Dubai, UAE: The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has introduced changes to its prudential reporting framework for DIFC firms, with the main amendments taking effect from 2 October 2026. The update follows the DFSA’s October legislative notice and Rulemaking Instrument No. 443, which amends the Prudential, Investment, Insurance Intermediation and Banking Business Module (PIB).
The latest development is important for authorized firms that submit prudential returns to the DFSA. The changes aim to streamline reporting and include a redesigned Form B110, which now captures data that was previously reported through Forms B180 and B120.
What Has Changed in DFSA Prudential Reporting?
The most practical change for firms is the updated reporting structure.
According to the DFSA, data previously reported in B180 and B120 is now included in the redesigned B110. The B110 form applies to all authorized firms, but firms only need to complete the data items that apply to them.
This means finance and compliance teams should not continue relying only on older reporting formats. They need to understand how their existing information fits into the updated B110 structure and make sure the right data is available when preparing their DFSA returns.
The DFSA uses its Electronic Prudential Reporting System for authorized firms to submit regulatory returns online.
Who Needs to Pay Attention?
The change applies to DFSA Authorized Firms that fall within the relevant prudential reporting requirements.
For these firms, the update is not simply a change in the name of a reporting form. The movement of information from B180 and B120 into B110 means reporting teams need to review their current processes and data mapping.
Firms should identify which B110 data items apply to their business and ensure their internal records can support those submissions.
What Happens If Firms Ignore the Change?
Using an outdated reporting process can increase the risk of preparing information in the wrong format or missing information required under the updated framework.
For regulated financial firms, accurate regulatory reporting is an important part of ongoing DFSA requirements. Firms should therefore review their processes before their next reporting cycle rather than waiting to identify gaps later.
This review should also cover tax and compliance processes, since clear compliance controls can support the wider management of regulatory obligations.
What Should DIFC Firms Do Now?
Finance and compliance teams should first compare their current prudential reporting process with the updated DFSA requirements. They should then check how information previously prepared for B180 and B120 is now captured through B110.
Firms should also review their bookkeeping records and auditing and assurance controls to make sure the financial information used for regulatory reporting is accurate, complete and properly maintained.
Businesses reviewing their wider corporate and regulatory records can also consider due diligence services to identify gaps in supporting documentation and business information.
For firms planning wider changes to their financial structure or operations, business planning and strategy can help management assess regulatory and financial requirements before making key decisions.
More DFSA Changes Are Coming in 2027
The October update is not the end of the DFSA’s current rulemaking cycle. The Authority has also confirmed that Rulemaking Instrument No. 444 for the Conduct of Business Module, No. 445 for the Islamic Finance Rules and No. 446 for the Glossary Module will come into force on 1 January 2027.
The DFSA also issued a further update on 5 October 2026 following Consultation Paper No. 174, confirming changes to credit rating agency requirements that will take effect on 1 January 2027.
For DIFC financial firms, the immediate priority is to understand the October prudential reporting changes, update internal reporting processes, and prepare for the next stage of regulatory updates.
Dubai Business and Tax Advisors (DBTA) can assist businesses with financial, compliance and advisory requirements, helping firms review their records and processes as they respond to changing regulatory requirements.
