A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between DIFC Academy, the education arm of DIFC, and Lloyd’s Academy, an education platform for risk professionals based in London, to expand educational opportunities and foster a robust talent pipeline in the fast-growing Middle East market.
The partnership builds on a longstanding relationship and aims to deliver a series of initiatives, including events, educational bootcamps, and on-demand learning, to meet the rising demand for skilled professionals in the insurance sector. This effort aligns with DIFC’s mission to foster a thriving insurance and reinsurance ecosystem in the region.
The DIFC Academy has been instrumental in supporting the learning needs of the financial services industry. Since its inception, it has provided top-tier educational programs, resulting in 32,000 graduates to date. Through its collaboration with Lloyd’s Academy, the DIFC Academy will expand its impact, ensuring the development of a talent pool that meets the evolving needs of the (re)insurance industry in the Middle East.
Commenting on the collaboration, Alya Al Zarouni, Chief Operating Officer of DIFC Authority, said “DIFC offers a world-class learning environment and guidance from renowned organisations to accelerate development of talent within the sector. This initiative builds on our legacy of fostering industry growth, and together with Lloyd’s, we aim to shape the future of finance while supporting the region’s burgeoning insurance market, which now represents more than 125 companies in DIFC.”
Dawn Miller, Lloyd’s Chief Commercial Officer and CEO of Lloyd’s Americas, highlighted the importance of the partnership “Collaboration and partnerships are at the core of Lloyd’s value proposition. This MoU with DIFC Academy represents another step in our commitment to advancing talent development and industry-wide education. We look forward to continuing our work in the Middle East and helping to build a strong talent pipeline in this fast-growing region.”
The latest agreement builds on a 2019 MoU between DIFC and Lloyd’s, which aimed to enhance the region’s insurance sector through talent upskilling and improved efficiency. The renewed focus on education and collaboration underscores the shared commitment of both organisations to drive innovation and growth in the sector.
Through initiatives like this, DIFC continues to solidify its position as a global financial hub, providing learning and mentorship opportunities while nurturing a dynamic insurance community supported by entities such as the DIFC Insurance Association.
Join Lloyd’s Leaders at Insurtech Insights Europe 2025 in London
Join Lloyd’s leaders at Insurtech Insights Europe 2025 on March 19 to 20 at The O2 Intercontinental, London. Leaders at Lloyd’s are confirmed to offer valuable insights at the event. For more information, visit here: ITI Europe 2025
