DFM Gains FINMA Recognition as Foreign Trading Platform, Opening Direct Access for Swiss Institutions

Dubai Financial Market (DFM) today announced that it has been recognized by the Swiss Financial Markets Supervisory Authority (FINMA) as a foreign trading platform, as part of its ongoing efforts to expand market access to international investors.

The recognition gives FINMA-regulated Swiss participants direct access to the DFM's trading platform and enables Swiss companies incorporated to trade securities on the market.

The move establishes a regulated channel connecting two of the world's leading finanacial centres, allowing Swiss financial institutions to have direct access to the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and opening the door for shares of Swiss companies to be traded in Dubai.

This recognition reflects the strength of the DFM's regulatory framework, which operates under the supervision of the UAE Capital Market Authority (CMA), and the close cooperation between regulators in the UAE and Switzerland, both of which are signatories to the Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding issued by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) on consultation, cooperation and exchange of information.

The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has a base of more than 1.2 million investors from 212 nationalities, with foreign investors accounting for around 85% of registered investors, an international base that this recognition seeks to strengthen by opening a direct and regulated channel for Swiss institutions.

Hamed Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Nasdaq Dubai, said: "FINMA's recognition of DFM represents a significant milestone in its strategy to expand international access to its market and achieve Dubai's vision to develop its financial markets.

H.E. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Market Authority (CMA), said that this recognition reflects the close regulatory cooperation between the CMA and FINMA and the strength of the UAE's regulatory framework, and establishes a clear and structured channel for cross-border participation that preserves market integrity and strengthens the UAE's position as a trusted global financial hub.

The move reinforces DFM's strategy to engage international investors and strengthen Dubai's position as a gateway to regional and global capital markets, in line with the emirate's broader ambitions to grow its financial sector and attract cross-border capital flows.