emirates7 - IFZA Dubai has entered into a partnership agreement with the Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) to provide IFZA Free Zone companies with quick and convenient access to banking services and financial solutions. Through this partnership, the free zone companies will be able to conveniently and efficiently open special corporate bank accounts as well as obtain personalised services through dedicated onsite CBD relationship managers, starting July 2022.

According to a study by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, entrepreneurs face considerable challenges when trying to open a corporate bank account in the UAE. 65 percent of the entrepreneurs interviewed cited banking as their biggest challenge in a company set up in the UAE. In a recent study conducted by IFZA, 50 percent of the respondents echoed similar sentiments, finding opening a bank account challenging due to lengthy application processes, difficulty in compliance or lack of information.

Recognising the challenges entrepreneurs face, IFZA’s priority remains to support its Professional Partners and Licensees through bespoke services that aim to make doing business as easy as possible.

Jochen Knecht, CEO of IFZA Dubai, commented, "At IFZA, we are actively engaged in listening to the needs of the IFZA Free Zone community, to help strengthen their growth and alleviate any obstacles entrepreneurs may face when setting up a business. We are pleased to announce our partnership with CBD, providing our global network of Professional Partners with an additional layer of support to IFZA Licensees through curated packages tailored to meet their needs and assist them in efficiently setting up their corporate bank accounts in Dubai."

Dr. Bernd van Linder, CEO of Commercial Bank of Dubai, added, "Small businesses play an essential role as drivers of growth for the UAE economy. Through this partnership, IFZA Free Zone companies will have access to a range of CBD’s innovative banking services to help them fulfill their financial and business requirements and make doing business easier. With dedicated assistance, we aim to support and ensure Licensees achieve their vision and complement Dubai’s growing business hub."