President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially inaugurated the Maldives Financial Expo 2026, marking the start of a three-day event aimed at strengthening financial literacy, promoting innovation, and celebrating the nation's financial achievements.
Organised by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), the expo is being held at Hulhumalé Central Park from 2 to 4 July. The event brings together commercial banks, financial institutions, regulatory bodies, government agencies and private sector partners under one roof, offering the public a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of financial products and services.
Following the inauguration, President Muizzu toured the exhibition stalls alongside Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Hassan Zareer and MMA Governor Ahmed Munawar.
According to the central bank, the expo has been designed to help individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions by providing direct access to expert guidance. Visitors can receive advice on opening savings accounts, applying for loans, obtaining insurance coverage and planning their long-term finances, while entrepreneurs can consult directly with banks and lenders regarding financing opportunities.
The exposition is open to the public free of charge every day from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. It also features family-friendly activities and expert panel discussions on the future of the Maldivian financial sector, scheduled for 2 July and 4 July.
The opening of the expo coincided with a special ceremony commemorating the Maldives Monetary Authority's 45th anniversary, during which the central bank recognised individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to the country's financial development.
The prestigious "Distinguished Contribution to the Financial Sector" awards honoured pioneers whose leadership and vision helped build the modern financial system.
Special Awards were presented to the State Bank of India for introducing key banking services in the Maldives, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom for establishing the Maldives Monetary Authority in 1981, the late Ismail Fathee for founding the Bank of Maldives, Ilyas Ibrahim and Ibrahim Shafeeq for establishing Allied Insurance, and former MMA Governor Dr Azeema Adam for leading the transition of the Maldivian Rufiyaa to the polymer "Ran Dhiha Faheh" banknote series.
The Appreciation Awards recognised the service of former governors and deputy governors who helped guide the central bank through key stages of its development. Among those honoured were Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Mohamed Jaleel, Qasim Ibrahim, Abdulla Jihad, Dr Fazeel Najeeb, Dr Azeema Adam, Ahmed Naseer and Ali Hashim, while the late Ismail Fathee and Arif Hilmy were recognised for their contributions as deputy governors.
The Maldives Monetary Authority said the award recipients have played a pivotal role in strengthening monetary policy, expanding commercial banking, modernising payment systems and building a resilient financial infrastructure over the past four and a half decades.
As the Maldives continues to diversify and modernise its economy, the Financial Expo 2026 serves not only as a platform to improve public financial awareness but also as a celebration of the individuals and institutions whose contributions have helped shape the country's financial future.President Opens Maldives Financial Expo 2026 as MMA Honours Financial Sector Pioneers.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially inaugurated the Maldives Financial Expo 2026, marking the start of a three-day event aimed at strengthening financial literacy, promoting innovation, and celebrating the nation's financial achievements.
Organised by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), the expo is being held at Hulhumalé Central Park from 2 to 4 July. The event brings together commercial banks, financial institutions, regulatory bodies, government agencies and private sector partners under one roof, offering the public a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of financial products and services.
Following the inauguration, President Muizzu toured the exhibition stalls alongside Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Hassan Zareer and MMA Governor Ahmed Munawar.
According to the central bank, the expo has been designed to help individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions by providing direct access to expert guidance. Visitors can receive advice on opening savings accounts, applying for loans, obtaining insurance coverage and planning their long-term finances, while entrepreneurs can consult directly with banks and lenders regarding financing opportunities.
The exposition is open to the public free of charge every day from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. It also features family-friendly activities and expert panel discussions on the future of the Maldivian financial sector, scheduled for 2 July and 4 July.
The opening of the expo coincided with a special ceremony commemorating the Maldives Monetary Authority's 45th anniversary, during which the central bank recognised individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to the country's financial development.
The prestigious "Distinguished Contribution to the Financial Sector" awards honoured pioneers whose leadership and vision helped build the modern financial system.
Special Awards were presented to the State Bank of India for introducing key banking services in the Maldives, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom for establishing the Maldives Monetary Authority in 1981, the late Ismail Fathee for founding the Bank of Maldives, Ilyas Ibrahim and Ibrahim Shafeeq for establishing Allied Insurance, and former MMA Governor Dr Azeema Adam for leading the transition of the Maldivian Rufiyaa to the polymer "Ran Dhiha Faheh" banknote series.
The Appreciation Awards recognised the service of former governors and deputy governors who helped guide the central bank through key stages of its development. Among those honoured were Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Mohamed Jaleel, Qasim Ibrahim, Abdulla Jihad, Dr Fazeel Najeeb, Dr Azeema Adam, Ahmed Naseer and Ali Hashim, while the late Ismail Fathee and Arif Hilmy were recognised for their contributions as deputy governors.
The Maldives Monetary Authority said the award recipients have played a pivotal role in strengthening monetary policy, expanding commercial banking, modernising payment systems and building a resilient financial infrastructure over the past four and a half decades.
As the Maldives continues to diversify and modernise its economy, the Financial Expo 2026 serves not only as a platform to improve public financial awareness but also as a celebration of the individuals and institutions whose contributions have helped shape the country's financial future.
If you'd like, I can also make this into a shorter TV news script (around 1 minute 30 seconds) or a longer news package suitable for PSM/Television.
