INTRODUCTION
Establishing in the
Dubai International Financial Centre
Ranked among the world’s top 10 financial centres, the DIFC is a well-established business and lifestyle destination, placing it alongside hubs such as London, New York, Hong Kong and Singapore…
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ABOUT DIFC
The leading financial hub for 7.4-trillion-dollar Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.
The DIFC has been in business for over a decade, and has been a pioneer in offering entities a well-regulated platform to conduct financial service activities. The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) authorises and regulates firms for financial services, and is authorizes and regulates firms for financial services, and is recognized as a mature regulator both within the region, and worldwide.
The DIFC Courts completes the structure, with foundations set in the Common Law that offer a sense of familiarity and comfort to international investors.
13
Years in existence
10th
in Banker’s IFC rankings
21,000+
Professionals
450+
Financial firms
WHAT DO WE OFFER
AUTHORISATIONS
Helping you navigate the detailed process of finance service authorisation through a focused approach, comprehensive documentation assistance and advice on prevalent rules and regulations.
COMPLIANCE
Consulting on the Rulebooks, their application; compliance outsourcing and oversight. Corporate Governance and risk management. Assistance in the creation of a robust compliance department at your firm. Training on compliance-related matters.
CFO
Consulting on the Rulebooks, their application; compliance outsourcing and oversight. Corporate Governance and risk management. Assistance in the creation of a robust compliance department at your firm. Training on compliance-related matters.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Fulfilling the HR function of your firm – policies and procedures, payroll and people management. Assistance in recruitment. Training on soft skills. Comprehensive HR portal.
TRAINING
DIFC-related courses. Short and effective refreshers on compliance and corporate governance. Emphasis on Digital Transformation and regulatory aspects of new technologies.
DIGITAL
Our consulting activities are focused on translating the power of technology into realizable business strategies for small and medium enterprises. Specializing in digital and IT transformation, sourcing advisory, branding & digital strategy, and governance services.
LEGAL
From basic legal work (contracts, service agreements) to comprehensive fund documentation. Also corporate structures, with a focus on startups and fintech.
CATEGORIES MATRIX
Categories Matrix
While the DFSA permits a wide range of financial services to be carried out from the DIFC, some restrictions apply. For example, any person or institution intending to carry out financial services in or from the DIFC is required to be licensed and authorized by the DFSA, and authorized firms are divided into the following categories, each with its own rules and capital requirements:
Category 1
- Accepting Deposits
- Managing a PSIAu
US $10 million
Category 2
- Dealing in Investments as Principal (not as a Matched Principal)
- Dealing as Credit
US $2 million
Category 3A
- Dealing in Investments as Principal (only as a Matched Principal)
- Dealing as Agent
US $500,000
Category 3B
- Providing Custody (only if for a Fund)
- Acting as the Trustee of a Fund
US $4 million
Category 3C
- Managing a Collective Investment Fund
- Managing Assets
- Providing Trust Services as a Trustee of an express trust
- Managing a PSIAr
- Providing Custody (other than for a Fund)
US $500,000
Except if the only Financial Service referred to in Rule 1.3.5(a) that the Authorised Firm is authorised to carry on is Managing a Collective Investment Fund in which case its Base Capital Requirement is:
- US $140,000 if it manages any Public Fund; or
- US $70,000 otherwise.
Category 4
- Advising on Financial Products
- Arranging Custody
- Insurance Intermediation
- Insurance Management
- Operating an Alternative Trading System
- Providing Fund Administration
- Providing Trust Services other than as a trustee of an express trust
- Arranging Credit and Advising on Credit
- Operating a Crowdfunding Platform
- Arranging Deals in Investments
US $ 10,000
Except if the Authorised Firm is authorised to Operate a Crowdfunding Platform and it holds Client Assets, in which case its Base Capital Requirement is US $140,000.
Category 5
US $ 10Million
CORPORATE
DIFC
Representative
Offices
- Light-touch regulation
- Mandatory appointment of a "Principle Representative"
- Low-cost option of testing the Middle Eastern market
Allows firms established and regulated in other jurisdictions to market their services from the DIFC
EXPLORE MORE
DIFC
Holding
Companies
- Can engage in proprietary investment activities
- DIFC Wills & Probate Registry
- Can establish Special Purpose Companies for transactions
Popularly used to consolidate worldwide investments, especially given the credibility of the DIFC as a well-regulated jurisdiction, and the security of Common Law.
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DIFC
Investment
Funds
- Supports both Domestic and Foreign Funds
- Extensive range of fund types and structures
- Fast-track notification process for Exempt and Qualified Investor funds
Designed to meet international standards and provide adequate investor protection, DIFC provides a facilitative, business-friendly regulatory framework, while remaining compliant with the IOSCO principles for regulating collective investment schemes.
EXPLORE MOREPUBLICATIONS
Interesting articles, books and briefings covering everything from financial services to technology. Also, Bitcoin!
WHAT'S HAPPENING
TWITTER FEEDS
10 Leaves @ConnectLeaves
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10 Leaves @ConnectLeaves#AbuDhabi based #investment firm ADS Securities explains their #tech - first strategy, and how it has helped positi… https://t.co/1YFRJXFLR2 -
10 Leaves @ConnectLeavesThe #ADGM is prepared to support its #emirate’s initiatives and efforts towards stimulating the local #economy.… https://t.co/HQTTYJTaEF
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10 Leaves @ConnectLeavesIn the midst of all these changes, what form or shape will #Dubai free zones evolve into to ensure that they contin… https://t.co/9tmaC1a9OJ
FEATURED POSTS 
Efforts toward the 2024 vision is well on track Read more
The role of HR is constantly evolving - and so are the tools in their arsenal. Read more
From local trading posts to global financial hubs Read more
Medium @10leaves
ADGM Planning Regulations for Virtual Currencies02/12/2018
Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority is currently considering the development of a robust and risk-appropriate…
One in Spirit with the Emirati Spirit11/29/2017
Who would have thought that the small, scattered gatherings of desert bedouins on the Gulf Coast would lay the foundations of a stunning…
DFSA Launches FinTech Portal11/19/2017
Today, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) launched a portal dedicated to providing general information, news, and developments…
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