As the Main Sponsor, DIFC Drives 'Dubai Forward'

Dubai - 23 February 2015 - Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the international financial centre for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, announced today its sponsorship of Dubai Forward, an international conference focused on Dubai's strong legal and regulatory framework in the field of financial services.

DIFC welcomed more than 100 financial services professionals primarily from European countries, such as Switzerland, Luxembourg and Monaco, as well as from across the MENA region to a conference that highlighted the benefits of DIFC and Dubai as a hub for asset management and private banking.

The conference, in its second year, provided a setting where financial services firms, looking to set up in Dubai, could network and gain first-hand insights into Dubai's legal, regulatory and operating environment, as well as the local and regional opportunities and best ways to establish a presence in the emirate.

"With a decade of service to financial services firms operating across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, DIFC provides a uniquely proven location, with a deep ecosystem of banks, financial firms and professional services companies, to enable regional and international firms to tap the tremendous asset management, private banking and wealth management needs of the region," said Arif Amiri, Deputy CEO of the DIFC Authority.

Held between February 23-24, 2015, at the Mina A' Salam Hotel in Dubai, the conference brings international financial professionals together with local DIFC, Dubai and UAE regulators and administrators to share knowledge on the latest developments concerning DIFC, Dubai and UAE financial regulations and laws, as well as cross-border best practice in financial services and regulation.

Amiri gave an opening address that highlighted some of DIFC's many benefits that help provide financial services firms with competitive advantages. As well, DIFC executives participated in workshops and plenary panels to share their expertise and shed light on the expanding DIFC ecosystem. More than 40 speakers over the two day event will participate in plenary and workshop sessions on Dubai's role in private banking, distribution of financial products, investing in Dubai's growth as well as the emirate's current and future legal and regulatory environment.

DIFC is marking 10 years of operations and a record year in 2014, which closed with 1,224 active registered companies operating within the Centre, an increase of 18% over 2013, and a total workforce of nearly 18,000 people working in the Centre, 14% more than in 2013. For perspective, there are nearly 60%.

The conference was organised by Geneva-headquartered Academy & Finance SA, a leading financial conference organiser specialised in the field of wealth, tax and estate planning, and asset protection. Dubai Forward is held in partnership with Mashreq Private Banking with the DIFC as the Main Sponsor.

"We are extremely grateful to the DIFC for being an integral part of the 2nd edition of Dubai Forward and for supporting Academy & Finance as the Main Sponsor. Their contribution and presence have led immensely to the success of Dubai Forward and has added great value to the expectations of our delegates," said André-Valéry Bordes, CEO, Academy & Finance.