30 Banking & Finance Executives Leading the Financial Evolution of the Middle East

Tadawul-listed Bank Albilad, a Sharia-compliant financial solutions provider based in Riyadh, reported robust financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024. The bank posted earnings of SAR 790 million, marking a 30.1 percent increase year-over-year and a 12.4 percent rise compared to the previous quarter.

Net financing and investment income for the fourth quarter of last year climbed 13.9 percent year-over-year to SAR 1.144 billion. Total operating income also saw solid growth, increasing 10.4 percent year-over-year to SAR 1.477 billion.

For the year 2024, Bank Albilad recorded a net profit of SAR 2.80 billion. Total assets also grew by 8.29 percent to SAR 154.96 billion in 2024, up from SAR 143.10 billion in 2023.

Meanwhile, the bank’s investments expanded by 13.37 percent, reaching SAR 25.03 billion. A key figure in Bank Albilad’s continued success is Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Onaizan, who is responsible for delivering Bank Albilad’s solid performance on the back of sustained growth in loan demand, customer deposits, asset quality and client activities despite thechallengingoperatingenvironment.

He also serves as the chairman of the board at Enjaz Payment Services Company, vice-chairman and executive committee member of Albilad Capital.

Al Onaizan has completed several prestigious executive programs, including Executive Education at INSEAD Singapore and the Global CEO Program at IESE Business School in Barcelona.

Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) provides a comprehensive suite of investment solutions across local, regional, and global markets through its wholly owned subsidiary, Ahli Capital Investment Company, commonly known as ABK Capital.

Established in 2006, ABK Capital is a leading regional investment firm offering asset management and investment advisory services. ABK maintains a strong regional presence, operating 29 branches in Kuwait, 45 offices in Egypt, and three branches in the UAE, including two full-service locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as a wholesale banking branch in the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC).

In 2024, the group delivered outstanding results, achieving a 16 percent increase in net profit attributable to shareholders, rising from KWD 45.2 million ($147.42 million) in 2023 to KWD 52.4 million ($170.89 million) in 2024.

Acting Group CEO Abdulla Al Sumait brings a wealth of experience to his role. Throughout his career, he has held several senior leadership positions, including general manager of corporate banking at both ABK and Gulf Bank.

He also served as chairman of ABK Capital and held board memberships at key institutions such as KNET and the Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait (BBK). Al Sumait holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Kuwait University.

Established in 1964 as the first Qatari-owned commercial bank, QNB Group remains a cornerstone of the emirate’s financial landscape. Its ownership is equally split, with 50 percent held by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and the remaining 50 percent owned by public shareholders.

Today, QNB Group operates in 28 countries across three continents, with a vast network of approximately 900 locations and more than 5,000 ATMs, supported by a workforce of over 31,000 employees.

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2025, QNB reported a net profit of QAR 4.3 billion ($1.18 billion), reflecting a 3 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Net profit before the impact of Pillar Two Taxes reached QAR 4.6 billion ($1.26 billion), representing an 11 percent increase YoY.

Operating income rose by 6 percent, reaching QAR 11 billion ($3.02 billion), highlighting the group’s ability to maintain consistent growth across multiple revenue streams.

Abdulla Mubarak Al-Khalifa, who joined QNB Group in 1996, has held several senior strategic roles throughout his career. These responsibilities have provided him with deep expertise in corporate and project financing, strategic planning, risk management,andmergersandacquisitions.

Born in 1973, Al Khalifa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Eastern Washington University, U.S.A.

Founded in October 1982, the National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) is a full-service financial institution offering a wide range of services including corporate, commercial, treasury, trade finance, personal, and Sharia-compliant banking.

The ADX-listed bank delivered a strong financial performance in 2024, reporting a net profit after tax of AED 850.1 million, marking a significant increase from the previous year. This growth was underpinned by robust business expansion, effective cost management, and enhanced asset quality.

