For the SEO, Compliance Officer and MLRO
The Regulated Oil Desk, DIFC Edition
What the DFSA and UAE rules ask of you and your firm, in plain language. 16 modules, about 15 hours.
CPD guide
The DFSA's 15-hour CPD rule, explained
Who the rule covers, what counts, and what to keep on file. A short guide for the people who organise the hours (GEN 5.3.19A).
What the rule asks
15 hours a year
Each calendar year, not a rolling twelve months. The count restarts on 1 January.
Three roles
The SEO, the Compliance Officer and the MLRO. In a small firm, the last two are often one person.
Relevant to the role
Relevant to the current role, any expected change in it, and the person's professional skill and knowledge.
Structured activities
Courses, seminars, lectures, conferences, workshops, webinars and e-learning of 30 minutes or more. Internal or external.
Records
The individual keeps adequate records to show the hours were done. The firm makes sure they are.
No accreditation
The DFSA accredits no CPD providers and approves no courses. The firm judges relevance and records the hours.
Everyone else
The CPD rule names three roles. The firm still has a general duty to keep all its staff competent and trained (GEN 5.3.19).
Many firms therefore apply the same 15 hours to traders, portfolio managers and risk staff.
Tips for the year
- Plan the hours across the year, not in December
- Record each activity when it is done
- Write one line on why it is relevant to the role
- Pick one way of counting time and stick to it
A good CPD record
One row per activity, per person. Our courses issue a training log with these columns.
| Date | Time spent | Title of the activity | Provider | Mode | Assessment | Evidence held |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date completed | Minutes, 30 or more | As the provider states it | Named | E-learning, seminar, workshop | Result of any check | Certificate, log, attendance |
The rule sets 30 minutes as the minimum for a structured activity. It does not say to count in half-hour blocks. Our log records the minutes actually spent in each module.
Courses built to the rule
For traders, analysts and portfolio managers
Expert Oil Trader, Hormuz Edition
Oil market analysis, worked through the 2026 Hormuz crisis. 15 modules, about 15 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How many CPD hours does the DFSA require?
At least 15 hours each calendar year, relevant to the role, for the SEO, the Compliance Officer and the MLRO (GEN 5.3.19A).
Who has to complete the 15 hours?
The SEO, the Compliance Officer and the MLRO. Other staff are not named in the CPD rule, but the firm must still keep everyone competent and trained, and many firms apply the same 15 hours to traders.
What counts as structured CPD?
Courses, seminars, lectures, conferences, workshops, webinars and e-learning of 30 minutes or more, run inside the firm or outside it. Reading on your own does not count.
Does the DFSA accredit CPD providers?
No. The DFSA accredits no providers and approves no courses. The firm judges relevance and records the hours.
Who keeps the records?
The individual keeps adequate records, and the firm makes sure they exist. Note what each activity was, who provided it, when, how long it took and why it was relevant.
Do your courses count?
Your firm decides. Each course is built to the rule: modules of about an hour, each with an objective and relevance to role, and a certificate and log your firm can file.
A summary for practitioners, not legal advice. The DFSA Rulebook governs.