OUR FACULTY

Ahmed Aslam is a CFA-certified finance professional with over a decade of combined experience across investment management, portfolio analytics, and higher education. He brings more than five years of teaching expertise as an adjunct lecturer at Seneca College in Toronto, where he specialised in Financial Management and International Finance for advanced CPA-track students. 

His instructional approach bridges academic rigour with real-world applications, aligning curricula with global professional standards such as CFA and CPA. Ahmed’s industry experience includes senior investment roles managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios across public and private markets, and leading analytics for sovereign wealth fund clients. He has developed performance reporting tools, asset allocation frameworks, and customised investment dashboards to support strategic decision-making. 

Ahmed holds a Master of Finance (Executive) from Wilfrid Laurier University and an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Economics from the University of Toronto. He is passionate about preparing future financial professionals with a strong foundation in applied finance, risk management, and data-driven decision-making. 
 
 

Ali Al Tareef leads the Investment and Finance Department at Corporate Finance International, a financial institution licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain since 2002. He has extensive experience with prominent banks, including Bank ABC, National Bank of Bahrain, and Bahrain Islamic Bank. 

A certified trainer, Ali delivers training programmes and webinars in areas such as investment and valuation, risk management, strategy and sustainability (ESG), corporate banking and syndication, financial advisory, compliance, and anti-money laundering. He has provided training to a wide range of organisations in the MENA region including MOFNA, GOSI KSA, Aramco, SABIC, SNB, AlRajhi Bank, Riyad Bank, FAB, ADCB, KFH, BBK, and Banque Misr. 

Ali was the first Bahraini to pass the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) examination by GARP in 2004. He holds a BA from the University of Toledo, Ohio, USA. 

Ali Almarzooqi is a seasoned advisor in strategy and performance management, with over 20 years of experience in public sector transformation, strategic planning, and service delivery across key government and semi-government entities. His leadership has guided several institutions, including Abu Dhabi Municipality, the Ministry of Economy, and Abu Dhabi Farmers Services Centre, where he has directed strategic planning, business development, and operational performance initiatives. 

Ali’s core strengths lie in strategic thinking, execution excellence, programme and project management, and stakeholder facilitation. 

As a certified executive coach and trainer, Ali has delivered over 100 hours of coaching and trained more than 120 government and non-government professionals. He is passionate about developing leadership capability, fostering innovation, and aligning organisational goals with national priorities. 

Ali holds two master’s degrees — one in Applied Research from Swiss Business School and another in International Business from the University of Wollongong. He is also a certified strategy development professional, financial literacy trainer, and an EFQM excellence assessor. 

Ali Ibrahim Awartany is a compliance and risk management professional with over 17 years of diverse experience across the financial sector, specialising in regulatory compliance, anti-money laundering, fraud detection, and financial crimes prevention. Ali has a strong track record of leading compliance functions, designing and implementing AML and sanction screening solutions tailored to digital payment ecosystems, and managing global financial crime risk assessments. 

He has successfully established compliance and risk management frameworks, policies, and operational procedures for various financial institutions, delivering impactful results in multiple countries across the Middle East and beyond. Ali is also an experienced trainer and consultant, having delivered compliance and AML training to numerous organisations regionally. 

Ali holds a PhD in Business Economics and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in finance and management information systems. His professional certifications include Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Project Management Professional (PMP), and several others in compliance, financial crime, and quality management. 

Aseel brings over 20 years of regional and international experience as a corporate and commercial lawyer, educator, and legal advisor. She has worked across the public and private sectors in legal practice, academia, and judicial reform—advising governments, leading court transformation initiatives, and training legal professionals in ethics, risk management, arbitration, and compliance. 

Fluent in English and Arabic, Aseel is qualified to practise law in New York and Jordan. She has served as legal counsel to ministries and judicial bodies, where she led strategic initiatives such as the digital transformation of courts and the creation of compliance frameworks aligned with FATF standards. Her expertise spans civil and commercial litigation, arbitration, mediation, and public policy. 

