Firm to offer advisory services
Dubai, UAE- 10 June, 2008 - Saffar Capital, a regional financial services firm, today announced that the company was issued a license to operate as an authorised firm in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
The license, granted by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), allows Saffar to arrange deals in investments and advise on financial products.
The company focuses on two main areas: sourcing early stage private equity investments in the financial services infrastructure sector and corporate finance advisory. As an investment advisor, Saffar Capital develops financial services infrastructure opportunities in banking, insurance, mortgages, derivatives and alternative investments throughout the MENA Region.
Welcoming Saffar Capital to the DIFC community, Nasser Al Shaali, CEO of the DIFC Authority said: "With rapid growth, the regional financial market is seeing a host of new investment opportunities. With its expertise in identifying promising early-stage opportunities, Saffar Capital can make a significant contribution to fostering good business ideas and ventures in the region. DIFC provides the strategic platform for companies like Saffar Capital to tap the vast opportunities generated by the region's financial market."
Saffar Capital provides a range of corporate finance advisory services to assist regional family businesses navigate the challenges of generational change; undertake necessary restructuring; secure required growth capital; assess future strategies; identify appropriate partners; scale an existing business regionally; and monetise decades of wealth creation.
"This presents a great opportunity to further expand our presence in the financial services market. The license will give us wider scope with which to reach businesses looking for expert advice.
With international and regional private equity firms and banks aggressively looking for deals in the region, family businesses are increasingly being approached. We will help ensure that the interests of these businesses are protected and secure a true valuation in any transaction," said Mishaal Al-Usaimi, CEO, Saffar.
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Saffar Capital
Saffar Capital is a regional financial services company focused on direct investments in early stage business opportunities. Saffar has extensive experience building successful corporate entities such as ABQ Zawya and Credit Suisse Saudi Arabia. Via its advisory and venture capital activities, Saffar assists entrepreneurs and family-owned companies to launch new businesses or scale an existing interest regionally.
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 four years, over 600 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.
Media enquiries:
DIFC
Amira Abdulla
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 4 362 2433
Fax: +971 4 3622236
E-mail: amira.abdulla@difc.ae
Shaima Al Zarouni
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 4 362 2432
Fax: +971 4 3622236
E-mail: shaima.alzarouni@difc.ae
© Press Release 2008
