{"id":91207,"date":"2026-10-26T18:55:21","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T13:25:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enterslice.com\/learning\/?p=91207"},"modified":"2026-10-26T18:56:06","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T13:26:06","slug":"uae-cma-capital-adequacy-compliance-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enterslice.com\/learning\/ae\/uae-cma-capital-adequacy-compliance-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"Regulated Financial Activity in the UAE: CMA (Formerly SCA) Capital Adequacy & Compliance Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"

A regulated financial activity in the UAE is a particular type of financial activity that requires regulatory approval before offering such an activity to its customers. In most instances, having a general trade license alone does not suffice to carry out activities such as investment management, brokerage, or other types of capital market<\/a> activities. Application for a UAE CMA financial license depends on the financial activity itself and its corresponding licensing category. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The regulations have since been updated from the old SCA (Securities and Commodities Authority) regulatory system to the new Capital Market Authority (CMA) system, but with all the necessary stringent requirements for protecting investors and ensuring market integrity. It is important to note that the licensing process is the beginning of the process, as firms will need to comply with capital adequacy, risk management, reporting, and renewal requirements during the lifetime of their financial activity license. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having trouble determining which financial license you should pursue? Enterslice can assist with your regulatory needs.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a UAE CMA Financial License? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A Financial Activity License Is Not a General Business license. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A UAE CMA financial license is an authorization from a regulatory body that allows an organisation to engage in particular regulated financial activities under the UAE capital markets regime. This is different from a general business or trade license. While the trade license creates the business, it does not guarantee that the regulated financial services can be provided. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Rulebook under the old SCA (Securities and Commodities Authority), any regulated financial business shall not be conducted unless the necessary license and regulatory approval have been obtained. The necessary approval shall depend on the type of financial business, organisational structure, and compliance capabilities of the firm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

License Category Vs. Specific Financial Activity <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The regulatory framework follows a structured model: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Category → Financial Activity → Approved Personnel <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n