Gilford Securities, the privately-owned Wall Street investment firm, has been granted a full service licence by the Dubai Financial Services Authority to provide investment banking services from within the Dubai International Financial Centre. Through its DIFC office, which opened on 1 September, Gilford Securities will continue to offer clients a wide range of global investment banking services. It will also offer complete asset management, brokerage services and access to alternative investment products. "The opening of an office at the DIFC will allow us to expand new opportunities in this compelling market and furthermore meet the growing needs of our existing customers," said Ralph Worthington, chairman of Gilford.