Dubai has strengthened digital asset oversight through updates from the Dubai Financial Services Authority and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. The DFSA removed its recognised token list within the Dubai International Financial Centre, shifting responsibility to firms for crypto suitability assessments and governance. VARA introduced stricter due diligence measures for high-risk jurisdictions, reinforcing AML/CFT compliance and firm-level accountability across Dubai’s crypto market.

The UAE's introduction of an Advance Pricing Agreement ('APA') framework marks a significant milestone in the country's corporate tax evolution. With the release of the Federal Tax Authority's Corporate Tax Guide on Advance Pricing Agreements (CTGAPA1), taxpayers now have a structured mechanism to obtain prospective certainty on transfer pricing outcomes.

Based on my professional experience working closely with government entities across multiple jurisdictions, one reality has become increasingly clear that despite the scale of ambition and investment behind government transformation programs, many struggle to translate intent into lasting impact.

Mystery shopping plays a vital role in the UAE banking sector by linking regulatory compliance with real customer experience. Baker Tilly’s practical assessments, aligned with the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Regulation, evaluate transparency, conduct, data protection, complaint handling, and consumer education. These insights help banks strengthen trust, identify gaps, and enhance service quality while maintaining regulatory alignment.

The article highlights the importance of Article (6) of the CBUAE Corporate Governance Regulations, which mandates a robust Fit and Proper Process to ensure individuals in key banking roles meet high standards of integrity, competence, financial soundness, and regulatory compliance. With a compliance deadline of 31 July 2025, the regulation plays a critical role in strengthening trust, governance, and stability in the UAE’s financial system.

Transfer pricing policies are typically established at the commencement of the fiscal year, grounded in prospective financial forecasts and benchmarking analyses designed to uphold the arm’s length principle.

Discover why SMEs are prime cyber targets, and the practical steps that help them fight back.

The article highlights data quality as the real standout theme from this year’s internal audit conference, despite discussions on AI, cybersecurity and governance. Using DAMA International’s framework, it stresses that data quality is a business issue requiring strong governance and continuous improvement, as poor data across systems leads to costly errors and compliance risks.

Accounting networks combine global standards with independent local firms. Baker Tilly SM Group in the UAE is a new, standalone member with no connection to previous firms. Each member shares the brand and resources but manages its own operations and clients. Strict entry and exit processes ensure liabilities remain with the entity that incurred them, and new members start fresh without inheriting past obligations.

At GITEX, Baker Tilly unveiled Achieve ERP, a digital transformation platform designed as a modular ERP solution that integrates seamlessly across industries. The centerpiece of the presentation was Dewi, Achieve ERP’s AI-powered optimization module, which supports leadership teams in making faster, smarter, and more confident decisions.

Dubai is moving toward a decentralized crypto framework that increases firm accountability and transparency. Companies will assess token suitability, while fiat-linked tokens stay tightly regulated. Investment funds gain flexibility with stronger due diligence, and new rules will simplify onboarding and enhance reporting to balance innovation with investor protection.