The CII and PFS are opening a new office in Dubai to cover the Middle East and Africa in response to “growing demand from the region for the raising of professional standards.”

Gaenor Jones has been appointed as regional director, MEA, CII and Personal Finance Society to head up the new office.

As insurance and financial services providers continue to grow and invest in the Middle East and Africa the CII says there is increasing demand for the its professional qualifications, training and CPD in the region.

The CII already has established links with the regulators and financial companies based in UAE and it says the new hub will help serve the region more effectively.

The new role of MEA regional director will be responsible for building on these relationships and developing the CII and PFS offering in the region.

Gaenor Jones has more than 25 years’ experience in the banking, investments and compliance sector in both the UK and the Middle East, working for blue chip financial services providers.

She joins the CII from Takaud, DIFC, where she was regional head of wealth management and she has previously worked for Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank.

She settled in Dubai over 10 years ago working with Lloyds Bank International and was said to have “strong links” with the financial community there.

She is a certified Islamic banker and holds the diploma for financial advisers, as well as qualifications in compliance supervision and regulated mortgage advice.

Keith Richards, managing director of the CII and CEO of PFS, said: “It is fantastic to see how the financial services community is growing and developing in MEA and with it, an increased appetite for professional standards.

“As the international Chartered professional body for insurance and financial services, we are committed to an established and developing collaboration with the UAE authorities.

“We equally want to better support existing and new members in the region more effectively and this new hub will enable us to do this.

“Gaenor’s experience of working with the region will be invaluable in this new role and we are very pleased that she has joined us.” 

Ms Jones said: “This is a really exciting time for the MEA region as its financial sector continues to mature.

“I am delighted to be taking on this new role at such a strategically important time for financial services within the region.

“I am passionate about the role insurance and financial services plays in society and look forward to building greater consumer trust to engage the sector.”