Past Events & Webinars

Speak Up, Stand Strong: Managing Difficult Conversations
24th February, 2025
The CFA Society Emirates Women’s Club hosted an exclusive session, “Speak Up, Stand Strong: Managing Difficult Conversations,” at The Ritz Carlton Hotel, DIFC, Dubai, bringing together an incredible group of women to learn how to navigate tough workplace discussions with confidence.
 
From negotiating a raise to setting boundaries, our expert speakers, Rachael Ferguson and Eliza Hughes D’Aeth, shared invaluable insights and real-world strategies to help women take charge of their careers.
 
We’re proud to create spaces that uplift and empower women in finance. 
Research Challenge Local Finals 2024-2025
23rd February, 2025
Highlights from CFA Institute Research Challenge local Finals 2024 - 2025 hosted by CFA Society Emirates on 23rd February at Waldorf Astoria, DIFC, Dubai. Congratulations to New York University Abu Dhabi to secure first place in the local finals 2024-2025 and Middlesex University to be a runner up. To all faculty advisors, industry mentors, judges, and graders – your dedication and support were the driving forces behind this season’s success!
Global Macro Outlook: The 2025 Recession
13th February, 2025
Highlights from our event on "Global Macro Outlook: The 2025 Recession" hosted on 13th February, 2025 at Waldorf Astoria Hotel, DIFC, Dubai. As President Trump begins his second term, economic uncertainty and market volatility take center stage. Our speaker Peter Berezin, examined the impact of escalating trade tensions, fiscal policies, and the likelihood of a U.S. recession. Challenging the soft-landing view, he predicted an S&P 500 drop to 4200 and provided an insights on key asset classes, including crude oil, industrial metals, and the U.S. dollar, offering a comprehensive outlook on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
From the Inside Out: A Personal Story of Ethical Challenges and Redemption
05th February, 2025
Highlights from our event on "From the Inside Out: A Personal Story of Ethical Challenges and Redemption" hosted on 5th February, 2025 at Emirates Towers Hotel, Dubai. The impactful session, exclusively for CFA Society Emirates members, explored Tom Hardin’s compelling journey of ethical challenges and his cooperation with the FBI. Through this interactive discussion, attendees gained deep insights into the psychological triggers of unethical behavior, practical strategies for managing compliance risks, and a renewed perspective on the importance of integrity in the financial industry.
Roundtable Series: Insights into Credit Markets
03rd February, 2025
Highlights from our event on "Roundtable Series: Insights into Credit Markets" hosted on 3rd February, 2025 at Rosewood Hotel, Abu Dhabi. The event focused into the evolving landscape of credit markets, reflecting on the impactful events of the past year and exploring expectations for 2025 and beyond. 
Annual Forecast Dinner 2025
29th January, 2025
Highlights from the "Annual Forecast Dinner 2025," hosted by CFA Society Emirates on January 29, 2025, at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, Dubai. We would like to extend our thank you to all our members for attending and contributing to the success of this remarkable event.
A Career in Investment: Inside Single-Family Offices
14th January, 2025
Highlights from our event on "A Career in Investment: Inside Single-Family Offices" hosted on 14th January, 2025 at Emirates Towers Hotel, Dubai. The event focused into the unique dynamics of working within a Single Family Office (SFO), highlighting key aspects of its operations and culture compared to the corporate world. Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to thrive in this niche sector and determine if it aligns with their professional goals.

Year End Networking Event in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
17th December, 2024 and 19th December, 2024
What a fantastic way to wrap up the year! 
 
A heartfelt thank you to all our members who joined us for the year-end networking gatherings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It was truly a pleasure to see you all and hear about your exciting plans and holiday adventures.
 
Your energy and positivity always make these events so special and unforgettable.