NBF achieved its highest-ever operating profit of AED 1.62 billion in 2024, reflecting improved revenue generation across core business segments. Net profit before tax rose by 28.9 percent year-over-year, reaching AED 934.8 million, showcasing the bank’s resilience and adaptability in a dynamic market environment. The bank also reported a record operating income of AED 2.4 billion, a 6.7 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Anwar has been with NBF for two decades, holding several key leadership roles throughout his career. He was appointed CEO in October 2024 and previously served as deputy CEO from November 2020 to October 2024, and as CFO from December 2005toNovember2020.

He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from London Business School and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA).

Established on September 15, 1975, Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) is the UAE’s largest Islamic bank by assets and the world’s first full-service Islamic bank.

Trading on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), DIB operates under strict Islamic banking principles, reviewed by a Sharia advisory board and subject to annual Sharia audits.

With over $90 billion in assets, market capitalization exceeding $14 billion, a workforce of over 10,000 employees, and around 500 branches across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, DIB serves more than 5 million customers.

In 2024, DIB achieved a record pre-tax profit exceeding AED 9 billion. Despite new corporate tax implementation, the bank delivered strong shareholder returns with return on tangible equity (RoTE) of 22 percent and return on assets (ROA) of 2.5 percent. Its financing and sukuk investments grew by over 10 percent, reaching AED 295 billion, with the overall balance sheet nearing AED 345 billion.

Group CEO Dr. Adnan Chilwan has been instrumental in DIB’s transformation into a global Islamic banking powerhouse. With more than 30 years of experience, he also holds board roles at Deyaar, including chairmanship of DIB Kenya. He holds a PhD, an MBA in Marketing, and a Certified Islamic Banker (CeIB) designation.

Mashreq is a leading financial institution with an expanding footprint across the MENA region with international offices in Europe, Asia, and the U.S.

Mashreq’s net profit rose to AED9 billion ($2.45 billion) in 2024, an increase of about 4 percent compared to 2023. Net profit before tax rose to AED 9.9 billion ($2.7 billion), reflecting a 12 percent year-on-year increase.

The bank achieved total revenue of AED 13.4 billion ($3.65 billion) in 2024, representing a 24 percent YoY growth and maintaining an impressive three-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32 percent. Total assets also grew by 11 percent YoY to AED 267 billion, facilitated by solid loan growth across wholesale and retail financings.

Most recently in April of this year, Mashreq successfully priced its debut $500 million five-year Sukuk offering, with a profit rate of 5.03 percent per annum. The Sukuk is rated ‘A’ by S&P and listed on Euronext Dublin.

Ahmed Abdelaal leads Mashreq with a deep understanding of regional and global markets. His industry experience spans multiple areas including corporate, investment, and Islamic banking services and portfolio management. He holds an MBA from London Business School, University of London, and is also a graduate of the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science from Cairo University.

As Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) marks its 40th year of successful operations in 2025, the bank is charting a forward-looking growth strategy in alignment with the UAE’s progressive economic agenda.

Under the leadership of group CEO Ala’a Eraiqat, ADCB has set ambitious targets for the next five years: Doubling net profit to AED 20 billion, targeting an average annual growth rate of approximately 20 percent; Increasing year-on-year dividend payouts, with a total targeted payout of AED 25 billion over five years; and delivering annual return on equity exceeding 15 percent.

Eraiqat, who joined ADCB in January 2004, plays a key strategic role across the group. He also serves as chairman of the board of directors of Al Hilal Bank, chairman of key ADCB subsidiaries and committees, including Abu Dhabi Commercial Properties (ADCP), Abu Dhabi Commercial Engineering Services (ADCE), the ADCB management executive committee, and the management credit committee.

He also sits on the board of Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH), serves as board member, director, and chairman of the HR Committee at the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF).

On the financial front, ADCB reported a pre-tax profit of AED 10.58 billion for financial year 2024, representing a 26 percent increase over the previous year. It also reported AED 19.48 billion in operating income for FY 2024.

With origins dating back to 1890, Zurich-headquartered Julius Baer is one of the world’s most respected traditional private banks.

The firm has a presence in around 25 countries and 60 locations worldwide, including major financial centers such as Bangkok, Dubai, Dublin, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Mexico City, Milan, Monaco, Mumbai, Santiago de Chile, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo.

