ICAP’s CFO Conference in Dubai sparks global dialogue on financial agility
Top executives gather to discuss innovation shaping the region’s financial ecosystem
DUBAI – The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) has brought together finance leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across the world at the 5th CFO Conference Middle East 2025 in Dubai, creating a vibrant platform for dialogue on the evolving future of financial leadership.
Held under the theme “Quantum Leap: Agility & Competitive Edge,” the high-profile event was graced by Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and attended by more than 500 senior executives, thought leaders, and finance professionals.
The discussions centred on agility, innovation, sustainability, and collaboration as cornerstones of future-ready finance.
Visionary leadership
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi spoke on “UAE and GCC’s Roadmap to Transformative Growth,” outlining the UAE’s economic diversification strategy and the Gulf’s push towards a sustainable, innovation-driven ecosystem.
Saif Ullah, President ICAP, reaffirmed ICAP’s commitment to professional excellence and global connectivity within the finance community. He highlighted the pivotal role of CFOs in navigating disruption and maintaining resilience in a complex business landscape.
Khurram Schehzad, Advisor to the Finance Minister, Government of Pakistan, underscored the need for strategic financial agility and data-driven policymaking to enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness and investor confidence through collaboration among regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders.
Vice President ICAP, Samiullah Siddiqui, expressed appreciation to delegates and sponsors, emphasising ICAP’s mission to empower finance professionals to lead with agility, purpose, and integrity in an evolving global economy.
Reinventing finance
Jean Bouquot, President of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), delivered a keynote on “Shaping the Future of Finance Leadership: IFAC’s Vision for Upskilling CFOs,” highlighting the global need for continuous learning and technological adaptation.
Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, President of the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA), presented “Driving Regional Synergy,” focusing on collaboration between South Asian and Middle Eastern institutions to strengthen the regional accounting profession.
The first panel, “Rewiring Finance: Inclusive, Scalable, and Regionally Smart,” featured David Staples, Certified Board Director, GCC Board Directors Institute; Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Al-Maghames, CEO, SOCPA; and Usman Khowaja, Partner Assurance, PwC Middle East. Moderated by Hassan Moosa, Head of Finance, Ruya Community Islamic Bank, the discussion examined how finance functions can evolve to promote inclusivity and scalability in the GCC region.
A Fireside Chat, “Capital Market Agility: Building a Future-Ready Financial Ecosystem in the Middle East,” featured Aymen Triki, Acting Chief Capital Markets Officer, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), moderated by Arshad Gadit, Global CEO, athGADLANG. The dialogue explored the transformation of capital markets and the growing opportunities for sustainable financial growth.
Next-gen perspectives
The second panel, “Next-Gen Finance: Sustainable, Smart & Skilled,” brought together Pieter Vos, GCC Head of Compliance, United Bank Limited (UBL); and Naweed Lalani, Director Infrastructure and Audit Oversight, DFSA; moderated by Ms. Alexandra Lazar, Director, EY UAE. The panellists discussed how sustainability and digital transformation are redefining the next generation of financial leaders.
A presentation by PwC Middle East – delivered by Rashid Khursheed, Partner; Alaisha Dossa, Partner, Assurance; and Rehan Badar, Director, Sustainability Reporting and Assurance – was titled “Regulate. Report. Lead – From Compliance to Confidence.” It highlighted the growing importance of ESG reporting and corporate transparency in building investor trust and strengthening governance frameworks.
Another discussion, “Accountancy Without Borders: Reimagining ICAP’s Education for Global Relevance,” featured ICAP Council Members Muhammad Maqbool and Farrukh Rehman alongside Rashid Masood, Senior Vice President, Mashreq Bank, who moderated. The dialogue explored how ICAP’s educational framework is adapting to align with global standards and emerging business needs.
Financing the future
The discussion “Banking Beyond Boundaries: Driving Agility in a Rapidly Evolving Financial Ecosystem,” featured Aladdin Al Deesi, EVP – Head of Mashreq Gold & Distribution; and Humayun Sajjad, CEO, Mashreq Pakistan, moderated by Sheikh Muhammed Moeen. The session explored how banks are leveraging agility and digital innovation to remain competitive in a rapidly transforming financial environment.
In the Power Talk “Financing the Future: CFOs Unlocking Green Capital in the UAE’s ESG Ecosystem,” Abdurahman Alsum, Executive Director – Sustainability & CSR, ACWA Power, spoke with moderator Rose Hindy, Executive Coach, on the vital role of CFOs in driving green finance. The session highlighted how sustainable capital strategies are reinforcing economic resilience and long-term value creation.
Closing the event, M Ali Latif, Council Member & Chairman OCC, ICAP, and Ms Khushboo Mushtaq, Chairperson of ICAP UAE Management Committee, extended thanks to the speakers, delegates, and sponsors. They acknowledged the contributions of Platinum Sponsors Mashreq Bank and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX); Knowledge Sponsor PwC Middle East; Silver Sponsor ADEPTS; Bronze Sponsors Ruya Bank, Deloitte, UBL, SHMA, athGADLANG, DECIBEL, Grant Thornton; and Alliot Hadi Shahid.
ICAP
Established under the Chartered Accountants Ordinance of 1961, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) is a globally recognised professional body representing Chartered Accountants in Pakistan and beyond. With over six decades of leadership in education, regulation, and professional development, ICAP continues to advance integrity, innovation, and excellence within the global finance profession. Its members serve in key leadership roles across industries and public sectors worldwide, upholding the institute’s vision of a connected, future-ready financial community.