Emmanuel Givanakis is the Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), where he oversees the financial services regulatory framework that governs financial services activities within the ADGM.

Emmanuel joined ADGM in October 2014 as the Head of Policy & Legal, overseeing the establishment of ADGM’s legislative and regulatory framework, which was a pivotal step in the creation of ADGM as an international financial center.

His legal and financial services regulatory expertise as well as his management experience span over 30 years. Prior to joining ADGM, Emmanuel held a number of senior legal roles and leadership and management positions in both Australia and the UAE, including senior positions at the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

His extensive knowledge and skills include legal, policy, regulatory risk and compliance (prudential and conduct of business) as well as corporate governance, which place him in a strong position to ensure the timely identification of risks and their mitigation.

Emmanuel holds a Bachelor of Laws from the Queensland University of Technology, as well as holding qualifications in Islamic Finance and a Graduate Diploma in Company Secretarial Practice (Governance Australia). He has been practicing law for over 30 years after being admitted to the Bar in Australia in 1994 (Queensland, New South Wales and the High Court of Australia).

In 2003, in recognition of his work at ASIC he was awarded the Australian Public Service Medal (National Australia Day Council Achievement Award).