Mohamed Farid, Chairperson of Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), participated in the Africa/Middle-East Regional Committee (AMERC) meeting during the 50th Annual Meeting and Conference of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), held in Doha from 12 to 16 May. The event was hosted by the Qatar Financial Markets Authority. Farid emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among capital market regulators in the region, stating, "We aim to enhance cooperation among capital market regulators to support their stability and protect investor rights." AMERC is one of four regional committees established by IOSCO to address region-specific issues related to securities regulation. The Africa/Middle East group includes 42 members from regulatory bodies across North Africa and the Middle East. Farid participated in his dual capacity as Chairperson of IOSCO's Growth and Emerging Markets Committee and Vice Chair of the IOSCO Board. In his address, Farid noted that the meeting takes place amid "unprecedented transformations in the nature of financial market operations, driven by technological advancements and geopolitical changes." He stressed that these shifts make it essential for regulators to enhance both regional and international cooperation to confront emerging challenges, ensure market stability, and safeguard investor rights. He described the meeting as a vital platform for exchanging perspectives on regional risks and shared challenges. "It is an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of deepening cooperation to achieve integration and balance among capital markets in the region," he said. Farid also underscored the urgency of developing robust regulatory frameworks that protect individual investors—especially in light of the rapid spread of digital tools in financial transactions. He warned that while digitalization creates significant opportunities, it also brings risks such as misinformation and market manipulation. Regulatory bodies, he explained, are actively working to address these challenges through the development of advanced oversight mechanisms and the implementation of financial literacy programs to help investors make informed decisions. Highlighting the role of financial technology (fintech), Farid described it as "a pivotal element in the development of capital markets," contributing to broader financial inclusion and the expansion of investor participation. However, he emphasized that innovation must occur within a balanced regulatory framework that preserves trust and market security. Turning to sustainability, Farid asserted that ESG considerations are "no longer a regulatory luxury but an economic necessity." He pointed to the importance of integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria into investment decisions, noting their contribution to the long-term resilience of financial markets. Regulatory authorities, he added, are promoting sustainability-related disclosures and developing innovative financial instruments such as green bonds and sustainable investment funds. The IOSCO AMERC meeting comes at a time of rapid evolution in global financial systems. Its agenda includes key discussions on investor protection in the digital era, updates on systemic and regional risk assessments, country-level regulatory developments, and ongoing efforts to enhance frameworks for fintech and sustainability.
