Refine Your Search
...
Media Room
NewsNews
Our shared values keep us connected and guide us as one team.
...
23 June, 2026
The Financial Academy, in collaboration with S&P Global Ratings, is hosting a series of free specialized workshops throughout 2026, targeting professionals working in capital market institutions, as well as students, graduates, and investors with an interest in finance and economics. The first workshop, held recently, covered the fundamentals of credit ratings and provided a comprehensive practical overview of the rating process and its key concepts, equipping participants with the knowledge needed to interpret credit market developments and make informed financial decisions. The workshop was presented by Mr. Ahmed Al-Sadah, Managing Director and Country Head of S&P Global Ratings in Saudi Arabia, who affirmed that this collaboration reflects both parties’ firm commitment to advancing financial culture and knowledge within the Kingdom’s financial sector. The second workshop will be delivered by Mr. Alan Fitzpatrick, Head of Investment Management Sector Leadership at S&P Global Sustainable1. It will offer participants a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and climate in support of financial decision-making, linking sustainability concepts to financial risk, credit, and capital allocation. The workshop will also highlight alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and introduce the tools, frameworks, and methodologies — non-commercial — used across the financ ial sector. Timucin Engin, Managing Director and Head of National Scale Ratings for Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, stated that collaborating with the Financial Academy on this initiative represents an important step, reaffirming the commitment to supporting the development of the Kingdom’s rapidly growing capital markets through the sharing of global expertise and knowledge. The Financial Academy is an entity with an independent legal and administrative identity, organizationally affiliated with the Chairman of the Capital Market Authority Board. Its mission is to qualify, develop, and advance human capital in the financial sector by building the knowledge, capabilities, skills, and financial literacy of its professionals — including executive leadership and board members of sector institutions — and to contribute to developing best practices in the field. The Academy serves all entities across the financial sector, including banking, finance, insurance, and the capital market.
12 May, 2026
The Financial Academy has launched the "Professional Certificate in Skills Framework Practices," the Kingdom's first specialized certificate in financial skills frameworks, aimed at empowering HR professionals to leverage skills as a strategic driver for business execution and organizational performance. The program explores different types of skills — behavioral and technical — along with the mechanisms for assessing and developing them, and how to effectively integrate them across various HR practices, including talent acquisition, performance management, and organizational development. The program targets several key objectives, most notably: understanding competencies and their application in driving business strategy, recognizing the strategic value of competencies in enhancing performance, and differentiating between behavioral and technical competencies. It also covers how to identify, assess, and develop both competency types through their application across HR processes, align competency frameworks with the Financial Academy's Financial Skills Framework, define the roles of HR and business units in sustaining competency adoption, and develop an action plan for implementation. The Financial Academy recently launched the "Financial Skills Framework" (Rakeeza), designed to enable organizations and individuals to develop professional capabilities and align skills with the actual requirements of job roles in the financial sector. The Framework includes the "Financial Skills Dictionary," a comprehensive reference for skills linked to job roles across four key sectors: Banking, Capital Markets, Insurance, and Financing. The Framework covers 160 skills distributed across 54 job families and 275 job roles, divided into two main categories: technical competencies and behavioral competencies. Each skill encompasses five proficiency levels: Developing, Supporting, Applying, Leading, and Shaping — contributing to the development of clear career pathways, supporting HR practices, and enhancing the efficiency of national talent in the financial sector. The Financial Academy is an independent legal and administrative entity, organizationally linked to the Chairman of the Capital Market Authority Board. It is dedicated to qualifying, developing, and advancing human capital in the financial sector by enhancing the knowledge, capabilities, skills, and professional culture of those working within it — including executive leadership and board members of financial sector entities — while contributing to the development of best professional practices. The Academy serves all entities across the financial sector: banking, financing, insurance, and the capital market.
