London-based Napier opens Middle East office in DIFC

Company already works with regional customers such as Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency and Central Bank of the UAE

DIFC connects various large and small financial institutions and technology companies, and creates strong partnerships. Jeff Topping / The National

Napier, a London-based developer of anti-financial crime compliance software, has opened its first office in the Middle East at Dubai International Financial Centre.

Located in the Innovation Hub, part of the Dubai Future District, the RegTech company aims to expand its global footprint from its new UAE base, the company said on Wednesday.

“The world’s leading financial and FinTech institutions are based at DIFC and we are delighted to welcome Napier into the fold,” Salmaan Jaffery, chief business development officer at DIFC Authority, said.

“Our new Innovation Hub is the region’s largest and most comprehensive innovation ecosystem and provides FinTechs at all stages of their evolution with unparalleled access to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, experts and technology innovators such as Napier."

Napier has overseas offices in North America, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia and already serves a number of major clients in the Middle East, including the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency and the Central Bank of the UAE.

“DIFC is recognised internationally as a leading global centre for FinTech and building a presence here will enable us to better serve our clients operating both locally and in international markets,” Greg Watson, chief operating officer of Napier, said.

“Innovations in technologies to improve financial compliance are a key part of the huge ambition that we see across the UAE as it strengthens its position as a modern global financial hub, so it’s very important for us to be here."