Dubai Grows as a Global Family Office Hub with 81% Increase in Single Family Offices & 12% Increase in Holding Companies in 2023, Launches Guide for Families to Access Information on Structures, Governance, Wealth Management, Succession & Estate Planning in Dubai & Dubai International Financial Centre
9th May 2024 | Hong Kong
Dubai is growing as a global family office hub, reporting 81% increase in the number of single family offices and 12% increase in holding companies in 2023. To support wealthy families, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has launched a guide for families to access information on structures, governance, wealth management, succession & estate planning in Dubai and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – View Guide. The Middle East, Africa & South Asia (MEASA) region has more than 120 of the world’s wealthiest individuals & families with total net worth of more than $1 trillion. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has a workforce of more than 41,500 and more than 5,500 active registered companies. DIFC Family Arrangements Regulations (2023) – Aligned with the UAE’s vision to help family businesses maximise their contribution to the economy, the DIFC Family Arrangements Regulations were introduced on 31 January 2023 to replace or repeal the Single Family Office (SFO) Regulations. Benefits under the new regulations include a private registry option, which provides families and their Ultimate Beneficial Ownership’s (UBOs) with the highest levels of privacy and confidentiality. The same regulations also provide certification for family businesses in DIFC to support benefits and incentives planned for family businesses in the UAE under UAE Family Business Law. DIFC Family Wealth Centre (2023) – In addition to the revised regulatory framework for family businesses, the launch and development of DIFC Family Wealth Centre in 2023 has helped empower families preserve their wealth and legacies for the future, through best-in-class tailored solutions including asset allocation and portfolio management, governance, succession planning, Sharia compliance as an option, Will registration and philanthropy. The Centre is further fortified by its work with the Innovation Hub, which supports next generation owners remain at the forefront of technological mechanisms and applications. Benefitting from DIFC’s internationally recognised legal system, which is based on English common law and includes a variety of structures and regimes, family businesses also gain direct access to accredited advisors, networking opportunities, educational programmes, and a wide range of experiential events, all within the Centre’s diverse and cosmopolitan community, which includes some of the city’s top eateries, venues, cultural centres, and lifestyle destinations. DIFC Family Wealth Centre & STEP Arabia – Recently, DIFC Family Wealth Centre and STEP Arabia signed an MOU to foster the common interests in relation to guiding family businesses on their journey to achieve multi-generational success, and to enhance the know-how of advisers to achieve that purpose.
“ Dubai Grows as a Global Family Office Hub with 81% Increase in Single Family Offices & 12% Increase in Holding Companies in 2023, Launches Guide for Families to Access Information on Structures, Governance, Wealth Management, Succession & Estate Planning in Dubai & Dubai International Financial Centre “
H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Cabinet Member and UAE Minister of Economy:” The UAE has long been the primary and preferred destination for business and investment in the GCC and winder MENA region. Similarly, the UAE aims to become the regional centre for family businesses. Dubai stands as a pivotal hub for family wealth, offering unparalleled opportunities and resources for growth and preservation. In just one year, the DIFC Family Wealth Centre has played a crucial role in nurturing this ecosystem. Recognising Dubai’s significance as a global centre for family wealth, the Centre’s swift impact underscores its commitment to fostering prosperity and security for generations to come.”
His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor, DIFC: “Dubai and DIFC have rapidly positioned themselves as the premier destination for family businesses worldwide. The exponential growth and expertise witnessed within the Centre, underscores its pivotal role in shaping the landscape of family wealth. Today, we mark another significant milestone, in the DIFC Family Wealth Centre’s first anniversary, as we also reflect on DIFC’s innovative 20-year journey that has led us here. We remain dedicated to providing best-in-class resources to our esteemed members, nurturing enduring legacies and empowering families for generations to come, as we together shape the future of finance”.
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority: “DIFC’s rise as a global hub for family wealth stems from its commitment to fostering a growth ecosystem for the wider financial sector. With a strong pursuit of transparency, regulation, and knowledge-building, DIFC has earned the trust of 230 banks, including 27 of the top 29 globally systemic banks, and more than 350 highly reputable wealth and asset management firms. This momentum is further fuelled by an influx of family businesses and related entities drawn to DIFC’s lifestyle offerings and its world-class DIFC Family Wealth Centre, which is built for innovation, succession planning, and future prosperity.”
