DFSA Appoints Juma Thani Alhameli as Chief Operating Officer to Drive Strategic Growth and Innovation

Business

DFSA Appoints Juma Thani Alhameli as Chief Operating Officer to Drive Strategic Growth and Innovation

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has announced the appointment of Juma Thani Alhameli as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective June 10, 2025. Juma will also join the DFSA Executive Committee, reinforcing the regulator’s commitment to operational excellence and strategic transformation within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

With over 20 years of leadership experience, Juma brings a strong background in spearheading transformative initiatives across technology, financial services, and aviation sectors in the UAE. His most recent role was as Group Chief Technology Officer at First Abu Dhabi Bank, where he led the execution of the bank’s technology strategy. Before that, Juma served in key roles at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), including Chief Communications Officer and Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer.

His distinguished career also includes board-level responsibilities at the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, and leadership as Chairperson of the Banking & Financial Services Working Group within the UAE’s Economic Collaboration Committee. Juma began his career in technical roles at the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Tanfeeth (Emirates NBD), and e& (Etisalat). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Khalifa University, Sharjah.

Mark Steward, Chief Executive of the DFSA, welcomed the appointment:

“The appointment of Juma as Chief Operating Officer comes at a pivotal time as we continue to advance our standing as a leading international financial services regulator. His leadership and operational expertise will be instrumental in supporting our core mission – delivering robust, transparent, and forward-looking regulation.”

In his new role, Juma will oversee the DFSA’s operational strategy, supporting its regulatory objectives in line with Dubai and the UAE’s broader ambitions to become global leaders in innovation and sustainable financial development.

Juma Thani Alhameli, COO-designate of the DFSA, expressed his commitment to the role:

“I am honoured to join the DFSA at a time of opportunity and ambition in the region’s financial sector. I look forward to working with the talented DFSA team to deliver regulatory excellence and drive innovation, while contributing to the continued growth of the DIFC and the UAE as a leading financial hub.”

This appointment marks a significant milestone in the DFSA’s evolution as a benchmark of regulatory excellence, reinforcing its position within the global financial services landscape and supporting Dubai’s vision of a resilient, future-ready economy.