Are Client Assets safe in the DIFC? (June 2010)

“Client Assets” is defined in the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) rules, as “Client Money and Client Investments”

DIFC’s New Representative Office Regime (April 2010)

Q&A with Mr Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar CEO, Dubai International Financial Centre Authority

Representative Offices (March 2010)

A comparison between UAE Central Bank Rep Office License and DFSA Regulated DIFC Rep Office License

New AML/CTF Rulebook 2010 in the Qatar Financial Centre (“QFC”) (March 2010)

Consultation on a new Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorist Financing (“AML/CTF”) Rulebook closed on 17th January 2010 and the issue of a new single AML/CTF Rulebook by the Qatar Financial Services Regulatory Authority (“QFCRA”) is imminent.

How to prepare for a Risk Assessment On-site Visit: Tips for the SEO (January 2010)
As the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) ushers in a new era of more intrusive supervision in the DIFC, the on-site visit is proving to be one of its more frequently used supervisory tools.

Compliance with AML/CTF requirements in the DIFC: Back to basics ( November 2009)

This article describes the high level legal and regulatory framework in relation to money laundering prevention in the DIFC including a definition of money laundering and the offences.

DIFC Courts and Dubai Courts’ Landmark Co-operation Memorandum and agreement on Protocol of Enforcement (July 2009)
On 16th June 2009 the DIFC Courts and the Dubai Courts signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to formalise their ongoing cooperation. 

Bank Accounts for Foreign Entities (June 2009)

The Emirate of Dubai is one of the most attractive destinations in the Middle East and Asia for business people and wealthy individuals.

Conventional and Islamic Funds in Qatar (April 2009)

Talal Bijjani takes a look at the differences between conventional and Islamic funds in Qatar.

Commercial Rules for Bankruptcy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (March 2009)

The laws on bankruptcy in Saudi Arabia are not extensive nor has their application been well tested. Saudi law dealing with bankruptcy is not very detailed and in broad terms it is left to the parties to make an agreement with each other or Shari'ah principles are applied and the relevant court will decide the matter.

Mitigating Political Risks in Project Financing in Qatar (February 2009)

Governments play a very important role in project finance. Project financing is usually a long term investment for which political motivation and sustained political support are needed. Project financing may also form a part of government policy for privatisation or for the provision of public infrastructure through PPPs, whose success or failure has significant and considerable political consequences.

Banking Law Case Update (February 2009)

Declarations and Assignment of Debt Commercial Court Appeal no 217/2008.

Book Building - New Legislation by the Securities and Commodities Authority (January 2009)

Izabella Szadkowska takes a look at the Securities and Commodities Authority of the United Arab Emirates new legislation.

Post Dated Cheques (January 2009)

As from 13th May 2010, in Qatar, cheques which are post dated may be presented for payment earlier than the date specified on the cheque.

Islamic Securitisation (December 2008)

Islamic securitisation is more prudent and less aggressive than conventional securitisation.

Investment Funds in KSA (December 2008)

An overview of investment fund regulations.

Legal Considerations for Foreign Investors (December 2008)

Key considerations for investors considering entry into the KSA market.

Setting Up of SPC in the DIFC (December 2008)

Since its inception in September 2004, the Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”) has consistently focused on achieving its vision of “shaping tomorrow’s financial map as a global gateway for capital and investment”. The DIFC is determined to offer participants with world class jurisdictional framework compatible to a modern-day international financial centre.

Banking Law Case Update (November 2008)

The Dubai Commercial Court of Cassation has made a distinction between commercial endorsements and civil endorsements.

Income Tax in Jordan (November 2008)

One of the principal taxes imposed by the Jordanian government is the income tax.