A feasibility study can be a commercial research product or part of a regulated financial, investment or technical engagement. The setup should make the boundary visible before the company markets “investment advice” it may not be authorised to provide.
Define the research output
The service may include market size, customer research, competitor analysis, location studies, operational feasibility, financial modelling or scenario analysis. State whether the output informs the client’s decision or recommends a regulated financial product or investment action.
Separate research from regulated financial advice
If the company moves into securities, investment recommendations, arranging or other regulated financial activities, verify the appropriate Securities and Commodities Authority or financial-free-zone framework. A general consultancy licence does not authorise regulated financial services.
Make assumptions auditable
Feasibility models should identify data sources, periods, assumptions, sensitivity and limitations. A polished forecast without traceable assumptions is not strong evidence.
Protect data and respondents
Market research can collect customer interviews, survey data and confidential client information. Apply the relevant personal-data and confidentiality controls.
Avoid guarantee language
A feasibility report can analyse scenarios. It cannot guarantee demand, financing, licensing, investor return or project success. Marketing should distinguish forecast from fact.
Match sector expertise to the study
Healthcare, real estate, construction, financial services and other regulated sectors may need specialist evidence or technical reviewers beyond general market research.
The strongest feasibility firm sells disciplined analysis, not certainty. Its licence, methods and client contracts should reinforce that position.
Separate research quality from decision authority
A client may use a feasibility report to support an investment, loan or board decision, but that does not automatically make the research firm a regulated investment adviser. The engagement should state what the analysis is designed to inform, who remains responsible for the decision and which assumptions need independent legal, financial or technical review.
Related decisions
Official sources: UAE Personal Data Protection Law, Securities and Commodities Authority, exact licensing authority activity catalogue