Central Bank of the U.A.E. Exchange Business Regulation

Circular No: 7/2025

Date: 16/6/2025

To: Exchange Houses 

Subject: Exchange Business Regulation 

Introduction

The Central Bank Law requires Exchange Business activities in the UAE to be subject to a licensing regime administered by the Central Bank, and
provides the statutory basis for the powers of the Central Bank in relation to the licensing and ongoing supervision of Exchange Business.

This Regulation is issued pursuant to the powers vested in the Central Bank under the Central Bank Law.

Scope and objectives

Article 65 of the Central Bank Law lists the Licensed Financial Activities that are subject to Central Bank licensing and supervision, which include, inter alia, the provision of Currency Exchange and money transfer services. Accordingly, the scope of this Regulation includes the licensing and the ongoing supervisory and enforcement requirements on a Licensed Person conducting Exchange Business activities in the UAE.

Under the framework, the Central Bank is empowered to (a) decide whether a License should be granted; (b) conduct ongoing supervision of Licensed Persons; and (c) conduct examination and impose sanction...