Newly Appointed Securities and Commodities Authority CEO Elected as Chair of AMERC, IOSCO's Regional Committee

UAE Securities Chief Takes Helm of Major Regional Financial Authority

The UAE has secured another key position in global financial governance as Walid Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), was elected chairman of IOSCO's Africa and Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC). This appointment positions the Emirates at the center of regulatory decision-making for 43 supervisory bodies across North Africa and the Middle East, reinforcing the country's strategy to become a dominant force in international financial markets.

Strategic Leadership in Global Financial Regulation

Al Awadhi's new role extends beyond regional influence—he will represent AMERC on IOSCO's 34-member board of directors, placing him among the world's most influential securities market regulators. The International Organization of Securities Commissions, established in 1983, oversees more than 95% of global financial markets through its network of over 200 regulatory bodies and financial institutions worldwide.

This appointment comes at a critical time when financial markets are grappling with digital transformation, cryptocurrency regulation, and post-pandemic economic restructuring. The AMERC region, encompassing emerging markets from Morocco to the Gulf states, represents some of the world's fastest-growing financial sectors.

UAE's Rising Financial Diplomacy

The election reflects the UAE's systematic approach to building financial soft power. Over the past decade, the country has positioned itself as a regulatory bridge between Eastern and Western financial systems, particularly evident in its balanced approach to cryptocurrency regulation and Islamic finance integration.

Mohammed Al Sharfa, Chairman of the SCA's Board of Directors, emphasized that this selection demonstrates "growing international confidence" in the UAE's role in developing regulatory frameworks for capital markets. The appointment follows the UAE's successful hosting of major financial conferences and its emergence as a preferred jurisdiction for international financial institutions.

Regional Implications for Market Development

Under Al Awadhi's leadership, AMERC will likely focus on harmonizing regulatory standards across a diverse region that includes both oil-rich Gulf states and developing African markets. This standardization could accelerate cross-border investment flows and improve market access for international investors.

The committee's influence extends to shaping global regulatory responses to emerging technologies, sustainable finance initiatives, and market stability measures. Given the UAE's progressive stance on fintech and digital assets, the region may see more innovation-friendly regulatory approaches.

Competitive Positioning Against Global Financial Hubs

This appointment strengthens the UAE's competitive position against established financial centers like Singapore and Hong Kong, both of which have historically dominated Asian regulatory influence. Unlike these centers, the UAE offers unique advantages including strategic geographic location, energy sector expertise, and growing ties with both Eastern and Western economies.

The move also signals the UAE's long-term vision to capture a larger share of global financial services, particularly as geopolitical tensions create opportunities for neutral jurisdictions to expand their market roles. With Al Awadhi's influence over regional regulatory development, the UAE can now directly shape policies that affect trillions of dollars in regional market capitalization.