UAE Capital Market Authority Records Strong Regulatory Performance and Liquidity in 2025

Abu dhabi: The UAE Capital Market Authority (CMA) recorded integrated regulatory performance in 2025, reflecting the strength of its legislative framework, the flexibility of its supervisory system, and growing confidence among domestic and international investors, reinforcing market depth and the UAE's position as a regional and global financial hub. According to Emirates News Agency, the CMA's 2025 annual report, issued Monday, highlighted strong liquidity in financial markets, with average daily trading reaching AED2.21 billion, marking a 24.16 percent increase compared to 2024. Net foreign investment inflows totaled AED18.7 billion, including AED 14.1 billion in Abu Dhabi and AED 4.6 billion in Dubai, while net institutional investment reached AED 1.17 billion. The market capitalization of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange rose to AED 3.14 trillion, up 4.7 percent, while the Dubai Financial Market reached AED 0.98 trillion, marking growth of 7.6 percent. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the CMA, note d the UAE's financial sector is undergoing a transformation where national vision intersects with global market dynamics, emphasizing the development of an advanced regulatory environment that balances economic growth, financial stability, and institutional confidence. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer, highlighted 2025 as a milestone in the Authority's journey, with a strategic framework combining legislative development, supervisory efficiency, and support for innovation to ensure sustainable growth and reinforce confidence in financial markets. The report indicated strong momentum in issuance activity during 2025, with total equity listings reaching approximately AED 14.53 billion, including AED 7.29 billion through initial public offerings and AED 7.24 billion through direct listings, alongside AED 6.12 billion in capital increases. The value of listed bonds and sukuk reached AED 27.6 billion, while bond and sukuk issuances through private placements totaled AED 638 billion. Green bonds an d sukuk amounted to AED 8.6 billion. During the year, four companies were listed, and five public joint-stock companies registered, while three mergers and acquisitions were approved, bringing the total number of companies to 199 by year-end. Local investment funds expanded significantly, with licensed funds reaching 37 in 2025 compared to 18 in 2024, representing growth of 106 percent. End-of-service gratuity savings funds totaled 13. The total number of foreign investment funds registered with the Authority reached 158, in addition to 44 funds registered under passporting agreements and four foreign funds registered for listing purposes by the end of 2025. The licensing sector experienced growth, with 244 licensed companies and 602 total licenses issued, including 252 new activities. The Authority provided 259 legal consultations, reviewed 58 grievances, and obtained 12 ISO certifications. It strengthened its risk-based supervisory framework, conducting on-site inspections for 80 out of 84 targeted compan ies, assessing risks for 155 licensed firms, and organizing 14 compliance workshops attended by 2,291 participants. On enforcement, the Authority handled 75 complaints and took 324 supervisory actions, including 99 warnings, 82 alerts, 73 financial penalties, and 44 referrals to the Public Prosecution, in addition to two trading suspensions and four directives. The CMA also enhanced its international presence, with total memoranda of understanding reaching 166, including seven newly signed agreements. It held 52 bilateral international meetings, processed 65 requests from IOSCO members, and participated in 10 international conferences and meetings. In terms of human capital, the Authority continued investing in national talent, with Emiratisation reaching 82.8 percent. The workforce totaled 169 employees, with women representing 42.8 percent and holding 9.1 percent of leadership positions.