10 Leaves

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://10leaves.ae/publications/difc/required-documents-for-a-fund-in-the-difc Starting an investment fund not only requires deep understanding what investment strategies, but also of the various structures available and the documents required for these structures.  Broadly speaking, there are two main categories of hedge fund structures in the...

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://10leaves.ae/publications/difc/difc-open-ended-and-closed-ended-investment-funds DIFC OEIC and DIFC CEIC vehicles: Funds that are structured as companies, have two main options in the DIFC. Open-ended Investment Company (OEIC) Closed-ended Investment Company (CEIC) There are many considerations that go into choosing a legal structure for a fund...

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://10leaves.ae/publications/difc/difc-qualified-investor-funds Why setup an investment fund in the DIFC? The DIFC is a leading financial hub in the region. Besides offering a wide range of financial service activities, the centre also provides an integrated environment and world-class standard of living. It is well regarded in the international c...

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://10leaves.ae/publications/difc/difc-exempt-funds The DIFC is a leading financial hub in the region. Besides offering a wide range of financial service activities, the centre also provides an integrated environment and world-class standard of living. It is well regarded in the international community as well. The Dubai Financial Services Authori...

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://10leaves.ae/publications/difc/hedge-funds-in-the-difc Setting up a fund in the DIFC requires either a) setting up a Domestic Fund Manager or b) licensing an existing fund manager in a recognized jurisdiction, to act as the External Fund Manager of the DIFC fund. Read this article to know more about the licensing process and associated costs. A...

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://10leaves.ae/publications/difc/setting-up-a-representative-office-in-the-difc The financial services industry is growing at a rapid pace in the region. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), is at the forefront of this change. Ranked among the top 10 onshore financial centres worldwide, the DIFC is arguably THE place to be f...

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://10leaves.ae/publications/difc/guide-to-the-difc-external-asset-manager-license DIFC External Asset Manager License: Individuals who wish to set up as an External Asset Manager, can choose one of two models: Setting up a Discretionary Asset Management License or Setting up as an Investment Advisor Case 1 is usually a Category 3C Asset Managemen...

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://10leaves.ae/publications/difc/difc-category-3a-brokerage-license The DFSA, for the purposes of authorisation and supervision, categorises brokerage activities under Category 3A. These include forex, commodity and derivatives brokerages. This license allows for ‘Dealing In Investments as Agent’ and ‘Dealing in Investments as Principal’ , or on...

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://10leaves.ae/publications/difc/guide-to-providing-money-services-business-licenses-in-the-difc Firms interested in carrying out money services business activities from the DIFC are required to submit applications to the Dubai Financial Services Authority, or DFSA. The DFSA, for the purposes of authorisation and supervision, categorises money se...

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://10leaves.ae/publications/difc/guide-to-payment-service-provider-psp-licenses-in-the-difc Firms interested in carrying out PSP activities from the DIFC are required to submit applications to the Dubai Financial Services Authority, or DFSA. The DFSA, for the purposes of authorisation and supervision, categorises money services business activitie...

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://10leaves.ae/publications/difc/category-4-difc-investment-advisory-license-difc-license-categories Firms interested in carrying out investment advisory activities from the DIFC are required to submit applications to the Dubai Financial Services Authority, or DFSA. The DFSA, for the purposes of authorisation and supervision, categorises investme...

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://10leaves.ae/publications/difc/guide-to-the-difc-fund-manager-license Firms interested in managing funds from the DIFC are required to submit applications to the Dubai Financial Services Authority, or DFSA. The DFSA has a fast-track process for Fund Manager licenses, which come under Category 3C. The Fund Manager, if approved, can manage domest...

DIFC Crowdfunding License: Firms interested in carrying out crowdfunding activities from the DIFC are required to submit applications to the Dubai Financial Services Authority, or DFSA. The DFSA, for the purposes of authorisation and supervision, categorises the crowdfunding business as a Category 4 entity, with the primary activity of “Operating a Crowdfunding Platform”. The base capital required...

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://10leaves.ae/publications/difc/new-difc-venture-capital-funds-regime With DIFC Funds, Fund Managers can target the GCC market, and the wider MENASA region, taking advantage of the numerous Double Taxation Avoidance Treaties that the UAE has in place. Zero-rate personal and corporate tax also make the DIFC an attractive destination to setup and...