Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt Inaugurates the 49th Interarab Cambist Association (ICA) Conference Hosted by Egypt

H.E. Mr. Hassan Abdalla, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), inaugurated on Friday, 6 November 2026, the 49th Edition of the Interarab Cambist Association (ICA) Annual Conference, held under the auspices of the CBE and hosted by Egypt from November 5 to 7. The event coincides with the semi-annual Council meetings of the France-based ACI Financial Markets Association (ACI FMA)
The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance; Dr. Sherif Farouk, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade; Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)- member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group; Mr. Abdulla Dawood, Chairman of the Interarab Cambist Association (ICA); and Dr. Nemat Shafik, former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England; alongside 500 participants and representatives of official delegations from 40 countries
In his opening remarks, H.E. Mr. Hassan Abdalla, Governor of the CBE, expressed his pleasure for participating in this key event, which brings together a distinguished group of senior leaders in treasury, capital markets, and executive banking management from across the globe. He also praised the significance of the topics featured on the conference agenda, given the structural shifts taking place in global financial markets, which were driven by geopolitical tensions, rapid technological developments, volatile capital flows, and changes in the monetary policy stance
The Governor emphasized that the CBE remains committed to preserving financial stability and safeguarding the banking sector. Backed by transparent communication and an inflation-targeting monetary policy framework, monetary decisions are complemented by the commitment to a market-determined flexible exchange rate. This approach serves as a vital buffer to absorb external shocks, reinforce macroeconomic resilience, and build upon the gains achieved through the 2024 reforms
The Governor highlighted the national macroeconomic indicators which came positive despite the unprecedented global challenges, including the surge in net international reserves to an all-time high of USD 57.50 billion at the end of October 2026, the hike in the banking sector’s net foreign assets to their highest level since 2011, and the deceleration of inflation rates
Mr. Abdalla added that the CBE is equally dedicated to balancing technological innovation with investments in human capital to secure the future of the banking sector. In this context, through its dedicated “Data Science Hub”, the Bank leverages artificial intelligence applications to optimize operational efficiency and economic forecasting. However, he underscored that expanding the use of these applications requires establishing robust risk management frameworks, reinforcing sound governance, and solidifying cybersecurity measures to mitigate systemic risks that could threaten financial stability and impact global markets
The Governor also commended the high level of professionalism and expertise demonstrated by the Egyptian banking sector’s workforce. He noted that many of them have assumed senior leadership positions across various state institutions and ministries, reflecting the competence of Egyptian banking talents and their capacity to undertake leadership responsibilities across diverse sectors
For his part, Mr. Omar Khattab, President of the Egyptian Financial Markets Association (ACI Egypt), highlighted that this year’s conference is distinguished by the extended participation and remarkable turnout that exceeded expectations. He emphasized that the participation of the Governor, along with the CBE’s sponsorship, represent a substantial addition to the event, reflect the great attention it receives both locally and internationally, and elevate the significance of this year’s edition
Mr. Khattab added that the Conference, which is held every year in a different host country, aims to formulate a shared vision for addressing current global challenges amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the global economy. Furthermore, the event underscores the Association’s pivotal role in supporting the investment by promoting innovation initiatives and fostering collaboration opportunities at the local, regional, and international levels
The Conference sessions feature several key topics, including the global economic outlook in light of current international developments, its resilience, the future of the international monetary system, and the implications resulting from rising sovereign debt levels and financial pressures
Additionally, the ICA Annual Conference sheds light on the promising investment opportunities within the local market, as well as across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Africa, and Asia regions. It also explores the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reshaping banking sector operations, treasury, asset management, and trading
This year, the Conference addresses the growing momentum surrounding digital assets and new money forms, notably digital currencies, alongside their impact on financial markets, in tandem with shifting trends in energy, commodities, and global supply chains
Noteworthy, ACI Egypt was established in 1998, incorporating financial market professionals from banking and financial institutions operating in the Arab Republic of Egypt