08 June, 2026
The Financial Academy has launched the "Women in Leadership" initiative, a pioneering national strategic program designed to enhance and develop female leadership across the Kingdom’s financial services ecosystem. The launch took place during a ceremony attended by several female leaders, representatives from regulatory bodies and financial institutions, alongside academic and strategic partners. The initiative supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 aimed at increasing women's participation in the labor market and boosting the competitiveness and diversity of the national economy. It achieves this by providing an integrated pathway that enables female talents to develop their leadership and professional capabilities, thereby strengthening their presence in executive positions and decision-making roles within the financial sector. Mr. Mana bin Mohammed Al-Khamsan, CEO of the Financial Academy, explained that the "Women in Leadership" initiative stems from the Academy's belief that building specialized leadership is a key enabler for the sustainable growth and competitiveness of the financial sector. He noted that the upcoming phase demands leaders who possess the capability to make strategic decisions, drive transformation, and create a sustainable institutional impact. Al-Khamsan added that the initiative was designed in partnership with London Business School and the Governance Center to provide an integrated leadership pathway. This pathway combines executive training, professional mentorship, and qualification for board membership, contributing to preparing qualified female leaders to shape the future across various financial services sectors and reinforcing their presence in executive and decision-making positions. He further indicated that the initiative targets more than 2,000 female leaders across various financial services sectors. This includes 400 leaders in executive and senior management roles, and 100 candidates for board memberships. This will expand the base of qualified national talents, raise the level of women's leadership representation in the Saudi financial sector, and support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Financial Sector Development Program. For her part, Ms. Deemah bin Yahya Al-Yahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization and Board Member of Saudi National Bank (SNB), emphasized that the Kingdom has moved past the question of women’s participation to a phase of expanding their influence at the highest levels of leadership, decision-making, and governance. She pointed out that women now occupy more than 44% of senior and middle management positions in the Kingdom—a surge of over 50% compared to 2017—highlighting that Saudi women are no longer merely participating in the national economic transformation, but have become its drivers. Al-Yahya stated that today's challenge is no longer about discovering female talent, but rather about ensuring the availability of leadership pathways that provide them with the necessary experience and opportunities to reach executive positions and board memberships. She noted that while mentorship builds capabilities, professional sponsorship creates opportunities, emphasizing that the financial sector needs leaders who open doors for talents rather than just offering them advice. She added that the question is no longer whether women are ready to lead, but whether our institutions are creating enough pathways to empower this leadership. It is worth noting that the Financial Academy is a legally and administratively independent entity, organizationally linked to the Chairman of the Board of the Capital Market Authority (CMA). It aims to qualify, cultivate, and develop human resources within the financial sector by enhancing the knowledge, capabilities, skills, and culture of its professionals—including executive management and board members of sector establishments. It also contributes to developing best professional practices relevant to the sector, targeting all entities within the financial ecosystem, including banking, finance, insurance, and the capital market.
03 June, 2026
The Financial Academy (TFA) has announced strategic partnerships under the "Development of Securities Industry" initiative, recognizing the pivotal role of partners in supporting development solutions tailored to the capital market sector. The list of partners included Saudi Tadawul Group, Saudi Fransi Capital (BSF Capital) , Alinma Capital and Derayah Financial . The initiative is one of the Academy’s flagship undertakings in 2026. The partners involved have contributed to strengthening the ecosystem of securities products, thereby enhancing the sustainability of development industry-specific programs and advancing the national talent upskilling drive, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. 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 secto r’s 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.
11 May, 2026
The Advisory Committee for Human Capital Development in the Banking Sector held its periodic meeting, chaired by Mr. Mohammed Alhamzany and attended by all its members, at the Financial Academy's headquarters in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh. The Committee discussed a number of items on its agenda that contribute to the development of the banking sector in the Kingdom, keeping pace with the latest updates and developments related to regulations and legislation, and enhancing professional skills and knowledge in line with the requirements of the current phase — supporting the national economy and strengthening the efficiency of its financial institutions. The Committee adopted the necessary resolutions and recommendations on the matters discussed. The Financial Academy's management had previously issued a resolution establishing the Committee, within the framework of its vision to promote efficiency and excellence in the banking sector through the development and enhancement of human capital skills. The Advisory Committee aims to strengthen the quality of development programs targeting human capital in the financial sector, building the skills and knowledge of professionals within financial institutions, identifying training and development needs, and providing specific and targeted recommendations to improve training programs and advance the professional certifications and competencies required by those working in the financial sector. The Committee also serves as a direct communication platform, enabling the Financial Academy to better understand industry requirements, more precisely identify needs, and ensure they are effectively met.
13 May, 2026
His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Elkuwaiz, Chairman of the Board of the Capital Market Authority, has issued a decision to reconstitute the Board of Trustees of The Financial Academy for a three-year term, pursuant to Article Four of The Financial Academy’s Regulation issued by the Council of Ministers. The newly formed Board of Trustees includes His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Elkuwaiz as Chairman; Eng. Ali bin Saleh Alqarawi as Vice Chairman and member representing the Saudi Central Bank; Dr. Murayh bin سعد Habbash as a member representing the Capital Market Authority; and Dr. Badr bin Hazzaa Alotaibi as a member representing the Saudi Central Bank. The Board also includes Mr. Tariq bin Abdulrahman Al-Sudhan, Mr. Tariq bin Ziad Al-Sudairi, Dr. Mohammed bin Faraj Alzahrani, Ms. Mai bint Mohammed Alhoushan, Mr. Othman bin Yousif Alqusabi, and Mr. Mana bin Mohammed Al Khamsan, Chief Executive Officer of The Financial Academy, as members of the Board. The decision reflects the continued role of The Financial Academy as one of the key enablers of human capital development in the financial sector, supporting the readiness and qualification of national talent to keep pace with the rapid transformations in financial markets and services, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Financial Sector Development Program. The Financial Academy is committed to implementing the highest standards of institutional governance while enhancing efficiency and transparency across its programs and initiatives. The Board of Trustees serves as the supervisory authority overseeing the Academy’s affairs, setting its general policies, and guiding its strategic direction, thereby supporting sustainable growth and the development of specialized professional initiatives and programs for the financial sector. Through its new formation, the Board will contribute to strengthening integration among regulatory authorities and financial institutions, supporting innovation in training and qualification, and enhancing the competitiveness of the financial sector through the development of national capabilities and specialized future-ready skills
04 May, 2026
The Financial Academy (TFA) has signed a framework agreement with the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha'at) to promote financial literacy among entrepreneurs and small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs). The deal was concluded on the sidelines of Monsha'at’s Funding Week. Signature was carried out by Mr. Mohammed Alhamazany, Chief of Capability Development at The Financial Academy, and Mr. Abdulaziz AlJaffali, General Manager of Funding at MonshaatSA . The ceremony took place at SMEs Support Center in Riyadh. According to the agreement, cooperation will include the implementation of joint training and awareness initiatives and programs, such as organizing training camps in the field of finance, as well as developing educational and training content to improve the efficiency of financial resource management within SMEs and support their sustainability and growth. This will be accrued out in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Alhamazany dubbed the agreement as “an extension of TFA’s strategic role in developing the financial sector human capital” through adopting international best practices and standards and aligning the Academy’s programs with the requirements of the Financial Sector Development Program (FSDP), aiming to shape a prosperous financial future in the Kingdom. 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’s 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.
