H.E. 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 Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) for the 2026–2028 term. The announcement was made in Abu Dhabi on 6 April 2026.
AMERC, which H.E. Al Awadhi currently chairs, brings together 41 regulatory authorities across Africa and the Middle East, comprising 29 voting members and 12 associate non-voting members. The Committee serves as a platform for regional collaboration among securities regulators.
The reappointment was uncontested and unanimous, reflecting a high level of international trust in both H.E. Al Awadhi and the UAE. It also highlights recognition of the UAE's sustained commitment to building transparent, resilient, and forward-looking financial markets. Under his leadership to date, AMERC has advanced priorities such as strengthening supervisory and enforcement frameworks and enhancing cross-border regulatory cooperation.
Reappointment Amid Regional and Global Uncertainty
The renewed mandate comes at a time of heightened regional and global uncertainty. According to the announcement, this reinforces the confidence of international regulators in the UAE's ability to provide continuity and leadership. It positions the UAE as a trusted anchor for regulatory cooperation and capital market development, and as an active contributor to shaping the future of global financial regulation.
H.E. Al Awadhi's reappointment also underscores his active role within IOSCO and AMERC and his contribution to positioning 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 reflected in global regulatory standards and policy direction.
Role of AMERC and UAE Regulatory Leadership
Commenting on the announcement, H.E. Mohamed Al Shorafa, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors, said the uncontested reappointment reflects the confidence of regional and international regulators in H.E. Al Awadhi's leadership and in the UAE's regulatory framework. He noted that this comes at a time when the region faces heightened tensions and direct challenges, while the UAE continues to demonstrate resilience, continuity, and the ability to uphold stable and well-functioning capital markets.
Looking ahead, AMERC will focus on initiatives to reinvigorate capital markets and respond to emerging risks amid evolving geopolitical and market dynamics. The Committee plans to advance innovation in areas such as digital assets and evolving market structures, support market development across emerging economies, and shape investor education efforts. It will also work on forward-looking approaches to sustainable finance and capacity building across member jurisdictions.
IOSCO, established in 1983, is described as the global standard setter for securities regulation, with more than 200 members overseeing over 95% of the world's financial markets. Through AMERC's work and H.E. Al Awadhi's leadership, Africa and the Middle East are positioned to have their regulatory perspectives represented in the evolution of global capital market standards.