In parallel with her legal career, Aseel is a seasoned academic and trainer. She has lectured in law and business ethics at several universities and is experienced in curriculum design for undergraduate and professional development programmes. Aseel has contributed to international publications on arbitration, data protection, and legal culture, and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators’ Approved Faculty List. 

Aswathy Ramachandran is an internationally certified soft skills trainer with over six years of experience empowering students and working professionals globally. She specialises in developing engaging and interactive learning experiences that enhance communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Aswathy has a proven track record of designing and delivering training programmes that improve personal and professional effectiveness. 

Currently, she serves as a soft skills trainer and part-time faculty at leading professional training centres and academic institutions. Her expertise spans diverse topics including decision-making, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and business etiquette, helping individuals build confidence and achieve their goals. 

Aswathy holds a Master of Commerce in Finance and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Kerala. She is certified by the Scottish Qualifications Authority as a Soft Skills Trainer.

A results-driven learning and development professional specialising in designing and delivering impactful programmes that foster continuous learning and organisational development. Adept at leveraging data analytics and AI-driven tools to optimise training effectiveness and align learning initiatives with strategic business objectives. Experienced in developing bespoke training content for diverse sectors, with a strong focus on leadership development, workforce skills enhancement, and knowledge management.

Aziz is an experienced leadership and business excellence coach specialising in developing high-impact leadership skills and driving organisational growth. He supports programmes focused on enhancing leadership capabilities, fostering business excellence, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement. Aziz works closely with educational institutions to deliver tailored coaching that empowers future leaders and improves organisational performance.

David is an influential leadership coach and board adviser with extensive experience in driving organisational success through board formation, conflict resolution, and coaching senior leaders. He specialises in enhancing board effectiveness, strengthening governance, and accelerating leadership development and succession planning. His work supports strategic change and cultural transformation across diverse sectors, delivering measurable improvements in leadership and organisational performance. 

Denise specialises in career coaching and training with a focus on empowering students and professionals through personalised career strategies and skills development. She delivers soft skills and leadership programmes designed to enhance career readiness, including CV writing, interview preparation, and career planning. Denise’s experience spans educational institutions and workplace training environments, with proven success in supporting Emirati professional graduates and senior high school students. 

Dondi is an experienced banker with more than thirty years in corporate relationship management, wholesale product governance, credit risk policy and process, and enterprise risk governance. He has held senior roles at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) as Vice-President and Head of Corporate Credit and Risk Policy, and at Standard Chartered Bank as Global Wholesale Banking Vice-President for Credit Risk Policy, overseeing governance across 62 countries.

His expertise spans risk appetite development, credit and risk policy formulation, cross-border risk management, structured trade finance, and Islamic finance policy and product development. As a faculty member of the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF) in the MENA region and a member of the Chartered Bankers Institute Expert Panel in the UK, Dondi has designed and delivered training in over 60 countries, covering credit and risk governance, corporate banking, trade finance, ESG, and Islamic finance.

With over 25 years of experience, Fadi brings a strong foundation in strategy, innovation, and investment. His career began with a fast-tracked 9-year tenure at Ernst & Young, followed by executive roles in investment firms managing assets exceeding $4 billion. He co-founded an investment management practice that now operates under Willie Nicholson & Associates, managing a portfolio of more than $30 million. 

Fadi is currently involved in various leadership and advisory capacities, including higher education innovation, venture capital, and AI-driven solutions in the construction industry. He has served on advisory and audit committees, contributed to the global crypto community through CryptoValley, and was previously part of the executive committee of the Institute of Internal Auditors. He is actively engaged in academic delivery and curriculum design in areas such as finance, strategy, and entrepreneurship. 

He holds an Executive MBA from Imperial College Business School, London. 

Haneen is a certified Executive Coach, psychometric assessor, and facilitator with over a decade of experience in learning and development across public and private sectors. She has worked with government entities, police forces, and ministries, contributing to national transformation initiatives through leadership training, talent development, and coaching. 

