For the first time, a fee waiver was offered by DFSA during COP28 to support capital markets in the Dubai International Financial Centre.
In a pioneering move, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has given Emirates NBD Bank PJSC, a renowned Middle Eastern banking group, a ground-breaking fee waiver for listing sustainability-related debt securities.
This is the first fee waiver DFSA Chief Executive Ian Johnston declared during COP28 in December 2023 to promote sustainable capital markets in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) by waiving all regulatory expenses for issuers in 2024.
This action demonstrates the DFSA’s dedication to promoting sustainable financial practices among institutions, with Emirates NBD Bank PJSC being the first to benefit from the new policy. The waiver is part of a more significant effort to stimulate the growth of green investments, and it highlights the crucial role that financial regulators can play in advancing environmental and social sustainability in the financial industry.
The DFSA is considering additional applications from enterprises looking to take advantage of this incentive, reflecting a rising interest in sustainable finance in the region. This fee waiver is accessible to both new and returning issuers who meet the DFSA’s criteria, and it represents an important milestone towards integrating sustainability into the DIFC’s fundamental financial operations.
