The Arab Monetary Fund (AMF), working with the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE), inaugurated the “Financial Health” Conference to mark Arab Financial Inclusion Day, positioning financial health as the next stage of financial inclusion beyond basic access to services. In opening remarks, AMF Director General and Chairman Dr. Fahad M. Alturki highlighted progress in the region, citing financial account ownership of approximately 53% by the end of 2024, up from 43% in 2014, and argued that the focus should now shift to the effective use of accounts to manage income, mitigate risks, and support financial stability. Conference discussions also pointed to challenges including limited effective use of financial services and low savings among certain segments. CBUAE Assistant Governor Fatma Abdulla Al Jabri linked the financial health agenda to policy and regulatory frameworks, including efforts to promote innovation in digital financial services, develop supporting infrastructure, and strengthen financial awareness and literacy programs to encourage responsible use of financial services.
Arab Monetary Fund 2026-04-27
Arab Monetary Fund opens Financial Health Conference with Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates and urges shift from access to financial services to financial health
The Arab Monetary Fund, with the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, inaugurated a “Financial Health” Conference to mark Arab Financial Inclusion Day, positioning financial health as the next phase beyond basic access to financial services. Officials highlighted rising account ownership in the region but noted persistent challenges such as limited effective use of services and low savings, linking the financial health agenda to policy and regulatory efforts on digital financial innovation, infrastructure, and financial literacy.