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Find out moreIn May Law Update’s edition, we examined the continued relevance of English law across MENA jurisdictions and why it remains a cornerstone of commercial transactions, dispute resolution, and cross-border deal structuring.
From the Dubai Court’s recognition of Without Prejudice communications to anti-sandbagging clauses, ESG, joint ventures, and the classification of warranties, our contributors explore how English legal concepts are being applied, interpreted, and adapted in a regional context.
With expert insight across sectors, including capital markets, corporate acquisitions, and estate planning, this issue underscores that familiarity with English law is no longer optional for businesses in MENA. It is essential.
2025 is set to be a game-changer for the MENA region, with legal and regulatory shifts from 2024 continuing to reshape its economic landscape. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Qatar, and Bahrain are all implementing groundbreaking reforms in sustainable financing, investment laws, labor regulations, and dispute resolution. As the region positions itself for deeper global integration, businesses must adapt to a rapidly evolving legal environment.
Our Eyes on 2025 publication provides essential insights and practical guidance on the key legal updates shaping the year ahead—equipping you with the knowledge to stay ahead in this dynamic market.
Over the past couple of years, there has been rapid development in the FinTech space. In response to such developments, the UAE Central Bank (“Central Bank”) has issued the Stored Value Facilities Regulation (“Regulation”), dated 30 September 2020 (released in November 2020). The Regulation was published in the Official Gazette on 15 October 2020 and comes into effect on 15 November 2020. The Regulation replaces and repeals the ‘Regulatory Framework for Stored Values and Electronic Payment Systems’ (the “Framework”) previously issued by the Central Bank in 2016. The transition period is one year from the effective date of the Regulation.
The scope of the Regulation includes licensing and the ongoing supervisory and oversight requirements and related enforcement action in relation to the provision of Stored Value Facilities (“SVF”) in the UAE. The Financial Free Zones continue to be outside the remit. However, if financial institutions in any Financial Free Zone intend to conduct SVF related business in the UAE onshore, such financial institutions would be required to obtain a license of the Central Bank.
The key highlights are essentially a more streamlined application process for licensing, inclusion of the regulation and licensing of activities in relation to crypto-assets and virtual assets, the ability to obtain a license without having to partner with commercial banks, regulation of cross border offerings of SVFs into the UAE and recognition of e-KYC processes for such business activity. Additionally, a requirement has been introduced for the provision of independent assessments in seven areas by qualified assessors (these areas are corporate governance and risk management; float management; technology risk management; payment security management; business continuity management; business conduct and Customer protection; and AML/CFT control systems).
The UAE is at the forefront of innovation and the issuance of the Regulation is timely to create a stimulus in the payments industry in the UAE in accordance with international standards. It will provide an easier access to international SVF providers to the UAE market.
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