Karim Karoui, CFO, FGB
Influential market players from listed and unlisted companies, investors, family offices, government, from various organisations in the Middle East will gather in Dubai for the 7th Middle East Investor Relations Society Conference and Awards.
The event which will be held on 16th September at the Address Dubai Mall. The occasion aims to address the growing need for investor relations (IR) professionals in the Middle East which reflects a maturing of capital market activity across the region. It also aims to drive change through collaboration of Middle East market participants, as well as educate them on the importance of IR, encourage dialogue and support the implementation of best practice, while providing members with a networking platform.
Keynote speakers are Karim Karoui, Chief Financial Officer of FGB and Oliver Schutzmann, Chairman of the Middle East Investor Relations Society, followed by other industry experts from the Middle East capital market community.
Karim Karoui, CFO of FGB, said, “The capital market landscape is rapidly changing in the region. Impacted by global macroeconomic trends and paired with a changing regulatory environment, investor relations is increasingly a strategic management function that cannot be overlooked.”
“Regional markets are attracting significant interest from foreign investors and with that comes a level of scrutiny from stakeholders, who expect high standards of transparency and investor engagement in line with international principles.” said Alex MacDonaldVitale, Head of IR MENA, HSBC.
Conference topics will include the increasingly stringent regulatory framework and enforcement, the impact of Middle East macroeconomic, geopolitical and regulation environment on financial markets, the benefits and consequences of the Saudi bourse opening, and the latest trends in integrated financial reporting to improve transparency and disclosure.
“We are thrilled about the success of the Annual IR Conference and the growth of the Society,” said Oliver Schutzmann, Chairman, Middle East Investor Relations Society. “The rising number of companies with IR departments across the Middle East is a clear sign that the profession is gaining more importance, which will benefit all market participants.”
The conference will also see the 2015 IR Awards Ceremony where regional companies will be recognised for their contribution to developing and raising IR standards across the region. A full list of nominees can be found on the Society’s website.
