The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) is the independent regulator of financial services conducted in or from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a purpose-built financial free zone in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Established in 2004, the DFSA is tasked with overseeing the operation of all financial and ancillary services within the DIFC, including asset management, banking, securities trading, Islamic finance, insurance, and the operation of international financial exchanges and clearing houses. The DFSA's mandate is to provide a regulatory environment of international standards that fosters the economic development of the DIFC and the wider UAE. Its primary objectives include protecting direct and indirect users of the financial services industry in the DIFC, and contributing to the stability and integrity of the financial services industry in the DIFC, including the prevention of financial crimes.