Dubai Announces New Family Office Regulations: Single Family Offices Not Required to Register, Multi-Family Offices Required to Register & New DIFC Family Wealth Centre as Central Hub
13th February 2023 – Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa & South Asia (MEASA) region with $8 trillion GDP & population of 3 billion, has enacted the DIFC Family Arrangements Regulations with Single Family Offices (SFOs) not required to register while Multi-Family Offices (MFOs) are required to register and a new DIFC Family Wealth Centre to act as Central Hub. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): “ The Family Arrangements Regulations provide comprehensive guidelines for family businesses holding assets and operating in or from DIFC, in support of their succession and legacy planning for future generations. The regulations were drafted to take advantage of the recognition of family business structures in free zones, such as DIFC, and the authority provided in the newly enacted UAE Decree-Law No. 37 of 2022 (UAE Family Business Law) to keep a special family business register to opt into the requirements and benefits that will be provided for family businesses under the UAE Family Business Law. The regulations replace the previous Single-Family Office Regulations and DIFC Single Family Office regime with a new Family Office regime that can serve one or more families, eliminating the requirement for a Family Office to register as a Designated Non-Financial Business or Profession (DNFBP) with the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator of financial services conducted in or from DIFC. Multi-family offices will, however, require authorisation and licensing by the DFSA if they provide financial services to multiple families by way of business. Single Family Offices currently registered as a DNFBP with the DFSA will only be able to de-register with the DFSA in a manner to be prescribed by the DFSA in due course. The new regime enables families to manage their businesses and preserve wealth through succession and legacy planning within DIFC, setting a benchmark for good conduct with enforceability across the UAE and beyond.” See below for full statement. In 2022, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), launched the Global Family Business & Private Wealth Centre on the 1st of September 2022, with an estimated $1 trillion of wealth to be transferred to the next generation in Middle East in the next decade. More info below:
Jacques Visser, Chief Legal Officer at DIFC: “For almost 20 years, DIFC has provided a supportive and dynamic environment for global and regional family-owned businesses, ultra-high net worth individuals and private wealth. The introduction of these new regulations marks a significant step forward in our commitment to setting the standards for excellence in the industry. With a focus on transparency, accountability and stability, these regulations provide a comprehensive framework that will allow our clients to operate with confidence, knowing that their interests are protected by the highest level of legal and regulatory oversight. DIFC is proud to be at the forefront of driving positive change and helping family businesses maximise their contribution to our economy.”
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 72 countries with an approximate population of 3 billion and a nominal GDP of $8 trillion. With a close to 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe and the Americas through Dubai. DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of more than 29,700 professionals working across over 4,000 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region. The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance. Today, it offers one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups. Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations.
Dubai Announces New Family Office Regulations: Single Family Offices Not Required to Register, Multi-Family Offices Required to Register & New DIFC Family Wealth Centre as Central Hub
DIFC Announces Enactment of New DIFC Family Arrangements Regulations
- The Family Arrangements Regulations provide guidelines for family businesses and entities controlled by families holding assets and operating in or from DIFC.
- The regulations replace the previous Single-Family Office regime with a new simplified Family Office regime that can serve one or more families, and eliminates the need to register with the DFSA, DIFC’s independent regulator.
- The regulations were drafted to take advantage of the recognition of family business structures in free zones, such as DIFC, and the authority provided in the newly enacted UAE Decree-Law No. 37 of 2022 (UAE Family Business Law) to keep a special family business register to opt into the requirements and benefits that will be provided for family businesses under the UAE Family Business Law.
- The regulations also establish certification and accreditation programmes for family businesses and their advisors in DIFC to support benefits and incentives planned for family businesses in the UAE under the UAE Family Business Law. The new DIFC Family Wealth Centre will act as a central hub from an advisory and accreditation perspective for family businesses.
9th Feb 2023 – Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, has enacted the DIFC Family Arrangements Regulations, following a 30-day public consultation period. The new regulations provide a firm foundation for the new DIFC Family Wealth Centre. The new regulations offer a framework and hub for global and regional family-owned businesses, ultra-high net worth individuals and private wealth, and further differentiate DIFC as a global hub for leading financial institutions and businesses.
The Family Arrangements Regulations provide comprehensive guidelines for family businesses holding assets and operating in or from DIFC, in support of their succession and legacy planning for future generations. The regulations were drafted to take advantage of the recognition of family business structures in free zones, such as DIFC, and the authority provided in the newly enacted UAE Decree-Law No. 37 of 2022 (UAE Family Business Law) to keep a special family business register to opt into the requirements and benefits that will be provided for family businesses under the UAE Family Business Law.
