Arakan Lexara Weekly · 28 Sep – 4 Oct 2026
DFSA enacts significant rulebook amendments impacting Islamic finance, business conduct, and prudential standards.
This week saw a surge in regulatory activity, particularly from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), which enacted high-impact amendments across several key areas including Islamic finance, business conduct, and prudential standards. These changes are crucial for firms operating in the DIFC to align with international standards and enhance operational clarity. Compliance officers and advisers need to closely review these amendments to ensure adherence to the updated regulatory framework.
16
new items
5
high impact
5
regulators
3
open consultations
Key developments
1 · Dubai Financial Services Authority · High impact
Islamic Finance Rules (IFR) Rule-making Instrument (No. 445) 2026
The amendments to the Islamic Finance Rules aim to align with international standards, enhancing clarity for firms.
Who's affected: Firms engaged in Islamic finance within the DIFC.
Next step: Review and adjust compliance frameworks to align with new IFR amendments.
2 · Dubai Financial Services Authority · High impact
Conduct of Business Module (COB) Rule-making Instrument (No. 444) 2026
Enhancements to the Conduct of Business Module focus on consumer protection and fair client treatment.
Who's affected: All firms operating under DFSA regulations.
Next step: Review and update business conduct policies to comply with the new COB requirements.
3 · Dubai Financial Services Authority · High impact
Strengthened prudential requirements aim to enhance financial stability and resilience of firms in the DIFC.
Who's affected: Financial institutions within the DIFC.
Next step: Assess and adjust capital and risk management strategies in line with the new PIB rules.
4 · Dubai Multi Commodities Centre · High impact
New Foundations Regulations expand private wealth and structuring offerings, attracting high-net-worth individuals.
Who's affected: Wealth management firms and family offices in the DMCC.
Next step: Review the new regulations and assess their impact on existing and future wealth structuring strategies.
5 · Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM · Medium impact
Consultation Paper No. 4 of 2026 – Proposed Strata Regulations 2026
The consultation on proposed Strata Regulations seeks to enhance governance and operational standards in strata management.
Who's affected: Stakeholders in the strata management sector.
Next step: Review the consultation paper and provide feedback by the deadline.
Patterns this week
- Regulatory Alignment and Enhancement. Several amendments aim to align UAE regulations with international standards, enhancing clarity and operational efficiency.
What firms are asked to do
- Review and adjust compliance frameworks to align with new IFR amendments.Dubai Financial Services Authority — Islamic Finance Rules (IFR) Rule-making Instrument (No. 445) 2026
- Firms must review and update their business conduct policies to comply with the new COB requirements.Dubai Financial Services Authority — Conduct of Business Module (COB) Rule-making Instrument (No. 444) 2026
- Financial institutions must assess and adjust their capital and risk management strategies in line with the new PIB rules.Dubai Financial Services Authority — Prudential – Investment, Insurance Intermediation and Banking Business Module (PIB) Rule-making Instrument (No. 443) 2026
Coming up — next 45 days
Regulator activity
The DFSA was notably more active with 8 items this week compared to a 1/week average recently, indicating a significant regulatory push.
| Regulator | This week | 3-week avg |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Financial Services Authority | 8 ▲ | 1 |
| Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM | 4 ▲ | 1 |
| Federal Tax Authority | 2 ▲ | 0.3 |
| Dubai Multi Commodities Centre | 1 | 0.3 |
| Real Estate Regulatory Authority — Dubai | 1 | 0 |
Found automatically on regulators' websites and summarised by AI, without manual review. Not legal advice — check the official source before relying on any item.