Board of Directors

At the foundation of a well-governed company is an effective Board that provides good leadership, strategic guidance and oversight, within a framework of prudent and effective controls that enable risk to be assessed and managed. 

The Nasdaq Dubai Board is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance and business integrity. The Board continues to ensure that we adhere to best governance principles and practices. 

The Nasdaq Dubai Board represents and acts on behalf of its shareholders, Dubai Financial Market and Borse Dubai, and is committed to strong corporate governance policies, practices and procedures designed to make the Board more effective in exercising its oversight role for achieving the Company’s strategic objectives and for the stewardship of the Company’s resources.  The Board adopts the view that corporate governance should promote good performance and integrity as well as conformance with legislation and that effective governance practices enhance the Company’s ability to achieve its strategy and sustainable success.

While the Board does not have responsibility for day to day management of the Company, it stays informed about the Company’s business and provides guidance to the management through periodic meetings and other interactions. In accordance with good governance practice, the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive are distinct and separate with a clear division of responsibilities. This separation of roles promotes more effective communication channels for the Board to express its views on Management. The Chairman presides over meetings and is responsible for the running and leadership of the Board and ensuring its effectiveness. The Chief Executive has delegated authority from the Board and is responsible to the Board for managing the Company’s business. We believe that this separation of roles and allocation of distinct responsibilities to each role facilitates communication between senior management and the full Board about issues such as corporate governance, succession planning, executive compensation and Company’s performance. 

The Board has adopted a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved for its decision-making, which includes the annual budget, strategy and long term business objectives, major projects and contracts and significant capital expenditure. The Board has created three Committees to ensure effective and efficient Board operations in accordance with their respective Charters.

During the financial year, the Board met on 3 occasions virtually and once in person. The Board has continued to oversee the Company’s strategy, risk framework and financial performance. The Board uses Nasdaq’s online board portal, Directors Desk, for its meetings, which make the board process efficient and has the benefit of considerable savings in resources, paper and printing.

The Nasdaq Dubai Board comprises 6 Non-Executive Directors including the Chairman, Abdul Wahed Al Fahim. Biographical details of the Directors and the Committees on which they serve are set out below.  The biographies demonstrate a wide range of experience and skills, including leadership and knowledge of corporate governance requirements and practices, enabling the Board members to discharge their responsibilities and to bring independent judgment on matters of strategy, performance and standards of conduct which are important to the success of the exchange. 

Board Charter

Nasdaq Dubai’s governance framework is set out in its Board Charter.  The Charter details the corporate governance framework, coordinates and aligns supporting policy documents and establishes an environment that enables the Board and officers of Nasdaq Dubai to meet their responsibilities under the prevailing law and to demonstrate good governance practices.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS / INDEPENDENCE

In accordance with Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) Authorised Market Institution regulation and the Articles of Association,  a sufficient number of Board members should  be  Independent Non-Executive Directors.  The Non-Executive Directors, four of whom are Independent, bring wide and varied commercial experience to the deliberations of the Board and its Committees.

An assessment of Directors’ independence is carried out on an ongoing basis and at appointment for new Directors. Each Director discloses their status i.e. independent or connected and has the opportunity to disclose changes in external directorships and other potential conflicts of interest. The Board ensures that there are sufficient number of Independent members at all times. The assessment was reviewed by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and its recommendations were made to the Board for its approval.

A third of the Non-Executive Directors are subject to annual re-election by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting.  In relation to Board remuneration, they receive an annual retainer together with meeting attendance fees for Board and Committee meetings.

Board & Committee Meetings 2021

The Board held four scheduled meetings. A table of Board and Committee meeting attendance is set out below. Comprehensive Board and Committee papers, comprising an agenda and formal reports and briefing papers are sent to Directors in advance of each meeting. Each meeting includes a wide-ranging report from the Chief Executive, a report on Nasdaq Dubai’s financial performance and reports from the committees’ chairmen.

During the year, the Board considered the following matters:

• The review and approval of year 2020 results,
• Appointment of external auditors for year 2021
• Amendments to Anti Money Laundering Policy
• Amendments to Risk Register, Risk Management Framework, Transaction limits and signing authority matrix
• Amendment to Employee Policy
• Annual AML Return and
• Budget 2022

Board Committees play an important role in the governance process and assist the Board in discharging its duties. 

The standing Committees of the Board include: The Audit and Risk Management Committee, the Market Oversight Committee and the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The Chair of each Committee reports to the Board on actions taken at each meeting. Each Committee has the authority to retain independent advisers. Each Committee has its own Charter, providing written terms of reference that define its authorities, duties and membership.  In line with good practice, membership of the Committees is entirely non-executive and the majority are independent Directors.

