Dubai International Financial Centre – The leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading international financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 72 countries with an approximate population of 3 billion and a nominal GDP of USD 7.7 trillion. DIFC is home to 17 of the world’s top 20 banks, 8 of the 10 leading global law firms, 3 of the top 5 insurance companies and 6 of the top 10 asset managers and more than 50% of the GCC Fintechs.
With a 16-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe and the Americas through Dubai.
DIFC is the only free zone in Dubai with an internationally recognised, independent financial regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework (as opposed to civil law and commercial in other free zones). DIFC is home to the region’s largest and comprehensive financial ecosystem of more than 25,000 professionals working across over 2,700 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region.
The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance. Today, it offers the most active regulatory sandbox and one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions (commercial and regulatory licensing), regulations modeled on international accepted standards, access to early and growth stage start-ups, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups. Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations.
