Abu Dhabi:The Capital Market Authority (CMA) reported a significant rise in the number of licensed companies in the United Arab Emirates, with a 43% increase during the first nine months of 2026. This growth was accompanied by enhanced regulatory oversight and sustained financing activity in the region's financial services sector.
According to Wam, the expansion reflects the growth of the UAE's regulated financial services ecosystem. The number of accredited professionals saw a 64% year-on-year increase. Additionally, the combined market capitalization of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) reached AED3.7 trillion by the end of September 2026, with a total traded value of AED408 billion.
Foreign investors played a significant role, accounting for 49% of the traded value, and both the ADX and DFM indices closed higher than the previous year. Market conditions became more stable in the third quarter, contributing to eased volatility.
Capital-raising efforts remained robust, with bond and sukuk issuances totaling AED576 billion in the first nine months. Companies also completed about AED3.4 billion in capital increases. The investment funds sector grew, with local investment funds increasing by 94% to 97, and assets under management rising by 30% to AED28.6 billion.
The CMA focused on investor protection and effective enforcement, with financial penalties increasing by 246% year-on-year, totaling AED12.9 million. Warnings issued surged by 767%, and complaints handled rose by 192%, with approximately AED1.2 billion refunded to clients.
The Authority's CEO, Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, emphasized the commitment to regulatory initiatives supporting the UAE's economic ambitions and the resilience of capital markets despite global challenges. The implementation of Federal Decree-Laws No. 32 and 33 of 2025 enhanced CMA's regulatory independence and investor protection mechanisms.
New regulatory instruments, including a Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework and Basel III-aligned requirements, were introduced. The CMA also advanced investor education, with 224 awareness activities conducted.
International cooperation was strengthened through memoranda with regulators in Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, and Mauritius. Al Awadhi was re-elected as Chair of the IOSCO's Africa and Middle East Regional Committee.
Looking forward, the CMA aims to continue its regulatory and digital transformation, focusing on emerging technologies to modernize market supervision and develop new investment opportunities.