Riyadh: The fourth edition of the Financial Academy Forum 2025 will be held tomorrow at the Conference Center in King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh. The event is held under the patronage of Chairman of the Capital Market Authority and Chairman of the Financial Academy's Board of Trustees Mohammed bin Abdullah Elkuwaiz, and will bring together a select group of executive leaders, decision-makers, and local and international experts in finance and business.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this year's forum carries the theme 'We Innovate to Empower,' underscoring the academy's commitment to promoting innovation as a cornerstone for developing human capital and advancing the financial sector, and to creating a financial environment capable of adapting to the rapid shifts toward sustainability and digital transformation.
CEO of the Financial Academy and Chair of the forum's supervisory committee Mana bin Mohammed AlKhamsan said that the fourth edition represents a strategic milestone for discussing the future of national talent in light of global changes. He noted that this year's event will feature the launch of new, targeted initiatives for the first time, aimed at key sectors including banking, securities, and media, as part of the academy's efforts to enhance workforce capabilities, raise specialization levels, and broaden impact across the financial ecosystem.
AlKhamsan added that the academy will sign several strategic agreements with financial institutions on training and development during the forum-steps that reinforce the academy's role as a principal enabler of the financial sector and contribute to achieving a sustainable impact on the future of the Kingdom's financial industry.
AlKhamsan noted that the forum program includes three main panel discussions that will bring together representatives from government entities, the financial sector, and international experts to discuss leadership, innovation, and talent development in a changing environment.
The forum will open with an inaugural address by Elkuwaiz, followed by the first panel, 'Institutional Leadership in a Changing Environment,' which will highlight leadership priorities amid current shifts and the role of government and regulatory institutions in enabling institutional resilience and readiness. Panelists include Deputy Governor for Payments at the Saudi Central Bank Abdulaziz Abanmi; Managing Director at Tatimah Capital Muhammed Alghazwani; CEO of MedGulf Insurance Umar Al-Mahmoud; and Acting CEO of STC Bank Mohammed Yahya Al Fraih.
The next session, 'Sustainable Strategies for Developing Leadership Talent,' will focus on developing human capital in the financial sector through building strategic partnerships and adopting international best practices for preparing national leaders. Participants include Head of Human Capital at Alinma Bank Abdullah Alsalamah; CEO of Human Resources at Cooperative Insurance Company (Tawuniya) Asim Alsaawi; CEO of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Matthew Hill; and CEO of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) Tracy Vegro.
The closing session, titled 'Human Capital in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,' will address the role of leaders in aligning modern technologies with growth strategies and the sustainability of talent. Panelists include Chairman of the Board Member of the Saudi Society for AI and Intelligent Systems Dr. Ghalib Al Shammri; Managing Director of Global Partnerships at the CFA Institute Dana Day; President, Executive Education Hult Ashridge College Adam Portlock; and Chief Human Resources Officer at Al-Rajhi Capital Rakan Ali Alsharekh.
As part of expanding the academy's societal impact, the forum will this year launch the 'Al-Inmaa' stage, one of the flagship initiatives. This innovative community platform aims to engage youth, university students, and finance-sector workers in interactive training sessions within a stimulating environment that combines applied learning with field experience. The stage will address vital topics such as conscious financial thinking, combating financial fraud, digital innovation, and career-launch skills, presented in an accessible and audience-friendly manner without sacrificing professional depth, reflecting the Academy's mission to build a financially aware and responsible community that values continuous training.
The Financial Academy Forum is a leading national event that brings together senior government officials, heads of authorities and institutions, CEOs, experts, and practitioners in finance and investment to discuss global best practices in developing human capabilities and enhancing the competitiveness of the Saudi financial sector. The forum also reinforces the Financial Academy's position as a central national enabler for developing talent, empowering leadership, and building a more innovative and sustainable future for the Kingdom's financial sector.
This year's forum is held in strategic partnership with the Capital Market Authority, the Saudi Central Bank, the Insurance Authority, and the Financial Sector Development Program, strengthening coordination among stakeholders and supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals for developing the financial sector.