Dubai International Financial Centre reported its strongest
first-half performance to date. DIFC functions as a regulated financial hub
where the Dubai Financial Services Authority oversees and licenses Contract for
Difference brokers.
Brokers operating under DIFC must comply with local
regulations and investor protection standards, creating a regulated environment
for CFD trading services across the Middle East.
Brokerage Firms and Market Presence
According to a LinkedIn post by DIFC several months ago, the
Centre is home to more than 70 brokerage firms, including five of the top 10
interdealer brokers globally by volume. Additionally, Interactive Brokers has
announced the establishment of its regional presence in DIFC. The firm provides
brokerage services to clients within the Centre.
Company Registrations and Workforce Growth
In the first six months of 2025, DIFC registered 1,081 new
active companies, bringing the total number of active registered companies to
7,700. The Centre currently employs 47,901 professionals.
Financial Services Authorisations and Sector Expansion
Financial services authorisations increased by 28 percent
year-on-year, with 78 issued in the first half of 2025 compared to 61 in the
same period of 2024.
The banking and capital markets cluster expanded to 289
companies, up from 247 a year ago. The wealth and asset management sector grew
19 percent year-on-year to 440 firms, including 85 hedge funds, of which 69 are
valued at over one billion dollars. More than 10,000 funds are managed or
marketed from DIFC.
You may find it interesting at FinanceMagnates.com: United
Fintech Opens DIFC Office, Targets UAE’s Financial Sector.
Growth in FinTech and Non-Financial Entities
The number of FinTech and Innovation companies rose sharply
to 1,388 in H1 2025, a 28 percent increase from 1,081 in the same period last
year. Active non-financial entities also grew to 6,335 from 4,935 a year
earlier.
Global Financial Centre Ranking
According to the Global Financial Centres Index, Dubai is
one of eight cities worldwide with broad and deep capabilities across all parts
of the finance industry. It is listed alongside London, New York, and Paris.
Dubai International Financial Centre reported its strongest
first-half performance to date. DIFC functions as a regulated financial hub
where the Dubai Financial Services Authority oversees and licenses Contract for
Difference brokers.
Brokers operating under DIFC must comply with local
regulations and investor protection standards, creating a regulated environment
for CFD trading services across the Middle East.
Brokerage Firms and Market Presence
According to a LinkedIn post by DIFC several months ago, the
Centre is home to more than 70 brokerage firms, including five of the top 10
interdealer brokers globally by volume. Additionally, Interactive Brokers has
announced the establishment of its regional presence in DIFC. The firm provides
brokerage services to clients within the Centre.
Company Registrations and Workforce Growth
In the first six months of 2025, DIFC registered 1,081 new
active companies, bringing the total number of active registered companies to
7,700. The Centre currently employs 47,901 professionals.
Financial Services Authorisations and Sector Expansion
Financial services authorisations increased by 28 percent
year-on-year, with 78 issued in the first half of 2025 compared to 61 in the
same period of 2024.
The banking and capital markets cluster expanded to 289
companies, up from 247 a year ago. The wealth and asset management sector grew
19 percent year-on-year to 440 firms, including 85 hedge funds, of which 69 are
valued at over one billion dollars. More than 10,000 funds are managed or
marketed from DIFC.
You may find it interesting at FinanceMagnates.com: United
Fintech Opens DIFC Office, Targets UAE’s Financial Sector.
Growth in FinTech and Non-Financial Entities
The number of FinTech and Innovation companies rose sharply
to 1,388 in H1 2025, a 28 percent increase from 1,081 in the same period last
year. Active non-financial entities also grew to 6,335 from 4,935 a year
earlier.
Global Financial Centre Ranking
According to the Global Financial Centres Index, Dubai is
one of eight cities worldwide with broad and deep capabilities across all parts
of the finance industry. It is listed alongside London, New York, and Paris.
This post is originally published on FINANCEMAGNATES.
