Riyadh: The fourth edition of the 'Financial Academy Forum 2025' kicked off today at the conference center of King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, under the patronage of Chairman of the Board of Capital Market Authority (CMA) and Chairman of the Board of the Financial Academy of Trustees Mohammed Elkuwaiz. The event features the participation of a distinguished group of executive leaders, decision-makers, and local and international experts in the fields of finance and business.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Elkuwaiz emphasized that the forum, held under the theme 'We Innovate to Empower,' is more than an aspiration: it reflects a deep national commitment to shaping a more capable and innovative future for the financial sector. He stated that the Kingdom is experiencing a major economic transformation, moving beyond a single reliance on oil and entering a new chapter of diversification and sustainability. The non-oil sector's contribution to GDP has exceeded 50 percent, which highlights its resilience and growth potential.
Elkuwaiz added that the strong economic momentum and expansion across strategic sectors make it essential to develop and train national talent. He explained that the Financial Academy's role is crucial as a training institution and a catalyst for empowering national talent. The academy has progressed steadily since its establishment in 2020, with over 120,000 trainees from more than 700 entities benefiting from its programs. Its geographic reach now covers more than 10 cities inside and outside the Kingdom.
He noted that the academy has prioritized diversity in its training ecosystem through cooperation with more than 50 leading training partners domestically and internationally. Saudi trainers now make up nearly 50 percent of the instructor pool, aligning with the strategy to develop human capabilities and enhance local content in the financial sector.
Regarding transformations in the financial sector, Elkuwaiz mentioned that the academy has developed new programs to meet sector needs and prepare human capital for the digital future. Beyond training, the academy builds a knowledge base that helps shape sector direction through specialized studies and best practices documentation. It has issued eight specialized reports which have attracted significant attention. A new report titled 'Succession in the Financial Sector - Leadership and Business Continuity' is being launched to ensure continuity of leadership in a changing environment.
He added that this year's forum focuses on four main pillars: strengthening organizational resilience, developing senior leadership models, building national leadership competencies, and aligning human capital with artificial intelligence. Elkuwaiz described the "Financial Academy Forum 2025" as a call to action to build a culture of innovation and to activate a mindset of empowerment. The journey toward the Kingdom's Vision 2030 is one of empowerment, innovation, and sustainable development, preparing national leaders to respond to change and make informed decisions.