Juma Thani Alhameli Appointed Chief Operating Officer Of DFSA

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has announced the significant appointment of Juma Thani Alhameli as its new Chief Operating Officer, set to begin on 10 June 2025. Juma will also take on a crucial role as a member of the DFSA Executive Committee. This move marks a significant step in the DFSA's ongoing efforts to strengthen its operational leadership and enhance its regulatory capabilities within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Bringing over two decades of experience, Juma Thani Alhameli has a robust background in spearheading transformative programs and fostering growth across various sectors, including technology, financial services, and aviation, all within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). His vast experience is expected to play a pivotal role in driving the DFSA towards achieving its strategic goals.

Juma's career highlights include his recent role as the Group Chief Technology Officer at First Abu Dhabi Bank, where he was instrumental in shaping the bank's technological direction and strategy. Before that, he held several senior leadership positions at Abu Dhabi Global Market, including Chief Communications Officer and Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer.

His leadership extended to serving on the Board of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and chairing the Banking & Financial Services Working Group under the UAE's Economic Collaboration Committee. Juma's journey in the field began with technology roles at entities such as the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Tanfeeth (Emirates NBD), and e& (Etisalat). He is a proud alumnus of Khalifa University, Sharjah, UAE, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.

Mark Steward, Chief Executive of the DFSA, expressed his enthusiasm about Juma's appointment, highlighting its importance at a critical period for the authority. "The appointment of Juma as Chief Operating Officer comes at a pivotal time as we continue to advance our standing as a leading international financial services regulator. Juma's leadership and operational expertise will be instrumental in supporting our core mission – delivering robust, transparent, and forward-looking regulation so that the DFSA remains a benchmark of excellence, both regionally and globally. I look forward to working closely with Juma to advance our strategic priorities and deliver lasting impact," he stated.

In response to his appointment, Juma Thani Alhameli shared his vision for the role, emphasizing the significant potential for growth and innovation within the region's financial sector. "I am honoured to join the DFSA and to lead its operational agenda at a time of opportunity and ambition across the region's financial sector. I look forward to the next chapter of the DFSA's journey, working with the talented team, and to further the DFSA's work in delivering regulatory excellence and innovation while contributing to the continued growth of the DIFC, Dubai, and the UAE as a leading financial hub," Juma remarked.

This strategic addition to the DFSA's leadership underscores the authority's dedication to promoting regulatory excellence and innovation. It reinforces its commitment to supporting the financial services ecosystem within the DIFC, alongside contributing to Dubai's and the UAE's vision to emerge as global leaders in innovation and sustainable economic development.