With a strong academic foundation including a Master’s degree in Business Administration and multiple psychometric certifications (including Hogan and MBTI), Haneen brings an evidence-based approach to training and coaching. She designs and delivers bespoke learning experiences in areas such as mental toughness, emotional intelligence, executive presence, and behavioural transformation. 

Alongside her corporate training work, Haneen is the founder of JoyActivate, where she integrates advanced modalities such as breathwork and Rapid Transformational Therapy to help individuals and teams unlock their authentic potential. She supports clients through individual coaching, assessment centres, and experiential learning interventions that empower lasting change.

Hossam El Shaffei is a global expert in internal audit, fraud risk management, compliance, and governance. With over three decades of experience across public, private, and multilateral organisations, he has led key initiatives in enterprise risk, audit quality assurance, anti-financial crimes, and process transformation. 

As Founder and Managing Director of Oversight Consulting & Training, Hossam has supported leadership teams and governing bodies to improve oversight systems, strengthen transparency, and embed ethical practices. He serves as a Board Trustee of The Internal Audit Foundation (IIA Global) and is an authorised trainer for the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and the International Compliance Association (ICA). 

Hossam has designed and delivered global learning programmes, established regional chapters for professional bodies, and contributed to international reform committees including the FIFA/CAF Reform Task Force. He has also mentored professionals through both the IIA and ACFE, and pioneered Arabic-language webinars on audit guidance, making professional knowledge more accessible across the region. 

His work has been recognised through various international awards and honours for advancing standards in risk, compliance, and organisational integrity. 

Hussam is a seasoned consultant and trainer specialising in financial crime prevention, compliance, and risk management. His expertise covers Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), fraud prevention, anti-bribery and corruption, cybersecurity, cybercrime, and regulatory compliance. 

With extensive experience addressing the unique challenges of the GCC and MENA regions, Hussam delivers tailored training programmes for front-office staff, operations teams, senior management, and board members. He also provides advanced sessions for compliance and AML/CFT professionals, supporting their preparation for leading industry certifications such as CAMS, CGSS, and CKYCA. 

Known for his engaging and interactive training style, Hussam incorporates real-world case studies and group exercises to foster participant involvement. Since 1997, he has trained a broad spectrum of institutions across the region, including financial and non-financial institutions, regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and professional service providers. 

Hussam is also a frequent speaker at regional and international conferences, sharing practical insights and expertise. 

Jigisha is an experienced corporate trainer, consultant, and data analyst with over 23 years’ expertise in credit and financial analysis, financial modelling, portfolio management, IFRS, risk management, and data analytics. She is skilled in using advanced tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and Tableau for data visualisation. 

Jigisha has a strong track record of delivering corporate training and consultancy across diverse sectors, including banking, investment, manufacturing, and education. She has designed and led programmes on financial markets, derivatives, mutual funds, portfolio evaluation, and regulatory frameworks including Basel guidelines. 

An author of multiple books and research papers, Jigisha has also served as a visiting faculty and consultant for numerous institutions, supporting budget processes, data warehousing, and analytics implementation. 

Her qualifications include Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM), Associate Company Secretary, and certifications in IFRS, Power BI, and advanced Excel. 

Mehmet brings over 20 years of experience combining deep technical expertise with strategic business development and entrepreneurial mentorship across the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey. His extensive knowledge spans technology consulting, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and driving growth within tech startups. 

As founder of Yassi Ventures and a strategic advisor for a Silicon Valley-based stealth startup, Mehmet has been instrumental in guiding startups through market validation, securing investment, and scaling operations. His unique ability to bridge technical solutions and business challenges helps organisations achieve sustained innovation and competitive advantage. 

Mehmet has held senior roles in sales and presales across leading technology firms, delivering successful business development and go-to-market strategies, particularly in the META region. His technical background, combined with business acumen, enables him to design effective strategies for digital adoption and investment readiness.

Dr. Mohamed Badie is a seasoned PMO and Digital Transformation leader with over 24 years of extensive experience in establishing and maturing PMOs, driving strategic portfolio and project management, and delivering enterprise project management solutions across public and private sectors. He specialises in crafting and executing digital transformation strategies that enhance governance, operational efficiency, and stakeholder alignment. 

