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UAE regulators: open and proactive?

Journalist: Hereward Mills, FT Adviser

ended 22. July 2026

This article on UAE regulators has drawn the ire of financial advisers who do not agree that “clients moving to the UAE are frequently surprised by how open and proactive the region’s regulators are”. 

In fact, one reader said: “The various UAE regulators turn a blind eye to heinous abuse of those expats from unscrupulous financial advice and investment firms. Cold calling, lying to clients, not disclosing fees, huge commissions, conflicts of interest, all run riot there. They aren't regulators, they are enablers. Hence why every dodgy IFA and Crypto scammer moves to Dubai to set up shop.”

Advisers, 

  • What are your thoughts and experiences dealing with UAE regulators? 
  • And how do UAE regulators compare with our very own FCA?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts. 

Hereward

2 responses from the Newspage community

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Editor
Eugen Neagu
Director at N2 Asset Management Limited
Although there were some improvements and the UAE regulatory rulebook was updated, it is still well behind what the UK, the U.S., Canada or Australia requires. There is also a lot to be desired on the issue of enforcing the rules, having an Ombudsman, and paying compensation when advice is unsuitable.

However, it is worth mentioning that some UAE based financial advisory firms started moving to a fee only financial planning service which is very good news for residents in the UAE. If more retail clients will avoid firms which get paid by commission from providers, value for money of the financial advice service would increase quickly. Reducing dependence of providers also leads to better investment choices, adoption of an evidence based investment process and the addition of financial planning as a valuable service.
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Editor
Harvey Dhillon
Founder & CEO at Zmartly
I have never dealt with UAE regulators, so I will not rate them against the FCA. What matters if you move there is what happens when the advice goes wrong. The safety net does not get on the plane with you. Advice from an FCA-authorised UK firm has two safety nets. If the firm still trades, you complain to it, then to the Financial Ombudsman Service. If it has failed, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme can pay each person up to £85,000 for each failed firm on investment advice claims. A £50,000 loss can come back in full. A £300,000 one cannot. Buy the same advice offshore and that cover generally does not apply. It belongs to the UK firm, not to you. Your UK tax does travel. Dubai has no personal income tax, but rent from a UK property is still taxable here. Check the firm on the FCA's Financial Services Register and ask in writing whether the Ombudsman and FSCS cover you. Get that answer wrong and you are not losing a complaint. You never had one to bring.