The Third Digital Financial Consumer Forum Discusses Secure Digital Infrastructure and Enhancing Trust
(The Role of Digital Infrastructure in Ensuring the Security and Reliability of Financial Services)
Tuesday, 13 Jumada al-Awwal 1447 AH
Corresponding to November 4, 2025 – 21:21:04
Sana’a – SABA
The Third Digital Financial Consumer Forum, organized by the Yemeni Consumer Protection Association in partnership with the Central Bank of Yemen, discussed mechanisms for keeping pace with developments in cybersecurity.
During the first working session, chaired by the Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology, Eng. Ali Al-Makni, participants reviewed the role of digital infrastructure in ensuring the security and reliability of financial services.
In the opening session, the Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of convening the forum and highlighted the role played by the Yemeni Consumer Protection Association in this regard.
He also addressed the Ministry’s role in safeguarding network and information security, as well as developing telecommunications infrastructure in a way that supports ongoing advances in digital transformation and cybersecurity. He noted the Ministry’s orientation toward granting specialized technology and information systems licenses to all financial and banking institutions.
Eng. Al-Makni confirmed that the Ministry is currently working toward establishing a dedicated authority for information technology and cybersecurity.
Meanwhile, the Head of the State Legal Office, Dr. Ismail Al-Mahqari, underlined the important role played by the Yemeni Consumer Protection Association and the significance of holding this forum amid recent developments related to consumer protection.
He also highlighted the media’s role in providing consumers with data and information, rather than promoting goods and products without regard to consumer rights.
Al-Mahqari stressed the need for government intervention to prevent deceptive advertising and exaggerated product promotion.
During the first session, participants reviewed working papers on cybersecurity and its role in securing digital financial services; the role of the telecommunications sector in developing and upgrading internet services to ensure the quality of financial services; the importance of data centers and national computing in securing the infrastructure of digital financial services; and the role of the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology in safeguarding consumer data.
The second working session, titled “Developing Regulatory and Legislative Frameworks to Protect Financial Consumer Rights,” featured presentations addressing the reality and challenges of consumer protection in financial services, their adequacy, and the role of the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Investment in economic oversight, as well as the legal landscape for consumer protection in digital transactions.
The forum will conclude its sessions tomorrow, Wednesday, by discussing several key topics and reviewing the submitted working papers, culminating with a set of recommendations.
