13 Feb, 2007UK Securities & Investment Institute and DIFX Academy launch new Rules & Regulations qualification

On 13th February 2007 the UK Securities & Investment Institute (SII) and the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) Academy will launch a new, jointly developed Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Rules and Regulations exam for the financial services industry in the region.

This exam will be based largely on the requirements of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) which regulates financial services in the DIFC to international standards.

The DIFX Academy already offers the SII 's technical units in Investment Management and Derivatives from the SII Certificate suite.

At the launch event, to be attended by the Lord Mayor of the City of London Alderman John Stuttard, the formal accreditation of the DIFX as an international training provider will be announced marking the UAE 's commitment to raising standards of training and competence.

Following the launch, in the evening there will be the first ever Dubai-based SII members reception.

Ruth Martin, SII managing director said, We were delighted to be approached by the DIFX Academy to work with them on these important projects. Such professional qualifications will help complement the current training and competence regime to ensure that DIFC-based financial services staff are equipped to support the growth of Dubai as an international financial services centre.

The Lord Mayor Alderman John Stuttard said I am delighted to launch the new workbook commissioned by the DIFX covering the rules of the DIFC and also to witness the partnership agreement between the DIFC and the SII. The SII will now develop its presence in Dubai and is committed to working with client firms here.

Per Larsson, chief executive of the DIFX, said: As the leading stock exchange operating in the geographic space between Western Europe and East Asia, the DIFX is extremely pleased to work with the SII to support the professional training of leading members of the financial services industry. Together with the DIFC and DFSA, this initiative will increase the level of core competency of staff here in Dubai and across the wider region.

Hamed Ali, executive officer of the DIFX, added: The formal accreditation of the DIFX Academy as an international training provider comes as a significant step in the ongoing expansion of services offered by the exchange. As we continue to increase the depth of our offerings to the global financial services community headquartered here in Dubai, it is imperative that we ensure that professional staff remain fully immersed in international best practices. Our ongoing partnership with the SII is one way in which we ensure that this process continues to move forward.