Renowned for its client-centric approach, excellent financial foundation, and entrepreneurial management culture, Julius Baer has become a trusted name in global wealth management. As of the end of 2024, the bank reported assets under management (AuM) of CHF 497 billion ($607.22 billion).

According to Alireza Valizadeh, CEO of Julius Baer (Middle East), the transfer of generational wealth is accelerating across the UAE and the wider Middle East. Given the bank’s heritage as a family-founded business, Julius Baer is uniquely positioned to guide clients through this transition.

Valizadeh increasingly see the potential of technology particularly blockchain and tokenization in enabling a secure and transparent process for wealth transfer.

Valizadeh is also focused on strengthening Dubai’s position as Julius Baer’s regional hub, ensuring clients in the Middle East will continue to benefit from the bank’s comprehensive suite of wealth management solutions and personalized advisory services.

Founded in 1796, Lombard Odier is a Geneva-based private bank with a long-standing heritage in wealth and asset management, private banking services, and banking technology.

With over two centuries of experience, the group has navigated and emerged stronger from 40 global financial crises, consistently adapting and innovating to offer clients a distinctive and forward-thinking investment perspective.

Lombard Odier remains solid and well-capitalized, maintaining a highly liquid and conservatively invested balance sheet. As of December 30, 2024, Lombard Odier Group managed CHF 327 billion ($399.52 billion) in total client assets. For full year 2024, the group reported operating income of CHF 1.337 billion ($1.63 billion) and a net profit of CHF 179 million($218.7million).

Amer Malik is a seasoned private banking professional with over a decade of leadership experience in the Middle East’s wealth management sector. He currently serves as the head of Middle East International and senior executive officer at Lombard Odier (Middle East), based in DIFC, a role he has held since September 2023. In addition, he was appointed managing director at Lombard Odier in April 2023.

Prior to joining the group, Malik spent over eight years at Julius Baer in Dubai, where he held several senior roles.

Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), established in 1969, is one of the UAE’s most prominent financial institutions, famous for delivering innovative and customized banking solutions.

With over 55 years of service, CBD supports both personal and business clients through a blend of cutting-edge digital channels — including mobile and online platforms — and an extensive branch and ATM network across the UAE. The bank is a trusted partner to some of the largest corporates in the country, playing a vital role in driving the UAE’s economic growth.

CBD offers a comprehensive portfolio of retail and commercial banking services, available in both conventional and Sharia-compliant formats. In 2024, the bank reported a net profit of AED 3.02 billion, up 14.3 percent from AED 2.65 billion in 2023.

Total operating income increased by 11.2 percent to AED 5.49 billion, while total assets grew 8.7 percent year-on-year to AED 140.17 billion. Customer deposits at CBD also rose by 10.5 percent, reaching AED 97.56 billion.

Since January 2017, Dr. Bernd van Linder has served as CEO, bringing extensive experience in retail, commercial, and corporate banking. With a PhD in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Utrecht, he also holds an MBA in Financial Management from the University of Bradford, UK.

Founded in 1935 with just 13 employees, Morgan Stanley has grown into a leading global financial services firm, operating in over 40 countries with a workforce of more than 80,000. Through its core businesses — institutional securities, wealth management, and investment management — the organization delivers strategic insights, innovative solutions, and expert advice to clients.

Clare Woodman serves as head of EMEA, Latin America, and Canada, and is CEO of Morgan Stanley & Co. International. She sits on the firm’s global operating and management committees, playing a key role in shaping its international strategy.

Prior to her current role, Woodman led Morgan Stanley’s global operations division and was global COO of the Institutional Securities Group.

Woodman chairs both the US-UK Business Council and the FCA Markets Practitioner Panel. She is a trustee of the Morgan Stanley International Foundation, guiding the firm’s philanthropic work across the EMEA region. She actively supports diversity and financial education, serving as a sponsor of Morgan Stanley’s Women’s Business Alliance and as a senior advisor to the FT Financial Literacy and Inclusion Campaign.

She holds an MBA from London Business School and was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2020 for her services to finance.

