These appointments expand the FCA's global presence, joining a global network that includes the FCA's existing attachés in Washington DC, Brussels and Singapore, as well as the Asia-Pacific, supporting international co-operation, exports and investment into the UK.
Ruairí O’Connell OBE, director, international, said: 'Our new financial services attachés in India and the UAE will advance the UK's interests on financial services policy and help drive investment into our open market.
'The FCA's global network is vital to delivering across all parts of the FCA strategy. Just as the UK is a global financial services centre, the FCA is a globally connected regulator and international leader in financial regulation. Our new presence will help us and our counterparts in India and the Gulf do even more together.'
Sabina started on 10 August 2026 and Darine is starting on 31 August 2026.
Sabina Saini biography
Previously a manager at the FCA, Sabina led work on the UK's critical third parties regime and broader operational risk and resilience policy.
Sabina has just under 20 years' experience across financial regulation, audit and banking, focused on prudential supervision and risk.
Before joining the FCA in 2024, she spent over 8 years at the Bank of England in roles spanning resolution policy, supervision and audit.
Darine Obeid biography
Darine has spent more than a decade at the FCA, specialising in supervision across retail banking, wholesale banking and fintech.
She led high-profile engagement in financial crime, operational resilience, AI and customer outcomes.
Notes to editors
- To understand the role of the FCA as a global regulator, read the FCA strategy 2025 to 2030.
- Boosting exports and inward investment is a core FCA growth priority, outlined in the FCA's letter to the Prime Minister.
- On 11 February 2026, the FCA signed an Exchange of Letters with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).