The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is Dubai’s common-law financial free zone, regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). We advise financial institutions, funds, fintechs and international businesses establishing or operating in the DIFC — from DFSA authorisation to the commercial agreements that keep the business running.
Who this is for
Banks, asset managers, fund structures, fintech platforms and international groups that want a Dubai presence within a common-law framework — including digital-asset businesses navigating the DFSA’s token regimes.
What we do
- Assess the need for DFSA authorisation and identify the right licence category for your activities.
- Prepare and manage authorisation applications and regulator engagement.
- Advise on the DFSA’s Investment Token and Crypto Token regimes — including whether and how your token can be offered or dealt in from the DIFC.
- Structure DIFC entities and funds and draft their constitutional and governance documents.
- Draft and negotiate DIFC-law commercial contracts — services, platform, distribution and outsourcing agreements.
Digital assets in the DIFC
The DFSA regulates security-type tokens under its Investment Token framework and other digital assets under its Crypto Token regime, which recognises specific tokens for use in the Centre. Whether your token is — or can become — a recognised token shapes what you can lawfully do from the DIFC. We analyse this early, so your plans rest on a solid regulatory footing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between DIFC and VARA regulation in Dubai?
The DIFC is a financial free zone with its own laws and regulator (the DFSA); VARA regulates virtual-asset activities in the rest of Dubai. The same business model can face very different requirements in each — the right choice depends on your activities and clients.
Can crypto businesses operate from the DIFC?
Yes, within the DFSA’s token regimes — which distinguish between investment (security-type) tokens and crypto tokens, with specific recognition requirements for the latter. Not every token or activity fits; we assess feasibility before you commit to the Centre.
Do you draft DIFC-law commercial agreements?
Yes — from platform and outsourcing agreements to distribution arrangements, under DIFC law and coordinated with English-law or EU-law advisers where your group needs it. See commercial contracts.