J.P. Morgan is a global leader in financial services, delivering strategic solutions to many of the world’s most prominent corporations, governments, and institutions across more than 100 countries.

In the UAE, J.P. Morgan maintains a strong and growing presence through its offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. From these hubs, the firm cultivates vital relationships with government entities, financial institutions, and leading corporations, underscoring its long-term commitment to the region. J.P. Morgan has been serving clients in the Middle East for over a century and currently operates in Abu Dhabi, Beirut, Cairo, Doha, Dubai, Manama, and Riyadh.

Declan Hegarty is the senior executive officer of J.P. Morgan Middle East in Abu Dhabi and also serves as head of Infrastructure Finance, Corporate Banking for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEEMEA). With more than 13 years at J.P. Morgan, Hegarty brings deep expertise and leadership to the firm’s infrastructure financing efforts across the region.

Known for his professionalism and ability to quickly focus on key issues, he is widely regarded as a reliable and strategic advisor. Since April 2021, he has led J.P. Morgan’s operations in the ADGM, while also directing corporate banking infrastructure initiatives since February 2020.

Emirates Islamic, one of the UAE’s leading Sharia-compliant establishments, marked a significant milestone in March this year with the successful issuance of a $750 million Senior Unsecured Sukuk. This landmark issuance not only supports the bank’s strategic growth ambitions but also reflects the continued momentum of the Islamic finance industry globally.

The Sukuk was met with robust investor demand, generating an oversubscribed order book exceeding $1.6 billion, representing a 2.1 times oversubscription rate, with 80 percent of the allocation going to regional investors, and the remaining 20 percent to international participants.

The bank reported an impressive quarterly net profit exceeding AED 1 billion for Q1 2025. Farid Al Mulla, CEO of Emirates Islamic, sees sustained growth ahead for Islamic finance, driven by demand for more sophisticated products and structures.

With over 30 years of experience at Emirates NBD Group, Al Mulla has played a pivotal role in positioning Emirates Islamic as a market leader. His tenure has been defined by a strong focus on customer-centric innovation, including the launch of first-to-market offerings and a successful digital transformation.

Listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) operates across five continents, offering global connections, deep expertise, and strong financial capabilities to support local, regional, and international businesses.

FAB recorded impressive results in 2024, with group net profit reaching AED 17.1 billion, up 4 percent YoY, on the back of a 15 percent rise in revenue at AED 31.6 billion.

The group’s net profit for the fourth quarter of 2024 reached AED 4.2 billion, up 4 percent YoY, while revenue increased by 11 percent YoY to AED 7.7 billion in Q4 2024. Total assets grew 4 percent YoY to AED1.21 trillion as of December 31, 2024.

Group CEO Hana Al Rostamani is a recognized leader in the banking industry, renowned for driving transformational change and championing a culture of innovation, diversity, and inclusion. Before her appointment as Group CEO in January 2021, Al Rostamani served as deputy group CEO and group head of personal banking at FAB. Her career spans prominent leadership roles at institutions such as First Gulf Bank, Citibank, and the AW Rostamani Group.

Al Rostamani holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Information Management from George Washington University in the U.S.

GFH Financial Group BSC (GFH) is a prominent financial organization in the GCC, known for its diversified portfolio and pioneering track record. Headquartered in Bahrain Financial Harbor, GFH is publicly listed on four major stock exchanges across the region: the Bahrain Bourse, Boursa Kuwait, Dubai Financial Market (DFM), and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

GFH’s net profit attributable to shareholders reached $30.56 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared with $23.94 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, an impressive growth of 27.63 percent.

The group reported total income of $189.34 million for Q4 2024, reflecting a 32.57 percent surge from $142.82 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. GFH’s consolidated net profit for the fourth quarter reached $32.96 million compared with $24.18 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Hisham Alrayes is at the forefront of GFH’s journey to become the region’s most diversified financial group, offering an exceptional platform for asset management, commercial banking, and investment services. Alrayes has played a pivotal role in shaping and executing GFH’s strategic investment initiatives across regional and international markets.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with honors from DePaul University in Chicago, U.S.A., and a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering with honors from the University of Bahrain.