 
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Navigating the U.S. Market Landscape: Sector Performance, Election Implications and Index Based Investment Strategies
05th December, 2024

We recently hosted an engaging session with our distinguished speaker, Maya Beyhan, who provided valuable insights into the dynamic shifts in the U.S. market following the 2024 presidential election. During the session, we explored key sector performance trends, economic implications, and strategies for navigating the opportunities and risks in this evolving landscape.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Maya for sharing her expertise, and to our members for their active participation, thoughtful questions, and meaningful discussions. Your engagement is what truly makes these sessions impactful.
Annual ESG Gala Dinner 2024
21st November, 2024
Highlights from the Annual ESG Gala Dinner hosted on 21st November, 2024 at Shangril-La Hotel, Dubai
Research Challenge Kickoff Meeting 2024
3rd November, 2024, Dubai
Highlights from the event held on 3rd November, 2024 for 'Research Challenge Kickoff Meeting 2024' at The Meydan Hotel, Dubai. 
The Rise of Private Capital in the Middle East
09th October 2024, Dubai
Highlights from the event held on 09th October 2024 for 'The Rise of Private Capital in the Middle East'featuring a keynote presentation on "Alternatives in the Middle East and Globally in collaboration with Preqin and CFA Society Emirates at Shangri-la Hotel, Dubai. 

MENA Investment Congress 2024
30th September and 01st October, Abu Dhabi
Highlights from the 2 days event held on 30th September and 1st October 2024 for MENA Investment Congress 2024, which was held in Abu Dhabi. . It was a two-day event packed with valuable insights and engagement. Day 1 featured an interactive workshop, where attendees gained hands-on knowledge and practical strategies. 2Day 2 was dedicated to the main conference, bringing together industry leaders to explore the latest trends and opportunities in the MENA investment landscape.
 
Private Markets & Alternatives: Risks and Opportunities in a Challenging Environment
22nd May 2024, Dubai
Highlights from the event held on 22nd May 2024 for 'Private Markets & Alternatives: Risks and Opportunities in a Challenging Environment' in collaboration with BCA Research and CFA Society Emirates at Waldorf Astoria, DIFC Dubai. In this event Brian Payne, CFA, is BCA Research’s Chief Strategist, Private Markets & Alternatives, discussed on the topics such as risk in private markets currently, is private credit more concerning than commercial real estate, PMA's outlook and Could Hedge Funds outperform Private Equity.
A World in Flux: The Return of Geopolitical Volatility
09th May 2024, Abu Dhabi
Highlights from the event on  'A World in Flux: The Return of Geopolitical Volatility' held on 09th May in collaboration with Signum Global Advisors and CFA Society Emirates at Rosewood hotel, Abu Dhabi. During this event Charles Myers, Chairman and Founder of Signum Global Advisors, delve into the resurgence of geopolitical volatility, examining its far-reaching effects on economies, societies, and international relations. Through insightful discussions and expert analyses, he explore how these turbulent times are shaping the world and influencing key events such as the upcoming elections.
Charter Award Ceremony 2024
28th April 2024, Abu Dhabi
Highlights from the Charter Award Ceremony 2024 which was held on 28th April, 2024 at The Abu Dhabi Edition Hotel, Abu Dhabi. It was an honor to have H.E. Khaled Mohamed Balama, CFA, Governor of the Central Bank of UAE who presented the award to 178 new charterholders.
MOU Signing with Emirates Institute of Finance
29th April 2024, Abu Dhabi

We’re excited to share that CFA Society Emirates and CFA Institute have officially partnered with The Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
 
This partnership is a strong testament to our commitment to advancing research collaboration and cooperation in critical sectors of finance.
 
The MOU was signed during a ceremony at Bab Al Qasr Hotel in Abu Dhabi, graced by the presence of H.E. Khalid Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates. 

This momentous occasion marks a significant step forward in enhancing global financial cooperation.
 
