The UAE is strengthening its role in shaping global digital asset regulation, with the UAE Capital Market Authority concluding a high-level engagement at the Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong and signing a new cooperation agreement with one of Asia’s leading market regulators.

On the sidelines of the Forum, the CMA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission to strengthen supervisory cooperation on regulated digital asset activities. The agreement signals growing alignment between the two financial centres as regulators worldwide seek to balance innovation with market integrity and investor protection.

The MoU establishes a framework for consultation, cooperation, and information exchange between the two authorities, supporting more effective cross-border oversight of digital asset entities operating across jurisdictions. It reflects a shared commitment to internationally aligned regulatory approaches that enable responsible innovation while safeguarding financial markets.

The agreement was signed by Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer of the CMA, and Julia Leung, Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, in the presence of senior officials from both sides.

“This MoU strengthens supervisory cooperation between the CMA and the SFC on regulated digital asset activities,” said Al Awadhi. “It establishes clear channels for consultation and information exchange, supporting effective oversight in a cross-border market. Our shared objective is to enable responsible innovation while upholding market integrity and strong investor protection.”

Leung noted that the agreement marks an expansion of regulatory cooperation between the two authorities. “We are pleased to see SFC’s bilateral supervisory relations with CMA have expanded from mutual recognition of funds to supervisory collaboration on digital asset entities. This latest MoU will support responsible financial innovation for both Hong Kong and the UAE and foster sustainable growth of the city’s vibrant and secure digital asset ecosystem,” she said.

The signing formed part of the CMA’s broader engagement at the Asian Financial Forum, where the Authority participated in a series of high-level regulatory discussions over two days, reinforcing its position as an active contributor to global capital markets dialogue.

Alongside the MoU, the CMA and the SFC co-hosted a CEO-level Asset Management Roundtable, chaired by Al Awadhi and Leung, which brought together senior leaders from both regulators and global asset management firms. Discussions focused on deepening cooperation between the UAE and Hong Kong, enhancing cross-border connectivity, and building on the existing Mutual Recognition of Funds framework.

The CMA also led and participated in several specialised sessions, including a Digital Assets Roundtable and an Asset Management Seminar held in collaboration with the SFC. These sessions convened senior regulators alongside executives from licensed virtual asset platforms, technology firms, academia, and asset managers, highlighting the Authority’s expanding engagement across digital assets and asset management.

Collectively, the CMA’s participation at the Forum underscores the UAE’s broader capital markets reform agenda, aimed at strengthening investor confidence, supporting innovation, and positioning the country as a globally connected and well-governed financial centre.