The Riffle Podcast

The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Registration Authority has introduced new guidance clarifying the regulatory framework for Crypto Mining activities conducted in or from ADGM. What does this mean for crypto mining operators and blockchain businesses? In this episode of The Riffle Podcast , we explore the key developments, including commercial licensing requirements, RA and FSRA regulatory bounda...

What does effective Travel Rule compliance look like in practice? On 28 October 2026, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM issued Notice No. 206 of 2026, clarifying regulatory expectations for Virtual Asset (VA) and Fiat-Referenced Token (FRT) transfers. In this episode of The Riffle Podcast , we explore the key highlights of the Notice, including governance requirements, tec...

In this episode of The Riffle Podcast , we unpack the Proposed ADGM Strata Regulations 2026 and the key changes they could bring to the governance and management of strata developments across ADGM. We explore the proposed streamlined approval and registration process, automatic establishment of Owners’ Associations, the minimum six-month developer management transition period, mandatory licensed A...

ADGM’s specialised Fund Manager frameworks provide tailored regulatory pathways for managers based on their fund size, investment strategy and investor profile . In this episode of The Riffle Podcast, we explore the key requirements for Sub-Threshold Fund Managers (STFMs), Venture Capital Fund Managers (VCFMs), and Institutional Fund Managers (IFMs) . We discuss the USD 200 million STFM threshold...

In this episode of The Riffle Podcast , we explore the FSRA’s proposed reforms to the ADGM Transfer Scheme framework and what they could mean for regulated firms undertaking business transfers within the Abu Dhabi Global Market. We discuss the key proposals in Consultation Paper No. 2 of 2026 , including the move to limit mandatory court sanctioning primarily to insurance business transfers, the i...

In this Riffle episode, we explore FATF’s latest findings on global regulatory progress, the evolving risks associated with stablecoins, unhosted wallets, decentralised finance (DeFi) and artificial intelligence, and why the focus is shifting from introducing new rules to ensuring they are effectively implemented. We also discuss the growing threat posed by offshore VASPs, Travel Rule enforcement...

In this episode of The Riffle , we explore the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) 2026 report, Information Sharing to Combat Illicit Finance: Global Overview of Public-Private Partnerships , and examine how collaborative information sharing is reshaping global AML/CFT frameworks. The discussion covers the growing role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in strengthening anti-money laundering a...

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...

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...

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 trans...

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 ide...

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, g...

In this episode of  The Riffle , we examine  UAEFIU Regulation No. (1) of 2026  and its implications for financial institutions, Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), compliance professionals, and other Reporting Entities operating within the UAE’s AML/CFT framework. The discussion explores the key regulatory measures introduced by t...

In this episode of  The Riffle , we examine the key findings emerging from the  ADGM Registration Authority’s 2025 DNFBP AML/TFS Onsite Assessments  and their implications for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) operating within ADGM. The discussion explores recurring compliance gaps identified across 35 onsite assessments, highlighting the difference between having docume...

In this episode of  The Riffle , we examine the DFSA’s Rulebook Amendments and their implications for banks, financial institutions, fintech firms, Islamic finance operators, and regulated entities operating within the DIFC. The discussion explores the key regulatory enhancements introduced across the General (GEN), Prudential – Investment, Insurance Intermediation and Banking (PIB), Glossary (GLO...

Here's a description in the same style and tone as your previous The Riffle  episodes, based on the uploaded AML Framework Enhancements document: In this episode of  The Riffle , we examine the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority’s AML Framework Enhancements and their implications for financial institutions, virtual asset service providers, DNFBPs, compliance professionals, and regula...

In this episode of The Riffle, we examine the DFSA’s Rulebook Enhancements aligned with the Basel Core Principles and their implications for financial institutions, banks, fintech firms, and regulated entities operating within the DIFC. The discussion explores key regulatory updates introduced under Consultation Paper 167 (CP 167), including enhanced risk management frameworks, strengthened credit...

In this episode of The Riffle, we examine the UAE Proliferation Financing National Risk Assessment and its implications for financial institutions, Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), fintech firms, and regulated entities operating within the UAE. The discussion explores key proliferation financing risks identified in the assessment, including sanctions evasion, trade finance abuse, front com...

In this episode of The Riffle, we examine the FSRA’s Cyber Threat Landscape and Regulatory Guidance for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), a significant regulatory briefing shaping cyber resilience expectations and risk management standards within the virtual asset sector. The discussion explores key cyber threat categories identified by the FSRA, including infrastructure attacks, private ke...

In this episode of The Riffle, we examine the DFSA’s Proposed Enhancements to the Islamic Finance Rules (Consultation Paper 172), a significant regulatory initiative shaping the governance and regulatory framework for Islamic Financial Business within the DIFC. The discussion explores key proposed amendments, including the clarification of “holding out” as conducting Islamic Financial Business, re...

In this episode of The Riffle , we examine ADGM’s 2026 ML/TF Risk Assessment for Legal Persons and Arrangements , a significant regulatory assessment shaping the jurisdiction’s risk-based supervisory and compliance framework. The discussion explores key findings from the assessment, including the transition to a five-point risk rating scale, the identification of higher-risk legal structures, stre...

In this episode of  The Riffle , we examine ADGM’s 2026 Commercial Legislation Amendments , a significant regulatory update shaping how businesses operate within the jurisdiction’s evolving compliance framework. The discussion explores key changes introduced by the Registration Authority, including the prohibition of bearer shares, enhanced beneficial ownership requirements, restrictions on non-pr...

In this episode of  The Riffle , we examine ADGM FSRA’s regulatory framework for the staking of virtual assets — a pivotal development shaping how firms can engage in staking activities within a regulated environment. The discussion explores how Authorised Persons must obtain the appropriate permissions, implement robust operational controls, and ensure full transparency when using client assets f...

In this episode of  The Riffle , we examine ADGM FSRA’s latest regulatory enhancements to the insurance framework and the introduction of climate-related financial risk requirements — a significant shift in how firms are expected to assess, manage, and disclose emerging risks. The discussion explores how institutions must integrate climate risk into governance structures, internal risk assessments...

In this episode of  The Riffle , we examine the UAE’s guidance on the Compliance Officer (CO) and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) function — a core regulatory requirement underpinning how firms detect, manage, and report financial crime risks.  The discussion explores how institutions are expected to structure this role with sufficient seniority, independence, and authority, while ensuri...