Through this collaboration, we look forward to expanding research opportunities, professional development, and the exchange of knowledge within the finance community.
Regional Societies Research Challenge 2023 - 2024
19th April 2024, Abu Dhabi
 
Highlights from Regional Societies Research Challenge 2023-2024 hosted by CFA Society Emirates which was held on 19th April, 2024 at The Abu Dhabi Edition Hotel, Abu Dhabi
CFA Institute Research Challenge local finals 2023 - 2024
18th February 2024, Abu Dhabi
 
Highlights from CFA Society Emirates event: CFA Institute Research Challenge local finals 2023 - 2024 held on 18th February, 2024 at Rosewood Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Forecast Dinner 2024
24th January 2024, Dubai
 
Highlights from CFA Society Emirates event: Forecast Dinner 2024 held on 25th January, 2024 at Habtoor Palace, Dubai.
Navigating Financial Horizons: Insights from a quarter-century of principal investing
12th & 13th December, 2023 - Abu Dhabi
 
Highlights from CFA Society Event in collaboration with LGT Capital Partners on 'Navigating Financial Horizons: Insights from a quarter-century of principal investing' held in Rosewood Abu Dhabi on 12th Dec 2023 and Waldrof Astoria Dubai on 13th Dec 2023
 
'The Evolution of Risk Management' presented by Nobel Laureate Professor Myron S. Scholes, PhD
5th December, 2023
 
Highlights from CFA Society Event on 'The Evolution of Risk Management' in collaboration with Janus Henderson Investors, held in Waldrof Astoria, DIFC, Dubai on 5th December 2023
Successful Navigating Emerging Markets: A Decade of Insights
November 20, 2023
 
Highlights from CFA Society Event on 'Successful Navigating Emerging Markets: A Decade of Insights' held in Capital Club, DIFC, Dubai on 20th November 2023
 A Global and Middle Eastern Outlook of Alternatives
November 2, 2023
 
Highlights from the event hosted by CFA Society Emirates  together with PREQIN on ' A Global and Middle Eastern Outlook of Alternatives' on 2nd November at Capital Club Hotel, Dubai
2024 Global Macro Outlook: Navigating Inflation, Valuations and Elections
October 25, 2023
 
Highlights from the event hosted by CFA Society Emirates  together with Fisher Investments on '2024 Global Macro Outlook: Navigating Inflation, Valuations and Elections' on 25th October at Rosewood Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Research Challenge Kick off Meeting
October 22, 2023
 
Highlights from Kick off Meeting Research Challenge 2023 hosted by CFA Society Emirates on 22nd October at The Address Hotel, Dubai
ESG Gala Dinner
September 21, 2023
 
Highlights from ESG Gala dinner hosted by CFA Society Emirates and CFA Institute on 21st September 2023 at Shangrila Hotel Dubai
MENA Societies Collaboration: Women in Leadership Panel
June 15, 2023
 
Highlights from "MENA Societies Collaboration: Women in Leadership Panel" held in Waldorf Astoria DIFC, Dubai on Thursday 15, June 2023
Credit risk, Correlation, and Co2: the three C’s that keep me awake at night
June 6, 2023
 
Highlights from CFA Society' Emirates Event in collaboration with BlueBay Asset Management on "Credit risk, Correlation, and Co2: the three C’s that keep me awake at night " held in Rosewood Hotel, Abu Dhabi on Tuesday 06, June 2023
Navigating the Economic Landscape: A Comprehensive Analysis of the US Economy
June 5, 2023
 
Highlights from CFA Society' Emirates Event on "Navigating the Economic Landscape: A Comprehensive Analysis of the US Economy " held in Waldorf Astoria Hotel, DIFC, on Monday 5, June 2023
Venture Capital - Searching for Jewels in the Rubble
May 16, 2023
 
Highlights from the CFA Society Emirates Event on  "Venture Capital - Searching for Jewels in the Rubble" held on May 16, 2023, at Waldrof Astoria, DIFC Dubai.
MENA Societies Research Challenge 2023
March 17, 2023
 
The CFA Society Emirates, in Collaboration with CFA Society Jordan, hosted for the third year the MENA Societies Research Challenge, where 11 universities from nine CFA Societies convened in Dubai, UAE.

