DFSA Publishes 2025-2026 Business Plan

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has launched its Business Plan for 2025-2026, aiming to strengthen the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) as a leading global financial hub. The plan aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, Digital Dubai, and the DIFC 2030 Strategy, focusing on regulatory excellence, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.

The 2025-2026 Business Plan centres around four main themes:

• Delivery: Ensuring regulations remain effective and adaptable to the changing financial sector.
• Engagement: Strengthening partnerships with stakeholders and fostering collaboration across the industry.
• Innovation: Embracing new technologies to enhance financial services and maintain DIFC’s competitive edge.
• Sustainability: Supporting long-term economic, environmental, and social initiatives.

The DFSA’s key priorities for 2025-2026 include:

• Risk-based Regulation: This involves strengthening oversight, aligning with global standards, and collaborating with regulators.
• Technology & Innovation: The DFSA wants to focus on adapting regulations in order to provide clarity on emerging trends like artificial intelligence (AI) and fintech. 
• Fighting Financial Crime & Cybersecurity: As well as a continued focus on preventing financial crime, the DFSA plans to strengthen cyber resilience in the DIFC and expand the Threat Intelligence Platform internationally.
• Investing in Talent: The DFSA is committed to developing a strong, future-ready workforce, with a focus on nurturing Emirati professionals.

DFSA Chief Executive Ian Johnston reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the DIFC a top financial hub, stating: “Our Business Plan emphasises agility, collaboration, transparency, and regulatory excellence - key elements to navigating the ever-evolving financial landscape.”

Fadel Al Ali, Chairman of the DFSA, also emphasised the organisation's dedication to maintaining international regulatory best practices. “By enhancing our regulatory frameworks and embracing digital transformation, we aim to support DIFC’s growth and contribute to Dubai’s and the UAE’s prosperity.”

For more information, or to download the DFSA’s Business Plan for 2025-2026, click here.