Stories › Finance › UAE Central Bank sets out how banks and insurers should use AI with customers Image: WAM EN First reported 23 February 2026 · Updated 3 March 2026 · 5 sources · 2 countries
UAE Central Bank sets out how banks and insurers should use AI with customers The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) announced a guidance note on 23 February 2026 for licensed banks, insurers and other financial institutions using AI and machine learning. It sets principles on governance, fairness, transparency, human oversight and data privacy, and expects more oversight for decisions that matter more to customers. The principles aren’t legally binding, but they set out what the regulator expects.
What happened
Summaries by Karaza AI Summaries by Karaza AI Summaries and insights are generated with Karaza AI Journal Agent based on the sources below. This feature is in beta, please share any feedback to hello@karaza.ai .
Close
WAM reported on 23 February that the CBUAE issued guidance on consumer protection and the responsible use of AI and machine learning by licensed financial institutions. WAM listed the core principles: governance and accountability, fairness and non-discrimination, transparency and explainability, effective human oversight, and data management and privacy. Law firm Pinsent Masons said the note was first published on 11 February. It’s non-binding but sets clear regulatory expectations. Pinsent Masons said institutions must be open with customers about AI use, especially for high-impact decisions. Pinsent Masons said the note recognises three oversight models, with the level of human involvement set by the risk to customers. WAM quoted Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama saying the note emphasises human oversight and data protection. Gulf News, Khaleej Times and The National also reported the guidance. What it adds up to
The guidance’s best idea is that oversight should match the stakes: the more a decision affects a customer, the more a person needs to be involved. Use the same scale on your own AI use. This week, list the places where AI touches anything customers see, such as replies, quotes or approvals, and sort them into low, medium and high impact. For anything high impact, make sure a named person reviews it before it goes out, and that the customer can reach that person.
5 sources Grouped by who reported it, newest first in each group
All 5 Local press 3 Government 1 Company PR 1
UAE AI news
Stay on top of UAE AI news One email when a story worth your time breaks.