logo
UAE Central Bank Suspends Bank's Islamic Window Onboarding, Imposes AED 3.5M Fine

UAE Central Bank Suspends Bank's Islamic Window Onboarding, Imposes AED 3.5M Fine

Fintech News ME2 days ago

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has suspended the onboarding of new customers to the Islamic Window of a bank operating in the UAE for a period of six months and imposed a financial penalty of AED 3,502,214.
This action was taken in accordance with Article 137 of Decretal Federal Law No. (14) of 2018 Regarding the Central Bank and Organisation of Financial Institutions and Activities, as amended.
The sanctions follow a Sharia supervision inspection by the CBUAE, which identified the bank's failure to comply with the relevant instructions governing Sharia governance of its Islamic Window, as well as the provisions of the aforementioned law.
In exercising its supervisory and regulatory functions, the CBUAE remains committed to ensuring that all banks and their employees comply with UAE laws, regulations, and the standards set by the Central Bank, in order to uphold the transparency and integrity of the banking sector and safeguard the UAE's financial system.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Al Nuaimi: vision 2031 charts UAE's sustainable future
Al Nuaimi: vision 2031 charts UAE's sustainable future

Sharjah 24

timean hour ago

  • Sharjah 24

Al Nuaimi: vision 2031 charts UAE's sustainable future

Vision 2031: a living framework of national ambition Dr Al Nuaimi emphasised that UAE Vision 2031 is no longer a mere aspiration but a living framework fuelled by national determination across all state institutions. He described it as a national pathway built on innovation, diversity, sustainability, and institutional integration. Redefining prosperity through economic diversification The first pillar of the vision, Al Nuaimi explained, focuses on redefining prosperity by transitioning from hydrocarbon dependence to a knowledge economy. This includes green tech, AI, and advanced industries, targeting a GDP of AED 3 trillion and AED 800 billion in non-oil exports by 2031. He underscored the importance of investing in innovation hubs and activating cross-sector partnerships for a post-oil economy. Sustainable urban development as a strategic pillar In the second pillar, Al Nuaimi addressed sustainable urban development through smart, resilient cities that rely on clean energy, mobility innovations, and environmental harmony—aligned with the 2050 Net Zero strategy. He also highlighted the need to incorporate ESG and digital readiness standards in real estate, infrastructure, and logistics. Empowering human capital The third pillar centred on empowering human capital. Al Nuaimi described skilled talent as the nation's true wealth. He stressed lifelong learning and global openness to ensure the UAE ranks among the top 10 globally in human development and digital talent retention. He called for comprehensive upskilling, national talent support, and future leadership development. Fostering innovation and global competitiveness The fourth pillar focused on innovation and global competitiveness. Al Nuaimi noted the UAE's rapid strides towards becoming a global platform for regulatory and technological innovation, particularly in AI and biotechnology. He advocated for stronger partnerships between universities and the public-private sectors to co-create intellectual capital that drives regional knowledge transformation. Environmental sustainability and food security The fifth pillar concerned environmental sustainability and food security. Al Nuaimi stated that the UAE views sustainability as a competitive advantage, not a developmental burden. He reaffirmed national goals to rank among the top 10 globally in food security, water efficiency, and climate adaptation. He urged the adoption of circular economy models, climate-smart agriculture, and resource reuse. Closing remarks: a unified national endeavour Concluding his speech, Dr Al Nuaimi described Vision 2031 as a comprehensive national project that requires collective institutional and individual effort. He said the bridge to this future begins today—with investment in people, unified vision, and a resilient, sustainable, and innovative economy worthy of the UAE's regional and global standing.

UAE Reserves Surge with Gold Holdings and Deposit Growth
UAE Reserves Surge with Gold Holdings and Deposit Growth

