For DIFC & ADGM
regulated firms.

The FO role

The Finance Officer (sometimes called the Financial Controller) is a senior, named role in DIFC and ADGM regulated firms responsible for the firm's financial controls, capital adequacy, regulatory financial returns and prudential reporting.

For firms that don't have the volume to justify a full-time FO, outsourcing the role to a partner-grade specialist makes more sense. You get someone who already knows the DFSA / FSRA financial rulebooks — without the cost of building it in-house.

What the FO handles

• Named Finance Officer — registered with the regulator (DFSA / FSRA)
• Capital adequacy reporting — quarterly and annual capital adequacy returns
• Prudential reporting — liquidity, large exposures, leverage as applicable
• Annual financial regulatory return — the comprehensive year-end submission
• Internal financial controls — design, oversight and testing
• Reconciliations — client money, regulatory capital, group-to-regulated entity
• Auditor liaison — primary contact for the statutory auditor
• Board financial reporting — financial reporting to the board and audit committee

When you need an FO

Almost all DFSA and FSRA regulated firms have a Finance Officer requirement. For Cat 4 firms it's often combined with another role. For Cat 3 and Cat 1 firms it's typically a dedicated role.