03 May, 2026
The Financial Academy’s (TFA) Insurance Center held an online specialized seminar entitled “Arab Insurance Industry: Navigating Global Changes, Legislations, Tech & Business Models.” The event—which took place Tuesday, April 28—was led by a select group of Arab insurance industry leaders and experts, and attended by numerous stakeholders from across the Arab region. The seminar was part of the Center’s broader efforts to promote professional dialogue and the exchange of expertise regarding the future of insurance industry in the region. It addressed key global shifts and their impact on Arab markets, with a focus on regulatory readiness, the level of technology leverage, and the ability of current business models to keep pace with rapid changes. The session covered four main themes, namely: Global Changes in Insurance Industry; Role of Technology as a Gamechanger; Future Viability of Current Business Models; and Prospects for Development and Integration among Arab Markets . Mr. Resini Alresini, Deputy CEO of ReTech Reinsurance Brokers Co. (ReTech), facilitated the seminar among experts and enriched the discussions with valuable insights, contributing to extracting actionable outcomes. Mr. Chakib Abouzaid , General Arab Insurance Federation (GAIF), said that Arab integration is critical for addressing global challenges, urging collaborative action to boost the competitiveness of Arab insurance markets. He also highlighted the Federation’s role in supporting the development of regulatory frameworks and bringing international best practices to Arab markets. Speaking about the Egyptian experience, Mr. Alaa El Zoheiry, Chairman of the Insurance Federation of Egypt (IFE), reviewed the evolution of insurance market in his country as a model of adaptation to change, focusing on legislative reforms and their role in promoting growth. He considered innovative products and awareness are very important as well. In turn, Mr. Fareed Lutfi, Secretary General of the Emirates Insurance Association (EIA), shared the UAE’s experience in adopting technology and digital transformation in the insurance sector. Furthermore, he discussed the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in developing an advanced and resilient insurance system. Mr. Adel Al Eisa, Executive Partner at Consulting Actuaries and Insurance Specialists (CAIS) and former Media Spokesman for Saudi Insurance Companies, addressed the regulatory developments in the Kingdom and their impact on the stability and growth of the insurance market. He underscored the importance of actuarial analysis and risk management in supporting decision-making and achieving financial sustainability for insurance companies. The seminar concluded that the future of the Arab insurance industry depends heavily on accelerating the pace of digital transformation, updating legislation, and creating flexible business models capable of responding to global changes, while strengthening regional cooperation to achieve integration and sustainable growth. TFA Insurance Center continues to play a leading role in supporting the development of insurance industry by organizing specialized events that bring together expertise and support capacity building in the Saudi and Arab markets. 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’s 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.
12 April, 2026
Mr. Man a bin Mohammed AlKham san , CEO of T he Financial Academy (TFA) , participated in a panel discussion at “ A Step Ahead (ASA) Career Forum 2026 ” in Riyadh , where he reviewed the rapid transformations taking place in the financial sector amid digital evolution and artificial intelligence advancements , and the resulting fundamental changes in jobs and career paths. AlKhamsan explained that the financial sector is no longer traditional, as it has become increasingly reliant on technology and innovation . “This requires a reconsideration of professional qualification concepts and a focus shift from certifications to practical skills and continuous development. Roughly 70 percent of jobs in the financial sector will be affected over the next five years ,” he noted. “So, it is critically important to improve digital and behavioral skills and promote national talent a dapt ability to rapid changes, ” said AlKhamsan , adding that closing the skill gap is a priority for the sector and demands integrated efforts among all relevant stakeholders. The CEO revealed that TFA is develop ing an integrated capacity-building system based on predicting future skills and implementing high-quality programs and initiatives that align training outcomes with labor market needs , which eventually enhances career readiness of national talent . “I nvest ing in human capital is fundamental for achieving sustainability and competitiveness in the financial sector, ” AlKhamsan stressed, calling for supporting t his direction through the adoption of skill-based professional development models. Finally, he affirmed that The Financial Academy will continue to assume its role in empowering national talent and contributing to shaping the future of the financial sector in line with rapid transformations.
