Regional Workshops and Webinars - Fiscal Year 2027
Financial Supervision and Regulation
High-Level Meeting of Supervisors (July 2-3)
A High-Level Supervisory Meeting brought together senior policymakers and heads of banking supervision from METAC member countries and the Gulf region to discuss key supervisory challenges, emerging risks, and strategic priorities, while promoting peer learning. The program combined panel discussions and technical presentations on digitization, IFRS 9, Basel III Pillar 2 implementation, and proportionality in supervision. Participants emphasized growing demand for technical assistance on digitization-related topics, including payment service providers, fintech, cyber resilience, and crypto-assets. The interactive format facilitated candid discussions and practical exchange of supervisory experiences.
Crypto Assets Regulation and Supervision (May 17-20)
METAC and the CEF delivered a regional virtual workshop on crypto-assets regulation and supervision. The workshop aimed to strengthen supervisors’ capacity on global standards and recommendations related to crypto-assets, enhance supervisory judgment in licensing and oversight, and support the balancing of innovation with financial stability. The program covered blockchain fundamentals, market taxonomy, and ecosystem participants; explored the intersection of fintech and crypto; and presented legal and regulatory frameworks, including international recommendations. It also addressed licensing and supervisory approaches for exchanges, custodians, and stablecoin issuers, and examined macroeconomic, statistical, and AML/CFT aspects, supported by some case discussions.
Webinars
Food Insecurity due to the Middle East Conflict (June 4)
The webinar examined the implications of the escalating conflict in the Middle East for global energy markets and food security. It presented findings from and presented by a World Food Programme (WFP) analysis projecting that, if the conflict persists, up to 45 million additional people could face acute food insecurity by 2026. The discussion focused on the impact of these shocks on fragile and conflict-affected states, as well as food-import-dependent economies. It highlighted key transmission channels, including higher energy and food prices, and explored the macroeconomic and fiscal constraints that limit countries’ ability to respond, particularly elevated debt levels and limited fiscal space. The session also considered the regional implications of these developments and their policy significance for vulnerable economies.
Bridging Skill Gaps for the Future: New Jobs Creation in the AI Age (June 23)
The webinar examined how advances in artificial intelligence are reshaping labor markets and changing the skills required in the workforce. It explored emerging mismatches between the demand for and supply of skills, and discussed the implications for job creation, wages, and talent allocation. Particular attention was given to the challenges faced by youth and middle-skilled workers, as well as the opportunities created by technological change. The discussion also highlighted policy priorities across countries, reflecting differences in their labor market conditions, skills gaps, and workforce development needs.