The regulations replace the previous Single-Family Office Regulations and DIFC Single Family Office regime with a new Family Office regime that can serve one or more families, eliminating the requirement for a Family Office to register as a Designated Non-Financial Business or Profession (DNFBP) with the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator of financial services conducted in or from DIFC. Multi-family offices will, however, require authorisation and licensing by the DFSA if they provide financial services to multiple families by way of business. Single Family Offices currently registered as a DNFBP with the DFSA will only be able to de-register with the DFSA in a manner to be prescribed by the DFSA in due course.
The new regime enables families to manage their businesses and preserve wealth through succession and legacy planning within DIFC, setting a benchmark for good conduct with enforceability across the UAE and beyond.
The regulations also establish certification and accreditation programmes for family businesses and their advisors in DIFC to support benefits and incentives planned for family businesses in the UAE under the UAE Family Business Law. The primary objective with the certification regime is for family businesses to adhere to principles of good conduct and governance, and for the accreditation regime to ensure that advisors adhere to high levels of quality and expertise when advising families.
Dubai Launches Global Family Business & Private Wealth Centre, $1 Trillion of Wealth to be Transferred to Next Generation in Middle East
11th August 2022 – Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa & South Asia (MEASA) region is launching the Global Family Business & Private Wealth Centre on the 1st of September 2022, with an estimated $1 trillion of wealth to be transferred to the next generation in Middle East in the next decade. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Global Family Business & Private Wealth Centre is the first in the region & worldwide. Dubai International Financial Centre: “ The initiative aligns with the UAE Government’s commitment to support family businesses, which continue to play a prominent role in accelerating the growth of the country’s economy. It is estimated that only 20 per cent of family businesses are managed by the third generation in the Middle East. It is crucial to educate those who face challenges related to governance, succession, ownership, wealth, family dynamics and strategy to ensure a solid family business and long-term success. The initiative is in line with DIFC’s 2030 Strategy objectives, which will enable DIFC to double in size and its economic contribution to Dubai’s GDP. The strategy also supports sustained economic growth and further differentiates Dubai as a global hub for leading financial institutions and businesses. The Centre will bring together global family-owned businesses, ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) and Private Wealth in one hub to help preserve and grow the sector and provide access to a full range of support services to enable robust legacy and succession planning. The Centre is also expected to attract family businesses and UHNWIs from the region and globally to establish a presence in Dubai.”
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Global Family Business & Private Wealth Centre
Operating on an independent basis, the Centre’s extensive remit will include providing advisory and concierge services; education and training; outreach and high-end networking; undertaking research and issuing publications and providing dispute resolution assistance. Additionally, accreditation will be granted to businesses and advisors in alignment with DIFC’s rigorous standards. This will provide confidence to family businesses and wealthy individuals who need to leverage the expertise of a range of partners to make strategic decisions.
Members will also benefit from being part of the region’s largest financial ecosystem, DIFC’s common law framework, legal and regulatory infrastructure and flexible range of business structures.
The Global Family Business and Private Wealth Centre has been approved by the DIFC Authority Board of Directors and due to launch on 1 September 2022.
His Excellency, Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC:
“Aligning with the UAE Government’s commitment to helping family businesses play a prominent role in our society, DIFC is pleased to be launching the world’s first Family Business and Private Wealth Centre. The UAE has a vast number of family businesses, owned by citizens and residents who contribute to the country’s economy. In the next decade, those families and others in the Middle East are expected to transfer AED3.67 trillion to the next generation, which illustrates the urgent need to provide them with specialist, consolidated support to help them grow.”
Dr. Tarek Hajjiri, appointed CEO for the Global Family Business and Private Wealth Centre:
“The launch of the Global Family Business and Private Wealth Centre is another key milestone in the development of DIFC’s wealth and asset management sector. In addition, it embodies DIFC’s long-term commitment to offering quality private wealth management services at par with global standards. The new Centre will play a unique role in guiding family businesses in relation to governance, succession, ownership, wealth, family dynamics and strategy. Our role is crucial to ensure the long-term growth of family businesses.”
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 72 countries with an approximate population of 3 billion and a nominal GDP of $8 trillion. With a close to 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe and the Americas through Dubai. DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of more than 29,700 professionals working across over 4,000 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region. The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance. Today, it offers one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups. Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations.
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