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The annual conference of the Arab Federation of Capital Markets (AFCM) for the year 2024 concluded today at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Doha. Under the esteemed patronage of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the conference convened over two days, attracting approximately 250 delegates representing a diverse array of financial institutions such as member Arab stock exchanges, brokerage firms, settlement and clearing houses, asset management institutions, central banks, investment banks, regulatory authorities, financial market data providers, and research centers.
During the intensive two-day program, various dialogue sessions were held, delving deep into a spectrum of critical themes, reflecting the dynamic nature of today's financial landscape. Participants engaged in insightful conversations on sustainability issues and digital transformations in markets and emerging trends in the age of data and artificial intelligence. Further discussions centered on international shifts in investor relations, shortening settlement periods in Arab financial markets, and the evolving landscape of Islamic finance in the era of financial technology. Participants delved into the significance of international sustainability standards, the burgeoning realm of digital assets, and the role of precious metals in investment portfolios.
Preceding the conference, the AFCM’s general assembly meeting, during which the chairmanship of the AFCM was transitioned from the Muscat Stock Exchange to the Qatar Stock Exchange. Mr. Abdulaziz Nasser Al Emadi, Acting CEO of the Qatar Stock Exchange, assumed the chairmanship for the current term, succeeding Mr. Haitham bin Salem Al Salemi, CEO of the Muscat Stock Exchange.
In his inaugural speech, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Qatar Stock Exchange, underscored the importance of collaboration among Arab capital markets. He expressed optimism that the conference would serve as a catalyst for illuminating key topics supporting the aspirations of the Arab Federation of Capital Markets and its members in enhancing the status of Arab financial markets regionally and internationally.
In addition to the enriching dialogue sessions, the conference served as a platform for forging strategic partnerships. Agreements were signed between the AFCM and both the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the African Securities Exchanges Association, signifying a commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in the global financial landscape.
