Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 2026: The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent banking, financial services, and markets regulator of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), today announced that its Chief Executive, Mark Steward, has been appointed Growth and Emerging Markets Committee (GEMC) Vice Chair, and so a Board member of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).
The appointment recognises the DFSA’s continued contribution to international regulatory cooperation and its commitment to supporting robust, effective, and globally consistent standards for financial markets.
IOSCO’s GEMC brings together securities regulators from the emerging and growth markets around the world. It comprises 95 members and 22 non-voting associate members, including from the world’s fastest-growing economies and ten of the G20 members. The Committee plays an important role in identifying regulatory priorities, promoting sound market development, and contributing to the development and implementation of international standards for securities regulation.
Commenting on his appointment, DFSA Chief Executive, Mark Steward, said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the GEMC Vice Chair, and also as an IOSCO Board Member. Emerging markets are playing an increasingly important role in the global financial system, and effective regulation is essential to supporting sustainable market development, investor confidence, and financial stability. I look forward to working closely with IOSCO members to advance high-quality regulatory standards and to strengthen international cooperation.”
The appointment further reflects the DFSA’s active engagement with international standard-setting bodies and its role in supporting the development of financial services within DIFC.
The appointment comes at an important time for Dubai as it continues to advance its ambitions set out in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to consolidate the Emirate’s position as a top four global financial hub by 2033. The DFSA remains committed to supporting these ambitions by fostering a regulatory environment that promotes innovation, supports sustainable growth, and enables businesses and capital markets within DIFC to thrive.