Congratulations to The British University in Egypt, who won first place and to the King Saud University in Saudi Arabia who came in Second.

We would like to thank:

All the participating teams and societies: CFA Society Egypt, CFA Society Jordan, CFA Society Saudi Arabia, CFA Society Lebanon, CFA Society Kuwait, CFA Society Bahrain, CFA Society Istanbul, and CFA Society Cyprus.

The course providers for awarding full scholarships for the winners; Morgan International, PwC's Academy Middle East, and EDGE FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE INC, and last but not least, all the judges, Fadi Sabbah, CFA, CPA, Taimur Ali Mir, CFA, Youssef Salem, Antoine Awad, Ph.D., CFA, CMA.

We’ll be looking forward to next year's edition!
Economic Progress and Infrastructure are Interdependent
March 09, 2023
 
Highlights from the CFA Society Emirates Event on  "Economic Progress and Infrastructure are Independent" held on March 09, 2023, at Four Seasons, Abu Dhabi.
First World Problems
March 07, 2023
 
Highlights from CFA Society's Emirates Event in collaboration with Smead Capital Management on "First World Problems " held in Waldorf Astoria Hotel, DIFC, on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
Research Challenge 2023
February 26, 2023
 
Highlights from CFA Society's Research Challenge 2023 held in Grand Millennium Hotel, Dubai on 26th February 2023
Charter Award Ceremony 2023
February 25, 2023
 
Highlights of Charter Award Ceremony 2023 was held by CFA Society Emirates on 25th February 2023 at Sofitel The Palm, Dubai
Forecast Dinner 2023
January 26, 2023
 
Highlights from Forecast Dinner 2023 held by CFA Society Emirates in collaboration with MSCI on 26th January 2023 at Ritz Carlton DIFC, Dubai.
Research Challenge Kickoff Meeting 2023
November 27, 2022
 
Highlights from the CFA Society Emirates Event on  "Research Challenge Kickoff Meeting 2023" held on November 27, 2022.
Web3 Venture Capital Investing
November 29, 2022
 
Highlights from the CFA Society Emirates Event on  "Web3 Venture Capital Investing" held on November 29, 2022, at Capital Club, Dubai.
How AI/Machine Learning is Transforming the Retail Industry
November 03, 2022
 
Highlights from the CFA Society Emirates Event on  "How AI/Machine Learning is transforming the retail industry" held on November 3, 2022, at Rosewood, Abu Dhabi.
 
In this interactive session, Karima Rahali CFA - Founder & CEO of StylifAI, discusses analyzing the different AI technologies used and their impact on the main areas of the business from automated processes to better insights for enhanced decision-making to improved customer engagement and loyalty.
2022 EMEA CFA Society Leadership Conference in Vienna
October 2022
 
CFA Society Emirates attended the 2022 EMEA CFA Society Leadership Conference in Vienna.
It was the first EMEA Societies’ gathering post the pandemic. We have met with the CFA Institute and our regional counterparts shared our updates and discussed the future opportunities ahead. 
We would like to thank all the participants. A special thanks go to the host, CFA Society Austria and the organizing team CFA Institute for bringing us together in a thought provoking and enriching setting.
Women's Club series, "What it takes to be Chief Investment Officer"
October 27, 2022
 
Highlights from the CFA Society Emirates Event on  Women's Club series, "What it takes to be Chief Investment Officer" held on October 27, 2022, at Capital Club DIFC, Dubai.
 
Olivia Engel CFA, and Mehvish Ayub CFA, discussed how they navigated challenges and opportunities throughout their careers
The European Private Credit Opportunity
October 13, 2022
 
Highlights from the CFA Society Emirates Event on "The European Private Credit Opportunity" held on October 13, 2022, at Capital Club DIFC, Dubai.
 