Backed by strategic powerhouses such as ADQ, Alpha Dhabi, e&, and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Wio Bank is redefining the future of finance by merging cutting-edge technology with a human-centric approach.

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Wio Bank offers seamless, personalized financial solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of individuals, entrepreneurs, and SMEs. Wio Bank goes beyond traditional banking — offering a comprehensive digital platform that streamlines operations, unlocks business potential, and simplifies financial management.

As a market leader in Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and embedded finance, Wio Bank is at the forefront of innovation, empowering people, businesses, and communities. In just two years, the neobank has achieved remarkable growth, reaching over AED 37 billion in assets, generating AED 800 million in revenue, and nearly AED 400 million in post-tax profits in 2024.

Wio Bank also expanded its customer base by more than 140,000 last year and now employs over 200 professionals.

Leading this transformative journey is CEO Jayesh Patel, a fintech pioneer with more than 19 years of experience in digital innovation. Appreciated for his customer-first mindset and commitment to reimagining financial services, Patel previously led Emirates NBD’s digital bank, Liv.

EFG Holding is a well-established organization with a diversified presence across the MENA region and frontier markets. Headquartered in Egypt, the group operates across seven countries on two continents, with a 40-year legacy of success built on innovation, strategic growth, and market leadership. Its core operations span investment banking, asset management, and non-banking financial services, serving a broad client base ranging from individuals to institutions.

With a workforce of over 7,500 professionals, EFG Holding continues to deliver impactful financial solutions tailored to diverse client needs across Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Kenya, and Nigeria.

In 2024, EFG Holding reported its highest-ever revenues of EGP 24.4 billion ($477.89 million), representing a 66 percent YoY increase. Net operating profit rose to EGP 8.9 billion ($174.4 million), an 84 percent YoY increase. Net profit before tax grew by 81 percent to EGP 7.7 billion ($150.88 million). As of December 2024, total assets stood at EGP 186.9 billion ($3.66 billion).

Leading EFG Holding is industry veteran Karim Awad. With over 25 years of experience, Awad began his career at EFG Hermes in 1998 and was appointed CEO of EFG Hermes in 2012 and became Group CEO of EFG Holding in 2013. Awad holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the American University in Cairo.

Bank of Sharjah was founded in 1973, becoming the first commercial bank in the Emirate of Sharjah and the fifth in the UAE. The bank is publicly listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and maintains a strong presence in both the UAE and Lebanon through its fully owned subsidiary, Emirates Lebanon Bank S.A.L.

In 2024, Bank of Sharjah reported its highest-ever profit before tax of AED 416 million, while net profit after tax reached AED 385 million.  Figures from ADX showed operating income of the bank reaching AED 727 million in 2024. The year also saw a notable 13 percent increase in customer deposits, reaching AED 29.7 billion.

CEO Mohamed Khadiri was appointed to his role on May 17, 2023. He brings with him nearly three decades of experience in corporate and investment banking across the U.S. and MENA region. His career spans leadership roles at some of the world’s most respected financial institutions, including Citibank, Barclays, and HSBC.

Khadiri holds an MBA in Finance and Information Technology with distinction from Boston College, where he was a Fulbright Scholar. He also earned a Master of Science in Finance with distinction from Northeastern University, and graduated with highest honours in Business Administration and Accounting from Institut Supérieur de Commerce et d’Administration des Entreprises (ISCAE) in Casablanca, Morocco.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) stands as one of the UAE’s premier financial entities and ranks as the fourth-largest Islamic bank in the world by assets. Headquartered and listed in Abu Dhabi, the bank was founded in 1997 with a mission to provide Sharia-compliant banking solutions tailored to the evolving needs of individuals, businesses, and governments.

Over the years, ADIB has built a strong reputation for experience and solidity, customer-centric services, and digital transformation, operating a growing network of branches and digital platforms across the UAE and key international markets.

In 2024, ADIB recorded its strongest financial performance to date, reporting a net profit after tax of AED 6.1 billion, a 16 percent increase from AED 5.25 billion in 2023.

