The Securities and Futures Commission ("SFC") and the Capital Market Authority ("CMA") of the United Arab Emirates ("UAE") signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") on January 27, 2026, to strengthen cross-border regulatory cooperation on digital assets.
This article was generated using SAMS, an AI technology by Timothy Loh LLP.
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On January 27, 2026, the Securities and Futures Commission ("SFC") of Hong Kong and the Capital Market Authority ("CMA") of the United Arab Emirates ("UAE") signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") to strengthen cross-border regulatory cooperation in the digital asset space.
This milestone agreement marks the SFC’s inaugural overseas partnership focused on regulatory supervision of digital asset entities. Signed by H.E. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the CMA, and Ms. Julia Leung, CEO of the SFC, the MoU establishes a framework for mutual consultation and information exchange to oversee cross-border digital asset activities effectively.
Both regulators reaffirmed their commitment to cultivating sustainable digital asset markets and positioning their jurisdictions as forward-thinking hubs for digital innovation. The CMA’s CEO noted that the MoU enhances supervisory cooperation and creates clear communication channels, facilitating robust market oversight.
The SFC's Executive Director of Intermediaries, Dr. Eric Yip, underscored the importance of cross-border regulatory collaboration in mitigating emerging risks. Furthermore, the SFC and CMA collaborated on industry events, including a roundtable with senior executives from the asset management sector to explore mutual recognition of funds and business opportunities in the UAE.
The regulators also co-hosted an industry seminar to empower Hong Kong asset managers with a better understanding of regulatory requirements for distributing funds in the UAE, fostering stronger cross-border market connections.
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