Rasmala strengthens their leadership edge by appointing Chief Operating Officer

This appointment is an important step to strengthen the Bank's cadre with distinctive and extensive expertise in the region's banking and financial sector.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Ali Samir al Shihabi, Founder and CEO of Rasmala, said: "Ms. Sakhnini posses an extensive experience in the region's banking and financial sector from her past posts in distinguished corporations. We are confident Ms. Sakhnini will contribute to the intended development and growth of the Bank, hence, extending our operations in the region. A group of Rasmala's experts in the banking and investment sector will assist Ms. Sakhnini in her new post."

Before joining Rasmala, Ms. Sakhnini worked at Citibank for 12 years where she occupied various leading positions the latest of which was being Vice President for Leadership and Development in the Middle East and Africa. Salma Sakhnini holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) Degree from Yale University and a Bachelor Degree from the American University of Beirut.

"Salma's executive expertise in the region in addition to her experience in strategic development, customer care and quality management, and training and development of human resources will help in creating the appropriate environment to better serve Rasmala's clients, hence, significantly develop and promote our overall operation." Mr. al Shihabi added.

Ms. Sakhnini has held several key posts during her employment at Citibank including the posts of Assistant Vice President for Distribution, Head of Customer Loyalty and Quality, and Head of Strategic Development. She also worked at the American University of Dubai for 2 years as a lecturer on International Business, Human Resource Management, and Creative Problem Solving.

On her part, Ms. Sakhnini said:

"Joining Rasmala is an important turning point in my financial career especially that I will be working with a dynamic and young cadre of regional professionals who strive to maintain a distinctive position on the region's map of investment banks. I have joined Rasmala after observing the Company's stable and fast growth."

Rasmala is focused on Asset Management and Investment Banking. The Asset Management team manages and structures portfolios across all major asset classes, particularly hedge funds, equity, and real estate funds in Arab and Global markets. The Investment Banking team sources regional investment opportunities in direct investment and real estate across the Arab region. It also advises on mergers and acquisitions.

Rasmala has recently launched a new brokerage company, Rasmala Financial Brokerages, which currently provides its clients a trading platform on Dubai Financial Market via its state-of-the-art system.

With offices in Dubai, London and Amman, Rasmala combines international presence with regional experience of the Middle East.