Overview
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) serves as the primary monetary authority responsible for maintaining currency stability, managing foreign reserves, and supervising the domestic banking system. Since the passage of the 2018 Central Bank Law, its mandate has expanded to encompass macroprudential oversight and consumer protection. The institution plays a critical role in anchoring the dirham peg to the US dollar while adapting policy tools to a rapidly diversifying economy.
Market Landscape
The CBUAE oversees a banking sector with total assets exceeding AED 4.1 trillion. It regulates 51 national and foreign banks, exchange houses, finance companies, and payment service providers. The institution’s policy toolkit includes reserve requirements, certificates of deposit facilities, and standing lending facilities. In recent years, the CBUAE has invested in supervisory technology and expanded its digital payment infrastructure through initiatives such as the digital dirham pilot program.
Key Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Banking Sector Assets | AED 4.1 trillion |
| Number of Licensed Banks | 51 |
| Foreign Reserve Holdings | USD 190 billion |
| Capital Adequacy Ratio (sector avg.) | 17.8% |
| Overnight Deposit Facility Rate | 5.15% |
| Non-Performing Loan Ratio | 4.2% |
| Payment Systems Processed (annual) | AED 9.6 trillion |
Regulatory Framework
The CBUAE operates under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2018, which consolidated its supervisory authority. Key regulatory pillars include Basel III capital and liquidity standards, a comprehensive AML/CFT framework aligned with FATF recommendations, and consumer protection regulations issued in 2021. The institution coordinates with the Securities and Commodities Authority and the Insurance Authority to ensure cross-sectoral financial stability. Sandbox programs support fintech licensing and innovation.
Vision 2031 Alignment
The CBUAE’s strategic direction supports UAE Vision 2031 by fostering financial system resilience, advancing digital payment adoption, and enabling a diversified credit environment for non-oil sectors. Its fintech licensing regime and open banking framework are designed to enhance competition and broaden access to financial services, directly contributing to economic diversification targets and the goal of establishing the UAE as a global financial hub.