DFSA Thematic Review 2026: Compliance Arrangements

The Dubai Financial Services Authority published its 2026 Thematic Review on Compliance Arrangements, assessing how authorised firms within the DIFC design, implement, and evidence their compliance governance structures in practice. The review signals tighter regulatory expectations around decision accountability, oversight documentation, and escalation clarity — particularly as a revised Conduct Principles framework takes effect from 1 July 2026. For boards, this is a direct prompt to audit whether governance frameworks accurately reflect operational decision-making realities, not just stated policies.