Request for Recognition (Recognised Bodies)

Apply for DFSA recognition as a Recognised Member operating in a jurisdiction other than the DIFC.

SERVICE FEES: USD USD 15,000 plus prorated initial annual fee
PAYMENT METHODS: Bank Transfer
SLA Time: Only Bank Transfer

Service Process

Enquire

Generate and get your
enquiry screened

Apply

Submit your
application

Evaluate

Undergo application
review

Fulfil

Complete invoicing
and acceptance

Approve

Receive service delivery
and approval

Compliance with the REC Module of the DFSA Rulebook
Submitted General Enquiry...

Required Documents

The following documents need to be submitted with the application form:

Certificate of Incorporation in a jurisdiction other than DIFC
Licensing/Authorisation document(s) at the home jurisdiction

Service Fees

According to the Fees Module (FER), a person applying for Recognised Body status must pay an application fee of USD 15,000 and an annual fee of USD 1,000. If an applicant is initially recognised part way through a calendar year, the fee for that initial year will be calculated on a pro rata basis (i.e. the initial fee is calculated as the annual fee, multiplied by the number of whole calendar months between the date of recognition and the end of the year divided by 12.

Enquire

Apply

Evaluate

Fulfil

Approve

Request DFSA to answer your queries regarding your Eligibility of being Authorised.

Duration
1-3 weeks

Channel
DFSA Website

Document
Organigram Structure

Begin the authorization process by submitting necessary documents for review.

Duration
1-3 weeks

Channel
DFSA Website

Document
Regulatory Business Plan AML Compliance Reports Financial Statements

DFSA reviews your submission to assess compliance with regulatory standards.

Duration
1-3 weeks

Channel
Email/Phone/Website

Document
Regulatory Business Plan AML Compliance Reports Financial Statements

Provide additional documentation as requested to finalize the authorization process.

Duration
1-3 weeks

Channel
Email/Phone/Website

Document
N/A

Receive confirmation of your firm’s authorization, along with the official license to operate.

Duration
1-3 weeks

Channel
Email/Phone/Website

Document
DFSA Authorisation Letter DFSA License

Paired Services

Request for New Authorisation
Financial Services

Obtain authorisation to carry Financial Services in or from the DIFC.

Request for New Authorisation
Representative Offices

Obtain authorisation to operate a Representative Office in the DIFC.

Request for New Authorisation
Credit Rating Agencies

Obtain authorisation to be operate as a Credit Rating Agency in or from the DIFC.

Request for Information to DFSA
Supervision

Seek clarification or guidance on specific regulatory requirements of supervisory processes.

Request for Amendment of
Supervision Scope

Apply to change the scope of your licence

Request for Amendment to
Ownership and Control Structure

Notify, or seek approval from, the DFSA on changes in the ownership or control structure of your Authorised Firm.

Withdraw
Authorisation

Request to withdraw your licence as an Authorised Firm, ceasing to carry Financial Services in or from the DIFC.

Submit
Reports

Submit financial reports produced by your auditor.

Submit
Notifications

Submit Notifications

Recognised Persons