DFSA appoints new Chief Executive

Press release

Published July 29th, 2022 - 10:20 GMT

The Board of Directors of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) have accepted the resignation of F. Christopher Calabia, effective 31 August 2022. Chris joined the DFSA in October 2021 and is stepping down to return to the United States for family-related reasons.

Ian Johnston, who served as the DFSA’s Chief Executive from 2012 to 2018, will reprise his role from 1 September 2022. Over the past four years, Ian has been consulting to regulators and policy makers in Asia, Europe and the Middle East and has undertaken projects funded by the World Bank and the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development. Ian has also served on the DFSA’s Legislative Committee since January 2022.

Fadel Al Ali, Chairman of the DFSA, commented: The DFSA thanks Chris for his service over the past year and we wish him the very best as he returns to the United States. We look forward to welcoming Ian back to lead the DFSA.

Background Information

Dubai Financial Services Authority

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) is the sole independent regulator of all financial and ancillary services conducted through the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a purpose-built free zone in Dubai.

The DFSA's regulatory mandate covers asset management, banking and credit services, securities, collective investment funds, custody and trust services, commodities futures trading, Islamic finance, insurance, an international equities exchange and an international commodities derivatives exchange.