Proposals to Enhance the DFSA Collective Investment Fund Framework

Proposals to Enhance the DFSA Collective Investment Fund Framework

In this episode of The Riffle, we explore the Dubai Financial Services Authority’s (DFSA) Consultation Paper No. 173 (CP173), introducing proposed enhancements to the DIFC Collective Investment Fund framework. The discussion examines DFSA’s shift towards a more flexible, risk-based approach to fund regulation, including proposed changes to specialist fund classifications, Credit Fund requirements, Venture Capital structures, and Master-Feeder Fund arrangements. We also look at key operational updates for Fund Managers, employee participation in private funds, the proposed removal of the External Fund Manager regime, and future-focused developments such as fund tokenisation through Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and potential Long-Term Investment Funds (LTIFs). With the consultation open until 7 September 2026, this episode highlights what these proposals could mean for Fund Managers, asset managers, investment professionals, and the wider DIFC funds ecosystem. Presented by 10 Leaves!

ADGM Annual Accounts Filing: Enhanced Information Requirements Guide

In this episode of The Riffle, we examine the ADGM Registration Authority’s enhanced information requirements for annual accounts filing, effective July 2026. The discussion covers the new structured data requirements, including financial periods, audit details, account classification, revenue, employee information, and reporting currencies. We also explore how these updates aim to improve filing consistency, data quality, and regulatory analysis while keeping the existing filing process and deadlines unchanged. A concise briefing for ADGM entities, finance teams, auditors, compliance professionals, and advisors preparing for the upcoming changes. 🎙️ Presented by 10 Leaves.

ADGM 2026 Commercial Legislation Amendments

In this episode of The Riffle, we examine the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) 2026 Commercial Legislation Amendments and their implications for companies, LLPs, professional service providers, compliance officers, legal advisors, and other market participants operating within the jurisdiction. The discussion explores key regulatory developments, including enhanced beneficial ownership and transparency requirements, trust information duties, nominee director and shareholder disclosures, and the introduction of Supplementary Operating Addresses (SOAs) to provide greater operational flexibility without establishing formal branches. Further, the episode analyses the harmonisation of LLP governance with the Companies Regulations 2020, covering business formalities, accounting and audit requirements, member protections, and the introduction of ESG reporting obligations for larger LLPs. It also examines new licensing conditions for legal, tax, accounting, and company service providers, including professional indemnity insurance requirements, fit and proper person assessments, independent MLRO obligations, and cash transaction restrictions designed to strengthen financial integrity. A concise briefing for Boards, senior executives, compliance professionals, legal advisors, company secretaries, professional service firms, and investors seeking to understand ADGM’s evolving regulatory framework and the practical implications of the 2026 commercial legislation reforms. 🎙️ Presented by 10 Leaves.

Environmental Crime Typologies and Money Laundering Risks

In this episode of The Riffle, we examine the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit’s strategic analysis on Environmental Crime Typologies and Money Laundering Risks and its implications for financial institutions, reporting entities, compliance professionals, MLROs, risk managers, and other stakeholders within the UAE’s AML/CFT framework. The discussion explores key environmental crime typologies identified by the UAEFIU, including Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT), the illicit trade of smuggled oil, illegal mining activities, and other environmental offences such as illegal logging, fisheries crime, and waste trafficking. It also examines the money laundering methods commonly associated with these crimes, including trade-based money laundering, shell and front companies, multi-jurisdictional layering arrangements, and the use of third-party intermediaries. Further, the episode highlights the sectors most vulnerable to environmental crime risks, including banking, logistics, energy, and trading, while analysing behavioural, transactional, geographic, and customs-related risk indicators that can support effective detection and reporting. The conversation also addresses current challenges faced by reporting entities, including limited understanding of environmental crime typologies, insufficient intelligence sharing, and the increasing importance of proactive risk-based monitoring frameworks. A concise briefing for compliance professionals, MLROs, financial institutions, legal advisors, internal auditors, risk managers, and reporting entities seeking to understand emerging environmental crime risks, money laundering typologies, and the broader implications for AML/CFT compliance and financial crime prevention in the UAE. 🎙️ Presented by 10 Leaves.

DFSA Personal Account Dealing Review

In this episode of The Riffle, we examine the Dubai Financial Services Authority’s (DFSA) thematic review on Personal Account Dealing (PAD) and its implications for brokerage firms, compliance officers, senior management, internal auditors, and other regulated entities operating within the DIFC. The discussion explores key supervisory findings, including risk-based PAD policies and procedures, governance and oversight expectations, management information requirements, independent monitoring mechanisms, and post-trade surveillance practices. It also addresses the importance of effective compliance assurance, tailored training programmes, comprehensive record-keeping obligations, and the role of technology in strengthening PAD controls. Further, the episode highlights common industry weaknesses identified by the DFSA, such as reliance on employee self-attestations, inadequate monitoring frameworks, policy gaps arising from business evolution, and insufficient oversight of digital assets and connected persons. The conversation also examines strategic considerations for firms, including conduct risk assessments, breach management processes, organisational culture, and the proportionality of monitoring arrangements. A concise briefing for compliance professionals, MLROs, senior executives, legal advisors, internal auditors, risk managers, and regulated firms seeking to understand the DFSA’s expectations for Personal Account Dealing frameworks and the broader implications for governance, market integrity, and conduct risk management within the DIFC. 🎙️ Presented by 10 Leaves.