The Banking Executive Magazine- June 2026 Issue

The Balance Sheet of the Beautiful Game CBUAE STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP IN FINANCIAL INCLUSION THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH WORLD BANK GROUP The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and the World Bank Group signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation in the areas of financial inclusion, financial literacy, financial consumer protection and financial dispute resolution, as part of the on- going cooperation between both par- ties. The signing was witnessed by Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, and Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank Group, during a high-level meeting held at the CBUAE head- quarters in Abu Dhabi. The two sides discussed a number of priority areas of cooperation, includ- ing financial literacy and financial in- clusion initiatives, digital fraud prevention principles, enhancing banking and insurance dispute reso- lution mechanisms, and the second edition of the Regional Summit on Fi- nancial Health and Inclusion, sched- uled to be held in Abu Dhabi in September 2026 and organised by the CBUAE. The agreement was signed by Fatma Abdulla Al Jabri, Assistant Governor for Financial Crime, Market Conduct and Consumer Protection at the CBUAE, and Ousmane Dione, Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, Afghanistan and Pak- istan at the World Bank Group, in the presence of the CBUAE Assistant Governors and a number of senior officials from both organisations. On this occasion, Al Jabri said, “This agreement reflects the CBUAE’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion and financial literacy, and enhancing consumer protection as key pillars for building a society that is better equipped to make informed and responsible financial decisions. The CBUAE, in cooperation with partners from various public and pri- vate sector entities, is working to de- velop the National Financial Literacy Strategy, contributing to enhancing financial literacy among individuals and businesses, and supporting a more inclusive and sustainable finan- cial ecosystem.” Dione said, “This agreement reaf- firms the depth of our partnership with the Central Bank of the UAE and our shared commitment to fur- ther strengthening the UAE’s position as a leader in financial inclusion and financial health.” the BANKING EXECUTIVE 30 ISSUE 210 JUNE 2026