The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the UAE and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong have signed a MoU on the mutual recognition of investment funds and investment management companies.

It is the first agreement of its kind between the two authorities and marks a step towards greater financial cooperation between the Middle East and Asia.

The MoU aims to strengthen regulatory collaboration between the two financial centres, reduce duplication of requirements, and facilitate cross-border market access.

It also includes provisions for information exchange, joint on-site visits, and the sharing of expertise and regulatory practices.

Waleed Al Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer of the SCA, said:

“This partnership with Hong Kong marks a transformative milestone in redefining the global investment landscape, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for investors to engage with one of the world’s most advanced financial centres. We are deeply committed to empowering investors through a resilient investment ecosystem, one that drives innovation, sets new benchmarks in international best practices, and underscores the UAE’s strategic leadership as one of the top global financial centres.”

Julia Leung, Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, said:

“This significant collaboration with the SCA has opened a new chapter in Hong Kong-UAE regulatory cooperation, not only reaffirming the city’s standing as a preferred fund domicile, but also highlighting its role as a premier gateway between Mainland China and the Middle East, especially in a fast-evolving global landscape.”

The agreement is intended to expand investment opportunities and reinforce cooperation in international financial markets, while supporting a more sustainable and resilient financial framework.

Featured image credit: SCA