Hammad Hassan

 Achieved growth in operating income and profitability and drove Islamic banking to become a major contributor to group revenues.  Designed and implemented significant restructuring plan to transform operational effectiveness from front-to-back-office, strengthening client acquisition and introducing an improved Shariah compliant product suite.  Introduced new focus in three core business areas of Client Segments, Products and Geographies. Assessed existing customer proposition and functionality to identify areas for improvement.  Motivated and managed multicultural team in Bahrain, plus operations in Dubai, Algeria and London; collaborated proactively with HR to assess, source and attract the best available talent.  Grew Islamic capital markets activity to significantly contribute to Bank ABC’s group total since 2017; positioned the bank as a key regional player, which understands both MENA/GCC commercial drivers and the unique Islamic product offering.  Globalized Islamic banking, exploiting synergies and cross-selling within the group; launched ‘alburaq’ branding and grew Islamic footprint within and outside of Bank ABC’s presence countries.  Opened Islamic window in DIFC, Dubai in 2022; deepened relationships and accelerated marketing activity by demonstrating long term commitment to UAE-based clients, hiring experienced UAE RM in DIFC.  Set up first ever Islamic Banking window operation by a privately owned bank in Algeria in 2020; supported Algerian government on commercially viable Islamic regulatory framework from 2017, prior to introduction of new regulations in 2020.  Facilitated launch of ‘Ila alburaq’ in 2023; coordinated with CEO of Ila to design Islamic consumer product suite under the brand name ‘alburaq’ specifically for innovative digital offering, ila.  Led strategic input into multiple products, working with risk management and compliance to establish commercial parameters and increase revenue opportunities.

 Relocated to Bahrain with responsibility for business development and account management for the bank’s corporate and institutional banking businesses with products comprising wholesale Islamic loans, structured finance, securitization, Sukuks, hedging, debt advisory and liability products.  Built extensive client portfolio across a range of industry segments; added numerous accounts through focused business development strategy and account management. Coverage geographies included GCC, MENA and Turkey.  Developed and managed coverage team of seven; responsible for P & L and full spectrum of strategy, annual business planning, budgeting and operations for coverage business.  Originated, structured and lead-managed numerous Islamic transactions; met commercial and Shariah requirements with a special focus on Islamic treasury, project finance, syndications and Sukuks.  Improved asset quality across the portfolio and minimised non-performing assets; continually reviewed credit quality and positioning alongside the risk management team, proactively managing stressed and distressed clients.  Directed new Islamic product initiatives; launched Islamic treasury products including Profit Rate Swaps and FX Hedging using Murabaha as well as Wa’ad based structures.

Responsible for setting up the Islamic banking operation at Samba Financial Group. Reporting to the Group Head of Islamic Banking, worked on the strategic initiative of developing Islamic Banking products and setting up of an Islamic banking operation at Samba in close coordination with the Shariah Supervisory Board.

Set up the sales and marketing unit for Global Transaction Services (cash management and trade products) in Eastern region of Saudi Arabia for Samba Financial Group.