Press Release

DFSA Funds Regime revised to create more competitive financial hub

DIFC-based Fund Managers can now manage Funds outside of the DIFC

Foreign Fund Managers can now manage Funds in the DIFC

Dubai – [14 July] 2010: The Dubai International Financial Centre Authority (“DIFCA”)today welcomed a series of regulatory changes to the DIFC’s Collective Investment Funds regime (“the Funds Regime”). The changes were made following recommendations made by a panel of market practitioners (“The Panel”) and implemented by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”) on 11 July 2010.

The most significant changes to the Funds Regime are as follows:

  • DIFC-based Fund Managers are now permitted to establish and manage Funds in jurisdictions of their choice.
  • Fund Managers from recognised jurisdictions outside the DIFC can establish and manage a Domestic Fund without having to establish a place of business in the DIFC.
  • Scope for marketing of Foreign Funds in or from the DIFC has been expanded.
  • A more competitive fee structure has been implemented. Notably, the Fund Manager Application Fee has been reduced from US$40,000 to US$10,000.
  • An Exempt Funds regime has been established for Professional Clients, replacing the Private Funds regime, which will be completely phased out within 2 years. Exempt Fundsare subject to lighter regulatory requirements but are only accessible by Professional Clients who make at least a minimum investment of US$50,000 each. Such Funds can only have 100 or fewer Unitholders and cannot be offered to the public – distribution being only by way of private placement.

Abdulla Al Awar, CEO of the DIFC Authority commented:

“The DIFC welcomes the new Funds Regime as it will stimulate further growth of the Funds Management industry within the centre. The regulatory changes bring the DIFC in line with other leading financial hubs around the world and underline the centre’s position as the region’s most competitive financial centre for Fund Managers.”

The DFSA first introduced its Collective Investment Funds regime in 2006, which was designed to provide adequate investor protection, meeting international standards for regulation. On 11 July 2010, the DFSA made significant changes to the Funds Regime, taking into account recommendations made by the Panel of funds industry practitioners. The Panel’s aim was to make the Funds Regime business friendly, whilst remaining true to the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) principles for regulating collective investment schemes.

Jacques Visser, Managing Director - Legal & Compliance of Algebra Capital, and member of the Panel said:

“The DIFC and the DFSA have listened to the industry and have made changes to the DIFC’s funds regime based on a series of sensible and pragmatic recommendations. As a result, the DIFC is now more attractive as an investment centre for both foreign and domestic fund managers. The DFSA’s willingness to engage with funds industry role players in a very efficient and transparent manner should also be commended. They have illustrated a level of pro-activeness during this exercise that is very much needed to ensure the DIFC’s growth and future relevance as a key player in the global and regional fund management industry.”

The Funds Regime Leaflet and Q&A document are available at

Ends/-

About DIFC

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is an onshore hub for global finance. It bridges the time gap between the financial centres of Hong Kong and London and services a region with the largest untapped emerging market for financial services. In just five years, over 850 firms have registered at DIFC. They operate in an open environment complemented with world-class regulations and standards. DIFC offers its member institutions incentives such as 100 per cent foreign ownership, zero tax on income and profits and no restrictions on foreign exchange. In addition their business benefits from modern infrastructure, operational support and business continuity facilities of uncompromisingly high standards.

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