How to check a broker on the DFSA register
If a broker is based in the DIFC, the DFSA is its regulator. Here's how to use the DFSA Public Register and what to confirm beyond just finding the name.
The short version
- The DFSA regulates firms in the DIFC and keeps its own Public Register of firms.
- DFSA reference numbers usually start with 'F'; search by legal name or reference.
- Confirm the exact service is authorised and check for restrictions like 'qualified investors only'.
- Being a registered DIFC company is not the same as being DFSA-authorised — check both registers.
- A DFSA licence applies to the named entity only, not to affiliates or similarly named firms.
The DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) regulates financial firms operating in or from the DIFC — the Dubai International Financial Centre, a financial free zone with its own rules. It is separate from the UAE's onshore regulator (the CMA, formerly SCA) and from Abu Dhabi's FSRA. So if a broker tells you it's "DFSA regulated", the DFSA Public Register is where you confirm it.
Using the DFSA Public Register
- Go to the DFSA's official website directly and open the Public Register, then choose Firms.
- Search by the firm's exact legal name or its DFSA reference number (these typically begin with the letter F).
- Open the firm's record and review it in full.
What to confirm on the record
A DFSA firm profile lets you check:
- Legal name and any trading name
- The DFSA reference number
- Legal status
- DIFC address and phone number
- Licence or registration date
- The authorised financial services the firm may provide
- Any restrictions or endorsements
- Regulatory actions, and the individuals approved at the firm
Appearing on the register isn't the whole answer
As with the onshore list, finding the firm is only half the job. A firm may be authorised for some services but not the one you want. Check that the specific service — for example dealing in investments as principal, arranging deals, or holding client assets — is actually listed on that firm's profile, and read any restrictions. Some firms are limited to professional or "qualified" investors only, which means they may not be able to onboard you as an ordinary retail client.
DFSA authorisation vs DIFC registration — not the same thing
This is a subtle but important trap. The DIFC also has a companies register (run by its registrar). A business can be registered as a DIFC company without being authorised by the DFSA to provide financial services. The DFSA itself recommends two checks:
- The DFSA Public Register — to confirm the firm is authorised for regulated financial services.
- The DIFC Public Register — to confirm the company is legally registered in the DIFC.
A firm being a registered DIFC company tells you nothing about whether it's licensed to broker for you. Only the DFSA authorisation does that.
Match the exact entity
A DFSA licence belongs to the specific licensed firm — not automatically to affiliates, sister companies or similarly named entities in the same group. Confirm that the entity named in your account agreement is the one on the DFSA register.
If you can't find the firm
If a broker claims to be DFSA-regulated but doesn't appear on the Public Register, or offers services beyond what its profile lists, treat that as a serious warning and don't transfer money. You can raise it with the DFSA through the alerts and complaints channels on its official site.
Step by step
- 1
Open the DFSA Public Register
Go to the DFSA's official website and choose Public Register, then Firms.
- 2
Search name or reference number
Use the exact legal name or the DFSA reference (usually starting with F).
- 3
Review the firm's profile
Check legal status, DIFC address, licence date, authorised services and any restrictions.
- 4
Confirm the specific service
Make sure the service you want is listed and you aren't excluded as a retail client.
- 5
Separate DFSA authorisation from DIFC registration
A registered DIFC company is not necessarily DFSA-authorised. Check both registers.
This is educational content, not investment advice. Markets carry risk. Always verify a broker's regulation before opening an account. BrokerBazaar is an independent comparison platform, not a regulator or advisor.
Common questions
How do I know a broker is in the DIFC?
Its website footer or About page will usually state it is regulated by the DFSA and based in the DIFC. Confirm it on the DFSA Public Register under Firms, searching the legal name or the F-prefixed reference number.
What's the difference between the DFSA and DIFC registers?
The DFSA Public Register confirms a firm is authorised to provide regulated financial services. The DIFC Public Register confirms a company is legally registered in the free zone. A company can be DIFC-registered without being DFSA-authorised, so check both.
The firm is on the register but I can't open an account. Why?
Some DFSA-authorised firms are restricted to professional or qualified investors and cannot onboard ordinary retail clients. The restriction will be noted on the firm's profile.