**Dubai**: The Dubai International Financial Centre has released a comprehensive report analysing transformations in the global financial services sector, highlighting trends, geoeconomic uncertainties, and the increasing role of technological innovations such as AI amid challenges, while projecting a positive investment outlook.
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a prominent global financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, has unveiled a report titled The Global Finance and Investment Outlook: Charting technological shifts and new global flows, developed in collaboration with its research partner Asia House. Released today, the report outlines significant transformations within the global financial services industry across various sectors and geographic regions.
The inaugural findings are derived from in-depth network-based research and insights gathered from global financial services leaders within DIFC’s ecosystem. The report highlights trends impacting the capital and talent flow, identifies emerging growth corridors, and examines geoeconomic uncertainties while offering a forward-looking perspective on the industry.
Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer of DIFC Authority, remarked on the report’s launch, stating, “The global financial services industry is in a new era. Through our Future of Finance series, we will share insights on how the industry is experiencing rapid and far-reaching transformation, fuelled by a redrawing of the global capital landscape.” Jaffery noted that the report discusses a notable shift of economic influence towards the east and emphasises Dubai and DIFC’s unique role as a connection between emerging economies and a centre for global wealth and capital.
Michael Lawrence OBE, Chief Executive of Asia House, added, “The global financial services sector is evolving rapidly in the face of geographical and structural shifts and advances in technology. The Future of Finance series examines the impact of these profound changes and the way in which financial services are adapting.” He expressed satisfaction with the partnership with DIFC on this pivotal research initiative.
The report indicates a positive outlook for the finance and investment landscape. It underscores the desire of financial services firms for a growth-conducive environment characterised by progressive regulations, a robust legal framework, and the availability of highly-skilled talent. Notably, it highlights that Dubai serves as a beneficial location due to its proximity to USD 4 trillion worth of private and family wealth, enabling financial services companies to convert significant regional wealth into investable assets.
Key topics covered in the report include global monetary policy, emerging market opportunities, and new growth paths that are redefining the financial services sector. It also addresses the burgeoning influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitisation, Islamic Finance, sustainable finance, private credit, and the geopolitical dynamics between eastern and western economies.
Amid the exploration of these themes, the report notes several uncertainties, such as volatility in interest rates, inflation concerns, and protectionism, presenting challenges for the financial services industry. It outlines the wealth movement across different regions and the factors influencing these trends.
AI is anticipated to revolutionise the financial sector, potentially adding USD 15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. The financial services industry is forecast to experience significant benefits in various areas, including new revenue opportunities, enhanced customer experiences, and operational efficiencies. However, inconsistent regulatory standards pose challenges to AI adoption, highlighting the need for clear and robust regulations for its transformative potential to be fully realised.
Dubai is taking proactive steps to demonstrate its leadership in this realm, as evidenced by DIFC’s introduction of the world’s first Digital Assets Law and a pioneering Dubai AI Licence. These initiatives aim to foster an innovative and supportive ecosystem for growth. Over the past two decades, DIFC has developed into a dynamic global network promoting innovation, collaboration, and sustainable advancement. With the launch of the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence, DIFC is strengthening its position as the largest hub for AI, FinTech, and innovation in the region.
The detailed findings of the report are publicly accessible for further insight into these transformative trends.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.difc.ae/whats-on/news/difc-unveils-flagship-future-of-finance-report-series – This URL supports the claim about DIFC unveiling a report titled *The Global Finance and Investment Outlook* in collaboration with Asia House, highlighting emerging trends and shifts in the global financial landscape.
- https://www.difc.ae/whats-on/news/difc-unveils-flagship-future-of-finance-report-series – It corroborates the statements by Salmaan Jaffery and Michael Lawrence OBE regarding the report’s focus on technological shifts and geoeconomic uncertainties.
- https://www.difc.ae/whats-on/news/difc-unveils-flagship-future-of-finance-report-series – This URL also supports the report’s emphasis on Dubai’s strategic position in the future of finance and its role in converting regional wealth into investable capital.
- https://www.difc.ae/whats-on/news/difc-unveils-flagship-future-of-finance-report-series – It highlights the report’s coverage of AI’s impact on the financial sector and Dubai’s initiatives like the Digital Assets Law and Dubai AI Licence.
- https://www.difc.ae/whats-on/news/difc-unveils-flagship-future-of-finance-report-series – This URL provides further insight into DIFC’s development as a global innovation hub over the past two decades.
- https://www.difc.ae/whats-on/news/difc-unveils-flagship-future-of-finance-report-series – It supports the overall positive outlook for finance and investment in Dubai, emphasizing progressive regulations and skilled talent.
- https://www.emirates247.com/business/economy-finance/difc-unveils-flagship-future-of-finance-report-series-publishes-first-report-on-the-global-finance-and-investment-outlook-2025-02-20-1.737884 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The report is recent, published in February 2025, and discusses current trends and future outlooks in the financial services industry. There are no indications that the content is recycled or outdated.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Quotes from Salmaan Jaffery and Michael Lawrence OBE are included, but their earliest known references could not be verified online. This could indicate they are original to this report.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable financial hub, DIFC, and is developed in collaboration with Asia House. However, the specific publication (Emirates 247) is not as widely recognized as major international news outlets like BBC or Reuters.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the financial services industry’s transformation and Dubai’s role are plausible given current trends in global finance and technology. The report’s focus on AI, digitisation, and geopolitical shifts aligns with contemporary issues in the sector.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The report appears to be fresh and discusses current trends in the financial services industry. While the quotes could not be verified as original, they are plausible in context. The narrative’s reliability is supported by its origin from a reputable financial hub, though the publication itself is not as well-known as major international outlets.
