21 Aug, 2006Jefferies becomes 14th firm to join DIFX as a Member

The Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) today welcomed Jefferies International Ltd as a member firm able to trade securities.

Jefferies International Ltd, a UK-based investment bank and institutional securities firm, is a subsidiary of Jefferies Group, Inc (NYSE: JEF).

Jefferies becomes the 14th Member firm to join the DIFX since the exchange opened in September 2005.

Per Larsson, Chief Executive of the DIFX, said: "The arrival of Jefferies further strengthens the role of the DIFX as the only international exchange serving the vast region between Western Europe and East Asia.

"The DIFX has a unique membership mix of leading international and regional banks, reflecting its position as a gateway for capital to enter the region."

Cliff Siegel, CEO of Jefferies International, said: "We are committed to identifying new opportunities to enhance our footprint in the global capital markets to better serve the needs of our clients. As Jefferies expands into key regions around the world, our DIFX membership and the access that it provides to this strategic financial centre will help position our firm for continued growth."

Membership of DIFX is the latest in a series of actions taken by Jefferies to provide clients with access to the global capital markets. In 2006, Jefferies' NOMAD status was approved on the London AIM, and the firm joined the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Euronext and the Deutsche B-rse electronic trading platform, Xetra. In addition, Jefferies began working with transportation & oil service group, Ness, Risan & Partners, in Scandinavia to expand the investment bank's strong shipping and oil service practice. Jefferies also opened an office in Singapore this past April.

The DIFX expects many other banks from around the world, as well as across the region, to join the exchange in coming months.

Nasser Alshaali, Chief Operations Officer of the DIFX, commented:
"Members of the DIFX will be able to trade a broad range of attractive products as the exchange continues to expand its issuer base. Investors will benefit from enhanced access to DIFX securities as the number of members grow."