UAE stock market regulator gets new CEO

Waleed Saeed Abdul Salam Al Awadhi has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Securities and Commodities Authority, with the rank of Under-Secretary.

Also read: UAE stock markets surge by Dhs257bn in 2024

Securities and Commodities Authority is also the regulator of the UAE stock market.

President of the UAE issues Federal Decree appointing H.E. Waleed Saeed Abdul Salam Al Awadhi as the Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Commodities Authority. pic.twitter.com/zvq7zM3Qbs

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) January 16, 2025

According to a report by state news agency (WAM), his appointment comes through a federal decree issued by the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Previous experience

Waleed Al Awadhi brings over 22 years of expertise in financial services, regulatory frameworks, and banking operations.

He has previously served as CEO of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and held the position of Deputy Head of retail banking at Emirates Islamic Bank.

His career also includes senior roles at Sama Dubai (real estate development) and Etisalat, along with membership on numerous national boards and committees across the UAE.

Education

Al Awadhi is a graduate of the Mohammed bin Rashid Programme for Leadership Development (2020) and has completed executive education at the Harvard Business School in 2017.

He also holds a Master’s degree in Law, specialising in arbitration, dispute resolution, financial crimes, and anti-money laundering, reflecting his commitment to excellence and innovation in his field.