الهيئة العامة للرقابة المالية

Dr. Islam Azzam meets Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek, President of Cairo University:

• Driving continuous coordination between the Authority and academia to deepen youth financial literacy.
• Launching collaborative initiatives to equip students with the tools to navigate and invest in financial derivatives.
• Leveraging universities as the engine to prepare students for rapid global tech evolution.

The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), chaired by Dr. Islam Azzam, hosted a delegation from Cairo National University yesterday, Thursday. The delegation was headed by Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek, President of the University, as part of a field visit for students specializing in Politics, Economics, Law, and Business Administration. The visit to FRA headquarters and Egyptian Exchange (EGX) aimed to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application.

The visit commenced with an extensive tour of the Authority’s headquarters. Dr. Islam Azzam guided the university leadership through various departments, most notably the “Financial Literacy Knowledge Hub.” This hub encompasses the Financial Services Institute (FSI), the Egyptian Institute of Directors (EIoD), the Egyptian Center for Arbitration and Settlement of Non-Banking Financial Disputes (ECAS), and the Regional Center for Sustainable Finance (RCSF). During the tour, Dr. Azzam highlighted recent developments in the non-banking financial sectors (NBFS) regulated by FRA, emphasizing their vital role in driving national economic growth and attracting foreign investment.

In his welcoming remarks, FRA Chairman conveyed his pleasure in hosting the event. He commended Dr. Abdel Sadek’s commitment to equip students with practical market insights, noting that such exposure enhances student competency and encourages active participation in investment fields.

 Dr. Azzam underscored the necessity of sustained coordination between FRA and educational institutions to embed financial literacy among youth through diverse educational and media channels.

Dr. Azzam further emphasized the importance of preparing Egyptian youth for the rapid evolution of the NBFS, particularly the unprecedented surge in Financial Technology (FinTech). He noted that the Authority is proactively adapting to these changes through updated regulatory frameworks and joint training initiatives with both public and private sectors.

Additionally, he discussed prospects for future cooperation to train students on exchange-traded instruments, specifically financial derivatives, which can offer accessible entry points for novice investors. He reaffirmed that universities serve as the primary foundation for fostering awareness of these sophisticated market tools.

In response, Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek congratulated Dr. Islam Azzam on his appointment as Chairman of the FRA, praising his distinguished academic and professional record. He further thanked the Authority for hosting the students and offering them a practical perspective on its regulatory functions.

Dr. Abdel Sadek noted that this visit aligns with the university’s mission to provide a holistic educational experience that prepares graduates to compete effectively in both domestic and international labor markets.

Dr. Mohamed Abdel Aziz, Assistant to FRA Chairman, delivered a specialized technical lecture. He explored the core concepts of non-banking financial activities and their impact on economic empowerment. He clarified the fundamental distinctions between the banking and non-banking sectors, detailing the various industries under FRA’s mandate, including the Capital Market, Insurance, Microfinance, Mortgage Finance, Leasing, Factoring, and Consumer Finance.

Dr. Abdel Aziz emphasized the importance of the informed and safe use of these financial activities and their significant role in driving economic growth. He also highlighted their impact on fostering a culture of savings, investment, and entrepreneurship among youth, which contributes to achieving financial, investment, and insurance inclusion. Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of raising awareness regarding consumer protection mechanisms and the risks associated with engaging with unlicensed entities.

Dr. Abdel Aziz called upon students to leverage the Authority’s digital resources to verify corporate licensing; highlighting that diligent research is the first step toward secure financial decision-making.

Concluding the visit, the University President presented commemorative shields to Dr. Islam Azzam and Dr. Mohamed Abdel Aziz. Reciprocally, FRA Chairman presented honorary gifts to Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek; Dr. Mohamed El-Attar, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Bashir Saad Zaghloul, General Coordinator of Legal Studies Programs; and Dr. Mahmoud Hamad, General Coordinator of Political Science Programs.

The itinerary concluded with a visit to the historic EGX headquarters in Downtown Cairo, where students observed live trading mechanisms and market operations, effectively linking their classroom learning to the pulse of the financial market.