Abu Dhabi:The Capital Market Authority (CMA) has reported a significant increase in the number of licensed companies, growing by 43% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2026. This growth is part of a broader performance improvement across key regulatory and capital market indicators, reflecting enhanced regulatory oversight and sustained financing activity.
According to Wam, the expansion is indicative of the UAE's evolving financial services ecosystem, with accredited professionals rising by 64% year-on-year. The capital markets in the UAE have shown resilience amidst changing global market conditions, with the combined market capitalization of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) reaching AED3.7 trillion by the end of September 2026.
Foreign investors contributed 49% of the traded value, and both the ADX and DFM general indices were higher at the end of September 2026 compared to the previous year. Market volatility decreased in the third quarter, indicating more stable trading conditions. Capital-raising efforts continued, with bond and sukuk issuances totaling AED576 billion, and companies completing AED3.4 billion in capital increases during this period.
The investment funds sector also expanded, with the number of local investment funds rising by 94% to 97, and their assets under management growing by 30% to AED28.6 billion in the third quarter of 2026. The CMA is advancing projects to enhance its regulatory and operational capabilities, supporting the UAE's long-term economic competitiveness.
Investor protection and market discipline remain CMA priorities, with financial penalties increasing by 246% year-on-year and their total value rising to AED12.9 million. The Authority also issued a 767% increase in warnings and handled 192% more complaints, refunding approximately AED1.2 billion to clients, compared to AED8 million in 2025.
CMA's CEO, Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, emphasized the Authority's commitment to regulatory initiatives that support the UAE's economic ambitions. Despite global financial challenges in 2026, the UAE's capital markets have shown resilience, driven by strong regulatory foundations. The increase in licensed companies and capital-raising activities highlights the markets' strength in supporting economic activities.
The CMA implemented Federal Decree-Laws No. 32 and 33 of 2025, enhancing its regulatory independence and investor protection mechanisms. Six regulatory instruments, including a Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework and Basel III-aligned capital requirements, were issued. The CMA advanced its Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework with 102 virtual assets registered for trading in the third quarter.
CMA continued investor education, conducting 224 awareness activities to promote financial literacy and responsible investment. The Authority also improved oversight of digital financial communications, registering 88 new financial influencers, increasing the total to 198 by September 2026.
CMA strengthened international cooperation, signing three memoranda of understanding with regulators in Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, and Mauritius, and held 23 meetings with counterpart regulators. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi was re-elected as Chair of the Africa and Middle East Regional Committee of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) for 2026-2028, underscoring the UAE's role in shaping international regulatory standards.
CMA plans to continue advancing its regulatory and digital transformation agenda, focusing on emerging technologies to modernize market supervision and enable new investment opportunities within a robust regulatory framework.