The 2nd edition of the Dubai FinTech Summit (DFS) successfully concluded on Tuesday with announcement that the 3rd edition of the Summit will be held on 7th-8th May 2025.
Organised by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the Summit was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and President of DIFC.
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of the DIFC, emphasised FinTech's transformative power, pointing to its sixfold revenue growth globally and the mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies. He predicted FinTech's continued rise, capturing 5 percent more of the global financial services market share this year and significantly influencing banking valuations in the coming years.
The DIFC CEO credited Dubai's visionary leadership for driving this focus on the future of finance and highlighted DIFC's position as a central player in the FinTech revolution. He also emphasised DIFC's 20-year history of embracing innovation and its commitment to working with industry leaders, investors, and regulators for successful implementation.
He outlined DIFC's unique value proposition for FinTech companies and highlighted their comprehensive ecosystem, which integrates FinTech into the region's financial landscape. This ecosystem attracts talented entrepreneurs, fosters collaboration, offers global connectivity, and provides a business-friendly environment with access to funding, he added.
Amiri acknowledged the crucial role of government support for innovation. He cited Dubai initiatives like the DIFC FinTech Hive, launched in 2017, and the recent Venture Studio Launch Pad and AI Web3 Campus as examples of this commitment. He emphasised that these initiatives ensure DIFC remains the premier choice for FinTech companies in the region.
He showcased DIFC's achievements, including the world's first digital asset law, establishing clear ownership, transfer, and security principles; the world's first regulation of AI systems in the context of data protection and privacy; and the world's first tailor-made venture-building regulations, designed to accelerate start-up growth.
Amiri noted DIFC's success in attracting over 5,500 financial services firms. These include global and regional banks, asset and wealth managers, insurance and reinsurance companies, family offices, and supporting firms. He also highlighted the presence of over 42,000 professionals, making DIFC the region's deepest and broadest financial talent pool.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
