UAE Emphasises International Collaboration and Sustainability in Global Financial Policies.
Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and the UAE’s Governor at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has highlighted the strength and resilience of the country’s banking sector, citing robust financial indicators, substantial liquidity and strong capital levels.
He said these factors continue to reinforce the UAE’s financial stability and strengthen its position as a key contributor to regional economic resilience.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group in Bangkok, Balama reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to promoting global financial stability.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining flexible monetary and prudential policies that can respond effectively to evolving economic conditions while preserving the soundness of the domestic financial system.
Strong banking regulations and risk management remain priorities
Balama said the UAE is focused on further strengthening its banking regulatory and supervisory frameworks to ensure financial institutions remain capable of managing market fluctuations and absorbing economic shocks.
Key priorities include improving asset management, enhancing risk assessment practices, strengthening competitiveness and encouraging productive, sustainable financing for the real economy.
He noted that the UAE continues to reinforce its standing as a major international financial hub, supported by a sophisticated banking and financial sector.
The sector’s commitment to internationally recognised standards in financial supervision, corporate governance and risk management has contributed to its stability and competitiveness.
Digital transformation and cybersecurity drive financial innovation
The CBUAE Governor identified digital transformation and technological innovation as essential priorities for the country’s financial sector.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to accelerate the adoption of advanced financial technologies and strengthen digital infrastructure to support the development of modern financial services.
At the same time, he stressed the importance of safeguarding financial institutions and the wider financial system against cybersecurity threats and emerging technological risks.
According to Balama, innovation, international cooperation and cross-border partnerships are vital to developing a future economy that is both resilient and inclusive.
He emphasised that digital transformation must be implemented responsibly, with security, sustainability and financial stability remaining central considerations.
UAE strengthens role in international financial cooperation
Balama said the UAE’s participation in the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings reflected the country’s forward-looking leadership vision and its expanding contribution to international financial and economic discussions.
He explained that the meetings offered an important platform for strengthening relationships with central banks, international financial organisations and other global partners.
They also provided opportunities to exchange knowledge, share expertise and improve coordination on economic and financial policies.
Such cooperation, he said, is essential for addressing economic challenges that extend beyond national borders and for supporting long-term, sustainable global growth.
Greater international coordination needed to address economic challenges
The CBUAE Governor also underlined the need for stronger policy coordination among countries and international financial institutions.
He stressed the importance of active UAE participation in multilateral discussions and collaborative initiatives aimed at responding effectively to cross-border financial challenges and economic crises.
Balama said continued international engagement, coordinated policymaking and stronger institutional partnerships would help reinforce global financial resilience and support sustainable economic development.
He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to contributing to these efforts while maintaining a stable, innovative and competitive domestic financial system.
