Abu dhabi: Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer of the UAE Capital Market Authority (CMA), has been reappointed as Chair of the Africa and Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) for the 2026-2028 term. AMERC, which Al Awadhi currently chairs, brings together 41 regulatory authorities across Africa and the Middle East and serves as a platform for regional collaboration.
According to Emirates News Agency, the uncontested and unanimous nature of this reappointment reflects the international trust placed in both Al Awadhi and the UAE, recognizing the country’s commitment to building transparent, resilient financial markets. Under Al Awadhi’s leadership, the Committee has focused on strengthening supervisory and enforcement frameworks and enhancing cross-border regulatory cooperation.
The renewed mandate comes amid increasing challenges at both regional and international levels, reinforcing confidence in the UAE’s ability to provide continuity and leadership. This positions the UAE as a trusted anchor for regulatory cooperation and capital market development, contributing to the future of global financial regulation.
Al Awadhi’s reappointment highlights his active role within IOSCO and AMERC and his efforts in establishing the UAE as a globally recognized financial hub. As Chair, he will continue to represent AMERC on the IOSCO Board, ensuring that the perspectives of Africa and the Middle East are considered in shaping global regulatory standards.
IOSCO, established in 1983, is the global standard setter for securities regulation, with more than 200 members overseeing over 95 percent of the world’s financial markets. Within this framework, the leadership of AMERC is crucial for advancing IOSCO’s mission of investor protection, market integrity, and financial stability.
Mohamed Al Shorafa, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors, commented on the announcement, stating that the reappointment reflects the confidence of regional and international regulators in Al Awadhi’s leadership and the UAE’s regulatory framework. Despite regional tensions and challenges, the UAE continues to uphold stable and well-functioning capital markets.
Looking ahead, AMERC will drive new initiatives to revitalize capital markets and respond to emerging risks, while promoting innovation in digital assets and market structures. The Committee will also focus on market development in emerging economies, enhancing investor education, and advancing sustainable finance and capacity building across member jurisdictions.