Sahm Secures DFSA License, Expands Regulated Footprint into the UAE
Sahm, an investment services provider under Hong Kong-based Valuable Capital Group Limited (VCGL), has received a license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) for its UAE entity, Sahm Financial Limited. The approval allows the firm to establish regulated operations in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), marking a significant step in its Middle East expansion strategy.
Under the DFSA authorization, Sahm Financial Limited is permitted to advise on financial products, arrange investment deals, and act as an agent in investment transactions. The license also allows the company to serve retail clients and hold or control client assets, subject to DFSA regulatory requirements on investor protection and market integrity.
Expansion Builds on Saudi Arabia Entry
The UAE approval follows Sahm’s earlier expansion into Saudi Arabia, where its entity was licensed by the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) in 2024. With regulated presence now in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the group is positioning itself to serve investors across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Sahm operates the Sahm App, a platform that enables users to trade Saudi and US markets. The company said the app has already surpassed one million users in Saudi Arabia, indicating strong traction in one of the region’s most active retail investing markets.
Steven Chou, Chairman of Sahm Financial Limited (DIFC) and Sahm Capital (KSA), and Chief Strategy Officer at Valuable Capital Group, said the company views the DFSA approval as an important milestone in strengthening its commitment to the UAE market.
“Dubai has established itself as one of the world’s most vibrant and dynamic financial hubs, home to a well-educated, tech-savvy, and sophisticated investor community with a strong appetite for innovative and globally accessible investment solutions,” Chou said.
Focus on Compliance and Regional Growth
Sahm said it remains focused on compliance, product development, and service delivery across its regulated markets. The company also stated that it intends to support the development of the region’s financial sector by broadening access to investment tools and market opportunities within applicable regulatory frameworks.
The DFSA license strengthens Sahm’s regulatory foundation as it expands in the UAE’s financial ecosystem, particularly within DIFC, which continues to attract wealthtech, fintech, and investment firms looking to scale in the region.
Industry Analysis
Sahm’s DFSA authorization reflects the growing appeal of the UAE as a launchpad for regulated financial services targeting regional and cross-border investors. For wealthtech and investment platforms, securing approvals in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia can provide a stronger platform for GCC-wide expansion while reinforcing trust among users and regulators.
The move also highlights the increasing demand for digitally enabled investment services in the Middle East, especially among retail investors seeking access to broader market products. As competition intensifies, regulatory compliance and local market relevance are likely to remain key differentiators for firms pursuing growth in the region.
