The first Saudi financial media training program concludes in London
The Financial Academy successfully concluded its “Shaping the Future of Saudi Financial Media” program in London, with a ceremony held in the main hall of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). The ceremony celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of participating media professionals, reflecting a rapidly growing trend towards developing specialized economic journalism in Saudi Arabia and addressing the critical need for qualified personnel capable of keeping pace with major economic transformations.
A new phase begins in the journey of Saudi financial media
This program is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia's financial media sector, developed in response to the growing need for media professionals capable of understanding and accurately analyzing complex economic data and indicators. The program aims to present these analyses within a professional framework that balances accuracy and clarity, directly contributing to enhanced transparency and increased efficiency in financial markets. The program began with intensive in-person training in Riyadh last January, followed by practical phases and professional visits, culminating in an international tour in London in March, as part of a comprehensive plan to cultivate a new generation of specialized media professionals.
Strategic context: Vision 2030 and the development of the financial sector
Historically, the development of economic journalism has been linked to the growth of open markets. With the launch of Vision 2030 and the Financial Sector Development Program, the Saudi financial market has witnessed unprecedented expansion and significant openness to foreign investors. This structural transformation has created an urgent need for professional financial media that can keep pace with these rapid developments. The role of the economic journalist is no longer limited to simply reporting the news; they have become a key partner in shaping financial awareness. This has necessitated the launch of innovative initiatives to bridge the gap between rapid financial development and available media capabilities, as exemplified by this pioneering program.
Training topics and skills development in economic coverage
The program focused on equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to address economic and financial issues with a high level of professionalism. Training modules covered the fundamentals of financial media coverage, macroeconomics and indicators, markets and securities, and interpreting company budgets and financial results. In addition, the program highlighted influential and vital sectors such as energy and energy transition, recognizing them as key economic issues both locally and globally. The program also included field visits to prestigious international institutions such as Bloomberg and CME Group to learn about the mechanisms of global financial data flows, a visit to the Financial Times to explore advanced editorial models and digital transformation, and visits to SRMG and CNBC to learn about media platform management.
Expected impact on local and international markets
This program is expected to have a profound and far-reaching impact on several levels. Locally, graduates will contribute to raising investment awareness among citizens and providing accurate market insights. Regionally, this initiative reinforces Riyadh's position as a leading financial center in the Middle East, boasting a robust and supportive media infrastructure. Internationally, the presence of professional Saudi financial media will help convey an accurate and reliable picture of the Saudi economy to global investors, supporting efforts to attract foreign investment and bolstering confidence in the strength of the national economy.
The role of the financial academy in capacity building
The CEO of the Financial Academy, Maneh bin Mohammed Al-Khamsan, explained that the program is part of the Academy's efforts to support the financial sector and is an extension of the initiatives announced during the Financial Academy 2025 Forum. He emphasized that financial media plays a pivotal role in enhancing market efficiency. He noted that partnerships with leading financial institutions reflect the integration of roles between training and the sector, expressing his appreciation to the program's partners, Al-Ahli Financial and Tatimah Financial. It is worth mentioning that the Financial Academy is an independent legal and administrative entity, organizationally linked to the Chairman of the Capital Market Authority, and aims to qualify and develop human resources in the financial sector, targeting all entities in the banking, finance, insurance, and capital market sectors.
