The UAE Capital Market Authority (CMA) has abolished 15 fees after reviewing its fee framework, in a move intended to reduce costs and simplify procedures for licensed companies and individuals operating in the country’s capital markets.
Approved by the CMA board on July 30, 2026, the changes followed an assessment of fees against current regulatory requirements, market developments and the authority’s operating model. The decision will take effect 10 business days after publication in the Official Gazette.
The abolished charges include fees for approving changes to a licensed company’s address or branch, reviewing new investment funds, deciding on grievances, and cancelling registrations for local and foreign funds, Global Depositary Receipts and covered warrants. Fees for retrieving bank guarantee letters and outsourcing certain compliance roles have also been removed.
CMA CEO Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi said the authority would continue reviewing its fee structure to keep pace with capital market developments and the needs of regulated entities. According to the authority, the changes aim to improve service efficiency and reduce the administrative and financial burden on market participants while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Source: Gulf Economist
