The DIFC is the world’s newest international financial centre. It aims to develop the same stature as New York, London and Hong Kong. It primarily serves the vast region between Western Europe and East Asia.
 
Since it opened in September 2004, the DIFC has attracted high calibre firms from around the globe as well as its region. A world-class stock exchange, the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX), opened in the DIFC in September 2005.
 
The DIFC is a 110-acre free zone. It is part of the larger vision of His Highness Sheikh
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, together with the Government of Dubai, to create an environment for progress and economic development in the UAE and the wider region.
 
Sector Focus
The DIFC focuses on several sectors of financial activity: Banking and Brokerage Services;
Financial Markets; Wealth Management; Re-insurance and Captives; Islamic Finance; and Professional Service Providers.

Financial institutions may apply for licences in the above sectors. Firms operating in the DIFC are eligible for benefits such as a zero tax rate on profits, 100 per cent foreign ownership, no restrictions on foreign exchange or repatriation of capital, operational support and business continuity facilities.
Financial services in the DIFC are regulated to international standards by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). For information, please visit www.difc.ae

Incorporated on 18 January 2006 and located in Bahrain, Al Salam Bank-Bahrain operates under a full Islamic banking license issued by the Central Bank of Bahrain with a paid-up capital US$ 318 million (BD 120 million). Al Salam Bank-Bahrain was subsequently listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange on 27 April 2006.

The provision of innovative and highly differentiated Islamic products and services is a major element in the vision of ASBB to become a market-shaper and leading force in the global Islamic financial services industry.

The Bank currently offers the following banking services:

The first year performance was quite impressive, achieving a net profit of BD16.4 million (US$ 43.5) for the year ended 2006. The Bank’s total assets as of the end of December 2006 were BD 188 million. In addition, ASBB generated during the first 9 months in 2007 a net profit of BD 17.4 million (US$ 46.1 million). The total assets as of end of September 2007 reached BD 375 million, almost 100% growth over that of end of December 2006.

ASBB is committed to adopting internationally recognized standards and best practices with the highest levels of integrity, transparency and trust. The Bank is committed to the social and economic well being of the local communities in which it invests and operates.