Oxford Business Group’s latest interview with the Financial Academy examines the growing importance of human capital in supporting the Kingdom’s evolving financial services industry
Saudi Arabia’s financial services industry is undergoing a period of rapid and far-reaching transformation as the Kingdom advances the objectives of Vision 2030, with human capital development emerging as a defining priority for sustaining long-term growth and global competitiveness. A new feature produced by Oxford Business Group (OBG), in partnership with the Financial Academy, explores how targeted investment in professional development and specialised training is equipping the sector to meet the demands of an increasingly sophisticated financial landscape.
Vision 2030 places strong emphasis on developing human capital as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s future growth.”
— Mana bin Mohammed Alkhamasan
The discussion highlights a landmark moment for Saudi Arabia’s financial ecosystem: assets under management in the capital market surpassed SR1trn for the first time in 2024. Over the past decade, market capitalisation has expanded by approximately 463% to reach around $2.7trn, reflecting the remarkable pace of growth across the Kingdom’s financial markets. This expansion has been accompanied by a growing pipeline of listings, accelerated financial technology licensing and the widespread adoption of digital payments, collectively signalling a financial industry in the midst of profound modernisation.
As markets grow more complex and diversified, so too do the demands placed on the workforce. Demand is rising sharply for specialised expertise in digital finance, risk management, sustainability and regulatory compliance, making continuous professional development not merely beneficial, but essential to the sector’s continued evolution.
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The interview also highlights the central role of the Financial Academy in supporting organisations operating within Saudi Arabia’s financial services industry. Through rigorous training programmes, internationally recognised certifications and tailored learning initiatives, the institution works closely with financial organisations to identify skills gaps and design programmes that directly address the sector’s shifting requirements.
Mana bin Mohammed Alkhamasan, CEO of the Financial Academy, said human capital development is becoming a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s financial sector expansion.
“Vision 2030 places strong emphasis on developing human capital as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s future growth. As financial services continue to expand in scale and complexity, strengthening professional capabilities across the industry will be essential to sustaining innovation, maintaining regulatory standards and supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader economic ambitions.”
Investment in financial sector training and professional development is expected to approach SR1bn annually by the mid-2020s, underscoring the strategic commitment to building a world-class workforce capable of driving the Kingdom’s long-term economic transformation.
Marc-André de Blois, OBG’s Director of Video Content, said the discussion reflects the growing recognition of talent development as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s financial future.
“Saudi Arabia’s financial sector has expanded at a remarkable pace over the past decade, opening new frontiers across capital markets, financial technology and investment services. Our discussion with the Financial Academy highlights how institutions dedicated to professional development are helping ensure the Kingdom’s talent base keeps pace with this rapid transformation.”
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