The Financial Academy (TFA) has celebrated the graduation of a 141 -strong cohort of professional graduates certified by the GCC Board Directors Institute (BDI) . The ceremony occurred within the framework of TFA-BDI joint strategic partnership aimed to develop national talent, enhance director capabilities, and improve board effectiveness across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Being the official awarding body of all BDI certifications in KSA, The Financial Academy delivers a specialized offering of directorship programs that focus on maximizing the efficiency of boards and their members. T hese programs empower participants with essential skills an d knowledge needed to promote the application of the fundamental corporate governance principles , and improve strategic foresight . The courses also enable directors to develop more accurate capabilities in terms of decision making, risk management , and long-term planning . In addition, the programs b uild financial competency, ensuring transp arency, sustainable performance and leading with integrity.

Mr. John Gollifer , CEO of GCC BDI, commented : “We are incredibly proud of the graduation of first cohort of directors certified by our institute, after they completed Board Directorship program that is fully delivered by the BDI. This graduation highlights the growing interest in an organized, high-impact development of the board of directors across the region.

From his part, Mr. Mana AlKhamsan , CEO OF The Financial Academy, expressed TFA's pride in having strategic partnership with BDI, with the academy being the official awarding body of the institute certifications.

"This partnership is not only limited to awarding certifications; it is also designed to provide board directors with competencies needed to lead transformation , boost investor confidence, and strengthen the Kingdom's status as a leading regional financial hub with global impact," remarked AlKhamsan .

The GCC Board Directors Institute (BDI) was founded in 2007. Now, it comprises over 4500 members , and delivered over 700 programs and forums to top-tier companies in the Gulf . The BDI is globally recognized and the only director in stitute from the Gulf region admitted to the Global Network of Director Institutes (GNDI).

The Financial Academy (TFA) is an entity with an independent, legal and administrative status. It is organizationally located under the Chairman of the Board of the Capital Market Authority (CMA). The Academy is dedicated to qualifying the financial sector human capital, including senior managers and board members, by advancing their knowledge, capabilities, skills and culture. TFA also develops and promotes best professional financial practices, targeting all components of the financial services sector including banking, finance, insurance and capital market.