Clyde & Co LLP is recognised for its strength in a plethora of financial services regulatory mandates, ranging from licensing application support to advise on digital payment solutions. Peter Hodgins spearheads the practice group, working closely with Tom Bicknell.
Banking and finance: Financial services regulation in United Arab Emirates
Clyde & Co LLP
Praxisleiter:
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Al Tamimi & Company
Al Tamimi & Company offers ‘deep industry insight and strategic foresight’ to public sector bodies, private corporations and local financial institutions. The financial services regulatory practice, which is jointly spearheaded by Jody Waugh and Divya Abrol Gambhir, is adept at handling licensing applications and complex multijurisdictional compliance queries. Waugh is noted for his ability to expertly navigate DFSA regulations while Gambhir is often called upon to advise on legislative reform in this sector. Mamoon Khan impresses in development finance matters while Ali Awad is adept at handling the regulatory aspects of M&A transactions.
Praxisleiter:
Jody Waugh; Divya Abrol Gambhir
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Mamoon Khan; Ali Awad; Hedieh Shams Molavi
Referenzen
‘Al Tamimi law firm consistently delivers a level of expertise and client service that exceeds our expectations. The team‑lead, Jody Waugh, demonstrated deep industry insight and strategic foresight throughout many transactions and regulatory advises across the UAE.‘
‚Throughout the engagement, the lawyers were responsive, collaborative, and transparent, offering pragmatic solutions that protected our commercial interests and added measurable value. Their professionalism, combined with a genuine commitment to understanding our business objectives, makes them a trusted advisor we will continue to rely on for future banking and finance transactions.‘
‘Our experience with the law firm has consistently shown that the lawyers we deal with are not just technically proficient. They bring a rare blend of industry insight, commercial pragmatism and client‑first mindset that sets them apart from other top‑tier firms.‘
Kernmandanten
Janus Henderson Investors US LLC
Wyn Resorts Group
Zeal Holdings (Traze)
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- Acted for Janus Henderson Investors US LLC on their strategic entry into the emerging markets private capital sector through its acquisition of NBK Capital Partners Limited, a financial services firm licensed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in ADGM.
- Acted for Wyn Resorts Group and advised as the sole UAE law counsel on the development financing (by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Deutsche Bank AG, Emirates NBD, SMBC, First Abu Dhabi Bank) and establishment of the first gaming facility and resort in the UAE in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
- Acted for Zeal Holdings in successfully navigating the complex process of obtaining a Category 1 license from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) in the UAE for two activities.
A&O Shearman
Under the stewardship of Jodi Norman, A&O Shearman is recognised for its ability to advise on the full gamut of the financial services regulation spectrum. The team is regularly called upon by regulators, multinational financial services corporations and international banks. Norman frequently advises clients on cryptocurrency matters and tokenisation mandates, ensuring they remain compliant with regulations across multiple jurisdictions. Will Tunstall-Prince is adept at handling FSRA and ADGM licensing matters. Jamie Turner also comes recommended. Victoria Ferres left the firm in October 2025.
Praxisleiter:
Jodi Norman
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jamie Turner; Will Tunstall-Prince
Referenzen
‘Jodi Norman and her team are exceptionally knowledgeable in UAE Financial Services Regulations. They always provide detailed, commercial and useable advice. They are my first point of contact for financial services regulatory matters.’
Kernmandanten
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
AC Limited
ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority
AJ Gallager
Bank of America
Barclays
Barrenjoey
Blue Horizon Advisors
BNP Paribas
Checkout.com
Circle
Davidson Kempner
DFM / NASDAQ Dubai
Dubai Future Foundation
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
e& / e& money
Emirates NBD
Etihad Airways
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Fisher Investments
G42
Goldman Sachs
Hub71
ICE Market
Mastercard
Metlife Group
Mubadala Capital
Network International
Nomura
Qatar Energy
Qatar Financial Centre Authority / Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority
Remitly
SMBC
Standard Chartered Bank
Taptap Send
UBS
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- Advising Barclays on their re-entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Advising Circle Internet Financial Limited (Circle) on their expansion in the UAE.
- Advising Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) on the design and launch of a pilot scheme to support the tokenisation of fractional interests in real estate in Dubai.