AUDIT AND RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Audit and Risk Management Committee is chaired by Jamal Nasser Lootah. The other members are Abdul Wahed Al Fahim and George Möller. The company secretary acts as secretary to the Committee. The Committee is responsible for the independent and objective oversight of internal control and risk management, internal compliance, governance issues, financial reporting, external and internal auditors and financial controls. 

During the year, the Committee met on 4 occasions.  The Committee reviewed the annual budget, regular finance reports and the annual financial statements. The Committee recommended the annual budget, the annual financial statements and the external auditor for year 2021 to the Board for approval. The Committee met with the independent external auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, to consider the results of the annual audit and to review the annual financial statements for year 2020. The Committee reviewed the risk management reports from Market Operations and approved the Annual AML Return. The Internal Audit function, which is provided by Dubai Financial Market, met regularly with the Committee which received the Annual Internal Audit Plan for year 2021 and 2022, progress on Internal Audit together with the Internal Audit reports following the completion of each audit. The Committee reviewed and recommended the amendments to the Anti Money Laundering Policy, Risk Register, Risk Management Framework and Transaction limits and signing authority.

MARKET OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

The Market Oversight Committee is chaired by George Möller. The other members are Abdul Wahed Al Fahim and Edward Knight. The company secretary acts as secretary to the Committee. The Committee is responsible for the independent oversight of Market Regulations which includes Issuer & Market Surveillance and Anti Money Laundering & Compliance functions. It also supervises the regulatory functions carried out by other areas of Nasdaq Dubai, including the application of the exchange’s Rules, Members' conduct of business and the clearing and settlement function.

During the year, the Committee met on 4 occasions. The Committee met on each occasion with Compliance and received updates on regulatory and compliance matters, including feedback on regular meetings with the DFSA.   The Committee also received reports on any market incidents as part of its regulatory oversight function. The Committee reviewed and approved the annual member compliance report for year 2020 and plan for year 2021. The Committee recommended for Board approval the extension of term of Practitioner Committee members.  The Committee reviewed the credit rating for debt portfolio and annual budget including resources for Compliance team. 

NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

The Nomination and Remuneration Committee is chaired by Rashid Al Shamsi. The other members are Abdul Wahed Al Fahim and Jamal Nasser Lootah. The company secretary acts as secretary to the Committee. The Committee is responsible for new appointments to the Board, succession planning for the Board and executive management and reviewing the independence of Directors. It is also responsible for recommending Non-Executive Directors remuneration for Board approval, approving performance measures and target setting for the Chief Executive and broad policies and programs for employee benefits.

During the year, the Committee met on 4 occasions. The Committee reviewed and recommended for Board approval amendments to the Employee Policy. It reviewed Director Independence, the Human Capital annual budget and set the targets and objectives for the Chief Executive.  The Committee received regular reports from Human Capital on key matters.

Internal control aims to ensure that processes and controls are in place to achieve Nasdaq Dubai’s business objectives. Internal audit provides assurances that these processes and controls are effective and being complied with on an ongoing basis. Through risk management, Nasdaq Dubai is able to identify, understand, manage, and mitigate risks to its business in order to reduce the probability that those corporate objectives are jeopardised by unforeseen events.

INTERNAL CONTROL

is designed to support the identification and management of risks affecting Nasdaq Dubai and the business environment in which it operates. Nasdaq Dubai operates a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance of effective and efficient operations covering all controls, including financial and operational controls and compliance with laws and regulations. Processes are in place for identifying, evaluating, managing, and mitigating risks that may face the exchange. The Board, through the Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARMC), regularly reviews these processes. The ARMC is responsible for the independent and objective oversight of Nasdaq Dubai’s internal control and risk management systems, internal compliance, governance issues, financial reporting, external and internal auditors and financial controls. Additionally, the adequacy and effectiveness of controls is periodically reviewed within the business areas. Regular reports are made to the ARMC by Management, Internal Audit, Risk Officer and Compliance covering matters such as financial controls, compliance and operational controls. The ARMC monitors resolution of any identified control issues of significance through to a satisfactory conclusion.

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. In accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes.

Nasdaq Dubai’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures to provide for the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorisations of Management and the Board; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorised acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Management assesses the effectiveness of internal controls to satisfy itself that the processes followed are effective. The system of internal financial and operational controls is also subject to regulatory oversight by the DFSA.

