ECAS Hosts Inaugural Conference on Family Businesses and Sustainability

The Egyptian Center for Arbitration and Settlement of Non-Banking Financial Disputes (ECAS) marked a significant milestone with its inaugural conference, titled ‘Family Businesses: Prospects for Growth and Sustainability.’ The event, under the guidance of Dr. Marian Kaldas, ECAS’s Executive Director, aimed to explore various dimensions of family businesses, including strategies for expansion, sustainable practices, and the effectiveness of existing legislative support in the Egyptian context.The conference kicked off with a thought-provoking opening address by Dr. Marian Kaldas, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions. Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, the Executive Chairman of the Financial Regulatory Authority in Egypt, also delivered remarks, highlighting the importance of family businesses in the financial landscape.

The event garnered valuable support from its sponsors, with Diamond sponsorship from Tarek Riad and Partners and Gold sponsorship from ADIB – Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, At Lease Inc, BakerTilly Head Hunting, Ezdehar Management, and Yassien & Partners Law Firm.The heart of the conference featured engaging panel discussions that provided unique insights into the world of family businesses.

The first panel, titled ‘Strategy for expanding the scope of the family company – listing on the stock exchange,’ was moderated by Dr. Marian Kaldas and included distinguished speakers from various domains, shedding light on the strategies and challenges of going public.The second panel, ‘Structure and governance of family companies,’ brought together industry leaders to discuss the governance and structural aspects of family-run enterprises

These experts offered valuable perspectives on maintaining effective governance within family businesses.The third panel, titled ‘Expansion strategy within the scope of the family company – direct investment companies – mergers and acquisitions,’ explored the intricacies of expanding family businesses, including direct investments, mergers, and acquisitions. The discussion featured insights from experts in these fields.The final panel, ‘The need for special legislation to regulate family companies,’ addressed the importance of tailored legislative frameworks to govern family businesses. Legal experts and policymakers shared their views on how such regulations could benefit this sector.

ECAS’s inaugural conference provided a platform for in-depth discussions, bringing together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore the future and sustainability of family businesses in Egypt.

It underscored the vital role these enterprises play in the country’s economic landscape and the need for robust support systems to ensure their continued growth and success.