The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) held its annual Tomorrow's Regulatory Leaders (TRL) awards ceremony last week. The awards mark the successful completion of a two-year development programme for UAE Nationals.

The programme prepares newly graduated UAE Nationals to become financial services regulators. Initially, graduates join the DFSA as TRL Associates and over the two years undergo over 400 hours of class room training along with on-job coaching delivered by regulatory colleagues, where they benefit from a wealth of regulatory experience and gain an international perspective. The programme is written and delivered by DFSA regulators with training materials being updated every year to reflect changes in legislation and the market environment. The DFSA also works closely with many DIFC-based firms to provide the Associates with the opportunity to gain experience in financial services institutions as part of the TRL Programme. This results in them receiving first-hand knowledge of financial services issues and a better understanding of the regulated community.

Mr Ian Johnston, Chief Executive of the DFSA said, "The DFSA has been investing in developing young UAE Nationals to become leaders in the area of financial services regulation for eight years. To date, 24 people have graduated the TRL Programme and we have a further nine undergoing training. Currently, 35% of our regulatory workforce are UAE Nationals. We are very proud of these results and we will continue to deliver appropriate and sustainable benefits to UAE Nationals by equipping them for long-term career advancement and future leadership."