Capital Market Authority of the United Arab Emirates (formerly SCA)
The UAE Capital Market Authority succeeds the Securities and Commodities Authority under the framework effective January 1, 2026. This guide keeps the former SCA name for older disclosures. Mainland permissions differ from DIFC DFSA and ADGM FSRA; check the licensed activity, not just the authority name.
Trust tier
Established local regulator
Recognized regulator, but protection, enforcement, and compensation can vary by product and entity.
Securities brokerage, commodities brokerage, investment management, advisory, promotion, or related SCA-licensed activity.
Protection depends on license category, client type, product, and UAE rules.
Middle East
What it means
How to read UAE CMA / SCA regulation
- A verified SCA license is meaningful for UAE mainland regulated services.
- The UAE has multiple financial zones, so regulator identity matters.
- Users should match license activity to the product and account entity.
Limits
What this signal does not guarantee
- A Category 5 introducing or advisory permission does not authorize derivatives, commodity-contract, or spot-FX brokerage or execution.
- It does not cover DIFC/ADGM entities unless separately authorized there.
- It does not cover offshore affiliates using the same brand.
- It does not guarantee performance, pricing, or suitability.
Verify
How to check this license
Check SCA licensed company resources.
Confirm license category and legal entity.
Check account documents for regulator, entity, and jurisdiction.
Red flags
When to be careful
- A broker says UAE regulated without naming SCA, DFSA, or FSRA precisely.
- The license category does not match trading or brokerage activity.
- The client agreement names an offshore entity.
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Other license guides
Important disclosure
Broker research, not investment advice
Availability, fees, investor protection, and regulation can vary by country and legal entity. Verify the broker and regulator details directly before opening an account.