ADIB’s total revenue for 2024 rose by 14 percent, reaching AED 10.6 billion, compared to AED 9.3 billion in the previous year. The bank also reported a significant 17 percent YoY increase in total assets, reaching AED 226 billion by the end of 2024.

Mohammed Abdelbary assumed the role of group CEO on October 30, 2024, bringing with him a distinguished track record spanning three decades in the banking sector. Before joining ADIB, he held senior positions at some of the world’s leading corporations, including Standard Chartered Bank, Barclays, and Citi. Abdelbary is a CFA charter holder, having earned his designation from the CFA Institute in August 2018.

Ajman Bank holds the distinction of being the first Islamic bank incorporated in the Emirate of Ajman in 2007. Listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), the bank enjoys strong backing from the Government of Ajman, which holds a 25 percent stake.

Built on the principles of Sharia-compliant banking, Ajman Bank offers a comprehensive suite of value-driven and responsible financial services, catering to a diverse customer base across the UAE.

The bank reported a strong performance in Q1 2025, achieving a profit before tax of AED 145 million, marking a 24 percent year-on-year increase. Net operating income reached AED 199 million for the quarter, demonstrating continued strength in its core operations, with total assets reaching AED 25 billion.

CEO Mustafa Al Khalfawi is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in the financial sector. Prior to joining Ajman Bank, he held senior executive roles at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), where he served as head of global banking and global head of government, sovereigns, and public sectors.

Al Khalfawi holds an Executive Master’s Degree in Big Data and Business Analytics from ESCP Business School in Paris, along with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Management from Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST).

Established in 1957, Riyad Bank stands among the financial heavyweights in the wider Middle East, with a paid-up capital of SAR 30 billion. The bank’s success has been driven by a dedicated team of over 7,500 employees, proudly maintaining a 96 percent national employment rate — one of the highest in the kingdom. Riyad Bank continues to lead in technological adoption, offering advanced digital banking services across its network.

Riyad Bank offers a comprehensive suite of Sharia-compliant financial products and services tailored for individuals, corporates, and SMEs. The bank is also widely recognized as a leading arranger and financier of syndicated loans for many of Saudi Arabia’s landmark projects.

In 2024, Riyad Bank reported net income of SAR 9.322 billion, reflecting a 16 percent increase from SAR 8.05 billion in the previous year. Total operating income also grew by 9 percent, reaching SAR 17.285 billion.

President and CEO Nadir Al-Koraya has played a central role in transforming Riyad Bank into one of the region’s fastest-growing, most innovative, and customer-focused institutions. With more than three decades of experience in Saudi and global financial markets, Al-Koraya began his career at Samba Financial Group, rising through various roles in treasury management over two decades before joining Riyad Bank in 2014.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Degree and an MBA from California State University, Fullerton.

RAKBANK, officially known as the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah, is one of the UAE’s oldest and most forward-looking financial institutions. Established in 1976, the bank has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative banking solutions across the Emirates.

Majority-owned by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, RAKBANK is listed on the ADX, reflecting both its transparency and market credibility. In the first quarter of 2025, RAKBANK delivered a solid financial performance, reporting a profit after tax of AED 704 million — a 22.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Operating profit rose to AED 866 million, up 10.2 percent year-on-year.

RAKBANK’s total assets surpassed AED 90 billion for the first time in its history, underscoring the strength and effectiveness of its growth strategy. Customer trust in the institution remained strong, as total deposits expanded to AED 61.0 billion — an 18.2 percent increase YoY.

Serving as group CEO since January 2022, Raheel Ahmed is a proficient banking executive with over three decades of global experience across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Ahmed is widely accepted for driving transformational strategies centered around performance and customer focus.

Ahmed holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the Institute of Business Administration in Karachi.

Standard Chartered is a leading international banking group with over 160 years of heritage in some of the world’s most dynamic markets. The bank enables trade, investment, and wealth creation across Asia, AME region, Europe, and the Americas. Its global reach, combined with deep local insights,   uniquely  positions Standard Chartered to help clients navigate the complexities of international finance.

