Steward Appointed Chief Executive of DFSA
Portfolio - People | Feb 25, 2025 | Zawya
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has announced the appointment of Mark Steward as its new Chief Executive, effective from 19 May 2025 for a three-year term. Steward will succeed Ian Johnston, who has significantly contributed to the DFSA's success during his tenure. Steward joins the DFSA with extensive international regulatory experience, having worked in Australia, the UK, and Hong Kong. Previously, he was the Executive Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight at the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Steward’s appointment is expected to bring a wealth of expertise in regulatory practices, cross-border relationships, and operational efficiency to the DFSA, enhancing its role within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Fadel Al Ali, Chairman of the DFSA, expressed confidence in Steward's ability to build on the regulator's achievements and foster the financial sector's growth in the region. As the DFSA's Chief Executive-designate, Steward looks forward to guiding the organization in promoting regulatory innovation and excellence in alignment with Dubai’s aspirations to be a global financial hub.
Sectors
- Financial Services Regulation
- Capital Markets
Geography
- Dubai, UAE – The DFSA operates within the Dubai International Financial Centre, making Dubai the primary geographic focus of the article.
- United Kingdom – Mark Steward's previous role at the UK's Financial Conduct Authority is significant in his career background.
Industry
- Financial Services Regulation – The article discusses the appointment at the Dubai Financial Services Authority, which is a regulatory body overseeing financial services within the Dubai International Financial Centre.
- Capital Markets – Mark Steward's expertise in capital markets is highlighted as his experience in enforcement and market oversight, making this sector relevant to the article.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) | Regulator | Government | The DFSA is the independent regulatory body overseeing financial services within the Dubai International Financial Centre. |
| Mark Steward | Chief Executive-designate | Person | Appointed as the new Chief Executive of the DFSA effective May 2025, Mark Steward has extensive experience in international financial regulation. |
| Ian Johnston | Outgoing Chief Executive | Person | Serving as DFSA's Chief Executive, stepping down in May 2025 after significant contributions to the organization. |
| Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | Former Employer of Mark Steward | Government | The UK-based regulatory body where Mark Steward previously held senior roles. |
| Fadel Al Ali | Chairman | Person | Chairman of the DFSA, overseeing leadership changes and strategic direction. |