates to provide professional clients with solutions designed to meet specific investment objectives. 'We are delighted to welcome Binghatti Capital to DIFC, the region's largest financial centre and home to more than 46,000 professionals. Binghatti Capital's presence will further strengthen Dubai's financial ecosystem and reinforce DIFC's position as the leading hub for asset management in the region. With over 400 wealth and asset management firms, DIFC continues to be the preferred destination for asset management companies seeking growth and opportunity in the region,' Salmaan Jaffrey, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority explained. DIFC serves as the independent regulator for financial services conducted in or from the centre, which positions itself as the region's primary financial hub.
