Dubai, 22 June 2008: The DIFC Centre of Excellence today announced it will work with the University of London's Centre for Financial and Management Studies (CeFiMS) at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) to offer its MSc degree in Finance and Financial Law in the region.

Based in Dubai, the prestigious two-year programme will offer courses taught by CeFiMS academic faculty. The subjects covered in the programme will include corporate finance, financial law and risk management. Upon graduating, students will have advanced knowledge of the economic, legal and regulatory aspects of modern financial markets and banking.

H.E. Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) said: "Education is a key strategic priority for us in our mission to catalyse regional development. As our region enjoys exceptional growth, it is critical for us to create a large pool of skilled talent that can fuel a changing, evolving economy." 

"Our partnership with the University of London is part of our objective of collaborating with the world's leading education institutions to facilitate access to globally-ranked executive education in the region," H.E. Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman added.

Ms Faten Hani, CEO of the DIFC Centre of Excellence said: "On behalf of the Centre, I am delighted to announce the commencement of the MSc programme in November this year.

"Rapid changes in financial markets and Dubai's increasing importance as an international financial hub have created huge demand for specialist knowledge and expertise in finance. 

"International banks, investment firms, legal practices and regulatory institutions will be looking to attract graduates of the MSc Finance and Financial Law," said Ms Hani.

Director of CeFIMS, Professor Laurence Harris, said: "The University of London's MSc in Finance and Financial Law is a specialist qualification. It attracts students who have good qualifications in law, or in economics, business or other subjects, and many are at high levels in their profession. We are proud to be offering this world-class MSc programme in Dubai now"  

Dr Richard Alexander, Lecturer in Financial Law said: "We are delighted to be working in conjunction with the DIFC's Centre of Excellence to bring this postgraduate programme to the region.

"In this MSc programme, we teach a unique combination of financial principles and modern financial law and regulation.  It covers aspects of national and international finance as well as the practical and theoretical applications of financial and legal principles," said Dr Alexander.

The Centre for Excellence / SOAS programme commences on January 2009.  For more information, visit www.cefims.ac.uk/MScFFL_DIFC.shtml 

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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 three years, over 650 firms have registered at the DIFC. 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.

For more information please contact:
Amira Abdulla 
PR Manager 
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 4 362 2433 
E-mail: amira.abdulla@difc.ae  

Shaima Al Zarouni
Assistant PR Manager
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 4 362 2432
E-mail: shaima.alzarouni@difc.ae

Iman Ahmad                                                                 
Regional Media Relations Manager                                 
Dubai International Financial Centre                                
Tel: +971 4 362 2685                                                     
Email: iman.ahmad@difc.ae      

© Press Release 2008