Saudi Arabia is pressing ahead with its commitment to strengthen and develop human capital across financial institutions, in line with the Kingdom’s robust economic momentum and rapid expansion across multiple sectors.
The government’s strategy includes a range of national initiatives and strategic programs designed to empower Saudi talent and prepare a new generation of financial leaders capable of steering the country’s evolving economy.
The Financial Academy Forum 2025, now in its fourth edition, opened on Wednesday in Riyadh under the patronage of Mohammed Elkuwaiz, Chairman of the Capital Market Authority Board of Commissioners. The event brought together senior executives, policymakers, and leading local and international experts in finance and business to discuss the future of human capital in the sector.
Elkuwaiz noted that this year’s forum, themed “Innovate to Empower,” reflects a deep national commitment to building a more dynamic and innovative financial ecosystem. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia is undergoing a historic phase of economic transformation, moving away from dependence on oil toward greater diversification and sustainability. He said the contribution of the non-oil sector to the Kingdom’s GDP has now surpassed 50 percent, a milestone that demonstrates the strength and resilience of the national economy.
He stressed that such progress requires continued investment in human capital, describing it as the nation’s most valuable resource. The Financial Academy, he added, plays a central role in empowering Saudi professionals, localizing advanced skills, and fostering a knowledge-based environment that supports global best practices and aligns with the goals of Vision 2030.
Since its founding in 2020, the academy has trained more than 120,000 professionals from over 700 financial institutions, while more than 200,000 participants have obtained professional certifications. Its programs now extend to over 10 cities inside and outside the Kingdom.
The academy has also partnered with more than 50 local and international training institutions, with Saudi trainers now accounting for approximately half of its faculty, reflecting growing national expertise and a commitment to knowledge localization.
Mana bin Mohammed Al-Khamsan, CEO of the Financial Academy and Chairman of the Forum’s Supervisory Committee, told Asharq Al-Awsat that this year’s initiatives build upon last year’s achievements and have been designed to meet current market needs more precisely. He described the academy as a key driver in developing financial sector capabilities, emphasizing that investing in human capital is vital to ensuring the sustainability and success of the Financial Sector Development Program.
During the event, Al-Khamsan launched a series of new strategic programs. Among them was the “Next CFO” initiative, developed in partnership with the Saudi Tadawul Group, which focuses on preparing future financial leaders. Another initiative, “Corporate Banking Leaders,” was introduced in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Sectoral Skills Councils, and the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) to cultivate leadership in corporate banking.
Other notable programs included “Elite Graduates in Asset Management,” launched with State Street to train Saudi specialists in asset management and investment, and “Shaping the Future of Saudi Financial Media,” introduced in partnership with the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) and sponsored by AlAhli Capital, aimed at equipping journalists with expertise in financial and economic reporting.
