4. Regulatory Body Dubai Financial Service Authority (DFSA) DIFC = regional capital market & state run, financial free-trade zone (opened in 2004) Mainly private banking-large pool of money from oil & gas exports-attracts foreign banks Dubai’s Financial Service Cluster Local & Regional Banks Local firms, banks etc. access stock markets via DFM, or Abu Dhabi Securities Market (ADSM), DFM comprises 24 public- stock companies, with a total market capitalization of AED 316 billion. Reluctance to switch to NASDAQ Dubai- more stringent regulatory requirements. International Banks & Insurance Companies (over 100 have joined) International firms, banks & insurance companies access via NASDAQ Dubai (since 2005), alternative stock exchange to e.g. the London Stock Exchange.