Clifford Chance
The global financial markets practice group at Clifford Chance has a wealth of experience with cryptocurrency-related matters and M&A regulatory compliance mandates, demonstrating considerable strength in the digital assets sector. The team, which is jointly led by Jack Hardman and Cheuk Yin Cheung, is a reliable contact for foreign investors, regulatory bodies and international financial institutions. Hardman is noted for his capabilities in a wide array of fintech matters. Cheung excels when offering regulatory advise on industrial netting. James Dadford has a strong track record in licensing mandates. Josh Morrison is a key name of note in the team.
Praxisleiter:
Jack Hardman; Cheuk Yin Cheung
Weitere Kernanwälte:
James Dadford; Josh Morrison
Referenzen
‘CC has a very unique group of partners, with vast experience in different industries. The CC team are always accessible and ready to help at anytime with short notice. They accompany the customer throughout the documentation to ensure closure of the transaction in an efficient manner.‘
‘I have dealt with Jack Hardman and his team. Jack was very professional, helpful, and his attention to detail is remarkable.‘
‘Clifford Chance’s Financial Services Regulation team demonstrates a strong ability to anticipate regulatory trends, give strategic advice, and guide clients through complex, fast-evolving frameworks with confidence. Clifford Chance stands out for its international platform and ability to coordinate advice across multiple jurisdictions. Clients benefit from a consistently high standard of service wherever they operate.’
Kernmandanten
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
Abu Dhabi Global Market
Adyen
Al Ansari
Arab Monetary Fund
Bank of America
Bank of New York
Blackrock
Careem Networks FZ
DP World
Dubai International Financial Centre Authority
Emirates Development Bank
FIA
First Abu Dhabi Bank
HSBC Bank Middle East
International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.
Investcorp
Mashreqbank
NMC Healthcare Group
Offset8 Capital Limited
Payward Limited (Kraken)
Saudi Tadawul Group
UAE Central Bank
Worldpay
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- Advising the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) on its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Implementation Strategy. The strategy, which represents one of nine initiatives in the CBUAE’s Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme, sets out a roadmap for the introduction and development of a new CDBC (the Digital Dirham), across a range of domestic and cross-border use-cases.
- Advised Mashreqbank PSC („Mashreq“), one of the UAE’s leading financial institutions, on the sale of a majority stake in NEOPAY, the UAE’s fast-growing payment solutions provider, to a consortium comprising Arcapita Group Holdings Limited and Dgpays (together in equal partnership, the „Consortium“).
- Advised Blackrock Inc. on all UAE regulatory aspects of their acquisition of HPS Investment Partners (“HPS”), a leading global credit investment manager with approximately $148 billion in client assets. This mandate included securing the necessary regulatory approvals for the UAE portfolio companies of HPS and BlackRock.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Matthew Shanahan spearheads the financial services and regulation practice group at Norton Rose Fulbright which is particularly well known for its cryptocurrency and fintech expertise. The practice is adept at handling licensing requests, tokenisation mandates and regulatory compliance matters. Shanahan is well versed liaising with VARA and is adept at handling the full range of regulatory matters. He is supported by Hasanali Pirbhai, who is noted for his capabilities in cross-border commodity exchanges. Karl Masi is a name to note for his experience dealing with a variety of regulatory regimes across multiple jurisdictions.
Praxisleiter:
Matthew Shanahan
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Karl Masi; Hasanali Pirbhai
Referenzen
‘The firm demonstrates an impressive combination of deep market knowledge, product expertise, and practical execution. They clearly understand the dynamics of the market and how they shape client needs, allowing them to anticipate issues and provide proactive advice. Their strong grasp of the products ensures that their guidance is not only legally sound but also commercially relevant.‘
‚Most importantly, their ability to deliver efficiently and in a pragmatic manner sets them apart. Clients can rely on the team for clear, actionable solutions that balance risk with business objectives. This combination makes them a highly trusted and effective firm to work with.‘
‘Matthew Shanahan has a strong grasp of the rules vs the product. This deep knowledge allows us to work efficiently and quickly in an industry and changes by the minute.‘
Kernmandanten
Bybit
OKX
Ripple
Bybit
OKX
Ripple
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- Assisting Bybit with setting up a cryptocurrency exchange in Dubai under the VARA regime.
- Advised OKX on obtaining a Conditional Full Market Product (FMP) license from the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) to operate a virtual asset exchange in Dubai.
- Advised Ripple on obtaining a license from the DFSA for Providing Money services. This will allow them to offer their Ripple Payments Direct payment services system in and from the DIFC.
