DFSA unites 18 Authorities on AI, Cybersecurity Risks
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), held its first Regulatory College during the Dubai FinTech Summit 2025. This closed-door session, titled “Innovation with integrity: Advancing Cybersecurity and AI oversight through international dialogue,” gathered over 30 regulators from 18 authorities across the UAE, GCC, and international jurisdictions. The purpose was to address pressing challenges and opportunities related to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial sector.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in knowledge-sharing and supervisory alignment, focusing on emerging technologies such as post-quantum cryptography and agentic AI. They also discussed how regulatory frameworks should evolve to protect investors and maintain financial stability amid rapid digital transformation. Justin Baldacchino, Managing Director of Supervision at the DFSA, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “Technology is transforming financial services at an unprecedented pace, and it is vital that regulators keep pace not in isolation, but together.”
Advancing Responsible Innovation and Regulatory Integrity
The Regulatory College builds on the DFSA’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible innovation. For instance, the DFSA’s Innovation Testing Licence now includes tokenisation, further supporting new digital asset classes. Additionally, the DFSA actively participates in global forums like the Global Financial Innovation Network and IOSCO’s FinTech Taskforce Working Groups on AI and crypto assets. These initiatives align with Dubai and the UAE’s broader strategic goal to become a global innovation hub, while emphasizing regulatory integrity and risk management.
During the Summit, the DFSA extended its influence beyond the Regulatory College. It led Regulatory Forum sessions on topics such as AI, tokenisation, and stablecoins, and hosted fireside chats with key international regulators. Elisabeth Wallace, Associate Director at the DFSA, highlighted the delicate balance regulators strive for: supporting innovation while safeguarding consumer protection and market integrity.
DFSA’s Engagement Across the Dubai FinTech Summit
Beyond formal sessions, the DFSA connected with delegates at the DIFC exhibition stand to discuss initiatives like the Innovation Testing Licence and Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox. It also facilitated roundtable discussions on wealth management, crypto regulation co-hosted with the Global Blockchain Business Council and sustainable finance. Moreover, DFSA Talks covered important regulatory themes such as supervisory technology and AI policy developments.
This extensive participation reinforces the DFSA’s role as a catalyst for responsible fintech innovation and international cooperation. It also demonstrates the Authority’s commitment to maintaining the stability and resilience of the DIFC’s financial ecosystem. Ultimately, these efforts support Dubai and the UAE’s ambitions to solidify their positions as leading global fintech hubs in an increasingly digital world.
