The Board of Directors of the Securities and Commodities Authority convened its third meeting of 2025 to review the key performance indicators for the first half of the year.
As announced in a press release today, the Board approved a series of strategic decisions reflecting the Authority’s commitment to accelerating development in the financial markets sector and aligning its legislation with global best practices. This initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of the UAE and aligns with the nation’s vision for future economic transformation.
The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, with Vice Chairman Faisal Youssef Sultan and Board members Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Raimithi, Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Rashid Abdul Karim Al Blooshi, Aref Mohammed Amiri, Rashid Ali Al Neyadi, along with the Authority’s CEO Walid Saeed Al Awadhi in attendance.
His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa emphasized that the Authority’s vision stems from a profound belief in the UAE’s role as a global hub for future economic transformations, supported by a comprehensive financial system founded on innovation and regulatory excellence. These elements contribute to elevating the UAE’s status as an influential financial center in shaping the future landscape of the global economy.
In turn, CEO Walid Saeed Al Awadhi reiterated the Authority’s dedication to leading significant transformations in the global economic landscape, establishing the UAE as a model of organizational innovation and investor protection.
He stated that the Authority not only keeps pace with global developments but also reshapes them by formulating new standards that open unprecedented avenues for sustainable growth. Through an innovative regulatory framework, the Authority aims to redefine transparency, accountability, and excellence, positioning the UAE at the forefront of international economic influence.
During the first half of 2025, the Authority saw remarkable growth, with new licenses increasing by 55%. The total number of licensed companies also rose by 60% compared to the same period in 2024.
Additionally, the number of licensed local investment funds surged by 79%, which was reflected in a record increase of 230% in total assets under management.
Furthermore, the number of registered foreign investment funds climbed by 54%, and the value of registered bond and sukuk programs grew by approximately 35% compared to the first half of 2024. This reflects the Authority’s ability to attract global investments and reinforces its pivotal role in establishing the UAE’s position on the global investment map.
In its commitment to safeguarding investor rights and promoting transparency, the Board reviewed updates on unclaimed dividend distributions and idle cash balances held by brokerage firms, with disbursements to beneficiaries reaching approximately AED 190 million by the end of the second quarter of 2025.
A strategic decision was made to form a coordination committee chaired by the Securities and Commodities Authority, which includes members from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), and the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), along with a select group of experts, including Brian Steerwalt, Sahar Badran, and Saeed Mansoor Al Owais.
This committee will be responsible for reviewing and assessing draft legislations in the securities and commodities sector, evaluating existing regulatory frameworks, and proposing developmental amendments that enhance coherence and integration among regulatory entities. This initiative aims to bolster the flexibility and efficiency of the financial system and solidify the UAE’s position as a leading strategic player in international financial markets.
The meeting also discussed the significant implications of launching the registration of “Finfluencers,” which represents the first initiative of its kind in the region, marking a qualitative shift in the role of regulatory bodies within the digital economy ecosystem.
This initiative aims to promote transparency and protect investors, aligning with the rapid developments in the financial digital landscape. It also contributes to fostering a flexible regulatory environment that encourages transformation, supports market integrity, and opens new avenues for economic influence internationally.
Additionally, the Board approved a new regulatory framework for measuring and evaluating goodwill in public joint-stock companies as an intangible asset, which includes brand strength and corporate reputation.
The decision aims to enhance compliance with international accounting standards and establish clear evaluation criteria that will assist boards of directors, audit committees, and external auditors in fulfilling their related obligations, alongside promoting transparency and disclosure for investors.