Forbes reported that DIFC, the regulator of offshore financial hub the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), is preparing to license loan-based crowdfunding platforms for the first time.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has begun a consultation process on its proposed framework for the sector, which is also sometimes known as peer-to-peer lending. The consultation, which was launched on January 31, is the first in what is promised to be a series of initiatives covering crowdfunding and the financial technology (fintech) industry more broadly.
The consultation highlights the importance the Gulf countries are giving to develop next-generation financial services. In Bahrain, the authorities are also trying to encourage the development of fintech companies.