Currently serving as Principal Consultant at the General Authority for Statistics in Riyadh, Dr. Badie has led multi-million SAR digital portfolios, implemented Enterprise Project Management systems, and developed frameworks that align with national transformation goals. His expertise in governance, risk mitigation, and performance monitoring has consistently delivered measurable business value. 

Founder of MAB Project Management Consultancy, Dr. Badie is recognised for mentoring teams, refining processes, and advocating best practices to ensure sustainable project success. His diverse background spans government entities, large-scale events like Expo 2020 Dubai, and complex cross-functional initiatives across the Middle East.

Mohamed brings extensive experience in delivering impactful training programmes tailored to the financial sector, focusing on enhancing skills and performance for continuous growth. His expertise includes a wide range of topics such as international trade finance, retail and digital banking, risk and project management, strategic planning, and personal branding. Mohamed applies adult learning principles to design engaging and learner-centred content, supporting graduates and professionals from mid to senior levels.

Mohammad El Medawar is a certified Microsoft Trainer and seasoned training professional with extensive experience delivering high-impact technical and soft skills training across the Middle East. Mohammad specialises in developing and executing customised training programmes that empower individuals and organisations to maximise their Microsoft technology investments. 

With a strong background in consulting and instructional design, he combines technical expertise with practical insights to ensure effective knowledge transfer and learner engagement. Mohammad is committed to fostering continuous professional development through innovative learning solutions tailored to diverse industry needs.

Dynamic and versatile professional with over 25 years of cross-functional experience in financial markets, compliance, and learning & development. Certified by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI, UK) and the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS). Skilled in portfolio management, securities trading, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance with expertise across equities, fixed income, derivatives, and alternative investments. 

Experienced in designing and delivering accredited training programmes in AML, leadership, financial market regulations, and investment strategies. Facilitates engaging virtual and face-to-face sessions tailored to adult learners, ensuring alignment with national standards and professional development goals. 

Specialises in competency-based assessment, coaching, and mentoring, with a strong focus on fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments. Collaborates closely with internal teams and external clients to identify skill gaps and implement strategic learning initiatives. 

Nahla is a seasoned Regulatory Compliance Professional with over 20 years of experience in financial services and FinTech. She is currently Head of Compliance and MLRO at Batelco Financial Services in Dubai, where she specialises in regulatory licensing, AML/CFT compliance, and risk management across MENA markets.

She has previously led compliance functions at Standard Chartered Bank and Global Processing Services, building expertise in digital payments, sanctions compliance, and regulatory frameworks. A certified CAMS and CCM professional, Nahla combines technical depth with strategic leadership, ensuring regulatory excellence while supporting business growth. Based in Dubai, she also holds Golden Visa residency.

CELTA and TEFL certified English language educator with over six years’ experience teaching primary, secondary, and adult learners. Specialising in the IGCSE curriculum, English Language Arts Standards, and modern, learner-centred teaching methodologies. Skilled at designing engaging lessons and training programmes that foster critical thinking, communication, and professional skills development. 

Currently delivering employability and soft skills training as part of the Job Centre programme in partnership with ADGMA. Experienced in tailoring content to individual learning styles and career stages, with a strong focus on promoting continuous professional development, growth mindset, and workplace readiness. 

Proven ability to manage classrooms effectively, coordinate academic programmes, and develop customised curricula to enhance learner outcomes. Passionate about creating inclusive and motivating learning environments that empower learners to achieve their academic and social goals. 

Omayma is a certified professional trainer and vocational educator with broad experience since 2019 in delivering training for governmental and private entities. She has managed graduate trainee and employee development programmes for organisations such as TAQA, the Sharjah National Oil Corporation, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Her expertise includes curriculum design and delivery of Higher Diploma Programmes in Business (Pearson BTEC Level 5 and Qualifi Levels 4 and 5) through institutions such as Al Nile Centre and WideView.

