Mashreq, a leading financial institution in the MENA region, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to accelerate digital transformation, enhance client experiences, and strengthen private wealth solutions. The partnership aims to cement Dubai’s position as a global hub for finance, innovation, and family business prosperity.
A Strategic Alliance For Growth
Under the new agreement, Mashreq and DIFC will collaborate to introduce advanced digital onboarding and banking solutions for DIFC-based clients. The partnership will focus on integrating technology-driven efficiencies to simplify account opening and improve access to financial services, with a specific focus on supporting family offices and private wealth structures.
The collaboration will also explore targeted propositions for global corporates, SMEs, and high-net-worth families establishing themselves in the Centre. From an international perspective, the initiative aims to enable capital flows and commercial corridors across key markets, including India, Egypt, China, Hong Kong, the UK, and the GCC.
His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said: “DIFC is driving collaboration with partners like Mashreq to be catalysts for growth across key pillars of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), including financial services, technology and innovation, and family wealth. By combining our strengths, we will create new opportunities for financial institutions, family offices, and entrepreneurs to thrive in Dubai, leveraging our world-class legal and regulatory environment and Mashreq’s banking expertise.”
Driving Fintech And Digital Transformation
A core component of the partnership is the promotion of venture building and FinTech engagement to advance DIFC’s technology-focused ecosystem. This will further drive innovation in financial services, FinTech, and digital insurance.
Together, the two entities will explore new pathways in digital finance, digital financing, and PropTech opportunities. Through shared programs, clients of the DIFC ecosystem will benefit from simplified onboarding, priority processing for applications, and seamless access to banking services.
Ahmed Abdelaal, Group Chief Executive Officer at Mashreq, commented: “Our collaboration with DIFC reflects a shared vision to drive innovation, enhance digital access, and strengthen the ecosystem for international investors, strengthen family wealth capabilities, and empower high-potential businesses and investors to succeed with DIFC as their global home.”
Strengthening The Family Wealth Hub
The MoU places a significant emphasis on enhancing services for family wealth. Mashreq will work closely with the DIFC Family Wealth Centre (DFWC) to develop tailored solutions for governance, succession planning, tax optimisation, and family charters.
The initiative will provide enhanced wealth advisory support that reflects the evolving needs of global investors, family enterprises, and founders choosing Dubai as their base for expansion. The goal is to advance dedicated solutions for family governance, financial structuring, and next-generation advisory.
About Mashreq
Mashreq is more than half a century old, yet proudly thinks like a challenger, startup, and innovator. Mashreq has pioneered key innovations and developments in banking, starting with entry-level digital-first customers all the way to powering some of the region’s most prominent corporations and wealth accounts. The bank’s mandate is to help customers find their way to Rise Every Day, partnering through the highs and lows to help them achieve their goals and unlock their vision of success.
About Dubai International Financial Centre
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. With a 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows, DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework. It hosts the region’s largest financial ecosystem of over 8,000 active registered companies.
Source: Zawya
