The Registration Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the leading international financial centre of Abu Dhabi has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Ministry of Economy. The MoU seeks to enable cooperation and coordination between the parties with respect to the registration and supervision of auditors with the aim of encouraging high standards of financial audits in the UAE.

The contract was signed on 16th December 2018 by Dhaher Bin Dhaher Al Mheiri, Chief Executive Officer of the Registration Authority of ADGM and H.E Humaid Bin Butti Al Muhairi, Assistant Undersecretary for Commercial Affairs, Ministry of Economy.

H.E Humaid Bin Butti Al Muhairi, Assistant Undersecretary for Commercial Affairs, Ministry of Economy, said: This strategic MOU between Abu Dhabi Global Market and the Ministry of Economy eases the exchange of information and knowledge between both parties, and reinforces the importance of collaboration among applicable authorities. It denotes an important step in strengthening the countrys, especially Abu Dhabis, reputation as a global business center and fascinating leading businesses and investors. The MoU also seeks to align the countrys auditing standards with global best practices and confirm that auditing companies comply with internationally accepted legal and organizational necessities.

Dhaher Bin Dhaher Al Mheiri, CEO of the ADGM Registration Authority, said: As a leading international financial centre, ADGM is dedicated to building confidence and trust for investors and contributing to the sustainable financial development for Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Our goal is to guarantee that the uppermost standards of quality is maintained when it comes to auditing, by pursuing best practises and increasing transparency. We try to maintain a sound and reliable capital market for the benefit of local and worldwide investors through this agreement, ADGM and the Ministry of Economy will work hand in hand to coordinate on the oversight and expansion of the audit profession.

Auditors provide guarantee about the quality of financial data of companies. High quality audit is an significant factor in contributing to market and financial system integrity.

The Ministry of Economy is the regulator of auditors in the UAE, while the ADGM Registration Authority regulates auditors listed to perform financial audits in the ADGM jurisdiction. The contract aims to improve collaboration in the interest of fulfilling each partys respective regulatory mandates as well as facilitating mutual assistance and the exchange of information relating to the oversight of audit firms and principals.

The parties have also approved to coordinate the transfer of knowledge concerning technical, organizational and institutional experiences to advance the oversight of auditors as well as to support the development of the audit profession in the UAE.

In line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and the UAE Vision 2021, the MoU highlights the mutual commitment to reinforce cooperation between local government entities to further Abu Dhabi as an advanced economic and industrial hub with the goal of greater economic diversification for the UAE.