UAE Central Bank Governor confirms banking sector resilience at IMF meetings

Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), confirmed on Saturday, 17 October, that the Emirates' banking sector maintains high liquidity and capital reserves to buffer against global market volatility. Speaking at the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group in Bangkok, Balama stated that the domestic financial system remains resilient through flexible monetary and prudential policies. Regulatory Oversight and Risk Management The CBUAE is prioritising the strengthening of regulatory and supervisory frameworks to ensure banks can absorb shocks and manage assets effectively. According to the Governor, these measures are designed to support sustainable financing for the real economy while maintaining competitiveness. The UAE delegation is participating in the Bangkok meetings to coordinate policy with international central banks and financial institutions in response to cross-border economic challenges. Digital Transformation and Cyber Security Digital infrastructure and financial technology (FinTech) integration remain central to the CBUAE’s current strategy. Balama noted that the bank is accelerating digital transformation but emphasized that this must be paired with robust protections against cyber and technological risks. The Governor described responsible innovation and cross-border partnerships as essential components for an inclusive future economy. Global Policy Coordination The UAE’s participation…