The Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) will host an industry seminar to shed light on how financial services companies can unlock the vast opportunities emerging in the Middle East's funds and investment management sector. At the half-day seminar to be held on Wednesday, officials from the DIFC Authority, the DFSA and leading global and regional companies will explain how companies can take advantage of the regulatory and business environment offered by DIFC, to start new ventures or grow their business in this rapidly growing sector. Apart from market opportunities and regulations, presentations will cover taxation, fund administration, disclosure requirements and investment protection. Industry professionals will also be able to get a detailed understanding of the process of domiciling a fund in DIFC. Nasser Al-Shaali, CEO of DIFC Authority, said: “As the region's economy grows, both private and institutional wealth have seen exponential increase. This, combined with the availability of a sophisticated financial infrastructure, has created a huge untapped market for funds and investment management services in the region. The seminar provides a great opportunity for financial industry professionals to understand how DIFC can support companies in making the most of opportunities in this sector.” Regulatory developments that have opened new avenues for funds and investment management companies will be a key focus. Ian Johnston, managing director - Policy and Legal Services, Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), said: “The DFSA issued a Hedge Fund Code of Practice last year in the wake of enhanced industry and regulatory focus on hedge funds. While there are a number of industry-based Hedge Fund Codes, the DFSA's Code is the first of its kind to be issued by a regulator reflecting our commitment to risk-based regulation”. In addition to officials of the DIFC Authority and the DFSA, senior representatives of PriceWaterhouse Coopers, Walker's Dubai, Mashreq Capital and Praesidium will speak at the event. The seminar will be held at the DIFC Conference Center from 9.30 A.M. to 1.00 P.M. Attendance is free of charge.
