- UAE’s new decree centralizes monetary authority and sharpens sector-wide oversight.
- Updated rules boost supervision, governance standards, and institutional accountability.
- Customer protection strengthens through stricter reporting, oversight, and intervention powers.
The United Arab Emirates has introduced a wide regulatory overhaul that reshapes how the Central Bank functions across the national financial system. The new framework expands regulatory tools, sharpens institutional responsibilities, and links decision making with clearer accountability.
Consequently, the decree-law positions the Central Bank as the primary authority for monetary policy, sector supervision, and financial stability, while also clarifying how licensed institutions, insurers, and market infrastructure operators must meet national standards.
Besides, the updated model aims to create stronger oversight across banking, insurance, payments, and emerging financial technologies. Hence, the new structure supports a more predictable regulatory environment and helps institutions understand their obligations within the broader financial ecosystem.
Clearer Powers and Institutional Responsibilities
The decree-law confirms the Central Bank as a federal institution with full operational and financial independence. It reports directly to the President and operates under its own regulations.
Additionally, the framework separates the Bank from general public finance procedures, which allows greater flexibility in monetary operations. The law also defines which institutions fall under direct supervision.
Hence, banks, insurers, finance companies, and payment firms must comply with Central Bank rules. Financial free zones remain outside the scope because they follow separate legislation. Moreover, government-related entities must coordinate with the Central Bank when their work affects the national financial sector.
Governance rules also receive major updates. The Board of Directors includes seven qualified members who serve renewable four-year terms. Each member must demonstrate financial or economic experience, hold UAE nationality, and avoid conflicts of interest.
The Central Bank also manages a defined capital structure that includes paid-up capital and reserve accounts. Additionally, annual audited statements support transparency and allow policymakers to track financial performance.
Related: UAE Executes First Government Payment Using Digital Dirham via mBridge Platform
Stronger Market Supervision and Customer Protection
The framework expands supervisory powers across markets, settlement systems, and risk-management platforms. Moreover, the Central Bank can impose strict requirements on liquidity, exposures, internal controls, and corporate governance.
Licensed institutions must submit accurate reports and maintain guarantees linked to their activities. Institutions also face limits on real estate ownership, share acquisitions, and lending related to their own stock. These measures seek to reduce concentration risk and improve credit discipline.
Customer protection receives heightened attention. Banks and insurers must address complaints within clear timelines. Any unresolved cases move to an independent unit at the Central Bank. Additionally, institutions must protect customer information, strengthen authentication tools, and ensure full disclosure of fees.
The decree-law also strengthens intervention powers. The Central Bank can replace management, require capital increases, merge troubled entities, or begin liquidation when necessary. Consequently, the framework reinforces stability and provides a structured roadmap for handling distressed institutions.
Related: UAE’s Commercial Bank International Launched a New Hub for AI, Tokenization and Web3: Meet CBIx
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Source: https://coinedition.com/uae-sets-comprehensive-structure-for-central-bank-authority-under-new-decree-law/