Latham & Watkins LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP houses a renowned financial regulatory practice group, which is a go-to contact for US-headquartered technology corporations, emerging fintech entities, cryptocurrency platforms and international financial institutions. Matthew Rodwell spearheads the practice which is equipped to handle a wide array of matters, including virtual assets license applications, M&A regulatory support, UAE law compliance and online financial product development. Rodwell is noted for his strength in both local and international mandates, demonstrating particular proficiency in Saudi Arabian matters. Ksenia Koroleva is a name of note.
Praxisleiter:
Matthew Rodwell
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ksenia Koroleva
Referenzen
‘The financial services regulation practice at Latham is second to none in the Middle East. Their lawyers have an extremely solid grip on current regulatory practices in the UAE and across the GCC.‘
‘Matthew Rodwell is a standout advisor who can be called upon to provide solid regulatory advice in a manner that is commercially savvy and practically implementable. With genuinely deep knowledge of both financial regulatory laws and market practices, numerous times.‘
‘The team is very knowledgeable and keen to provide practicable solutions.‘
Kernmandanten
Coinbase
Tabby
Binance
ISLA
J.P. Morgan
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- Advised Coinbase on the UAE financial regulatory matters in relation to its US$ 2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit, the largest-ever M&A transaction in the digital assets sector.
- Advises Tabby, the Middle East’s most valuable Unicorn, on an ongoing basis in relation to various regulatory and commercial matters, including its licensing by the UAE Central Bank and Saudi Central Bank and intragroup service arrangements.
- Advised Binance in connection with its licensing by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and ongoing compliance obligations, including advising on various regulatory compliance requirements, structuring of intragroup arrangements and engagement with VARA and other regulators.
Pinsent Masons
Pinsent Masons possesses ‘deep expertise’ in financial services regulations across multiple jurisdictions and sectors. Under the supervision of Marie Chowdhry, the practice group advises international banks, multinational digital assets corporations and payment services providers on the full gamut of the sector. Chowdhry is noted for her capabilities in regulatory mapping, licensing applications and DIFC regulatory compliance, but has proven to be well versed in securities legislation in jurisdictions across the GCC. Jessica White and Lana Akkad bring further experience to an already deep bench.
Praxisleiter:
Marie Chowdhry
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jessica White; Lana Akkad
Referenzen
‘Honestly, the combination of legal expertise with a genuinely collaborative approach makes the PM team stand out. We really appreciated the responsiveness from the person we’ve dealt with. They’re refreshingly easy to work with.‘
‘The most recent care relates to a query dealing with regulatory compliance. Marie Chowdhry and Lana Akkad have consistently displayed great professionalism and knowledge of the finance industry. The combination of strategic insight and the solutions-driven approach have set this team apart.’
‘The responsiveness, depth of knowledge, and genuine approachability of the whole team make it truly stand out.’
Kernmandanten
Sarwa Digital Wealth
Sunrate Advisors
Tazapay
Lean Technologies
Hazz
Bird and Bird
LGT/Volare
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- Acting as the go-to legal and regulatory counsel for UAE-based digital wealth management platform Sarwa Digital Wealth and advising on all aspects of its operations and services across the Middle East.
- Advising XTB MENA Limited on the regulatory structuring and legal compliance of a promotional offer in the DIFC, including provision of strategic guidance on inducement rules and client classification under the DFSA Rulebook.
- Advising Lean Technologies on fintech regulatory strategy, and thought leadership initiatives across the UAE and KSA, including open finance compliance.
Simmons & Simmons Middle East LLP
Simmons & Simmons Middle East LLP maintains a strong presence in the UAE’s financial services regulatory sector, advising clients on licensing applications, asset management mandates and compliance matters. Muneer Khan spearheads the practice and is noted for the assistance he provides to multinational investment entities, financial institutions and fintech companies. Adam Wolstenholme is geared to support on DFSA submissions and tokenisation mandates. Matthias Ng is building a notably strong track record in the digital assets space. Nina Fischer also comes recommended.
Praxisleiter:
Muneer Khan
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Adam Wolstenholme; Matthias Ng; Nina Fischer
Referenzen
‘Deep industry knowledge, very pragmatic and commercial and strong connections to the regulatory authorities in the regions.’
‘Adam Wolstenholme and Matthias Ng stand out as very knowledgeable and responsive.‘
‘Their key strength is their understanding of the DFSA regulatory framework, as well as their contacts within the regulator.’
