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  • MR. ABBAS NAJWANI

    Head of Customer Experience at Sohar International. He has over 22 years of expertise in strategic planning, business development, product development & management, marketing & sales, financial consumer protection. He has an MBA from University of Bedfordshire and Bachelors in Commerce and Economics from SQU. He is also a Certified Customer Experience Professional from The CX Academy.

  • MR. ADITYA JITANI

    Head - Risk Management (Credit Risk) in Bank Muscat. He has developed various credit risk methodologies and rating models for corporate, SME and retail portfolio in the bank. His core competencies lie in the areas of credit risk evaluation, risk quantification methodologies, implementation of advanced approaches of Basel and IFRS 9. A Chartered Accountant from ICAI, he has over 20 years of experience in banking and credit risk.

  • MS. AFRA AL ZADJALI

    Head Debt Capital Markets and Restructuring Division within Investment Banking at Sohar International. She holds a Master’s Degree in Finance from Cranfield University and is a certified debt collections trainer. With over a decade of experience in managing distressed portfolios for Retail and SME sectors at two top International banks, her areas of expertise include quality assurance, strategy, and litigation in debt management. Furthermore, she has experience in project financing, corporate treasury, and the management of stressed assets.

  • MR. AJANTHA MADURAPPERUMA

    Chief Examiner at CBO. He has previously held senior positions in charge of risk management and corporate banking functions in commercial banking and as CEO of a primary dealer subsidiary dealing in government securities in Sri Lanka. He is an MBA and holds CFA and CIMA certifications, besides being a Fellow of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL). He had won the CIMA Business Manager of the Year, 2004, Gold Award in Sri Lanka.

  • MR. BIKRAM MONGA

    General Manager – Chief Risk, Controls & Strategy Officer at National Finance Co. , where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction and ensuring robust risk frameworks. He has over 25 years of diverse international experience, specializing in risk management, strategy, and corporate governance. Previously, he held key leadership positions, including Chief Risk Officer at OMINVEST SAOG and Ahli Bank etc.. His career spans multicultural environments and leading financial institutions across the GCC, Western & Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, where he has navigated complex regulatory landscapes and driven impactful business transformations. He holds a BSc (with Honors) in Mechanical Engineering from Moscow and an MBA from the University of Alberta, Canada. He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School, having completed its prestigious Senior Executive Leadership Program. Beyond his corporate roles, he has served as Board Member & Treasurer at ABA Oman International School since 2020, including Chairman (2021-2022).

  • MR. EHAB GADALLAH

    Corporate Trainer at Bank Dhofar. He has over two decades of banking experience (both operational and training) across Egypt and Oman. His areas of training are retail banking, corporate banking, trade finance, recovery, audit, compliance, and learning and development. He holds an MBA in Banking and Finance and several professional certifications, including Certified Expert in SME Finance, Omega Credit Skills Development, Islamic Finance Qualification (IFQ), Fundamentals of Financial Services from CISI, UK, and Certified PPA Practitioner from Thomas Assessment International, UK. He previously served as Manager – Learning and Development at the National Bank of Oman, where he designed and delivered a wide array of technical, soft skills, and leadership training programs.

  • DR. FATIN AL ZADJALI

    Head-Learning and Development at Bank Dhofar. She began her career as a banker and worked in two major banks in Oman. She subsequently joined CBFS and evolved into the role of academic and training faculty. She has done her Bachelor’s in Business from Australia, Diploma in Banking from IBFS, MBA from University of Strathclyde – UK and PhD in Islamic Finance from INCEIF- Malaysia. She also has various training related Certifications such as Certified Training Professional (CTP), Creative Train the Trainer and Certified Islamic Banker. Her areas of training expertise are Islamic banking and soft skills.

  • MR. HAITHAM AL RAISI

    Associate Vice President Fraud Risk Management at Sohar International and Board Member of ACFE- Oman Chapter. He has over 15 years of experience. He was previously Manager Investigation - Financial Crime Threat Mitigation, HSBC. He holds M.Sc. in Finance and Management. He has also completed various professional certifications such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), Diploma in Islamic Finance (CIMA), and Diploma in Governance, Risk & Compliance and Diploma in Financial Crime Prevention (ICA, UK). He has also attended Leadership courses conducted by Queen›s Smith School of Business, Canada and ISB, India. His areas of training expertise are retail banking, fraud risk management, compliance and financial crimes investigation.

  • MR. HISHAM MOOSA HASSAN

    Senior Vice President at Sohar Islamic, Sohar International. With experience exceeding 18 years in both local and international banks, he has specialized in wholesale banking, risk management as well Financial Institutional Relationships. In addition, he has served as a senior treasury manager at Oman Investment Authority (OIA). He graduated from SQU and has Masters degree from University of Bradford. In addition, he is a Certified Credit Analyst by Moodys Analytics.