The purpose of the Internal Audit function is to assist the Board and Management in the effective discharge of their fiduciary and administrative responsibilities by providing independent, objective assurance and consulting services with respect to evaluating risk management, control, and governance process. To ensure independence and objectivity, Internal Audit reports directly to the ARMC. For administrative matters, the Head of Internal Audit has a secondary reporting line to the Chief Executive Officer. The Internal Audit function adopts standards issued by the Institute of Internal Audit (IIA). Internal Audit services are provided by Dubai Financial Market which follows a risk based audit approach. An annual risk based internal audit plan is prepared based on the rating of following criteria; in addition to management request and required mandatory audits;

• Criticality/Materiality;
• Complexity;
• Inherent risk;
• Extent of change;
• Time since last audit;
• Fraud potential.

All key areas subject to high and/or medium risks such as compliance, financial, information technology and operations are included in the plan while the non-priority and low risk areas are excluded or to be considered later depending on circumstances. During the planning process key business areas and operational risks are identified, compiled, risk rated and ranked to draw a final risk assessed audit scope of work that factors in high and medium risk areas. The audit plan, submitted to the ARMC for approval, provides information about the risk assessment, the current order of priority of audit projects and how they are to be carried out. The audit plan outlines the key departments, activities and processes to audit and estimated start dates and completion timelines as well resources dedicated for the audit. Internal Audit submits regular activity reports to the ARMC and Management summarizing the results of the audit assignment including significant risk exposures and control issues and follow up on the issues raised in the audit report. Internal Audit liaises regularly with internal stakeholders to maintain and uphold communication and relationships to a high level. The key internal stakeholders include; compliance, company secretariat and risk management functions.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk management is a systematic and continuous process that revolves around defining and identifying risks in each department, measuring, monitoring, managing and reporting significant risks to which Nasdaq Dubai may be exposed. Nasdaq Dubai has established a Risk Management Framework (RMF) to ensure that the exchange continues to be a stable, credible, and reliable organisation that manages all potential risks to its stakeholders. Nasdaq Dubai has a Risk Officer with overall responsibility for the risk management function in relation to the activities carried out by the exchange and for overseeing the implementation of the RMF. The Head of Department within each unit and function is responsible for establishing and maintaining pertinent risk management. The functions and systems for internal control and internal audit are part of the overall risk management process.

Nasdaq Dubai’s Exchange, Clearing and Central Securities Depository operations place significant emphasis on managing risk, including business continuity and default management. Nasdaq Dubai’s RMF is subject to specific regulation and supervision by the DFSA. In operating a Clearing House, Nasdaq Dubai acts as the Central Counterparty (CCP) to transactions executed on the Exchange between Member firms. As a CCP, Nasdaq Dubai is exposed to various clearing related risks, including Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk and Liquidity Risk. The Head of Market Operations in consultation with the Risk Officer, is responsible for implementing the Board’s strategy for identifying, monitoring, managing and mitigating these risks. One primary risk management tool is the requirement placed on Clearing Members to provide margin payments and collateral to Nasdaq Dubai in accordance with its Business Rules. In addition to the collateralisation of obligations, other risk management tools adopted by the Board include rigorous Clearing Membership standards, dedicated clearing capital, netting arrangements and advanced risk management monitoring techniques.

Corporate Responsibility has become embedded in the mainstream of corporate governance thinking The Board of Nasdaq Dubai strictly ensures that we adhere to best Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and practices. In order to meet this objective, employees are required to comply with the spirit and letter of the company’s Code of Ethics and Conduct.  Our people are at the heart of what we do and drive the success of our business. Attracting, developing and retaining the skills we need to deliver on our strategy is important to Nasdaq Dubai.

From an economic perspective, Nasdaq Dubai plays an important role in contributing to economic stability and sustainable growth. We are well placed to drive long-term sustainable economic growth and support transition to a sustainable economy. This goes beyond creating sustainable products and being a responsible business ourselves. It’s about embedding sustainability as a fundamental part of our strategy and culture.

Nasdaq Dubai is actively participating in the joint efforts reinforcing Dubai’s leading position as a sustainable finance hub. For instance, Nasdaq Dubai enables businesses to access funds for growth and development through sustainable and green finance, as investors across the world are increasingly factoring ESG into their investment decision-making methodology. 

Accordingly, the Exchange has expanded its sustainable investment opportunities in 2021, welcoming the listing of sustainability Sukuk by Islamic Development Bank and two green bond issuances by China Construction Bank.

Moreover, Nasdaq Dubai is a dynamic member of the Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group. The Exchange hosted the Dubai sustainable finance webinar, where the Group launched two ESG guides (ESG investing Guide & Sustainable issuance Guide). 

From a social perspective, and due to the nature of its business, Nasdaq Dubai does not have a high environmental impact. For instance, Nasdaq Dubai continues to publish its Annual Review online. This provides convenient access to information about the Exchange and reduces our consumption of paper in line with our corporate responsibilities.