United Arab Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority reports AED 1.2 billion returned to clients as enforcement activity rises

The United Arab Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority has published its review of the first nine months of 2026, reporting a 43% annual increase in licensed firms alongside continued capital raising and increased enforcement activity. Trading on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market totaled AED 408 billion, with foreign investors accounting for 49%. Their combined market capitalization reached AED 3.7 trillion at the end of September. Bond and sukuk issuance totaled AED 576 billion, while companies raised about AED 3.4 billion through capital increases. Investor protection activity included about AED 1.2 billion returned to clients, compared with approximately AED 8 million during the same period of 2025. The number of financial penalties increased 246% annually, while their total value rose 23% to AED 12.9 million. The number of complaints handled increased 192%. The authority issued six regulatory instruments during the period, including its virtual assets framework, capital requirements aligned with Basel III for licensed firms and greater flexibility in the use of collateral. The virtual assets framework, issued in April, expanded regulated activities from three to eight. Its implementation progressed with 102 virtual assets registered through a new digital service during the third quarter ahead of admission to trading. Further regulatory and digital development will focus on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and asset tokenization.