  • DR. IRAM ANSARI

    Head of the Accounting Department at SQU University and the Director of Training, Research, and Development at the ACFE Oman Chapter. A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA Australia), Dr. Ansari works closely with multiple professional bodies, including the IIA, CMA, and ACCA. She is passionate about enhancing organizational accountability and transparency, blending academic expertise with practical knowledge. Dr. Ansari advocates for ethical business practices and the critical role of internal audit in safeguarding organizational integrity. She is dedicated to empowering the next generation of professionals to pursue excellence.

  • MR. JUMA AL JABRI

    AGM & Head of Global Markets and FIG in Bank Dhofar. He has over 17 years’ work experience in Treasury and financial products. He has worked in different banks in the areas of money market, fixed income, interbank, commodities and FX corporate sales. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering from SQU and an MBA from the University of Strathclyde. He is also one of the few professionals in Oman having both ACI Dealing Certificate and ACI Diploma, having passed both examinations with merit. He is a board member of ACI FMA Oman Chapter, Board member and Oman representative in ICA (Interarab Cambist Association) as well as member of Treasury Committee in Oman Bank’s Association (OBA).

  • MR. MOHAMMED AL WADHAHI

    Head of Talent Learning and development at Oman Arab Bank. His expertise is in organizational psychology, leadership development, growth mindset, coaching and mental health. He is an ICF credentialed coach with 17 years of experience in training and development in the healthcare and the banking sector.

  • MR. MOHAMMED ANWAR AL BALUSHI

    A former banker with over 27 years of experience in internal audit and branch operations. He was earlier Executive Manager in the Executive Project Management Office, Unit Head of Assessment Center and Deputy Head-Learning and capability development at Sohar International. He is a certified trainer, has an MBA from Bedfordshire University, UK, and is a member of CIPD, UK and ACFE. He holds a banking diploma from CBFS. He has Psytech Testing Certificate and International Compliance Association (ICA) certificate. He is certified by Korn Ferry in the assessment of leadership potential. He also has PMP and CISA certifications. He is a columnist and books reviewer for Oman Daily Observer, Times of Oman and The Arabian Stories newspapers. He has authored a book on “Modern Techniques of Bank Branch Auditing”.

  • MR. MOHAMMED NABIULLA

    Learning & Development Manager at National Bank of Oman. He has over 18 years of diversified banking experience across, Retail, Insurance, Sales, Marketing and learning & Development functions. He specializes in Managing Learning Team, Content Development & Design, Development & Delivery of Engaging Learning Initiatives, Evaluation of Training Effectiveness & Performance Improvement, Leadership & Soft Skills Facilitator, Behavioral Trainer, Sales Trainer & Performance Coach, Outbound Experiential Trainer, Psychometric Testing & Assessment Centers, E-Learning Solution Specialist, E-Learning Content Development Learning Management System Hosting Relationship Management. He has previously worked with Mashreq Bank UAE, Qatar & Bahrain & ICICI Prudential Life Insurance co in India. He has Master degree in Finance & Marketing from AIMS India, he is Certified Life Coach from Achology- The Academy of Applied Psychology UK. Certified Occupational Assessor from EFPA UK. Assessor & internal Quality Assurance from ILM UK. DDI Certified Leadership Facilitator USA, Certified Experiential Trainer from IIPE Canada, Certified Outbound Trainer, Certified Trainer Proactive Relationship Banker from Cohen Brown Management group INC USA.

  • MR. MURAHARI NAIK

    Head Trade Finance Ops Transformation at National Bank of Oman. He has over 3 decades of experience in almost all key areas of banking with leading commercial banks in India and Oman. He has done MBA in Banking and Finance and holds CAIIB and CDCS Certifications.

  • CA NAT VORA

    Senior Advisor with AJMS global with specific focus on sustainability & ESG, risk advisory, & business consulting. He has over 3 decades of experience in finance and accounting, specializing in startups, mergers and acquisitions, and capital raising for energy, telecom, retail, and banking. He is also the Founder and CEO of StrategiX Advisors with services in Muscat, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and India. His last job was as the CFO of Solar Wadi, the first independent Omani company that invests in, builds, and operates renewable energy power plants. He is a Chartered Accountant from ICAI, India and is also a CPA.

  • MS. NAVEEN SAFIA

    She has about two decades of experience at the College of Economics and Political Science (CEPS), SQU, specialised in Business Communication. She holds a BA in English and an MBA. She has presented at conferences across the US, China, and other global venues. Currently, she teaches Foundation Courses at CBFS as a part-time instructor while pursuing her entrepreneurial ventures.

  • CA NEERAJ RATHI

    AGM – Product Development and Projects (with additional responsibility as Head of Corporate Lending) at National Finance Co. (NFC). He has over three decades of experience in Banking, IT & Manufacturing Sector, covering a variety of industries from start-up Banks to mega Bank merger to large manufacturing Companies. He previously worked with Bank Nizwa as Head of Asset Products for developing and managing Islamic Banking Products (Liability & Asset) for Retail. He was also a founder member of Noor Islamic Bank, Dubai where he carried out the project management during its formation and managed the Liability portfolio after its launch.

