Communication with AFSA

If an Authorised Firm wishes to raise a matter for consideration, it must submit a detailed written explanation by email. AFSA will review the submission and determine whether the issue falls within the scope of its regulatory remit.

Queries that are unclear, speculative, or inappropriate – particularly those seeking legal or compliance advice – may be disregarded at AFSA’s discretion.

As the independent regulator of the AIFC, AFSA does not provide legal, regulatory, or compliance consulting services to Authorised Firms or applicants. This includes, but not limited to:

• pre-clearance of business decisions;
• interpretation of rules on behalf of firms;
• validation of proposed compliance approaches.

AFSA’s role is to supervise and enforce compliance. Responsibility for compliance rests entirely with the regulated entity, which must independently interpret and apply the AIFC Acts appropriately and must exercise independent judgement. Where necessary, firms should obtain advice from external legal counsel or professional advisors.

• Firms should not rely on informal comments or interpretations from AFSA staff, whether verbal or written. Such comments are non-binding and do not constitute AFSA’s official regulatory position. AFSA reserves the right to adopt a different view during supervision, enforcement, or legal proceedings.

• In the event where non-compliance is identified through supervisory activities – including inspections, reviews, or ongoing monitoring – AFSA may take enforcement action in accordance with the AIFC legal framework. Such actions may include the imposition of penalties or other regulatory measures.