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.

Driving Compliance, Resilience, and Innovation in the UAE’s Exchange and Remittance Sector

Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS) prevent terrorism financing by requiring UAE Reporting Entities to freeze assets within 24 hours of a match on the UAE or UNSC terrorist lists. TFS applies to designated individuals, entities, and those they control or act through, with all actions based on documented evidence.

The future of the audit profession is gaining importance as the UAE’s landscape evolves. To explore this, Baker Tilly UAE hosted a Roundtable on "Building Capacity and Strengthening Audit Quality," bringing together partners from leading second-tier firms, regulators, and professional bodies. Discussions highlighted the firms’ role in maintaining market confidence and the key challenges and opportunities shaping the profession.

Global Workforce and Globally Mobile High Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs)

Automation may brew your latte, but it can’t replace human insight. At Baker Tilly UAE, internal audit goes beyond tick-box compliance—using technology to enhance accuracy and speed, while relying on people to understand culture, behaviour, and governance. Modern auditors are trusted advisers who drive value, not just efficiency.

The ADGM has recently introduced the Data Protection (Substantial Public Interest Conditions) Rules 2025 to provide clear additional legal grounds for processing Special Categories of Personal Data in situations where there is a substantial public interest.

Insights from "Deception and Financial Mayhem" by Saad Maniar and Faisal Sheikh

Enhancing Corporate Tax Certainty for UAE Free Zone Entities

The introduction of corporate tax in the UAE has sparked plenty of discussion in boardrooms. For some business leaders, it feels like uncharted territory, an added responsibility in an already complex environment.