Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi Reappointed as Chair of AMERC for 2026-2028 Term
ABU DHABI, 6th April 2026 (WAM) — Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi has been reappointed as the Chair of the Africa and Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) for the upcoming 2026-2028 term. As the Chief Executive Officer of the UAE Capital Market Authority (CMA), Al Awadhi’s leadership is pivotal in advancing the regulatory landscape in these regions.
Significance of AMERC in Financial Regulation
AMERC, under Al Awadhi’s current leadership, comprises 41 regulatory authorities—29 voting members and 12 associate non-voting members—focused on enhancing regional collaboration for effective market administration. This committee acts as a crucial platform for sharing knowledge and best practices among member states.
A Testament to Leadership and Trust
The unanimous and uncontested reappointment of Al Awadhi underscores the high level of trust and confidence placed in both his abilities and the UAE’s regulatory framework. This recognition highlights the UAE’s commitment to promoting transparent and resilient financial markets that cater to both local and international investors.
Advancements Under Al Awadhi’s Leadership
During his tenure, Al Awadhi has significantly advanced critical priorities such as:
- Strengthening supervisory and enforcement frameworks.
- Enhancing cross-border regulatory cooperation.
The Renewed Mandate Amid Challenges
The renewed mandate comes at a time when the region faces various challenges on both regional and international fronts. It positions the UAE as a trusted hub for regulatory cooperation and capital market development, further contributing to global financial regulation.
Future Initiatives and Focus Areas
Looking forward, the AMERC is set to implement new initiatives aimed at revitalizing capital markets in response to emerging risks and evolving geopolitical dynamics. Key areas of focus will include:
- Advancing innovation in digital assets and market structures.
- Driving market development across emerging economies.
- Enhancing investor education efforts.
- Promoting sustainable finance and capacity building.
Importance of Global Representation
Through his role as Chair, Al Awadhi will continue to represent AMERC on the IOSCO Board, ensuring that the perspectives and needs of Africa and the Middle East are aptly reflected in global regulatory standards and policy directions. The role of IOSCO as the global standard setter for securities regulation is pivotal, with its members overseeing more than 95% of the world’s financial markets.
Endorsement from CMA Leadership
In light of this significant reappointment, Mohamed Al Shorafa, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors, stated, “The uncontested reappointment of Waleed Al Awadhi as Chair of AMERC reflects the confidence of regional and international regulators. The UAE continues to demonstrate resilience and the ability to maintain stable capital markets during times of rising tensions.”
