DFSA’s new general counsel

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) today announced that Muna Dandan will join them as General Counsel. Dandan has held a number of senior legal positions in the private sector and has significant experience in legal practice. As general counsel, Dandan will have overall responsibility for all legal work carried out in the regulator. Dandan’s appointment follows an international search carried out by Hedley May LLP. Ian Johnston, chief executive of the DFSA said, “I am pleased to welcome Muna to our executive team. The position of General Counsel carries significant responsibilities for the DFSA and its Board and it is clear that Muna brings an excellent balance of legal and industry knowledge to the DFSA”. Johnston acknowledged the contributions made by the outgoing general counsel, Michael Ridgeway and the managing director of Policy and Legal Services, Errol Hoopmann each of whose contracts are at an end and plan to return to their home country. “I would like to thank Errol and Michael for the excellent work they did at the DFSA. Each added greatly to our reputation and that of the Dubai International Financial centre (DIFC), and we are sorry to see them go”.Dandan will take up her role at the end of September. The DFSA also confirmed that Peter Smith, head of policy and strategy will now have oversight of all policy work at the regulator.