This update is a cross-cutting governance and operational guidance on AI/ML deployment that does not target a specific financial product or service category; it applies horizontally across all licensed financial institutions regardless of their primary business model.
Low confidence — REQUIRES HUMAN REVIEW. The guidance is not specific to retail banking products or services; it is a general AI governance framework applicable to all financial institutions, making any single product tag a poor fit.
Specialism
The guidance addresses AI/ML governance, transparency, and human oversight in financial institutions, which relates to operational resilience and system risk management, though the primary focus is broader governance rather than payment-specific resilience.
Low confidence — requires human review. The guidance emphasizes data management, privacy, and consumer protection principles, but these are general financial sector governance rather than payment-specific data governance or protection obligations.
2026-02-23 12:09:42·ibielecka@vixio.com
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TITLE: Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates Issues Artificial Intelligence Guidance for Financial Institutions
BODY:
On February 23, 2026, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) issued a guidance note on consumer protection and the responsible adoption and use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) by licensed financial institutions operating in the UAE.
The guidance note establishes a framework to guide financial institutions in the safe and responsible deployment of AI and ML technologies. It sets out core principles including governance and accountability, fairness and non-discrimination, transparency and explainability, effective human oversight, and requirements relating to data management and privacy. The CBUAE emphasises that the guidance aims to enhance consumer protection, reinforce governance and transparency principles, and strengthen financial stability. The note aligns with the UAE's national strategy for artificial intelligence and applies to all licensed financial institutions within the CBUAE's supervisory ecosystem. By establishing clear expectations for AI and ML use, the guidance reflects the CBUAE's commitment to fostering trust in financial innovation while balancing technological advancement with consumer protection and financial sector resilience.
Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, stated that the guidance note establishes a clear framework for the responsible use of AI and ML in the financial sector, enhancing consumer protection and reinforcing governance and transparency principles while emphasising the importance of human oversight and data protection requirements.
Licensed financial institutions should review the guidance note and ensure their AI and ML deployment aligns with the outlined principles and requirements.
**Reference:**
Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) – Guidance Note on Consumer Protection and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Financial Sector (February 23, 2026)