Service Overview
At ABICO, we have over 25 years of experience in helping businesses secure the appropriate financial license in the UAE. An essential part of this process involves understanding the capital requirements set by the relevant authorities. Our team will assist you in meeting these financial thresholds efficiently and ensure your application is complete and compliant. Overview of Financial Service Licenses in the UAE: A financial services license in the UAE is an official authorization issued by the appropriate regulators that allows your business to operate legally within the financial sector. This license enables you to provide specific financial services to clients while adhering to the local laws and regulations, which helps build trust and credibility in the market. Capital Requirements by Regulating Authorities: 1. Mainland UAE (Regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE – CBUAE): - Commercial Banks: Minimum paid-up capital of AED 2 billion. - Investment Banks: Between AED 40 million and AED 100 million, depending on the scope of services. - Finance Companies: At least AED 150 million. - Exchange Houses: AED 50 million or more. 2. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – Regulated by the DFSA: Capital amounts vary based on the category of license: - Category 1 (accepting deposits): AED 10 million+ - Category 2 (dealing in investments as a principal): AED 2 million+ - Category 3 (asset management and advisory): AED 500,000+ - Category 4 (arranging deals and advising): AED 10,000 to AED 100,000 3. Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) – Regulated by FSRA: Capital requirements depend on the type of activity and risk involved, ranging from USD 10,000 to several million USD. 4. Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA): - Brokerage firms: AED 30 million+ - Asset management companies: AED 10 million+ - Advisory firms: AED 1 million+ Meeting the minimum capital standards is a vital step in obtaining a license. It indicates your financial ability to operate securely, complies with legal standards, and builds trust with clients and regulators. ABICO offers expert support in understanding and fulfilling these capital requirements. We help you prepare the necessary documentation, identify the correct license category, and complete the licensing process effectively, ensuring your business meets all financial thresholds required for approval.
Key Benefits & Advantages
Our Execution Process
Identify Jurisdiction
Select mainland UAE (CBUAE/SCA) or financial free zones (DIFC/ADGM) based on your target market.
Determine License Category
Align your specific services (such as advisory vs dealing as principal) to define the correct category.
Assess Capital Threshold
Identify the minimum paid-up capital requirement set by the regulating authority for your category.
Compile Proof of Capital
Prepare bank confirmations, shareholder commitments, or audit files verifying capital availability.
Deposit Funds
Open a temporary corporate bank account to deposit and lock the capital required for in-principle conditions.
Submit Final Proof
Deliver formal proof of deposit to the authority to activate your operational financial service license.