• HSBC
Page navigation Browse related articles

Dr.Omar Bin Sulaiman addresses a keynote speech at the Annual Arab Banking Conference in Lebanon

"Banking in the region is not achieving its real potential due to low level of corporate governance," said Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, Director General of Dubai International Financial Centre Authority, in a keynote speech delivered at the Annual Arab Banking Conference 2005 "Banking in a Risky World" in Lebanon.

The conference, which was held in association with the DIFC was inaugurated by His Excellency Mr. Fuad Siniora, the Lebanese Prime Minister. The event witnessed a high level gathering of ministers, central bank governors and a number of very senior banking professionals. Those attending the conference included, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Khalfan bin Kharbash, UAE Minister of State for Finance and Industry along with numerous other dignitaries.

Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, speaking about "Changing Risks into Opportunities", commented:

"The latest oil boom along with capital flow into the region post 9/11 has increased liquidity. Regional banks have to take an aggressive role in channelling the money into the region and funding investments However, in order to succeed in this, it is critical to build investor confidence. Greater emphasis is needed on corporate governance, market discipline, transparency and disclosure."


"Increase transparency through development of reporting tools and investors' awareness; develop sound IT infrastructure to facilitate globalisation of regional banks; attract required skilled labour; and establish proper anti-money laundering regulations in order to compete and integrate with global banks."

The conference included a mix of speeches and panel discussions. Mr Nasser Al Shaali, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai International Financial Exchange presented a paper at a panel discussion moderated by His Excellency Dr.Mohamed Khalfan Bin Kharbash and titled "The Risks of Investment and Financing in the Arab World".

The paper presented by Mr Al Shaali, "Education and awareness for traders and investors in the new financial environment" sought to raise issues, challenges and solutions in the development of the financial sector in the region.

Mr Nasser Al Shaali said:

"Awareness and knowledge of the investment and financial options available in the region is lacking along with trust in the capabilities of money managers. Enhancing investor awareness and trust will increase demand for customised financial products and services. This will ultimately lead to the development of the entire financial sector in the region."
 
Article Options
Log in to request more information from DIFC

Notes and Media Contacts »

About the DIFC: The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is an onshore hub for global finance. It bridges the time gap between the financial centres of Hong Kong and London and services a region with the largest untapped emerging market for financial services.

In just over one year, more than a hundred top international institutions have joined the DIFC as members. They operate in an open environment complemented with world-class regulations and standards. The DIFC offers its member institutions incentives such as 100 per cent foreign ownership, zero tax on income and profits and no restrictions on foreign exchange. In addition their business benefits from modern infrastructure, operational support and business continuity facilities of uncompromisingly high standards.

The DIFC is made up of the following core bodies:
1. The DIFC Authority (DIFCA) - Responsible for the Companies and Security Registries and attracting financial as well as non-financial institutions to set up in the DIFC. (www.difc.ae)
2. The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) - An independent, unitary regulatory authority, responsible for the regulation of all DIFC operations. Its principle-based primary legislation is modelled on that used in London and New York, and its regulatory regime operates to standards that meet or exceed those in major financial centres. (www.dfsa.ae)
3. The Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) - A liquid and transparent electronic market trading securities, bonds and derivatives, launched in September 2005, the DIFX eases access to regional and international investment opportunities and funds. (www.difx.ae )
4. The DIFC Courts - An independent court system set up to uphold the provisions of DIFC laws and regulations, the courts provide comprehensive legal redress in civil and commercial matters within the DIFC. The laws, enacted by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum provide for a new court system designed especially for the DIFC and the sophisticated transactions that will be conducted within it.
• The law establishing the Judicial Authority at the DIFC creates and sets out the jurisdiction of the court and provides for a dispute resolution services, including arbitration and mediation, thus allowing for the independent administration of justice in the DIFC; and
• The DIFC Courts Law sets out the jurisdiction, powers, procedures, functions and administration of the court. ( www.difccourts.ae )

For further information contact:
Amira Abdulla
PR Manager, DIFC
Tel: +971 4 362 2433

Tim Harrison/Lavina Chatterjee
Asda'a Financial Practice
Tel: + 9714 3355969

Disclaimer »

Articles in this section are primarily provided directly by the companies appearing or PR agencies which are solely responsible for the content. The companies concerned may use the above content on their respective web sites provided they link back to http://www.ameinfo.com

Any opinions, advice, statements, offers or other information expressed in this section of the AMEinfo.com Web site are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of AME Info FZ LLC / Emap Limited. AME Info FZ LLC / Emap Limited is not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or reliability of any material, advice, opinion or statement in this section of the AMEinfo.com Web site.

For details about submitting your stories, please read the guide - all content published is subject to our terms and conditions