The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) hosted the 19th Annual Conference of the International Operational Risk Working Group (IORWG) in Abu Dhabi from 30 September to 2 October 2025 and used the opening to flag an updated operational risk management regulation and standards that have been extended to all licensed financial institutions, in line with Basel Committee on Banking Supervision principles. The programme focused on integrated risk management supported by advanced governance, risk analysis and artificial intelligence capabilities, vendor and third-party risks, and individual risk, alongside wider discussions on risk mitigation and operational process management. Operational resilience was positioned as a top priority in the CBUAE’s regulatory action plan, particularly for risks arising from rapid technological advances, and the Governor pointed to additional standards under development on third-party risk management, cyber resilience, business continuity and disaster recovery planning. The CBUAE also referenced its Open Finance Regulation launched in 2024 and its Central Bank Digital Currency initiative as part of broader financial innovation efforts. Further standards are still being developed and no timelines were set out.
Central Bank of the UAE 2025-10-01
Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates hosts IORWG conference and highlights expanded operational risk rules for all licensed financial institutions
The UAE Central Bank hosted the 19th Annual Conference of the International Operational Risk Working Group, highlighting updated operational risk management regulations for licensed financial institutions, aligned with Basel principles. The event emphasized integrated risk management, operational resilience, and standards for third-party risk, cyber resilience, and business continuity. The CBUAE also noted its Open Finance Regulation and Central Bank Digital Currency initiative as part of its financial innovation strategy.