Arabian Post

timea day ago

  • Arabian Post

UAE Reserves Surge with Gold Holdings and Deposit Growth

The Central Bank of the UAE expanded its gold reserves by 19.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, adding AED 4.444 billion to bring the total to AED 27.425 billion as of 31 March, up from AED 22.981 billion at the close of 2024. The bank's latest statistical bulletin also reveals marked increases across demand, savings and time deposits, alongside robust payment-system activity. Heightened global market unpredictability and a strategic emphasis on diversifying reserve assets underpin the bank's move to bolster gold reserves, officials say. This reflects a continued shift toward safer, non‑interest-bearing assets amid sustained volatility. Deposit trends in the banking sector continued on an upward trajectory. Demand deposits reached AED 1.147 trillion by the end of March, up from AED 1.109 trillion in December, with AED 856.062 billion in dirhams and AED 291.116 billion in foreign currencies. Savings deposits rose to AED 338.788 billion from AED 317.48 billion at year-end, while time deposits touched AED 991.757 billion, including AED 614.854 billion in local currency and AED 376.9 billion abroad. ADVERTISEMENT Electronic transfers via the UAE Funds Transfer System surged to AED 5.449 trillion in Q1, comprising AED 3.331 trillion in interbank transfers and AED 2.118 trillion in customer transactions. Cheque-based payments showed significant volume: 5.615 million cheques totalling AED 351.359 billion were cleared through image-based processing, including AED 116.712 billion in March alone. Cash withdrawal and deposit activity remained vigorous. Withdrawals reached AED 63.887 billion, while deposits totalled AED 47.124 billion during the quarter. Analysts interpret these developments as a sign of deepening liquidity and enhanced confidence in the UAE's financial system. A senior economist at a regional bank commented: 'The scale of growth in both deposit categories and gold reserves reflects a deliberate strategy by the Central Bank to fortify the country's buffer against external shocks. Investors are clearly hedging against uncertainty by increasing exposure to tangible assets and maintaining high liquidity.' The economist also cautioned that global interest-rate fluctuations and geopolitical risks could influence the bank's future asset allocation decisions. The rise in gold reserves places UAE among regional central banks increasing non‑yielding assets. Analysts point to a broader trend, driven by concerns over inflation and currency volatility in key reserve currencies. A comparative report by a GCC central banking consortium notes that gold reserves across member countries grew by an average of 12 per cent in Q1, with the UAE outperforming peers. Within the banking sector, sustained deposit growth reflects resilient household and corporate savings. Strong currency‑hedged deposit figures—nearly AED 1.1 trillion in UAE dirhams—suggest that domestic confidence remains high in spite of global uncertainties. Meanwhile, foreign-currency deposits provide necessary coverage for international trade and investment. Rising transaction volumes through the UAEFTS, which processed transfers worth AED 5.449 trillion, underscore the depth of interbank activity and customer engagement. Stakeholders highlight the central bank's digital-clearing infrastructure as a key enabler in supporting large-scale financial flows with efficiency and security. Cheque transactions processed via imaging systems illustrate the continuing relevance of traditional payment instruments, even as the system adapts to technology-driven clearing processes. Meanwhile, high levels of cash withdrawals and deposits indicate ongoing demand for physical currency in everyday commerce and cash-based sectors. Central Bank officials, responding to questions from regional media, affirmed that quarterly data would continue to inform dynamic adjustments in reserve management and monetary policy. They emphasised readiness to tweak both tangible and liquid asset holdings as required to optimise financial stability and sovereign risk protection. Understanding the full impact of these developments requires monitoring global monetary shifts and upcoming fiscal announcements. Market observers will be watching for signals in the next Central Bank bulletin, particularly regarding foreign exchange reserves and gold holdings for subsequent quarters.

UAE raises $300m in June 2025 Islamic T-Sukuk auction, oversubscribed 5.6 times
UAE raises $300m in June 2025 Islamic T-Sukuk auction, oversubscribed 5.6 times

Arabian Business

timea day ago

  • Arabian Business

UAE raises $300m in June 2025 Islamic T-Sukuk auction, oversubscribed 5.6 times

The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) has announced the successful completion of its June 2025 auction of Islamic Treasury Sukuk (T-Sukuk), raising AED1.1bn ($300m) as part of its broader 2025 issuance program. The auction, conducted in coordination with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), drew strong demand from eight primary dealers, reflecting continued investor trust in the UAE's fiscal framework and Islamic finance model. The auction results highlighted competitive, market-driven pricing with a Yield to Maturity (YTM) of 3.88 per cent for the May 2027 tranche and 3.83 per cent for the August 2028 tranche. Islamic Sukuk in UAE These yields represent a tight spread of 2 basis points, above comparable US Treasuries at the time of issuance. The tight spreads and high participation signal market-driven pricing and growing demand for Shariah-compliant sovereign debt instruments. The Ministry confirmed the auction aligns with its commitment to developing a dirham-denominated yield curve and broadening local capital markets, offering investors a stable and secure platform within the country's economic ecosystem. In a statement, the MoF reiterated that the Islamic T-Sukuk programme:

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store