The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The MoU was signed on behalf of the DFSA by chief executive, Paul Koster, and CB Bhave, chairman of SEBI, on the eve of a Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) seminar entitled, ‘The India-UAE Partnership: Investments, Opportunities and Synergies’.
SEBI was established in 1992 to protect the interest of the investors and to regulate and promote the development of securities market in India.
Mr Koster said: “As the supervisor of one of the largest capital markets in the world, SEBI is an active member of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and acknowledged as one that is committed to world best practice. SEBI is, like the DFSA, a signatory to IOSCO’s multi-lateral MoU and, as such, has already shown its ability and willingness to co-operate and share information to international standards. This bi-lateral MoU is a significant initiative, recognising the importance of these arrangements for co-operation and information sharing between the two regulators.
“There are already a number of branches of Indian firms operating in the DIFC so this agreement, which reflects the responsibilities of both agencies, will enhance information sharing and co-operation between the DFSA and SEBI as regulators of these firms. As more financial services firms join the DIFC from India, this bi-lateral relationship will assume increasing importance as both regulators rely on the quality of regulatory standards administered in the other’s jurisdiction.”
Mr Bhave said: “This arrangement establishes a framework for mutual assistance, strengthening of cross-border co-operation and contributes towards efficient performance of the supervisory functions and effective enforcement of the laws and regulations governing the markets in our respective jurisdictions.”
