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SCA UAE Launches Risk-Assessment Methodology for Licensed Companies

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Summary

The UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) held a workshop on 5 December 2025 introducing an updated annual risk-assessment methodology to licensed companies. The workshop was attended by 587 representatives from 215 companies. The methodology covers money laundering and terrorism financing risks, solvency and financial risks, market conduct and investor protection, operational and governance risks, and cybersecurity and technology-related threats. SCA also introduced a new electronic system for receiving corporate responses.

“The updated methodology focuses on key risk areas that affect market stability, including money laundering and terrorism financing risks, solvency and financial risks, market conduct and investor protection, operational and governance risks, and cybersecurity and technology-related threats.”

SCA UAE , verbatim from source
Published by SCA UAE on sca.gov.ae . Detected, standardized, and enriched by GovPing. Review our methodology and editorial standards .

What changed

The SCA announced the launch of an updated risk-assessment methodology at a workshop on 5 December 2025. The new methodology, developed in line with international best practices, addresses money laundering and terrorism financing risks, solvency and financial risks, market conduct and investor protection, operational and governance risks, and cybersecurity and technology threats. SCA also introduced a new electronic system for secure digital submission of corporate responses.

Licensed companies should note the expanded risk scope, particularly the explicit inclusion of cybersecurity and technology risks alongside traditional financial and compliance risks. The SCA has indicated this transition aims to reduce redundant reporting while improving supervisory effectiveness, which may streamline compliance obligations over time.

Scheduled event

Date
2025-12-05

Archived snapshot

Apr 20, 2026

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News Details

SCA Charts the Future of the Financial Sector with Innovative Risk-Assessment Methodology

Friday, 05 December 2025

The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has entered a new phase of smart regulatory oversight with an extensive workshop introducing licensed companies to its updated risk-assessment methodology, developed in line with international best practices and supervisory requirements. The workshop saw wide participation, with over 587 representatives from more than 215 companies, demonstrating the sector’s commitment to keeping pace with regulatory developments and maintaining the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

SCA representatives delivered a thorough presentation on the enhanced annual risk-assessment methodology, which will serve as a central framework informing supervisory and oversight efforts in the period ahead. The updated methodology focuses on key risk areas that affect market stability, including money laundering and terrorism financing risks, solvency and financial risks, market conduct and investor protection, operational and governance risks, and cybersecurity and technology-related threats.

During the session, SCA officials introduced a new electronic system for receiving corporate responses and explained how to complete digital forms and submit data securely and seamlessly. They emphasized that this digital transition goes well beyond data standardization and improved reporting. It supports regulated entities in meeting compliance obligations, promotes supervisory efficiency, and enhances the SCA’s ability to anticipate risks and act proactively. The new methodology eases the administrative burden on companies by minimizing redundant reporting requirements and streamlining data collection, which highlights the value it delivers and its positive impact on supervisory effectiveness and the business environment.

Commenting on this initiative, H.E. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, said: “This day marks a turning point in the evolution of the UAE’s financial sector. The launch of the updated risk-assessment methodology is more than an enhanced supervisory approach; it is a comprehensive strategy to build a sustainable and resilient financial sector capable of navigating emerging challenges. It helps strengthen risk-based oversight, foster compliance, and reinforce investor confidence in the UAE’s markets, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the national economy.”

The SCA noted that the strong engagement of licensed companies throughout the workshop demonstrates a genuine commitment to modern regulatory practices and to fostering a solid risk-management culture. It underscored the importance of sustained communication and collaboration with the sector to ensure smooth and effective implementation, support sustainable growth, and enhance market resilience and ability to address future challenges with confidence.

With this initiative, the SCA reaffirms its leading position as a regulator committed to innovation and to strengthening transparency, efficiency, and stability across the financial sector in line with international best practices, thereby solidifying the UAE’s standing among the region’s and the world’s most advanced and mature financial markets.

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Last updated

Classification

Agency
SCA UAE
Published
December 5th, 2025
Instrument
Notice
Branch
Executive
Legal weight
Non-binding
Stage
Final
Change scope
Minor

Who this affects

Applies to
Investors Financial advisers Public companies
Industry sector
5231 Securities & Investments
Activity scope
Risk-assessment methodology Electronic filing systems Supervisory oversight
Geographic scope
AE AE

Taxonomy

Primary area
Securities
Operational domain
Compliance
Topics
Anti-Money Laundering Financial Services

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