The DIFC has amended its Prescribed Company (PC) Regulations, significantly expanding and simplifying the regime governing special purpose vehicles (SPVs).
The revised framework broadens access to holding and structuring vehicles by removing previous qualifying requirements. Any applicant may now establish or continue a PC in DIFC, provided they appoint a DIFC‑licensed Corporate Services Provider (CSP) as the primary compliance and administrative interface with the Registrar of Companies.
Key features include:
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Removal of eligibility restrictions, opening the regime to a wider base of applicants.
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Requirement for CSPs to act as statutory compliance and regulatory liaisons, responsible for filings, record keeping and ongoing oversight.
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PCs must remain passive holding vehicles, permitted only for structuring purposes, and may not employ staff.
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PCs may be used in connection with financial services, provided compliance with DFSA‑administered legislation is maintained.
Jacques Visser, Chief Legal Officer at DIFC Authority, said the updated regulations demonstrate DIFC’s commitment to a responsive, flexible and business‑friendly legal framework, balancing ease of establishment with transparency and governance.
The regime is expected to benefit family groups, investment holding structures, financing transactions and other ownership arrangements seeking cost‑effective and flexible structuring solutions.
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