Dubai: The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), has released its 2025 Annual Report, titled 'Shaping the Financial Markets of the Future.' The report highlights significant growth within the financial sector, underscoring Dubai's continuing ascent as a prominent global financial hub.
According to Emirates News Agency, the DFSA licensed and registered 182 new firms in 2025, increasing the total number of regulated entities to 1,050. This represents a 16 percent growth compared to 2024, encompassing sectors such as banking, capital markets, wealth and asset management, insurance, and fintech. Following the reporting period's closure on December 31, 2025, Dubai achieved its highest-ever position in the Global Financial Centres Index, ranking seventh globally in March 2026.
The report arrives amid sustained momentum in DIFC and Dubai's financial sector, strengthening DIFC's status as the leading international financial centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Fadel Al Ali, Chairman of DFSA, emphasized the Authority's role in supporting DIFC's rapid growth, aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and DIFC 2030 strategies, which aim to position Dubai as a top global hub for finance, investment, and innovation by 2033.
Mark Steward, Chief Executive of DFSA, noted that the report outlines a third consecutive year of double-digit growth within DIFC, signaling robust confidence in Dubai's financial ecosystem. He highlighted the importance of a risk-based, international regulatory environment, which provides stability amid global uncertainty. The DFSA's efforts have been instrumental in laying the groundwork for the future of financial markets, bolstered by outstanding responses from stakeholders across government and the financial sectors.
The report also detailed sustained growth across various sectors, with new debenture listings valued at US$30.6 billion, bringing total outstanding listings to US$147.4 billion. DIFC maintained its standing as a leading jurisdiction for sukuk, with US$107.9 billion in outstanding listings. The OTC market experienced unprecedented growth, with transactions valued at US$13 trillion in Q4 2025.
In wealth and asset management, the fund management sector expanded to 121 authorized firms with US$176 billion in assets under management. DIFC is now among the top five global hubs for hedge funds, hosting 87 registered firms. The consolidated balance sheet of DIFC banks reached US$251 billion by the end of 2025, reflecting a 19 percent annual growth.
The insurance sector saw a 15 percent rise in related entities, with gross written premiums hitting a record US$4.24 billion. The DFSA also advanced 17 investigations and resolved 81 percent of 322 complaints within 28 days. The Authority's collaboration with international bodies and stakeholders has strengthened regulatory frameworks, enhancing market development.
By the end of 2025, the DFSA had signed 120 Memoranda of Understanding to bolster regulatory cooperation. It also enhanced frameworks for digital finance and launched a Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox, attracting interest from firms across six jurisdictions. The adoption of artificial intelligence within DIFC firms rose significantly, as highlighted by the DFSA's annual survey.
The new DFSA Connect platform contributed to a 25 percent increase in authorization applications, showcasing the Authority's commitment to service quality and regulatory rigor.