Does acquiring control of a DIFC/DFSA firm need DFSA approval?
Yes — under the DFSA controllers regime
Under the DFSA controllers regime (GEN 11.8), firms must notify or seek DFSA approval for changes in the ownership or control of an Authorised Firm, including when a person becomes or ceases to be a Controller.
More on Licensing
Does acquiring control of an ADGM-regulated firm need FSRA approval?Yes — prior FSRA approval is requiredWho is a controller of an ADGM authorised firm?Anyone with significant influence via shares or voting rightsCan I buy an ADGM financial services licence?No — you acquire the licensed entity, with FSRA approvalCan a UAE trade licence be transferred on its own?No — it is tied to the entity; ownership changes via amendment