Dubai has been recognized as the best global location for fintech, claiming this title in the recent Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) ranking. This success reflects Dubai's resilience and sustainability as a financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, being the only financial center in these regions to be among the top ten global financial centers.
Dubai's Leadership in Fintech and Professional Services
In addition to its leadership in fintech, driven by the vision of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai has also achieved second place globally in professional services. These successes demonstrate the ongoing trust and confidence in Dubai and DIFC. Furthermore, Dubai has reached sixth place in the global reputation ranking and continues to hold the first position in the future potential category. This achievement has been repeated in four consecutive GFCI reports.
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Details of the GFCI Report and Assessments
The recent GFCI report, prepared by the London-based consultancy Z/Yen in collaboration with the China Development Institute, includes 39,531 assessments from industry professionals worldwide who responded to the GFCI online questionnaire. This index combines these assessments with 143 key factors.
His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, stated: "The GFCI results reinforce Dubai's position as a leading global financial center and reflect the success of the vision set by our leadership through the Dubai D33 economic agenda. DIFC plays a key role in advancing Dubai's global competitiveness by attracting top financial institutions, talents, and innovations from around the world, providing the necessary legal and business environment for sustainable growth. By strengthening Dubai's position at the heart of the global financial system, DIFC will continue to support the aspirations of this emirate and enhance its standing among the world's influential financial centers."
His Excellency Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, remarked: "Dubai's position in the GFCI is based on the strength and scale of DIFC, validated by assessments from global financial services professionals. As the largest ecosystem of regulated financial institutions in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, and the only financial center in this region operating on a large scale across banking, capital markets, wealth and asset management, insurance, and fintech, DIFC provides a unique platform for innovation, growth, and collaboration. This depth and diversity enable us to continue developing the financial services industry, accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies, and contribute to shaping the future of the global financial landscape."
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the world's most advanced financial center, shaping the global financial landscape and enhancing Dubai's reputation as a leading business destination in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
DIFC is the only financial center in this region that operates at scale across all sectors and is home to 10,018 active companies. This includes 1,134 regulated firms, among which are 327 banks and capital market entities, 71 brokerage firms, 165 insurance and reinsurance companies, and 592 wealth and asset management firms. DIFC also sets a standard for financial innovation with 1,933 active companies in artificial intelligence, fintech, and innovation, making it one of the top five fintech centers in the world.
With a robust and globally recognized legal and regulatory framework, DIFC ensures effective governance and strengthens Dubai's leadership in the digital economy. This center connects 50,200 professionals and provides the deepest financial human resources in the region, while acting as a gateway to MEASA for all financial players.
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