The license, granted by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), allows Saffar to arrange deals in investments and advise on financial products.

The company focuses on two main areas: sourcing early stage private equity investments in the financial services infrastructure sector and corporate finance advisory.

As an investment advisor, Saffar Capital develops financial services infrastructure opportunities in banking, insurance, mortgages, derivatives and alternative investments throughout the MENA Region.

Welcoming Saffar Capital to the DIFC community, Nasser Al Shaali, CEO of the DIFC Authority observed that:

"With rapid growth, the regional financial market is seeing a host of new investment opportunities. With its expertise in identifying promising early-stage opportunities, Saffar Capital can make a significant contribution to fostering good business ideas and ventures in the region. DIFC provides the strategic platform for companies like Saffar Capital to tap the vast opportunities generated by the region's financial market."

Saffar Capital provides a range of corporate finance advisory services to assist regional family businesses navigate the challenges of generational change; undertake necessary restructuring; secure required growth capital; assess future strategies; identify appropriate partners; scale an existing business regionally; and monetise decades of wealth creation.

"This presents a great opportunity to further expand our presence in the financial services market. The license will give us wider scope with which to reach businesses looking for expert advice," Al Shaali added.

"With international and regional private equity firms and banks aggressively looking for deals in the region, family businesses are increasingly being approached. We will help ensure that the interests of these businesses are protected and secure a true valuation in any transaction," concluded Mishaal Al-Usaimi, CEO, Saffar.