UAE Compliance Advisory and Support
Enhance regulatory readiness and resilience with ACA Effecta’s solutions for the Middle East.
Understanding the complexities of the UAE’s regulatory environment can be challenging, with unique requirements and obstacles to address. Is your firm equipped to meet these standards and stay compliant in a rapidly changing landscape?
Our specialists can help you simplify the process, from choosing the right location to securing regulatory licenses and ongoing compliance support.
Ready to set strong foundations and build a robust compliance framework in the UAE?
Contact us today to learn how we can support your business’s success, including in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and other financial free zones.
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UAE compliance made simple
By leveraging a deep understanding of the regulatory environment in both the DIFC and ADGM, we help ensure that your business operates efficiently and in compliance with local regulatory framework.
Our ACA Effecta services include:
Authorization
Navigate the regulatory licensing process in the DIFC and ADGM with guidance that ensures all documentation and procedures align with local regulatory standards.
Compliance outsourcing
Engage experienced consultants who serve as Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officers to maintain continuous regulatory compliance.
Regulatory advisory
Access tailored advice to understand and meet the specific regulatory requirements of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) in the DIFC and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in the ADGM with confidence.
Compliance monitoring
Design, refine, and sustain compliance monitoring programs that proactively address potential risks before they become breaches.
Policies and procedures
Develop tailored frameworks that integrate seamlessly with your operations, supporting both internal and external compliance needs.
Regulatory training
Access expert-led training on compliance essentials, AML, cybersecurity, and operational resilience, tailored to DFSA and FSRA requirements.
Regulatory inspections
Prepare for DFSA and FSRA inspections with expert-led assessments that help identify compliance gaps, strengthen controls, and ensure regulatory readiness.
Mock Regulatory Reviews
Prepare for DFSA and FSRA examinations with our mock regulatory reviews. Our experts simulate real inspections to identify compliance gaps, benchmark your frameworks, and mitigate regulatory risks, ensuring your firm is always ready.
Not sure which solution you need?
Simply book a call with one of our specialists. They will guide you through the options available and help you build a plan perfect for your needs.
Why ACA Effecta?
With ACA Effecta, you get expert-led support tailored to the UAE’s unique regulatory landscape. We help you choose the right jurisdiction, develop a fit-for-purpose compliance strategy, and streamline your regulatory setup in the DIFC and ADGM.
As a trusted partner, we go beyond setup—offering practical, responsive compliance solutions that evolve with your business. Our team delivers deep regulatory insight and ongoing support, helping you stay aligned, resilient, and ready to grow.
We work with firms across the financial sector, including asset managers, brokers, exchanges, and fintechs—whether entering the market or enhancing existing operations.
We’re excited to partner with your team
Turn to ACA Effecta for:
Targeted compliance expertise
Get actionable insights aligned with DFSA and FSRA rules. We embed compliance into your operations to help keep your business resilient and compliant.
Enhanced regulatory readiness
Build a strong compliance foundation from day one. Our solutions help you meet regulatory demands and support long-term growth.
Strategic compliance optimization
Access ongoing monitoring and tailored support to boost efficiency and stay ahead of evolving compliance demands in the UAE.
Discover your compliance edge in the UAE
Set your business up for success with ACA Effecta’s unmatched expertise in UAE compliance. Whether you’re establishing a new presence, strengthening existing operations, or seeking to protect your business, our tailored solutions ensure you stay compliant, resilient, and ready to grow in a competitive market.
Ready to strengthen your compliance edge?
FAQs
UAE Compliance Advisory and Support
What are the key regulatory bodies overseeing financial services in the UAE?
The UAE has a multi-jurisdictional regulatory framework for financial services, with oversight divided between federal and financial free zone authorities. The main regulators include:
- Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE): Regulates and supervises banks, finance companies, exchange houses, and payment service providers across the UAE (excluding financial free zones like DIFC and ADGM). It also oversees certain virtual asset activities such as payment token services.
- Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA): Regulates businesses in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
- Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA): Oversees financial services in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
- Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA):Supervises securities, commodities markets, and virtual asset activities outside the financial free zones. It works in coordination with other regulators to ensure a unified national framework.
- Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA):Regulates virtual asset activities in the Emirate of Dubai (excluding DIFC), including issuance, trading, and custody of digital assets.
What are the penalties for non-compliance in the UAE?
Penalties may include substantial fines, license suspension or revocation, legal action, and reputational damage. Compliance ensures firms operate legally, maintain transparency, prevent financial crime, and build trust with regulators, clients, and stakeholders.
Which international compliance standards are applicable in the UAE?
The UAE adheres to global standards such as:
- FATF (Financial Action Task Force) guidelines
- OECD CRS (Common Reporting Standard)
- FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act)
- GIPS (Global Investment Performance Standards), where applicable
What is ACA Effecta, and how does it relate to ACA's UAE services?
ACA Effecta is our UAE-based compliance advisory brand, following the acquisition of Effecta Compliance Group in 2024. This enhances our local expertise and service delivery in the region.
Where are ACA's UAE offices located?
We have offices in:
- DIFC, Dubai
- ADGM, Abu Dhabi
This allows us to serve clients in these key financial hubs. See here for our office details (scroll to our locations and select Asia).
How does ACA stay current with UAE regulatory changes?
Our team continuously monitors regulatory developments and engages with local authorities to provide timely, accurate compliance guidance.
Can ACA assist with the initial setup of compliance functions in the UAE?
Yes. ACA supports firms establishing operations in the DIFC and ADGM by providing end-to-end compliance setup services, including:
- Regulatory license applications with the DFSA and FSRA
- Design and implementation of compliance frameworks tailored to local regulations
- Staff training and onboarding on local and international compliance standards
- Outsourced compliance roles, including Compliance Officer (CCO) and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), to help firms meet regulatory requirements from day one
Our outsourced model ensures firms have immediate access to experienced professionals while building internal capabilities over time.
Does ACA offer cybersecurity advisory services in the UAE?
Yes. We provide cybersecurity solutions including:
- Cyber risk assessments
- Third-party risk management and vendor due diligence
- Penetration testing
- Incident response planning
- Regulatory cyber compliance support
- Staff training
These services help firms meet regulatory cyber risk expectations within the region.
What is ComplianceAlpha, and how does it support firms in the UAE?
ComplianceAlpha is ACA’s award-winning RegTech platform that helps automate and streamline compliance processes. In the UAE, it supports:
- Employee compliance and personal trading
- Trade surveillance
- EComms surveillance and Enterprise Archiving
- Risk monitoring
- Regulatory reporting
What industries does ACA serve with its UAE compliance services?
We work with a wide range of financial institutions, including:
- Asset managers
- Investment banks
- Broker-dealers
- Corporate finance firms
- Exchanges and fintech firms
How can firms engage ACA for compliance support in the UAE?
Simply fill out the form here, and someone from our team will reach out shortly.
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