Press Release: Bahrain FinTech Bay appointment of Chief Executive Officer

Manama, [●] 14 January 2018: The Fintech Consortium are pleased to announce the appointment of Khalid Esam Saad as the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Bahrain FinTech Bay (“BFB”).

Khalid Saad will work closely with the board of BFB to lead the development of Bahrain FinTech Bay’s strategy; and oversee the implementation of its long and short-term objectives. In addition, Khalid will provide the senior leadership required to coordinate and communicate with the various stakeholders of BFB including founding partners, government bodies, local and international FinTech firms, amongst others. Khalid will also oversee all the partnerships, activities and management of the local team of Bahrain FinTech Bay.

Khalid was previously a Business Development Manager for the Bahrain Economic Development Board for 8 years and has developed deep relationships with industry and has been heavily involved in the development of the FinTech ecosystem in Bahrain. Previously, he worked for Ernst & Young, where his work centered on conducting feasibility and market studies, operations plans, strategic documents and private placement memorandums for a wide array of clients. Prior to that, he was in SEI Investments in London.

Maissan Al Maskati, Chairman of FinTech Consortium Bahrain said: “I am pleased today to announce the appointment of Khalid Saad as CEO of Bahrain Fintech Bay. Khalid is the ideal person for the role given his background and outstanding enthusiasm for all things FinTech. We are confident that this appointment will only further strengthen the capabilities of BFB and the proposition it offers all of its stakeholders”​

Gerben Visser, Founder of the FinTech Consortium said: “I am delighted to have Khalid come on board and believe that his expertise network, knowledge and experience will further accelerate Bahrain’s position as a Regional FinTech Hub and contribute to the future-proofing of Bahrain’s financial sector.”