Kernmandanten
Millennium Capital
Brevan Howard
Caxton Associates
Qube Research & Technology
Ardian
MFS International (U.K.) Ltd
Blantyre Capital Limited
Lighthouse Capital
HSBC Global Asset Management
PIMCO Europe Ltd
Point72 Middle East
Capricorn Fund Managers
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Afridi & Angell
Afridi & Angell is frequently called upon to advise market leading, international corporations, banks and regulatory associations on the full scope of the sector. The practice group is under the joint supervision of Rahat Dar and Charles Laubach, who possesses expertise in DIFC and VARA regulations. Abdus Samad regularly completes licensing applications on behalf of a diverse array of clients. Luca Rayes Palacin is a key name of note.
Praxisleiter:
Charles Laubach; Rahat Dar
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Abdus Samad; Luca Rayes Palacín
Kernmandanten
Vision Bank
Citibank
BNP Paribas
BNPP Wealth Management
JP Morgan Chase
International Capital Market Association (ICMA)
International Securities Lending Association (ISLA)
Habib Bank
Ajman Bank
National Bank of Fujairah
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- Advising one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges on the rollout and implementation of its non-custodial Wallet offering in the UAE.
- Advising one of the largest banks in Switzerland on its service offering to residents and nationals of the UAE on a cross-border basis without establishing a presence in the UAE.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper is recognised for its strong track record in the virtual assets sectors, advising regulators, financial institutions and multinational corporations. Adrianus Schoorl is praised by clients for his ‘strong legal accumen’ and is noted for his capabilities in fintech mandates. Andrew Mackenzie possesses expertise in multi-jurisdictional licensing matters while Paul Allen is very active in the ongoing development of the UAE’s financial services regulations. Along with Paul McViety, they form the practices leadership team.
Praxisleiter:
Adrianus Schoorl; Paul Allen; Paul McViety; Andrew Mackenzie
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Rami Zayat
Referenzen
‘The team at DLA Piper LLP combines deep technical expertise with a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach. Their ability to balance legal precision with commercial awareness sets them apart from other firms. We, as their client have benefited from clear communication, well-structured advice, and a consistent focus on achieving practical outcomes.’
‘We have been engaging with Adrianus Schoorl at DLA Piper. He has consistently demonstrated professionalism, strong legal acumen, and a client-first mindset. Adrianus has always been approachable, proactive, and able to anticipate issues before they arise.‘
Kernmandanten
Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)
Binance Holdings Ltd (Binance)
Emirates NBD
Zbooni
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- Advising the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority on the formation and continuous enhancement of its Virtual Assets regime and the Abu Dhabi Global Market on its Distributed Ledger Technologies platform (and other enhancements to its regulatory regime).
- Advising leading banks in the UAE on their virtual assets regulatory agenda (adoption of virtual asset product suites suited for bank customers), including advising ENBD on permitting its customers to access virtual asset brokerage facilities through the LIV app.
- Advising on the formation of the Ton Coin Foundation in the Abu Dhabi Global Market and advising Tether on its proposed joint venture for the launch of a Dirham backed stablecoin, and other leading international blockchain platform operators on market developments and penetration in the UAE.
Gibson Dunn
Gibson Dunn offers ‘pragmatic advice’ to emerging fintech companies, multinational corporations and financial institution, under the supervision of Sameera Kimatrai. The practice is geared to support on a wide array of financial services regulatory matters, ranging from licensing applications and online payment platform development to cryptocurrency mandates and multi-jurisdictional compliance advice. Kimatrai is noted for her capabilities in a plethora of digital assets matters. Aliya Padhani brings additional strength to the team.
Praxisleiter:
Sameera Kimatrai
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Aliya Padhani
Referenzen
‚Extremely responsive team that always give pragmatic advice.‘
Kernmandanten
HashKey
xCube LLC
BingX
Selini Capital
Triple A Technologies Pte. Ltd.
Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)
Plug & Play
RedotPay
Caladan
Liwathon
Weex Global
Vision Bank
X12 Limited
HashKey
xCube LLC
BingX
Selini Capital
Triple A Technologies Pte. Ltd.
Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)
Plug & Play
RedotPay
Caladan
Liwathon
Weex Global
Vision Bank
X12 Limited
Circle Internet LLC
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- Advising the FSRA on a review of their use of current and potential AI technologies and tools to assess the potential legal risk and liabilities under, inter alia, ADGM law, English common law and UAE Federal law.
