The Man
Behind the
Vision
Fadi Salim Al Faqih is a Jordanian-Palestinian banking executive with over two decades of leadership at the intersection of Islamic finance, digital transformation, and emerging-market strategy.
Born in Nablus, Palestine in 1973, raised in Jordan, and now based in Dubai — his career arc spans continents, institutions, and paradigms, always in service of building what endures.
Fadi's journey begins in Jordan, where he earned a B.Sc. in Finance and Accounting from the University of Jordan in 1994. He went on to complete a Global Executive MBA through the prestigious TRIUM program — a joint initiative of the London School of Economics, NYU Stern, and HEC Paris.
His early career took him through senior roles at Citibank, Egyptian Arab Land Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, and ANZ Grindlays Bank — building a rare fluency across both conventional and Islamic banking practice in the Middle East.
In 2006, he joined Bank of Khartoum as Chief Operating Officer, and was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer in 2008. Over the decade that followed, he transformed BOK from a struggling institution into Sudan's leading Islamic bank — growing the balance sheet to $2 billion, expanding staff to over 1,300, and pioneering the country's first mobile money service, Bankak. BOK became the first Sudanese bank delisted from U.S. OFAC sanctions in 2011, and attained the highest credit rating in Sudan's history.
After leaving BOK in 2018, Fadi founded Elavin, a Dubai-based financial consultancy, and co-founded TRICE — a technology-driven receivables and invoice platform. He also serves as a mentor at DIFC FinTech Hive, advising the next generation of financial innovators across the region.
“Islamic banking is about how much you can contribute to the market, rather than being just an intermediary and taking a cut from the profit.”
Founded Elavin as a Dubai-based financial consultancy serving banks and institutions across the MENA region. Co-founded TRICE, a receivables and invoice financing platform leveraging technology to modernize trade finance.
Led a decade-long transformation of Sudan's largest bank. Grew assets to $2B, expanded to Bahrain, launched Bankak (Sudan's first mobile money service), and achieved the country's first OFAC delisting. Revenues grew 350% over five years.
Ensured compliance with U.S. and local accounting standards. Served on the Central Bank of Jordan's Basel II committee, contributing to the implementation of international capital standards.
Senior positions at Standard Chartered Bank, ANZ Grindlays Bank, and Egyptian Arab Land Bank — building foundational expertise across both conventional and Islamic banking in Jordan and the wider region.
A Voice at the World's Foremost Forums
From Cambridge to Amman, Fadi has addressed leaders across Islamic finance, fintech, and development economics — sharing Sudan's story as a case study in resilience and institutional transformation.
Ready to collaborate?
Whether advisory, consulting, or keynote — Fadi welcomes conversations that matter.