The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), together with Hawkamah, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Institute for Corporate Governance, and the Middle East Investor Relations Society (MEIRS), organised an outreach event last week on topics of Corporate Governance and investor relations. Panelists from each of these groups covered key topics, provided market insight and answered questions at the event.

The event was targeted at representatives of companies listed on the DIFC markets, companies considering a listing, advisors and legal professionals advising firms on listing in the DIFC, investment bankers representing the buy-side for such listings, as well as investor relations professionals. Over 60 stakeholders attended the event.

The DFSA explained its regulatory requirements for Corporate Governance and the panelists discussed the challenges of implementing Corporate Governance principles with a case study outlining the day to day implementation of Corporate Governance. The case study highlighted the role of Sharia compliance in attracting foreign capital. 

Ian Johnston, Chief Executive of the DFSA, said: “This was a significant event, bringing together three key organisations to hold an interactive forum on topics of direct relevance to listed companies, as well as companies seeking to list. The aim of this event was to raise awareness of the DFSA’s framework on Corporate Governance applicable to listed companies as well as to discuss key issues within the realm of Corporate Governance and investor relations affecting companies day to day”.

Dr Ashraf Gamal-El Din, CEO Hawkamah, said: “We look at governance as a corporate asset, it adds value, and it protects investors and other stakeholders. Therefore, an event like this is crucial in making sure that companies do not look at governance only from the compliance point of view, but from the strategic point of view as well”.

Alex MacDonald-Vitale, Chairman of the Middle East Investor Relations Society (MEIRS) said: “This is a successful and positive forum encouraging further exchange of ideas and shared challenges around the strategic roles of Corporate Governance and investor relations, both crucial to the region’s development. MEIRS is delighted to be part of a trend of increasing openness in dialogue around investor perception and engagement, and welcomes the opportunity to continue working closely with its co-organisers in helping promote and foster best practice across our markets".