- Advised Binance on financial services regulatory matters in the UAE.
- Advised Hashkey Digital Asset Group Limited, a leading end-to-end digital asset financial services group in Asia in relation to regulatory issues in Singapore and Hong Kong, and other jurisdictions.
Hadef & Partners
International banks, financial services groups and public sector authorities consult Hadef & Partners on a wide range of financial services regulation mandates. Under the supervision of Catriona McDevitt, the team is adept at handling tokenisation advice, cryptocurrency matters and licensing applications. McDevitt offers expertise in the investment management and trade finance space and is particularly well-versed in ADGM regulations. Alan Rodgers is noted for his capabilities in regulatory perimeter assessments.
Praxisleiter:
Catriona McDevitt
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Alan Rodgers; Aziz Yasin
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KARM Legal Consultants
KARM Legal Consultants is equipped to advise financial services entities throughout the entire life cycle of their business in the UAE. Kokila Alagh is adept at handling a variety of DFSA mandates while Akshata Namjoshi repeatedly excels in licensing matters. Arjun Uppal, a June 2025 arrival, is noted for his capabilities in regulatory assessments and data protection support. Alongside Carolina Rios and March 2025 arrival Ankit Thakur, they form the practice leadership team.
Praxisleiter:
Kokila Alagh; Akshata Namjoshi; Carolina Rios; Ankit Thakur; Arjun Uppal
Kernmandanten
Comera Pay LLC
Photon Dance Holdings Limited
Trustin Limited
DLocal group
Capital.com
Century Private Wealth Limited (DIFC)
PorterPays Limited
ACM Limited
IDA Finance Hong Kong Limited
Greenback Capital (Greenback)
Unique Ventures Limited (DIFC)
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- Advised Comera Pay LLC from the initial stages of engagement through to securing a full Stored Value Facilities (SVF) and Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes (RPSCS) license from the Central Bank of the UAE.
- Advising Photon Dance Holdings Limited on the establishment of its DIFC-based entity, PhotonPay DIFC, and its end-to-end licensing process with the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) for a Category 3D license.
- Acted as legal counsel to Century in connection with the structuring and documentation of a private investment fund offering. The team advised on the preparation of the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) for the offering of fund units, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements and investor disclosure standards.
Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP
Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP houses a financial services regulation practice group which is capable of assisting clients with multijurisdictional compliance matters, digital assets mandates and regulatory investigations. Tayler Sani is equipped to advise on the full gamut of the sector. Philip Clarke left the firm in 2026.
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Tayler Sani
Kernmandanten
KFin Technologies Limited
Lexim Trading DMCC
ICICI Bank Limited, DIFC Branch
Profision Shipping Capital Management Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Lexim Trading DMCC, a non-manufactured precious metal trader in the DMCC, in relation to the set-up and development of their revolutionary gold backed digital asset platform, which includes minting crypto tokens that are collateralised against gold held by its sister company to be traded on a proprietary basis.
- Advising KFin Technologies, a listed Indian fund services provider, on its US$34.7 million acquisition of a 51% stake in Ascent Fund Services, a Singapore-based full-suite global fund administrator.
- Acting for ICICI Bank Limited, an Indian multinational bank and financial services company in its claim against Mr Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty, the founder of NMC Healthcare Ltd, one of the largest private healthcare networks in the UAE in the DIFC Courts.
White & Case LLP
White & Case LLP is a go to firm for international technology corporations, online payment providers and US headquartered financial institutions. The team is capable of offering financial services regulatory advice in the UAE and across the MENA and GCC jurisdictions. Arnold Krutilins stands out for his work in trade finance mandates but has experience offering regulatory compliance advice and licensing services. Gabrielle Margerison is a key name of note in the practice. Stefan Mrozinski left the team in May 2025.
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Arnold Krutilins; Gabrielle Margerison
Referenzen
‘Responsive and professional.‘
‘Professional and pleasant to work with. They are precise and to the point.‘
‘Arnold Krutilins is always available, highly responsive, pragmatic and practical.’
Kernmandanten
Meta
Amazon Payment Services
Morgan Stanley
Credit Agricole
Global Fintech Investments Holding AG / Prism Group
Brookfield Asset Management
Rothschild
Bank of America
Moelis, Qatar
National Bank
Mitsui & Co
Starwood Capital,
Golub Capital
JTC, Tikehau
Capital, Wizz Financial
Safegold
xCube LLC