Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), in collaboration with research partner Asia House, has released a groundbreaking report titled The Global Finance and Investment Outlook: Charting Technological Shifts and New Global Flows.
The report highlights transformative trends in the global financial services industry and examines emerging growth corridors, geoeconomic uncertainties, and the future of capital and talent flows.
Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority, emphasized the rapid transformation of global finance, citing the eastward shift of economic power, the rise of new economic corridors, and the revolutionary impact of AI. He positioned Dubai and DIFC as key players in shaping the future of finance, strategically bridging economies between East and West.
Michael Lawrence OBE, Chief Executive of Asia House, underscored the significance of the research, stating that the Future of Finance series will explore structural and technological shifts affecting financial services. The report provides insights for global finance leaders navigating economic uncertainties and emerging opportunities.
Investment and Economic Outlook
The report outlines how financial firms are seeking scalable growth opportunities backed by forward-thinking regulations, a strong legal framework, and innovation-driven talent. Dubai’s status as a financial hub is reinforced by its access to USD 4 trillion in private and family wealth, positioning DIFC as a key player in converting regional wealth into investable capital.
Key financial trends include shifts in global monetary policy, the increasing role of Islamic and sustainable finance, and growing interest in private credit. The report also identifies AI and digitization as major forces reshaping financial services, predicting AI will contribute USD 15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
AI and Regulatory Innovation
While AI presents significant opportunities, inconsistent regulations remain a challenge. DIFC is leading efforts to address this with initiatives like the world’s first Digital Assets Law and the recently launched Dubai AI Licence. These measures aim to position Dubai as a leader in AI-driven financial innovation.
Over the past two decades, DIFC has evolved into a global hub for finance, fintech, and AI-driven innovation. With Dubai’s Universal Blueprint for AI, DIFC continues to drive technological integration and strengthen its role as the region’s premier financial ecosystem.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
