Interactive Tool

DFSA category
selector.

Identify the appropriate DFSA licence category for your DIFC financial-services business. Categories run from Cat 1 (banking) through Cat 5 (Islamic financial institution) plus specialised licences. Capital requirements, supervisory framework and timeline vary by category.

DFSA Category Selector

What is your primary financial-services activity?

Select the activity that best describes the primary regulated function.

A
Accepting deposits / providing credit
Banking activity.
B
Dealing in investments as principal
Market making, proprietary trading.
C
Dealing in investments as agent
Broker-dealer activity executing for clients.
D
Providing custody / CIS operator
Custodian services or fund administration/CIS operator.
E
Managing collective investment funds
Fund manager for CIS / closed-ended funds.
F
Managing assets (discretionary)
Portfolio management outside fund structure.
G
Advising / arranging deals
Investment advice or arranging without principal risk.
H
Islamic financial institution
Sharia-compliant financial services.
Recommended DFSA category

Key requirements

    About DFSA categorisation.

    The DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) regulates entities in DIFC. Categories run from Cat 1 (banking) through Cat 5 (Islamic financial institution) plus specialised licences. Capital requirements scale by category.

    Many financial-services business models require licensing under more than one category. Some require licensing in DIFC plus other UAE regulators (CBUAE for mainland payments, CMA for mainland securities).

    This tool identifies the primary category indication only. Real DFSA application requires full regulatory business-plan analysis. Speak to Neo Legal's Financial Services team.

    Need specialist counsel?

    Senior counsel only. Direct engagement with the partner who will run your matter.

    Financial Services Practice →