الهيئة العامة للرقابة المالية

Dr. Islam Azzam, FRA Chairman:

• Empowering the youth is a strategic investment for future, driving market expansion and fostering innovation.
• Our goal is to deepen partnerships with educational institutions, effectively linking theory with real-world practice.

Dr. Islam Azzam, FRA Chairman visited Cairo National University as part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to raise financial awareness and literacy among youth and university students. This initiative follows a recent visit by Cairo University academic delegation, led by President Dr. Mohamed Samy Abdel Sadek to FRA headquarters to explore its activities and enrich their academic studies.

During an extensive meeting with students, FRA Chairman provided a clear, comprehensive overview of the Authority’s regulatory mandates. He highlighted FRA’s oversight of the capital market, the insurance sector and diverse non-banking financial services – including consumer and mortgage finance, leasing, factoring and MSME Finance.

Dr. Islam Azzam emphasized FRA’s firm belief that enhancing financial literacy among youth is a strategic investment in the future of the non-banking financial sector. This initiative, he noted, drives market expansion, fosters innovation and equips the next generation to make sound financial and investment decisions amid rapid technological advancements.

Reviewing the latest developments in Egypt’s non-banking financial sector, Dr. Azzam shed light on derivatives and benefits of introducing them to the Stock Exchange. He highlighted subsequent milestones, such as the launch of futures market, activation of short-selling and market maker mechanisms. He expects these updates to attract a broader segment of young investors to the stock market.

FRA Chairman also discussed the growing interest among youth in investing in precious metals funds (gold and silver) which recorded the highest returns among investment funds in the first quarter of this year, exceeding 20% quarterly. He took the opportunity to clarify FRA’s regulatory role over these funds and other vital sectors impacting millions of Egyptians, such as non-banking finance and insurance.

In conclusion, Dr. Azzam added that the rapid evolution of tools, services and products within the non-banking financial sector demands continuous awareness and training initiatives. This is particularly crucial given the state’s strategic direction toward supporting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and empowering youth to leverage the opportunities offered by regulated financial markets.

Following Chairman’s remarks, Dr. Mohamed Abdel Aziz, Assistant to Chairman delivered a lecture detailing the Authority’s diverse activities. He highlighted FRA’s pivotal role in regulating non-banking financial markets, enhancing market stability, efficiency and transparency which ultimately safeguards participants’ rights and boosts investor confidence. Dr. Abdel Aziz reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to direct engagement with students to cultivate sound financial literacy among new generations, equipping them to understand market dynamics and operations.

Dr. Abdel Aziz also spotlighted the “I-Invest” platform and initiative launched by FRA. Designed to simplify and promote non-banking financial services and solutions, the platform offers an immersive and engaging educational experience. It highlights success stories of young investors while introducing the regulatory and supervisory frameworks governing all activities under FRA’s oversight.

The event concluded with honoring several standout students who demonstrated exceptional excellence during the joint awareness program. Following the ceremony, Dr. Mohamed Mohsen El-Attar, Vice President of the University, accompanied Dr. Islam Azzam on an extensive tour of the university’s campus in El Sheikh Zayed City. Dr. Azzam praised the university’s educational facilities and advanced infrastructure, noting that it provides a cutting-edge learning environment tailored to develop student skills and prepare them for the competitive labor market.