The dispute in Bhatia v. ICICI Bank relates to the marketing and sale of a foreign fund by ICICI Bank to the claimant. In January 2008, the claimant was contacted by the bank\u2019s representative based in the DIFC branch to market and sell shares in a foreign fund registered in Mauritius. Subsequently, the investment failed and Bhatia sued the bank for allegedly providing negligent investment advice, amongst other claims, that led to his losses. The claimant\u2019s action against the bank involved claims in tort and contract, as well as claims for regulatory breaches under the Dubai Financial Services Authority\u2019s Conduct of Business Module Regulations. The pivotal issue in this case is whether the claimant fell within the DFSA regulatory definition of a \u201cprofessional client\u201d\u2014an experienced purchaser of financial products\u2014or whether the claimant was a \u201cretail client,\u201d which is a person who is not a professional client and is likely inexperienced in the purchase of financial products.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the bank challenged the DIFC Court\u2019s jurisdiction on the grounds that the claim does not disclose a valid or viable claim or action, that the claim was time barred, and that the parties have contractually opted out of the DIFC jurisdiction.<\/p>\n
In reliance on Dubai Law No.12 of 2004, as amended by Law No. 16 of 2011, the claimant argued that the DIFC Court had exclusive jurisdiction over the dispute because the bank is physically present in the DIFC, it is licensed to do business in the DIFC, and the contracts were concluded in the DIFC. The Court took into consideration the fact that there had been written agreements between the parties to opt-out of the DIFC Court\u2019s exclusive jurisdiction, however, reaffirmed that the Court has jurisdiction over the dispute.<\/p>\n
The specific issues that arose for consideration in the Bhatia case will cause investment banks in the DIFC to look again at their operations to make sure they avoid similar problems. As a starting point, investment banks should become familiar with those issues, and in particular, should not overlook the wider jurisdictional issues involved in investment contracts.<\/p>\n
Investment banks are required to take reasonable steps to ensure that their communication is clear, fair, and not misleading, and that any marketing material provided to a client complies with the applicable requirements under the DFSA laws and regulations. In addition, investment banks in the DIFC should ensure that they properly categorize clients and exercise reasonable skill and care when assessing the suitability of financial products they offer, keeping into consideration each client\u2019s individual risk tolerance and investment objectives.<\/p>\n
Investment banks should also ensure that they have appropriate protocols and systems in place to gather and verify all relevant information on the experience and sophistication of each client to enable them to determine which category of client they are dealing with, i.e., whether a professional client or a retail client.<\/p>\n
Moreover, investment banks should maintain records of the verification process carried out in connection with each client\u2019s relevant qualifications, financial experience, and the composition and size of the client\u2019s financial investment portfolio.<\/p>\n
DIFC-registered investment banks should reassess the performance and conduct of their business and personnel to make sure that the services they provide are in compliance with their statutory duties.<\/p>\n
The jurisdictional ruling in favor of Bhatia is a welcome development for investors. At the same time, the case highlights the legal risks that may be faced by financial institutions operating in the DIFC. The manner in which the DIFC Courts will decide future jurisdictional challenges is likely to prove to be an area of ongoing interest for the business community.<\/p>\n
It will be interesting to see whether investors who lose their investments as a result of a bank\u2019s breach of statutory duty chose to sue those banks in the DIFC Courts, and if a Defendant challenges the DIFC Courts’ jurisdiction, will the Court continue to find strong cause to hear the dispute. Time and the facts of each case alone will determine that, however, the Bhatia\u2019s case provides many useful insights for both investors and investment banks.<\/p>\n
Diaz Reus Dubai offers pro-active regulatory and compliance counsel, as well as legal representation in the DIFC Court system. Please contact us for further information.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"