Middle East Solutions
Waystone has provided specialist UAE compliance services since 2006, operating from three UAE offices across the Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”), Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”) and the onshore market.
Our UAE compliance solutions encompass the advisory, regulatory, and operational services that financial services firms, fund managers, and corporates require to operate legally within the UAE, including DIFC, ADGM and onshore jurisdictions.
We do not provide a ‘one size fits all’ solution. We take the time to understand your business, along with your needs and objectives, to ensure that we provide you with effective solutions to managing regulatory risk.
We believe the key to our success is to build long-term relationships with our clients and realise that this can only be achieved if we provide our clients with a combination of technical expertise and a high level of personal service.
Our UAE Compliance Services
Waystone provides a full range of UAE compliance and regulatory solutions for firms operating in DIFC, ADGM and onshore UAE, including:
- regulatory authorisation
- outsourced compliance
- corporate governance
- risk management
- cyber security compliance
- compliance training
Our consultants work with asset managers, fund managers, wealth managers, broker-dealers, payment firms, fintech businesses, family offices, and corporates seeking to establish or expand regulated operations within the UAE.
AML & KYC Solutions
For firms subject to DFSA, ADGM, or onshore UAE AML obligations, Waystone provides AML/KYC programme design, KYC policy reviews, FATF-aligned risk assessments, and outsourced MLRO services. Our AML team has over 30 years of experience identifying potential money laundering activities across the funds and financial services sector.
Data Protection & Privacy
With the UAE Personal Data Protection Law (UAE PDPL) now in force, firms operating in DIFC, ADGM, and onshore UAE must ensure their data handling, consent mechanisms, and cross-border transfer processes meet regulatory requirements. Waystone’s UAE compliance team provides data protection gap analyses, privacy framework implementation, and outsourced Data Protection Officer (DPO) services.
Why Choose Waystone
Waystone has operated in the UAE since 2006 for over 20 years serving DIFC, ADGM, and onshore clients. As the first specialist compliance consultancy established in the DIFC, Waystone has supported firms through the evolution of the UAE’s regulatory landscape. Today, with offices in DIFC, ADGM, and onshore UAE, we provide local expertise backed by international regulatory experience, helping firms navigate the requirements of multiple jurisdictions with confidence.
Our consultants have held senior roles within financial institutions, regulatory authorities, and exchanges, bringing practical insight into the challenges firms face throughout the regulatory lifecycle. We deliver solutions tailored to each client’s business model, regulatory obligations, and strategic objectives.
Whether supporting a start-up seeking regulatory approval or an established financial institution strengthening its compliance framework, we work as an extension of our clients’ teams, providing pragmatic, risk-based advice that helps them meet regulatory expectations while enabling sustainable business growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Firms regulated by the DFSA or ADGM typically require regulatory authorisation support, compliance monitoring, outsourced compliance officer services, AML/KYC frameworks, regulatory reporting, corporate governance advice, compliance training, and ongoing regulatory advisory services. However, requirements vary depending on the firm’s licence and regulated activities.
Both DIFC and ADGM are independent financial free zones with their own regulators and legal frameworks. DIFC firms are regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), while ADGM firms are regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). Although both regimes follow international regulatory standards, firms must comply with the specific rules, reporting obligations, and licensing requirements applicable to their jurisdiction.
Firms operating within DIFC and ADGM must maintain risk-based AML and KYC programmes that comply with applicable regulatory rules and international standards, including customer due diligence, ongoing monitoring, sanctions screening, suspicious activity reporting, and regular AML risk assessments. Waystone supports firms through AML/KYC programme design, policy reviews, MLRO services, and financial crime advisory.
Both DIFC and ADGM are independent financial free zones with their own regulators and legal frameworks. DIFC firms are regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), while ADGM firms are regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). Although both regimes follow international regulatory standards, firms must comply with the specific rules, reporting obligations, and licensing requirements applicable to their jurisdiction.
Waystone assists firms in meeting UAE Personal Data Protection Law (UAE PDPL) requirements through data protection gap assessments, privacy framework implementation, governance reviews, cross-border data transfer advice, and outsourced Data Protection Officer (DPO) services, helping organisations strengthen their privacy compliance programmes across DIFC, ADGM, and onshore UAE.
Middle East Regulatory Compliance Services
Internal Audit and Assurance Reviews
We support firms regulated across the UAE by the DFSA, FSRA, VARA, CBUAE and CMA with Internal Audit, assurance and targeted review services designed to assess whether governance, risk management and control frameworks are operating effectively in practice.
DIFC & ADGM Compliance Advisory
Steering firms through the complexities of financial services regulation.
Authorisation
We can help you to consider all your options before you launch any regulatory authorisation application.
UAE Compliance Outsourcing and Support
We offer our clients operating in the financial centres of the DIFC and the ADGM various UAE compliance outsourcing services to ensure they remain compliant on a day-to-day basis.
UAE Compliance Documentation
We work with you to create a comprehensive and practical suite of regulatory compliance documentation including manuals, policies and procedures to meet the precise needs of your business.
UAE Regulatory & Compliance Training
Our subject matter experts can design and deliver practical, risk-based compliance training in Dubai that is focused on embedding essential knowledge and understanding of the rules and regulations which apply to your business.
UAE Cyber Security Compliance Solutions
We are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of information security, data protection advisory, and support services to our clients in the UAE.
Guides and Articles Available for Download
Our key documents to assist you in navigating the ever-changing regulatory landscape in the Middle East can be found here.