OPENING MARKETS

Maryam Al Suwaidi, CEO of the U.A.E.’s Securities and Commodities Authority, has spent two decades with the financial regulator as it has expanded its remit. As it applies new laws that make it easier for startups to go public, she’s helping to future-proof the financial markets as they become more digital.

- JASON LASRADO

The new year started with some significant changes for the business landscape in the U.A.E. On January 4, 2022, legislation came into force—spurred by the country’s Ministry of Economy and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)—that makes it possible to establish special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) and special purpose vehicles (SPVs) in the emirates, among other sweeping reforms. The latest regulations aim to make it even easier for firms to raise capital from the stock markets, list IPOs, and simplify operations for companies already listed.

Maryam Al Suwaidi became CEO of the U.A.E.’s SCA just two months before the draft changes were unveiled in December. She believes that they will contribute greatly to the development of the financial markets. “These initiatives should help the growth of the market, increase opportunities for investors and increase the number of national and foreign companies and projects operating in the country,” she says.