In the UAE, Standard Chartered began operations in 1958 with its first branch in Sharjah. Since then, the bank has grown substantially, establishing Dubai as its regional hub and the headquarters of its global Islamic banking arm, Standard Chartered Saadiq.

According to the bank’s Global Market Outlook for 2025, the GCC remains a bright spot for global growth. Despite an anticipated slight global slowdown to 3.1 percent, the GCC is set to outperform, driven by robust non-oil sector development and strategic economic diversification efforts.

Leading the bank in the UAE since August 2018 is Rola Abu Manneh, the first Emirati woman to head a bank in the country. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship, she has been recognized as one of the region’s most influential business leaders.

She studied at the University of London – Royal Holloway and Bedford New College and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics & Operational Research.

LGT (Middle East) is the regional arm of LGT Group, a leading international private banking and asset management firm wholly owned by the Princely House of Liechtenstein. LGT blends tradition with innovation to deliver bespoke financial solutions to high-net-worth individuals and families.

Established in 2012, LGT (Middle East) operates from the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) and maintains a representative office in Bahrain. Its strategic presence enables the firm to serve clients across the region  and connect global markets from East to West.

Globally, LGT employs more than 5,600 professionals across over 30 locations, managing client assets totaling CHF 316 billion ($383.17 billion).

The Middle East team has become a reflection of the region’s diversity and dynamism, comprising professionals from 21 nationalities who speak more than 20 languages. The team brings an average of 18 years of banking experience, including 15 years of local expertise in the UAE.

Sebastian Goeres has led LGT’s Middle East operations since January 2022, bringing a clear strategic focus to the firm’s growth and client services across the region. Goeres holds a Master’s Degree in Banking and Finance from the University of St. Gallen, completed in 2008.

HSBC is the largest and most extensively represented international banking institution in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, with a presence in nine key markets: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the UAE. In Saudi Arabia, HSBC holds a 31 percent stake in Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) and a 51 percent stake in HSBC Saudi Arabia.

As of December 31, 2024, HSBC’s total assets across the MENAT region stood at $73 billion.

According to HSBC Global Research, the MENAT region’s GDP is projected to approach $4 trillion by the end of 2025. Economic growth in the region is also expected to accelerate, with average growth rising to over 3.5 percent — an increase of 1.4 percentage points compared to the previous year.

Selim Kervanci, who assumed the role of MENAT CEO in January 2025, highlights the region’s growing influence in shaping global finance, investment, and policy. Kervanci began his career with HSBC in 1996 and has held leadership roles spanning investment banking, client coverage, and capital markets advisory. He previously served as CEO of HSBC Türkiye.  Throughout his career, Kervanci has developed strong relationships with clients, officials, and regulators across the region.

He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Istanbul Technical University and an MBA from Vrije University in Brussels.

Citi is a leading global banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs and a recognized leader in wealth management. With operations in over 180 countries and jurisdictions, Citi delivers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services to corporations, governments, investors, institutions, and individuals.

Citi’s presence in the UAE dates back to 1964, when Citibank — part of Citigroup — opened its first branch in Dubai, followed by another in Abu Dhabi in 1971. Since then, the bank has built a reputation for financial excellence, consistently introducing cutting-edge banking solutions to the UAE market.

In 2018, Citi further expanded its footprint by establishing a branch of Citibank N.A. at ADGM, having been granted a license to operate in the international financial center.

Shamsa Al-Falasi, a UAE national, is a seasoned corporate banker with over two decades of experience at Citi, having worked across the UAE, Brazil, the UK, and Ireland. She also serves on the advisory board of the Dubai International Chamber and is actively engaged in the global network of American Chambers of Commerce.

Al-Falasi holds a degree in Financial Services and Banking from the Higher Colleges of Technology in the UAE, earned in 2004.

Rated A2 with a positive long-term outlook by Moody’s, Emirates NBD stands as a leading financial services powerhouse in the MENAT region. The group operates across the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, KSA, Singapore, the UK, Austria, Germany, Russia, and Bahrain, with representative offices in China and Indonesia.

With a workforce of over 30,000 employees representing more than 90 nationalities, Emirates NBD is one of the most culturally diverse employers in the GCC.

