There was a record number of people in the UAE undertaking and passing professional qualifications, according to the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).
The industry body assessed the figures for the financial year ending in March 2019 and found a total of 2,443 exams were taken by financial services professionals in 2018-19.
Some 1,111 exams were passed, an increase of 8% on the number passed last year.
These qualifications include certificates in Islamic Finance, Fundamentals of Financial Services, International Introduction to Securities & Investment, International Certificate in Wealth & Investment Management, UAE Financial Rules & Regulations, and Risk in Financial Services and Global Securities.
Matthew Cowan, regional director of Middle East at the CISI, said: “Across the region, we are seeing not only a change in attitude, but an increased demand for qualifications.
“Workers in the financial services space are keen to position themselves as the best in their field and the profession continues to demand the highest standards of knowledge, skills and behaviour.”
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The CISI also saw an 18% increase in the number of UAE-based members in financial year 2018-2019, including 562 from financial entities.
This comes after the CISI expanded its partnership agreements to include the Jordan Securities Commission (JSC) and Kuwait’s Capital Market Authorities (CMA).
Cowan added: “Year-on-year, we are seeing an increase in the number of professionals joining the institute in a bid not only to support their personal development but to satisfy both regulatory and market demands.
“As we continue to partner with regulatory authorities, financial entities and educational institutions, we see a widespread recognition of the importance of facilitating a more secure and robust investment environment across the region.
“With a focus on upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics across the financial services landscape, we look forward to working with our partners in establishing the UAE as a prime choice for both regional and international investors as well as cement its position as home to one of the most skilled workforces globally.”