  • MR. NUWAN SUMANASEKARA

    Head of Credit and Operations – Najahi Business Banking at Bank Muscat. He has over 25 years of banking experience in the varied areas of MSME credit, consumer credit, credit risk management, business banking, operations and strategy. He previously worked for Hatton National Bank in Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank in U.A.E. and RAK Bank in U.A.E. He holds Associate ACMA, CGMA designations awarded by CIMA & AICPA respectively. He also has an MBA degree from Postgraduate Institute of Management in Sri Lanka.

  • CA PIYUSH THAKKAR

    Managing Partner at MGI Vision Chartered Accountants and Director at Keynote Services, with over two decades of experience in assurance, financial advisory, and corporate governance. He specializes in external and internal audits, business valuations, due diligence, and feasibility studies across diverse sectors in Oman and the GCC. He is also passionate about supporting MSMEs and social impact initiatives. He is a Chartered Accountant from ICAI and a B.Com graduate from Mumbai University.

  • MR. PRASHANTH REDDY

    Head Project Finance, Syndications at Bank Dhofar. In his career of over 25 years he has worked on project and structured finance transactions across all key infrastructure and industrial sectors. He has previously worked at SBI Capital Markets, IDFC, ICICI Bank, BOB Capital Markets and Bank Muscat. He has a MSc from the London Business School, UK an MBA from XLRI School of Management India and has a graduate degree in civil engineering. He also holds CFA Charter, CFA Sustainable Investing Certificate, FRM from GARP, USA and CAIIB from Indian Institute of Banking & Finance.

  • MR. QAIS AL HINAI

    Head of HR Transformation & Service Excellence at Bank Dhofar. He has over 20 years of experience in all facets of HR including Strategy, development, performance management & employee relations, He has been part of several strategic committees in the Bank, assisted in the setup of 2 of the International Branches of a local Bank. He is a Fulbright Scholar and has secured the NTI Business Professional of the Year Award. He has a Bachelors degree in Economics & Accounting and a Master’s Degree from the US in Human Resource Management. He has also undergone certifications such as the Six Sigma Green Belt, BPS Level A, B & B+ Psychometric Assessment. He is a Thomas Certified Assessor, a Certified Coach & Mentor.

  • DR. SAUD AL SHIDHANI

    Chief Transformation Officer at Sohar International, spearheading digital banking innovations, change management and process improvements. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial services sector. He has previously held pivotal roles at HSBC and NBO, including Chief Operating Officer and Country CEO in Egypt, where he led major strategic transformations and operational enhancements, driving cost-efficient growth and enhanced customer satisfaction across retail and corporate banking. He holds a PhD in Business Administration and has completed prestigious leadership programs at London Business School and the Irish Management Institute. He has a Certificate in Operational and Market Risk from AAFM, USA, Certified Product Manager and Product Marketing Manager from AIPMM, USA.

  • DR. SUNIL GUPTA

    Chief Learning Officer and Innovation Instigator, Ideas, Oman, UAE and India. He has done Post Masters Research and Advanced Training in HR at New York University, USA. He has an M.Phil. & Ph.D. in Management. He holds various certifications including Lifetime, Master Trainer, Dr. Edward de Bono Creativity Tools, Master Black Belt, Six Sigma- Motorola University, USA, Certified CPS- Creative Problem Solving- CPSI/ CEF: Introduction, Advanced tools, Building & Sustaining a Culture of Innovation, Certified Facilitator, Design thinking, Certified TRIZ Expert (Russian Theory of Inventive Problem Solving), USA, Certified Trainer, Mind Mapping, Buzan Centre, UK.

  • MR. VENKAT R. BETAPUDI

    Deputy Head of Audit – IT and Security at Bank Muscat. He has over 22 years of experience in the areas of cyber threats, cyber-Security, OT and cloud security, data governance, and IT governance. His experience spans across multiple industries like IT services, banking, telecom, energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, healthcare and automobile with global companies like Accenture, IBM, KPMG, Tata Communications, Vodafone, and Wipro. He has extensive experience providing onsite and remote consulting services to clients across the US, Europe, APAC, and the Middle East. He holds various certifications, including CISSP, PMP, TOGAF, DAMA, CDMP, CRISC, CEH, CISA, SecurityX, Azure, GCP and AWS Security.

  • MS. ZAHRA AL LAWATI

    Senior Specialist – Retail Business Partner at Sohar International Academy. She has over 16 years of diversified banking experience across retail banking, operations, customer experience, wealth management and learning and development. She has previously worked with HSBC Oman Bank. She has a Bachelor’s and Diploma degree in HR from CBFS & Pearson UK, Vocational Cambridge International Diploma in IT Skills. She is a Certified Psychometric Assessor by Psytech International, Certified Trainer by New Metrics Training Institute and holds Certified Bank Branch Manager (CBBM) certificate of CBFS.