Mattis Poetter, Partner and Co-CIO at Arcmont Asset Management, shared his views on the European Private Credit opportunity and discussed why Arcmont believes Europe offers better risk-adjusted returns vs the US Private Credit market
Inflation & Rate Risk a Changing Correlation Paradigm & How to Position Portfolios in the New Regime
September 29, 2022
 
Highlights from the CFA Society Emirates Event on "Inflation and Rate Risk, a Changing Correlation Paradigm & How to Position Portfolios in the New Regime" held on September 29, 2022, at Capital Club DIFC, Dubai.
 
Kewjin Yuoh , Partner & Portfolio Manager at Lord Abbett & Co, shared his views on the macro outlook pertaining to central bank policy, inflation and discussed portfolio positioning for a new market regime.
The Pace and Constant Evolution of the Working World
September 22, 2022
 
Highlights from the CFA Society Emirates Event The Pace and Constant Evolution of the Working World held on September 22, 2022, at Four-season Hotel in Abu Dhabi. 
 
Oscar Orellana Hyder , Head of Financial Services and William Tohme CFA, Member of CFA Society Emirates in a private, casual session discussed how the sector has changed, what it looks like for the next one year, and moving into the 2030 vision that surrounds us here in the Middle East. 
Inflation or Recession, the Lesser of Two Evils
September 05, 2022
 
Highlights from the event of CFA Society Emirates in collaboration with Northern Trust, an exclusive event was hosted in Abu Dhabi at Four Seasons on 5th September 2022. 
 
Carl Tannenbaum from Northern Trust discussed an experiential and unique approach to a current global economy
How AI/Machine Learning is Transforming the Retail Industry
July 04, 2022
 
In this interactive session, Karima Rahali CFA - Founder & CEO of StylifAI, discusses analyzing the different AI technologies used and their impact on the main areas of the business from automated processes to better insights for enhanced decision-making to improved customer engagement and loyalty.
The Pace and Constant Evolution of the Working World
June 22, 2022
 
In this interactive session, Oscar Orellana-Hyder Head of Financial Services - Middle East Robert Walters, discuss how the sector has changed, what it looks like for the next 1 year, and moving into the 2030 vision that surrounds us here in the Middle East. In addition to this, he also cover the future of the working world and how you can optimally upskill yourself to continue to add value.
​Financial Resilience - Survival kit for the New Normal
June 16, 2022 (Dubai) and June 17, 2022 (Abu Dhabi)
 
In this interactive session, Lucia Egea Professor of IE university discuss an experiential and unique approach to a current global issue - the new normal.
Early Stage Venture Capital- Why Europe is the place to Be!
June 09, 2022 
In this interactive session, Herve Cuvillez, Co-founder and Managing partner of Id4 Ventures discuss early-stage VC as a key sub-asset class and its emerging importance in the growth of Europe as a hub for long-term innovation as well as its relevant contribution to alpha in an investment portfolio.
ESG Gala Dinner
June 08, 2022 
 
Highlights from the CFA Society Emirates and CFA Institute, held on June 8, 2022 at the Shangrila Hotel, Dubai. 
Blockchain and Crypto Discussion
May 24, 2022 (Dubai) & May 25, 2022 (Abu Dhabi)
 
In this interactive session Talal Tabaa - CEO of CoinMena, Chirstian Borel - Senior Executive Officer of SEBA Bank, Kokila Alagh - CEO and Founder of Karma Legal with moderator Nasha Afshar - Board Member and Careers Chair of CFA Society Emirates discuss the current state of cryptocurrency and digital assets. Also tackling all important questions such as how to derive valuations for digital assets, what the pros and cons are for this asset class, and how these cryptocurrencies will continually be integrated into our daily lives.
Roundtable with the Recruiter – The Great Reshuffle Continues
May 17, 2022
 
In this interactive session Wanchoo Ananya, Senior Manager of Financial Services Middle East of Michael Page discusses the Great Reshuffle and aim to bring their insights to benefit your professional journey
CFA Society Emirates Women's Club Launching
March 09, 2022
Highlights from the CFA Society Emirates Women's Club Launching, held on March 9, 2022 at the Capital Club, DIFC. An evening celebrating the launching with over 50 like-minded women in the financial industry.
CFA Institute Research Challenge 2022 UAE Finals
February 26, 2022
Highlights from the UAE Finals of 2022 CFA Institute Research Challenge. 
 
