The UAE is playing an active role in shaping the future of global financial regulation, adopting a forward-looking approach that balances flexible legislation with strong oversight to keep pace with fast-evolving markets, said Waleed Al Awadhi, CEO of the Capital Market Authority (CMA).
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Awadhi shared that 2026 will bring new regulatory frameworks targeting specialised securities trading platforms and collective investment schemes, aimed at broadening investment instruments and offering greater choice to market participants.
He added that the Authority is also working on governance frameworks for the use of artificial intelligence in finance, alongside the introduction of public whistleblowing programmes and incentive schemes designed to strengthen market integrity.
After being unanimously re-elected as Chair of IOSCO’s Africa and Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) for the 2026–2028 term, Al Awadhi said the decision underscores international trust in the UAE’s capabilities and its growing influence in shaping the global financial ecosystem.
He explained that this achievement reflects years of institutional progress that have positioned the UAE as a key force in global finance. During his tenure, the committee will prioritise managing technological transformation, particularly the rise of AI and digital platforms. This includes collaborating with platform providers to address misleading financial information and deploying AI-powered supervisory tools to tackle cross-border risks. The committee will also contribute to global research on quantum computing and asset tokenisation.
Al Awadhi highlighted that regional markets have moved beyond their emerging status to become influential contributors to global regulatory discussions. He noted that the UAE’s adaptable regulatory framework enables it to embrace innovation, especially in digital assets, while maintaining financial stability.
He pointed to strong growth in the UAE’s investment landscape, with the number of domestic investment funds rising to 88 from 46 at the end of 2024. This expansion has been supported by global connectivity efforts, including mutual recognition agreements with Hong Kong and the anticipated rollout of the GCC cross-listing mechanism for investment funds.
Al Awadhi concluded by confirming that upcoming regulations governing financial content on digital platforms will promote greater transparency and accuracy, further reinforcing the UAE’s appeal as a leading global destination for capital.