In the first quarter of 2025, Emirates NBD reported exceptional financial results. Profit before tax surged by 56 percent to AED 7.8 billion, driven by strong regional expansion, increased digital adoption, a robust funding base, and continued loan recoveries. The group’s balance sheet exceeded AED 1 trillion, supported by impressive growth in both loans and deposits.

Group CEO Shayne Nelson has overseen a huge transformation at Emirates NBD. Under his leadership, the bank’s market capitalization grew from AED 15.8 billion to approximatelyAED124billion. He serves on the boards of Emirates Islamic, Emirates NBD Capital, Emirates NBD Capital PSC, Tanfeeth, DenizBank A.Ş. (Türkiye), and Marsh Emirates Insurance Brokers. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Managers.

Saudi National Bank (SNB) ranks among the largest financial institutions in the region, playing a key role in driving Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation. As a leading force in the modernization of the kingdom’s banking sector, SNB actively supports the goals of Vision 2030 through strategic financial expertise and a strong commitment to sustainable economic development.

SNB is a market leader in treasury and capital markets, overseeing both NCB Capital and Samba Capital & Investment Management, which together form the largest asset manager, brokerage, and investment bank in KSA. The bank also maintains a strong footprint across the Middle East, South Asia, and Türkiye, reinforcing its strategic vision to compete on both regional and international levels.

In the first quarter of 2025, SNB reported a total operating income of SAR 9.6 billion, reflecting 7.6 percent growth compared to the same period last year. During the same period, the bank’s total assets increased by 6.1 percent, supported by a 6.1 percent rise in its investment portfolio.

CEO Tareq Al Sadhan brings over 30 years of experience across both public and private sectors, including auditing, taxation, financial consultancy, and banking operations.

He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from King Saud University, and a Master’s in Executive Business Administration from École des Ponts Business School in France.

Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) has a proud heritage in Saudi Arabia spanning over 91 years, playing a significant role in supporting the kingdom’s economic progress and social development.

Today, SAB stands as one of the leading international banks in KSA, renowned for its robust corporate and institutional banking capabilities, alongside premier wealth and personal banking services. The bank holds a leadership position in trade finance, foreign exchange, equity and debt markets, and continues to drive financial excellence across digital services and ESG initiatives in the region.

With a paid-up capital of SAR 20.5 billion, SAB solidified its standing following the successful merger with Alawwal Bank on March 14, 2021. Previously named as the Saudi British Bank (SABB), SAB is a member of the global HSBC Group, benefiting from deep international expertise and connectivity.

Leading SAB’s transformation is managing director and CEO Tony Cripps, a respected finance executive with over three decades of global experience. His career includes senior roles across institutional banking, treasury, sales and trading, transaction banking, IT, and operations. Prior to joining SAB in 2021, Cripps served as CEO of HSBC Australia (2012–2017) and HSBC Singapore (2017–2021).

Established in 1957, Alrajhi Bank has grown to become one of the largest banks in the world by market capitalization. The bank’s total assets stand at SAR 801 billion ($213.5 billion), supported by a paid-up capital of SAR 40 billion ($10.66 billion), and a workforce exceeding 20,000 employees.

Over the years, the bank has built a comprehensive banking network across the kingdom, operating more than 511 branches, 4,603 ATMs, and over 585,000 point-of-sale terminals.

The bank achieved a total income of SAR 10.93 billion from special commission and financing activities in Q1 2025. Total comprehensive income for the period reached SAR 5.81 billion.

Its total investments stood at SAR 177.91 billion, while clients’ deposits amounted to SAR 629.22 billion.

Waleed Abdullah Al-Mogbel brings more than 25 years of experience across financial services, banking, auditing, tax, and financial consulting. He also holds board and chairmanship roles in several prominent companies, including Alrajhi Company for Cooperative Insurance (Takaful Alrajhi), Emkan Finance Company, International Digital Solutions Company (Neoleap), Tanfeeth, and EJADA Systems Company.

Al-Mogbel earned a Ph.D. in Auditing from Cardiff University in 2006. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Finance from the University of Southampton and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from King Saud University, which he completed in 1999.