Securities and Commodities Authority Cancels 15 Fees to Ease Burden on UAE Market Participants
UAE Securities and Commodities Authority cancels 15 regulatory fees to simplify charges, reduce costs for licensed firms and individuals and strengthen market efficiency.
The Securities and Commodities Authority announced a sweeping review of its fee schedule and the cancellation of 15 charges affecting services and activities under its supervision. The decision is part of a broader effort to modernise the regulator’s fee framework and respond to legislative and market developments. Officials said the move aims to reduce compliance costs for licensed firms and individuals while maintaining the integrity of regulatory oversight.
Regulator cancels 15 fees
The Authority’s board approved the removal of 15 distinct fees following a comprehensive review of the approved fee structure. The cancellations span a range of services and are intended to align charges with the current regulatory environment and market practices. The decision was presented as a measure to both simplify the fees regime and increase transparency for market participants.
Fees removed include approval for combining roles and product registration cancellation
Among the notable fees eliminated are the charge for approving the combination of authorised functions that are permitted to be held together, and the cancellation fee linked to registering a financial product for promotion within the country. Regulators said the list of removed fees covers administrative and transactional charges tied to licensing, product registration and other supervisory activities. The Authority encouraged affected firms and licensed individuals to review the full list to understand which services are now fee-exempt.
Authority links review to regulatory and market changes
The review was carried out to ensure the fee structure reflects legislative updates and the evolution of the UAE capital markets over recent years. Officials argued that some fees no longer matched the regulatory requirements or the practical realities of market participants. The Authority described the exercise as part of its periodic regulatory housekeeping to keep frameworks efficient and fit for purpose.
Expected impact on licensed firms and market participants
Industry practitioners said the fee cancellations should lower transaction and compliance costs for brokerages, asset managers and other licence-holders. For smaller firms and individual licensees, the removal of administrative fees could improve operational flexibility and reduce barriers to market participation. Market observers noted that while the change is not a substitute for broader policy measures, it may modestly improve the business environment and reduce frictions in routine regulatory interactions.
Implementation steps and guidance for stakeholders
The Authority stated that the cancellations take effect under the terms published in its official decision and that companies and individuals should consult the regulator’s notice for application details and timing. Firms are advised to update internal compliance procedures and fee schedules to reflect the new framework. The Authority also encouraged stakeholders to direct specific queries to its help channels to ensure correct application of the revised fee structure.
Regulatory mandate and historical context
Established in 2000, the Securities and Commodities Authority is the federal regulator responsible for overseeing capital markets in the United Arab Emirates. Its remit includes supervising securities and commodities exchanges, protecting investor rights and promoting transparency and fairness in market practice. The Authority said the updated fees framework is consistent with its mandate to support market development and align with international best practices.
Walid Saeed Al Awadi, the Authority’s chief executive, said the move is part of a sustained effort to refine regulatory tools and ease burdens on market participants. He emphasised that the review aims to balance regulatory safeguards with service efficiency and to support a more effective business environment. The Authority reiterated its commitment to continuous improvement of its regulatory and service delivery frameworks.
The cancellation of the 15 fees forms part of a wider regulatory review intended to improve clarity around fees and reduce unnecessary costs, while preserving the Authority’s ability to carry out effective supervision. Market participants will watch how the changes are implemented and whether further fee reforms follow as the Authority continues to adjust policies to evolving market needs.