We are pleased to announce that the team from Middlesex University is the winner of the local CFA Institute Research Challenge and will represent the UAE at the sub-regional stage. 
Also, we would like to congratulate the team from the American University of Sharjah for coming in at 2nd place and advancing to represent the UAE in the runner-up competition.
Finally, we would like to thank all the teams, faculty advisors, mentors, and judges for participating this year and for their Incredible efforts throughout the competition.
CFA Society Emirates 2022 Forecast Dinner
January 26, 2022
Highlights from the CFA Society Emirates 2022 Forecast Dinner, held on January 26, 2022 at the Ritz Carlton, DIFC - an evening of networking and great conversation with investment industry thought leaders, who shared their views on the important trends impacting the global markets and economy in 2022
Multi-Asset Credit, Markets and ESG
January 19, 2022
In this interactive session Blair Reid, Partner, Senior Portfolio Manager of Multi Asset Credit at BlueBay Asset Management, covers the main topics centered around BlueBay Asset Management's experience at managing Multi Asset Credit strategies; the evolution and changing landscape, allocation into 2022, as well as learnings from incorporating ESG within the liquid credit investment space. 
Career Resources for Charterholders and Candidates
January 05, 2022
What career resources are available to charterholders and candidates? In this webinar Dana Anton, Director of Career Center at CFA Institute, covers the principles of career management, as well well as the career exploration process, shares insights and tips and presents the functionalities within the CFA Institute Career Center portal.
CFA Society Emirates University Program Fall 2021 : Ethics Session for Universities
November 29, 2021
In this session Sonia Gandhi, CFA, Director of Ethics Education & Professional Standards at CFA Institute, introduces university students to ethical decision making, and presents real-life scenarios and case studies from the financial industry.
Asset Allocation Outlook 2021
September 21, 2020
 
In this webinar Neuberger Berman share their take on market events, and forward looking asset allocation views for 2021, across equities, fixed income and alternatives.
Financial Modeling Best Practices
August 31, 2020

Financial modelers are often self-taught and left to figure things out on their own, wondering if “there’s a better way”. In this webinar we discuss critical tools and skills required to build a best-in-class financial model that inspires confidence and leads to optimal decision making – we cover the discipline of financial modeling, and share key modeling tips, and best practices.
COVID-19 & Oil Collapse: Impact on GCC’s Economies & Fixed Income Markets
June 11, 2020

A combination of the developing COVID-19 outbreak and a sudden collapse of oil price has dealt a blow to the GCC’s fixed income markets. In tnis webinar we tackle questions on the challenges GCC economies face, and what impacts to expect on deficit financing, interest rates, cost of raising debt, and credit ratings.
The Importance of ESG During Uncertain Times
June 1, 2020
 
Why is there so much interest in ESG? The global fund industry is transforming due to a growing interest in environmental, social and governance as investors realise the benefits of sustainable investment. This webinar covers the ESG trends seen globally, and answers pressing questions such as whether investing in companies with healthier ESG scores pays off in times of uncertainty, and how organizations can build sustainability into their investment strategy.
Recruiting in the Middle East Insights for Success in Securing a New Job
May 30, 2020

What is the recruitment process in the Middle East, and how can you best position yourself? This webinar gives you insights to successfully secure a new job, including tips on how to build your CV, and use LinkedIn in your job seeking efforts, and talks you through interviewing for success and negotiating a job offer.