UAE moving from SCA to CMA – could licensing exams like Saudi Arabia’s CME become the norm

What Finance Professionals in UAE Should Watch for
With the introduction of UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2025 and UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2025, the UAE is transitioning from the Securities and Commodities Authority to the Capital Market Authority (UAE).

This regulatory evolution signals a continued strengthening of the UAE’s capital markets framework.

If we look across the region to Saudi Arabia, where the Capital Market Authority (Saudi Arabia) has long established a structured licensing system, we can see how professional qualifications play an important role in regulated financial activities.

In Saudi Arabia, many professionals working in regulated securities roles complete the Capital Market Exams (CME) as part of their licensing pathway.

Examples include:
• International Introduction to Securities & Investment – CME-1A
• Global Securities Markets Regulations – CME-1B
• Securities – CME-3A
• International Certificate in Wealth & Investment Management – CME-4A
• Technical Foundations – CME-5A

These exams are closely aligned with qualifications from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, a globally recognised professional body for financial markets professionals.

Across the region, professionals working in capital markets, brokerage, advisory, and compliance often pursue qualifications such as:
• International Introduction to Securities & Investment (IISI)
• Global Securities Markets Regulations (GSMR)
• International Certificate in Wealth & Investment Management (ICWIM)
• Combating Financial Crime (CFC)

For the UAE specifically, the UAE Financial Rules and Regulations (UAEFRR) exam provides focused knowledge of the regulatory framework governing financial markets in the country.

As the UAE continues to develop its regulatory infrastructure and strengthen investor protection, professionals working in financial services, capital markets, and compliance may increasingly benefit from preparing with internationally recognised qualifications from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.

The region’s financial markets are evolving rapidly and professional certification is becoming an important part of staying ahead.