Abu Dhabi’s Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority has launched a consultation on its proposed regulatory framework for Private Financing Platform (PFP) operators. The consultation ends on 16 August 2018. PFPs are online platforms which enable private enterprises to seek financing from private and institutional investors to launch and grow their businesses. The proposals include creating a new Regulated Activity of Operating a Private Financing Platform which allows loan-based and investment-based PFP transactions. Loans or investments may be held directly by lenders or investors or indirectly through a special purpose vehicle (SPV). The PFP Framework will be supported by the range of SPVs available in the Global Market which will offer flexibility in various financing, securitisation and asset transfer options. The participation in PFP transactions is aimed at Professional Clients given the higher risks associated with these transactions. The Authority may allow PFP operators to serve Retail Clients, subject to the PFP operator putting appropriate safeguards commensurate with the nature and scale of the PFP operator’s business in place.