Known for her engaging training style, Omayma has successfully trained participants from diverse institutions across the UAE and wider region, including government bodies, universities, and private sector companies. In addition to training, she has led consultancy projects with Al Fikrah Management Consultancy, supported graduate research at the American University of Sharjah, and published academic work on the VAT regime in GCC countries.

Patrick is a transformational leader specialising in health and wellness innovation, organisational restructuring, and financial strategy. With extensive experience as an instructor, course creator, and speaker, he delivers data-driven programmes that align stakeholders, optimise operations, and prepare organisations for sustainable growth and expansion. Patrick has a proven track record of scaling wellbeing solutions internationally and driving measurable improvements in employee engagement and absenteeism. 

Sameh Omar Elish is an experienced finance instructor and business consultant with over a decade of expertise delivering high-level training and academic programmes at DBA and MBA levels. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration specialising in Finance and Accounting and has taught various finance and management courses across reputable institutions. 

Previously, Sameh worked as an Assistant Investment Manager, where he led research and portfolio management activities and contributed to strategic business planning. He combines strong analytical skills with practical experience in financial markets, risk management, and investment analysis. 

He is proficient in English and Arabic, skilled in MS Office, Reuters, and Bloomberg, and recognised for academic excellence with honours from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

Sanjay M Prabhu is an accomplished compliance trainer and consultant with over 18 years of experience in banking operations, audit, and regulatory compliance, including more than 9 years delivering specialised training across the UAE financial sector. Holding an MBA in Finance and multiple professional certifications—such as Certified Compliance Manager, Financial Crime Specialist, and Certified Training Professional—he brings deep expertise in AML/CFT, KYC/CDD, sanctions compliance, and regulatory frameworks aligned with UAE and international standards. 

He is skilled in instructional design, e-learning development, and has conducted over 2,500 training sessions and webinars. 

As a trusted advisor, he supports financial institutions in embedding a robust culture of compliance and risk management, enhancing regulatory adherence, and implementing governance frameworks. His proficiency spans advanced learning platforms and banking software, making him a valuable asset in the training and consultancy space within financial services. 
 

Sapna Sulaya is a seasoned learning and development professional with over 22 years of experience in the financial services industry. She has led group-wide transformation initiatives by designing and delivering strategic training programmes that place customers at the core of business outcomes. Sapna specialises in sales enablement, governance frameworks, and embedding cultures of continuous learning within complex, multinational organisations. 

She currently serves as a Learning Partner delivering senior-level training and bespoke certification programmes, including collaborations with ADGM Academy and LIBF, achieving outstanding success with UAE national development plans. Her expertise extends to sustainable finance, fintech innovation, and coaching, with a strong track record in stakeholder engagement and multi-disciplinary collaboration. 

Previously, Sapna held leadership roles at major financial institutions, where she excelled in risk management, wealth governance, and operational excellence. Her professional journey is marked by award-winning team leadership and a passion for coaching and lifelong learning.

Shawki Ahwash is an experienced anti-financial crime consultant and trainer with over two decades of expertise in AML/CFT, sanctions compliance, and governance within the banking sector. Holding CAMS and CGSS certifications from ACAMS, alongside the Combating Financial Crime certificate from CISI-UK, Shawki combines practical banking leadership with regional consultancy experience across MENA, GCC, and Europe. 

He has served as Head of AML/CFT & Sanctions Division in Lebanese banking and has led critical functions in payments, investigations, and KYC operations. Shawki is renowned for delivering high-level training programmes on financial crime prevention, sanctions enforcement, and regulatory compliance for financial institutions and regulatory bodies.

His expertise extends to transaction monitoring, asset recovery, risk assessment, anti-bribery, and trade-based money laundering, underpinned by a strong commitment to fostering ethical compliance cultures and protecting institutional integrity. 

Shubhangi has extensive experience in finance, treasury, research, and academic teaching. She has designed training programmes for fintech, wealth management, retail and digital banking, enhancing learner engagement with practical activities and industry examples. Her research on fintech adoption is widely published and cited in top international journals.

