MoET, EIF ink MoU to enhance national capacity building in financial supervision and anti-money laundering

MoU establishes a comprehensive training framework featuring advanced AML/CFT programmes, while strengthening risk assessment and monitoring capabilities in line with FATF standards

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MoET) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) to deepen institutional cooperation across financial training and qualification, national capacity-building, and facilitate the exchange of expertise and knowledge in financial supervision, financial management, anti-money laundering (AML), and combating financial crimes. The agreement also aims to support governance and institutional compliance initiatives that raise workforce efficiency and elevate institutional performance in line with global best practices.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the graduation ceremony of the Emirates Institute of Finance’s ‘Ethraa’ programme, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry by H.E. Safeya Hashem Al Safi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Commercial Control and Governance Sector, while Marwan Al Mehairi, CEO of the Emirates Institute of Finance, signed on behalf of the Institute.

H.E. Safeya Al Safi stated that the MoU reflects the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening national partnerships that empower human capital and enhance the readiness of Emirati talent to keep pace with the rapid transformations taking place across the business environment and financial sector. She noted that the partnership will also support efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, while advancing the UAE’s vision of building a competitive economy driven by knowledge and innovation.

"Skilled national talent is the bedrock of sustainable economic growth, the UAE’s global competitiveness, and the development of a transparent, trusted, and secure business environment," the Assistant Undersecretary said. "That's why we're expanding partnerships with leading national institutions to enhance specialized skills and embed a culture of continuous learning in financial governance. This approach aligns with the demands of the new economy and prepares our national talent to lead the country’s development journey in the years ahead."

H.E. added: "The MoU lays out a comprehensive framework for the design and implementation of specialised training programmes that empower compliance professionals across business sectors and designated non-financial businesses and professions. This includes advanced training in anti-money laundering, combating the financing of terrorism, and countering proliferation financing, while strengthening participants’ capabilities to assess risk, apply due-diligence measures, and flag suspicious transactions in line with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards."

H.E. Safeya Al Safi further noted that the Ministry continues to strengthen its oversight and governance framework through a proactive approach in response to global economic shifts. These efforts strengthen the UAE's standing as a leading and stable business hub committed to the highest standards of transparency, compliance, and sustainability.

Marwan Al Mehairi, CEO of EIF, said: "The partnership marks a strategic step towards strengthening collaboration to build and enhance national talent in the financial and regulatory sectors. It reflects our shared commitment to empowering Emirati professionals through specialised training programmes delivered in line with the highest international standards, thereby enhancing institutional capabilities and reinforcing sound governance and financial compliance practices."

“This MoU places particular emphasis on developing specialised expertise in anti-money laundering and countering terrorism financing, strengthening the ability of national talent to assess and monitor risks in accordance with FATF standards. Through this partnership, we are looking to broaden cooperation in training and the exchange of knowledge and expertise, in line with the UAE's vision for a more competitive, sustainable economy," he added.

Under the terms of the MoU, the two parties will work together to develop and roll out specialised training programmes in financial and economic fields, designed to sharpen the skills and qualifications of national talent against the latest professional benchmarks and global best practices. The partnership will also include joint initiatives to bolster institutional capabilities and advance modern frameworks and methodologies in financial management and governance.

Cooperation will further encompass the exchange of studies, research papers, and technical reports; the organisation of joint workshops, seminars, and conferences; the design of continuing professional development programmes and the awarding of accredited professional certifications; as well as the preparation of specialised research on financial and economic issues of mutual interest. In addition, both parties will provide technical and advisory support to facilitate informed decision-making and boost institutional performance.

The MoU forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships with specialised national institutions, supporting the development of an integrated ecosystem for nurturing national talent and promoting a culture of governance and compliance. It also contributes to achieving the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision, to build a more competitive, sustainable, and leading economy at both regional and international levels.