PART SIX · 30 · Reference

DFSA Rulebook Modules

Authored by10 Leaves & Legability Reading time · 3 min Updated · Q1 2026

DFSA Rulebook Modules

The DFSA Rulebook is the codified body of rules and guidance that every DFSA-Authorised Firm must observe. It is organised into thematic Modules, each of which covers a specific risk or business area. Most Modules apply horizontally to all Authorised Firms; others are activity-specific.

Core Modules

GEN — General Module: The foundational module covering Authorisation, Principles for Authorised Firms, outsourcing, record-keeping, and reporting obligations. See GEN on the DFSA Rulebook¹.
COB — Conduct of Business: Rules governing client classification, communications, suitability, best execution, client assets, and conduct standards across retail and professional clients. See COB².
PIB — Prudential Investment, Insurance Intermediation and Banking: Capital adequacy and liquidity requirements for Category 1–4 firms. See PIB³.
AML — Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing and Sanctions: Customer due diligence, enhanced due diligence, Suspicious Activity Reports, sanctions screening, and training. See AML⁴.
GLO — Glossary Module: Definitions used across the Rulebook.

Markets & Activity-Specific Modules

AMI — Authorised Market Institutions: Rules for operators of exchanges, multilateral trading facilities, and alternative trading systems. See AMI⁵.
CIR — Collective Investment Rules: The fund rulebook — Public Funds, Exempt Funds, Qualified Investor Funds, real-estate funds, and foreign funds distributed into the DIFC. See CIR⁶.
FER — Fees Module: The DFSA fees schedule — application, annual, and event-based fees. See FER⁷.
REP — Representative Office: Rules specific to representative offices licensed in the DIFC. See REP⁸.
IFR — Islamic Finance Rules: Shari'ah governance, Shari'ah Supervisory Boards, and the treatment of Islamic windows within conventional firms. See IFR⁹.

Innovation

Innovation Testing Licence (ITL) under GEN 13: The DFSA's regulatory sandbox, allowing FinTechs to live-test innovative financial services for a time-limited period with tailored regulatory requirements.

The full Rulebook is published and maintained at the DFSA Rulebook portal¹⁰. Firms should consult the current version — the Rulebook is updated frequently as the DFSA issues consultation papers and final amendments.

Authorised Firms must demonstrate, on an ongoing basis, that they have sufficient systems and controls to comply with every Module that applies to their business.

DFSA Rulebook Modules