10 Leaves

In this episode, we break down the DIFC’s proposed amendments to the Prescribed Company (PC) Regulations and what they mean for investors, family offices, holding structures, corporate groups, and businesses looking to establish efficient structures within the DIFC. We explore the removal of qualifying purpose and nexus requirements, the introduction of universal eligibility, and how these changes...

In this episode, we break down the DFSA Recognised Jurisdictions framework and what it means for foreign funds, asset managers, financial institutions, and regulated firms looking to access the DIFC ecosystem. We explore how the DFSA assesses regulatory equivalence, the role of recognised jurisdictions in cross-border financial activities, and how the framework supports smoother fund establishment...

In this episode, we break down the DIFC Category 3A Brokerage License framework and what it means for firms looking to establish regulated brokerage and investment dealing operations within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). We explore the different brokerage licensing structures available under the DFSA regime, including Dealing in Investments as Agent, Matched Principal arrangement...

In this episode, we break down the key costs, regulatory requirements, and operational considerations involved in setting up a regulated financial services firm in the DIFC.  We explore the DIFC’s position as a leading global financial centre, covering DFSA licensing, capital requirements, office setup, compliance obligations, digital asset regulations, and the growing opportunities for wealth man...

In this episode, we break down the DIFC Fund Manager License framework and what it means for asset managers, hedge funds, venture capital firms, private equity managers, wealth managers, and fund platforms looking to establish a regulated presence in Dubai’s leading financial centre. We explore the DIFC’s regulatory ecosystem, covering DFSA licensing requirements, fund structures, capital requirem...

In this episode, we break down the VARA Transfer and Settlement Services License framework and what it means for businesses facilitating the movement, delivery, and settlement of virtual assets within Dubai’s regulated digital asset ecosystem. We explore the scope of transfer and settlement activities under VARA’s framework, including transaction settlement infrastructure, wallet transfer mechanis...

In this episode, we break down the VARA Management and Investment Services License framework and what it means for firms managing virtual assets and investment strategies within Dubai’s regulated digital asset ecosystem. We explore the scope of regulated management activities under VARA’s framework, including discretionary portfolio management, staking and yield strategies, treasury management, ma...

In this episode, we break down the VARA Exchange Services License framework and what it means for businesses operating virtual asset trading platforms within Dubai’s regulated digital asset ecosystem. We explore the scope of Exchange Services activities under VARA’s framework, including trading venue operations, order matching, execution governance, market surveillance, and fair trading obligation...

In this episode, we break down the VARA Exchange Services License framework and what it means for businesses operating virtual asset trading platforms within Dubai’s regulated digital asset ecosystem. We explore the scope of Exchange Services activities under VARA’s framework, including trading venue operations, order matching, execution governance, market surveillance, and fair trading obligation...

In this episode, we break down the VARA Custody Services License framework and what it means for firms safeguarding virtual assets within Dubai’s regulated digital asset ecosystem. We explore the scope of custody activities under VARA’s framework, including client asset safeguarding, wallet administration, key management controls, segregation requirements, reconciliation obligations, and operation...

In this episode, we break down the VARA Advisory Services License framework and what it means for firms providing virtual asset-related advice within Dubai’s regulated digital asset ecosystem. We explore the scope of advisory activities under VARA’s framework, including suitability assessments, disclosure obligations, conflicts of interest management, research governance, and marketing controls. T...

In this episode, we break down VARA’s tokenisation framework and what it means for businesses looking to structure, issue, and manage tokenised real-world assets within Dubai’s regulated virtual asset ecosystem. We explore how tokenisation is evolving from a fintech concept into regulated market infrastructure, including the role of issuance, broker-dealer, custody, and disclosure requirements und...

In this episode, we break down the latest updates to the DIFC licensing framework and what they mean for firms looking to set up or scale within one of the world’s leading financial centres. We explore the 2025 prudential reforms introduced by the DFSA , including the removal of EBCM for most Category 3 and 4 firms, and the shift toward simpler, more practical capital requirements. Looking ahead,...

In this episode, we explore how to set up an External Asset Management (EAM) business in the DIFC, covering the latest 2025 regulatory updates, capital requirements, and licensing pathways. We break down the difference between Category 3C Asset Manager and Category 4 Investment Advisor licenses, the core activities you can undertake, and the step-by-step process—from application to final approval....

In this episode, we take a closer look at the  DIFC Category 4 Investment Advisor License  and what it takes to establish a regulated advisory and arranging firm within the Dubai International Financial Centre. We explore the key activities covered under the license, the regulatory role of the  DFSA , and the practical steps involved in the licensing process—from preparing the Regulatory Business...

In this episode, we take a closer look at the DIFC Variable Capital Company (VCC) framework and what makes it a key structuring option for investment and asset-holding activities within the Dubai International Financial Centre. We break down how variable share capital linked to net asset value works in practice, what VCCs are designed to do, and where the regulatory boundaries sit. We also walk th...

In this episode, we take a closer look at the ADGM Category 3C Asset Manager License and what makes it one of the most important regulatory permissions for firms looking to manage assets from Abu Dhabi Global Market. We break down the updated capital rules, what the license truly covers, and how ADGM has strengthened its position as a fast-growing asset-management hub with flexible office options...

In this episode, we simplify everything you need to know about obtaining an ADGM Category 4 Investment Advisor License — from updated capital rules and mandatory roles to office options, costs, and the full FSRA approval process. Ideal for founders, wealth managers, and financial institutions entering Abu Dhabi, this guide gives you a clear, structured overview of requirements and how 10 Leaves su...

Presented by 10 Leaves In this episode, we cover everything you need to know about setting up an asset management firm in DIFC — from updated capital rules and licensing steps to staffing, costs, and managing crypto assets under DFSA guidelines. Perfect for startup founders, solo bankers, or institutions exploring the Middle East market — tune in for a clear, concise roadmap to getting licensed in...

The UAE Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes (RPSCS) Regulation, introduced by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) in July 2021, marked a significant milestone in the country's digital payment landscape. This comprehensive guide will explore the key aspects of the RPSCS license, its requirements, and its impact on the UAE's financial sector. The RPSCS regulation came i...

AI brings with it unprecedented opportunities in transforming the financial services industry, but also unprecedented challenges in regulating it. Finding a balance is going to be increasingly difficult in a technology that changes in days, not years. This discussion is on a report that outlines key insights on consumer-facing AI and its implications for global financial innovation, based on the G...

A recent MOU signed between DIFC and Nasscom, also aims to attract and engage Indian technology companies in the DIFC’s AI, FinTech and innovation community, fostering groundbreaking advancements that benefit the wider financial services industry. The Innovation License initiative from the DIFC has been very successful, with over 1200 startups currently licensed, and growing at a rapid pace. The M...

The new changes include updated minimum standards for employment, provisions for part-time and remote work with pro-rata entitlements and special obligations, and updated rules on parental leave and pay. Time to update those employment contracts!

Have a listen to know all about setting up with a VARA license in the UAE! The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, or V (VARA for short), established in February 2022 under Law No. (4) of 2022, represents and represents a pioneering initiative by the Dubai government to regulate the fast-growing sector of virtual assets. As the world's first dedicated regulatory body for virtual assets, VARA aims...

The proposals in this paper are intended to provide more clarity on what the DFSA requires from: (i) Authorised Firms that fall within the scope of the Client Assets regime; and (ii) Registered Auditors that prepare Client Asset Auditor’s Reports.