• The delegation met with senior executives from over 100 leading US financial services and technology companies
  • Demonstrates DIFC’s commitment to supporting Dubai’s diversification goals by building international partnerships and attracting companies to establish operations in the Emirate

Dubai, UAE: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), has generated a new wave of interest in Dubai from US financial services companies that are keen to access regional opportunities by having a presence in the Centre.

The interest was stimulated when a DIFC senior delegation, led by His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC met with prospective and existing clients as well as industry bodies in New York and San Francisco.

The Governor’s delegation explored collaboration opportunities and secured commitments by highlighting Dubai’s role as a regional business hub and the DIFC’s English common law platform and talent ecosystem. The roadshow showcased how DIFC is enabling the future of finance and helping prospective clients navigate a route to MEASA markets, funding, and talent.

DIFC, Standard Chartered Bank and the US-UAE Business Council hosted an exclusive discussion on Dubai's role as a global business hub and the efficacy of DIFC’s platform in attracting top firms and talent. The event was attended by the UAE Consul General in New York, Amna Binzaal Almheiri. Her Excellency highlighted the USD 23 billion US-UAE bilateral trade relationship, the UAE and Dubai’s role as centres for commerce as well as the DIFC’s world-class infrastructure. The event spotlighted market access, innovation, and talent as key reasons for DIFC's success as a global platform.

His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said: “The unparalleled demand from US firms seeking to move their finest talent to Dubai reinforces the depth of the region’s markets. Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for talent and innovation makes the Emirate the top destination for US organisations seeking this regional growth. US firms have been choosing DIFC as their preferred location since our establishment in 2004 and now account for 9% of our financial services clients.

Our first official trip to the US since the pandemic has generated particular interest from wealth and asset management and FinTech firms, which are relocating talent to Dubai and DIFC. We will continue to deepen these strategic partnerships to help our US clients realise their growth aspirations and to contribute to the growth of our economy.”

DIFC banks hold approximately USD 200 billion of assets from the Centre while DIFC Asset Managers currently oversee more than USD 450 billion of AUM. DIFC is home to 17 of the top 20 global banks, 5 of the top 10 asset managers, and is home to the top advisory, global law and accounting firms including companies such as Millennium Management, KKR, Franklin Templeton, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Latham & Watkins and White & Case.

-Ends-

About Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 72 countries with an approximate population of 3 billion and an estimated GDP of USD 7.7 trillion.  

With an 18-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 home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of almost 30,000 professionals working across over 3,600 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 through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, 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. 

For further information, please visit our website: difc.ae, or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @DIFC. 

For media enquiries, please contact:   
Omar Nasro  
ASDA’A BCW  
omar.nasro@bcw-global.com  
www.asdaa-bcw.com   
www.arabyouthsurvey.com

Mahmoud Nsouli
Dubai International Financial Centre Authority   
Senior Vice President – Marketing & Corporate Communications
Mahmoud.Nsouli@difc.ae