This episode is also available as a blog post: https://10leaves.ae/publications/difc/guide-to-the-difc-fund-manager-license

Firms interested in managing funds from the DIFC are required to submit applications to the Dubai Financial Services Authority, or DFSA.

The DFSA has a fast-track process for Fund Manager licenses, which come under Category 3C. The Fund Manager, if approved, can manage domestic (Public, DIFC Exempt Fund and DIFC Qualified Investor Fund) and Foreign Funds in other jurisdictions as well. In case the firm wishes to also engage in discretionary portfolio management services, it has to go through a full-fledged license process.