Key Takeaways
- Strategic appointment: The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has named Darine Obeid as financial services liaison for the United Arab Emirates, based at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
- FCA's international network: The role joins existing positions in Washington, Brussels and Singapore, expanding the regulator's global footprint.
- Anti-money laundering cooperation: A meeting on 18 May 2026 between UAE Minister of State Saeed Al Hajeri and UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis reinvigorated efforts to combat illicit financial flows between the two countries.
A New Figure for Regulatory Dialogue
The FCA announced on 17 August 2026 the appointment of Darine Obeid as financial services liaison for the United Arab Emirates. Obeid, who brings more than a decade of experience within the British regulator, will operate from the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Her remit covers retail and wholesale banking, fintech, financial crime, operational resilience and artificial intelligence.
The appointment expands the FCA's international network, which already includes presences in Washington, Brussels and Singapore. Ruairí O'Connell, the authority's international director, stated that the new posting will allow for deeper collaboration with counterparts in India and the Gulf.
Illicit Flows Under Joint Watch
On 18 May 2026, a UAE delegation led by Saeed Al Hajeri met in London with Security Minister Dan Jarvis. The meeting, hosted at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, addressed financial security, anti-money laundering, judicial cooperation and emerging risks to the global financial system.
The partnership between the two countries rests on three pillars: policy coordination, operational cooperation and judicial collaboration. The stated goal is to strengthen financial integrity and deepen cooperation between judicial authorities.
The groundwork was laid during a bilateral visit to London in September 2025, which brought together the UK Treasury, the UAE Ministry of Economy, the Home Office, the Crown Prosecution Service and financial intelligence units from both countries. Hamid AlZaabi, Secretary General of the UAE's National Anti-Money Laundering Committee, described financial crime as a global phenomenon requiring global solutions.
Memorandums Already in Place with the Gulf
The UK has already signed financial services memorandums of understanding with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, identified as priority markets for the British sector given the region's growth and investment opportunities.
Obeid described the United Arab Emirates as a dynamic and strategically significant market, with opportunities in fintech, sustainable finance and the fight against financial crime. Regulatory cooperation between the two countries will continue with further operational meetings in the coming months.