Sophie Bertin is a seasoned compliance and financial services strategist with over 25 years’ experience leading innovation and transformation across global banking, fintech, and regulatory landscapes. As Founder and CEO of Serapy AG, she pioneers gamified and AI-driven learning platforms designed to elevate compliance training effectiveness in areas such as AML/ABC, CFT, ESG, and data privacy. 

Her previous leadership roles include Head of Corporate Development at SIX Group, where she steered strategic innovation and risk frameworks, and Head of State Aid for Financial Services at the European Commission during the financial crisis, overseeing banking sector stabilisation and regulatory guidance across Europe. 

Sophie’s expertise spans digital transformation, regulatory compliance, project management, and corporate governance, backed by an INSEAD MBA and post-graduate qualifications in EU competition law and corporate governance. She is also a respected advisor to law firms, consultancies, and VC firms, blending deep sector insight with a passion for impactful learning.

Syed Aamir Zahidi is a globally experienced board member and C-suite executive specialising in banking and finance. He is known for driving corporate performance through transformation and innovative strategies, acting as a trusted advisor to boards and executive teams. His expertise spans redesigning operational frameworks, enhancing commercial performance, and facilitating complex mergers, acquisitions, and integration programmes worldwide. 

His extensive experience includes leadership roles in management consulting, Islamic banking, financial holdings, and multinational investment banking. Syed has contributed to business performance, governance, capital strategy, and regulatory compliance while managing significant digital transformation and capital projects. He has a proven track record in managing diverse teams, mentoring future leaders, and delivering sustained financial growth. 

Vera is an enthusiastic advocate of sustainability with 15 years’ experience specialising in financial services, particularly retail banking, asset management, and wealth management. She has successfully delivered multi-million-pound business transformation programmes across multiple regions. 

Holding Master’s degrees in Computational Mathematics and Environment and Sustainability, Vera has trained over 15,000 professionals through both face-to-face and online programmes, focusing on sustainability in business, leadership, project and change management, and data management. She has also supervised more than 100 MBA and MSc dissertations. 

Vera combines her expertise as an independent consultant and lecturer, collaborating with universities and organisations to embed sustainability strategies and deliver impactful projects. Outside of work, she is actively involved as a director of a children’s charity in Kenya. 

Wael Abdul Qadir is an experienced Learning and Development professional. With a strong background in training delivery, account management, and customer service, Wael has successfully led training programmes, driven business growth, and supported career development initiatives across various sectors. Wael combines strategic leadership with hands-on coaching to enhance employee skills and boost organisational performance. Fluent in English and Arabic, he holds a Diploma in Training Skills from City and Guilds, UK, and a Bachelor’s degree in Dentistry from Ajman University of Science and Technology. 

Wasim Jabr is a finance and banking professional specialising in corporate finance, Islamic banking, risk management, and compliance training. He supports ADGMA by delivering comprehensive programmes designed to enhance financial literacy, credit analysis, operational risk, and anti-money laundering awareness. With over 20 years of experience across banking, internal audit, and regulatory compliance, Wasim brings practical insights into financial governance and controls. His expertise is instrumental in equipping learners with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern banking and financial services.

Yamen Aljabr is an experienced educational trainer and lecturer specialising in leadership development, learning and development, and risk management. Supporting ADGMA, he delivers dynamic and interactive training programmes designed to enhance professional skills across educational and corporate sectors. With a strong background in curriculum design, instructional delivery, and assessment, Yamen expertly tailors learning interventions to meet diverse learner needs. His expertise also includes risk management and insurance, ensuring comprehensive development aligned with industry standards.

Yuliia Shyn is an ICF-accredited leadership coach specialising in behavioural change and emotional intelligence development. With over a decade of international experience across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, she designs and delivers transformational leadership programmes tailored to emerging professionals. Yuliia expertly applies psychometric assessments and coaching methodologies to foster mindset transformation, resilience, and leadership effectiveness. Her work includes creating experiential learning solutions that enhance employability and professional growth, particularly within UAE federal institutions and private sector partners.