Set Up a Financial Services Firm in DIFC

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) ranks among the world’s top eight onshore financial centers, providing a secure and efficient platform for businesses and financial institutions targeting the emerging markets of the MENASA region. Renowned for the quality and independence of its regulator, a prevailing common law framework, excellent infrastructure, and significant tax efficiencies, DIFC is the ideal base to leverage the growing demand for financial and business services in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region. Strategically positioned to bridge the time-zone gap between the major global financial hubs of London and New York in the West and Hong Kong and Tokyo in the East, DIFC plays a pivotal role in the global financial landscape.

Why Set Up a Financial Services Firm in DIFC?

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a premier financial hub in the MENASA region, offering a wide array of financial services activities, an integrated environment, and a world-class standard of living. Renowned internationally, the DIFC provides unparalleled opportunities for startups, particularly with its recent focus on fintech through the DIFC Fintech Hive initiative, an accelerator for fintech firms to test and pitch their products to potential investors.

Specific Advantages of Establishing in DIFC

Legal and Regulatory Framework:

• Supports cross-border activities
• 100% foreign ownership allowed
• No restrictions on foreign talent or employees
• No restrictions on capital repatriation

Avantages fiscaux :

• Zero tax for 50 years on profits, capital, or assets since 2004
• Zero tax on employee income

Counterparty Confidence:

• Highly regarded, independent regulator
• Independent, English-speaking, common law judicial system
• Distinct from the UAE legal system
• Risk-based regulatory approach

Diverse Ecosystem:

• Central to regional deal-making
• High concentration of international firms, investment funds, wealth management firms, banks, and financial institutions
• World-class regional and international law and auditing firms, and other professional services
• Largest fund domicile in the region

Geographic Epicenter:

• Proximity to management offices, holding companies, and family offices
• Central role in growing South-South trade, especially between Asia and Africa
• Well-positioned to harness emerging market potential

What is Fintech?

Fintech, or financial technology, combines traditional financial services with innovative technology. Examples include mobile banking applications, investing platforms, cryptocurrency, digital assets, quant trading, algorithm-based financial applications, and robo-advisory services. Fintech aims to enhance financial services through technological advancements.

Is Fintech Always Regulated?

While some fintech activities may operate without regulation, most are subject to regulatory oversight due to the nature of their operations. The regulatory environment can have grey areas, but in general, fintech firms must comply with established guidelines.

Regulated Fintech Licenses in DIFC

Firms seeking to engage in fintech activities within the DIFC must apply to the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The DFSA categorizes fintech activities based on their nature and the required minimum base capital, falling under Category 3 and Category 4 licenses. Activities include advising and arranging investments, portfolio management, money services, and digital/robo-advisory services.

How to Apply: Due to higher risks, fintech firms often begin with the DFSA Innovation Testing License before moving to a full-scale application. The DIFC Innovation License is available for non-regulated technology startups, allowing them to establish a presence, hire staff, and prepare for regulation. Regulated activities require obtaining a Financial Services Permission.

DIFC Regulatory Capital Requirements:

• Base capital requirement: Typically US$ 10,000
• Actual capital depends on the nature and scale of the business
• Considerations include base capital, risk-based capital, and expense-based capital, with smaller firms needing around US$ 150,000 for a Category 4 license.

Costs of Setting Up a DIFC Regulated Firm

Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA):

• Application fee: from US$ 5,000
• License fee: from US$ 5,000 annually

Registrar of Companies (DIFC ROC):

• Name reservation: US$ 800
• Incorporation of a Private Company Limited by Shares: US$ 8,000
• Commercial License: US$ 12,000 annually

Data Protection:

• Registration: US$ 500
• Annual renewal: US$ 250

Office Spaces:

• DIFC Business Centre: From US$ 35,000 for a two-desk office
• DIFC Fitted Offices: From US$ 55 per square foot
• Other buildings: From US$ 32,000 annually
• Fintech licenses: Packages starting from US$ 15,000 annually

Visas:

• Establishment Card Application: US$ 630
• PSA Deposit: US$ 682
• Visas (per visa): From US$ 1,500
• PSA Deposit (per visa): US$ 682

Nos services

We offer comprehensive services for fintech license applications, including:

1. Reviewing business models and advising on regulatory frameworks
2. Preparing Regulatory Business Plans and financial projections
3. Developing policies, processes, and manuals
4. Providing Outsourced Compliance Officer and Finance Officer services
5. Finalizing legal structures, including holding company setup and custom Memorandums
6. Assisting with leased space, bank account opening, and obtaining Financial Services Permissions

By partnering with Fionza Consulting, you can navigate the DFSA Rulebook and submit a thorough, compliant application.