Apex Group Saudi Arabia

Ayman Sejiny is a distinguished leader in Islamic finance and corporate banking with over 22 years of experience. Currently serves as Chairman of Apex Saudi Arabia, Dar Al-Aila, and Tarh, leading significant investment and financial services firms focused on sustainable growth and innovation. From 2018 to 2022, he was CEO of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) in the rank of Excellency, where he spearheaded projects aimed at fostering competition, entrepreneurship, employment, and export potential across Islamic finance markets. Prior to ICD, he was CEO at Ibdar Bank and Alkhair Bank, overseeing strategic business areas including Corporate and Investment Banking and Private Banking. Held senior leadership roles at major international banks including Barclays Capital Saudi Arabia as Board Member and CEO, managing Barclays Capital, Barclays Wealth, and Barclays Sales and Treasury divisions. Served as Chairman and Board Member in various companies across sectors and geographies, including Open Silicone, Inc. (semiconductors, USA), Bahrain Financing Company Group Holdings (foreign exchange and remittance), Al-Khair Capital Menkul and Al-Khair Portfoy Yonetimi in Turkey (asset management and brokerage), and Al-Khair International Islamic Bank in Malaysia.

Hassan AlShuaiby brings 25 years of local and international experience. Throughout his distinguished professional career, he has held executive positions with key regulators in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that includes the Capital Market Authority, Supreme Economic Council, and the General Awqaf Authority. He also worked as an investment advisor to H.E. Minister of Housing and has extensive international experience at the World Bank and Merrill Lynch. Mr. AlShuaiby is a well-known and respected figure in the financial field, having held various senior roles. Notably, he served as the head of the investment product issuance division, where he was responsible for regulating and approving all investment products including mutual funds and related investment products at the CMA. He also participated in several committees such as the inclusion of the Saudi market in the major indices (MSI, FTSE, and S&P), IOSCO Committee on Derivatives (Committee 7), and the market opening for foreign investors through the QFI scheme. Mr. AlShuaiby is the Chairman SICO Capital, Audit Committee member at AlQassim national Hospital, and holds several board memberships in mutual funds. He holds a Master of Science in Project Management from the George Washington University, USA and Bachelor of Science in Finance and International Business from The American University, USA.

Prior to joining Apex, Zafar worked with SNB Capital as a Consultant primarily to set up custody service and to lead outsourcing of fund administration project. From 2015 to 2022 worked with Albilad Capital and set up Securities Services business consisting of Custody, Agency, and Fund Administration Service. Lead corporate restructuring project and strategic planning. The last position held by him was of Chief Operating Officer of Albilad Capital. Zafar has over 30 years, experience with SABB, SABB Securities Ltd and HSBC Saudi Arabia in different key and challenging roles. Established and lead the Securities Services business from 2001 to 2015 and transformed it into a complex, diversified and market leading business, supporting multiple products (Custody, Fund Administration and Corporate Trust & Loan Agency Services). Established HSBC’s Investment Operation department (Local & International brokerage, Asset Management) and managed as a Head of Investment Operation from 1996-2001, attained an in-depth knowledge and experience of all Investment products. Rich project management experience and managed over 15 major IPOs/ Right Issues. Due to his service to community and the country, Zafar has recently been bestowed the second highest civil award (Sattar E Imtiaz) by the President of Pakistan.

Christiane El Habre brings over two decades of experience in the MENA financial services industry. She joins Apex Group from international management consultancy Elkho Group where she was Partner, Chair of the Board and CEO of Middle East operations. Prior to this, Christiane was CEO and executive board member FFA Private Bank (Dubai) a specialized investment bank in Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC). Christiane held senior positions in Gap Corp in Dubai, and she spent 5 years at FFA Private Bank in Lebanon as the Head of Treasury and Operations. She is a member of the GCC business community, serving on the boards of several non-profits, where she is committed to mentoring and coaching young professionals in the finance industry. Christiane graduated from St Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut with a degree in Finance, she completed further education from IE business school in High Impact Leadership, and from the Oxford University in advanced Fintech.

Prior to joining Apex, Zafar worked with SNB Capital as a Consultant primarily to set up custody service and to lead outsourcing of fund administration project. From 2015 to 2022 worked with Albilad Capital and set up Securities Services business consisting of Custody, Agency, and Fund Administration Service. Lead corporate restructuring project and strategic planning. The last position held by him was of Chief Operating Officer of Albilad Capital. Zafar has over 30 years, experience with SABB, SABB Securities Ltd and HSBC Saudi Arabia in different key and challenging roles. Established and lead the Securities Services business from 2001 to 2015 and transformed it into a complex, diversified and market leading business, supporting multiple products (Custody, Fund Administration and Corporate Trust & Loan Agency Services). Established HSBC’s Investment Operation department (Local & International brokerage, Asset Management) and managed as a Head of Investment Operation from 1996-2001, attained an in-depth knowledge and experience of all Investment products. Rich project management experience and managed over 15 major IPOs/ Right Issues. Due to his service to community and the country, Zafar has recently been bestowed the second highest civil award (Sattar E Imtiaz) by the President of Pakistan.

Decades of professional investment management experience in Europe and the MENA region. Currently spearheading the launching and development of ManCo and fund hosting services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and registered fund manager with the CMA. Holds a masters in management from ESCP Europe – Paris (major finance) and masters in economics (major money and banking) from St Joseph University – Beirut.

Head of Fund Services, Apex Group Ghada Bin Baz brings over 18 years of experience in the investment sector, spanning asset management operations, middle office, finance, and control within the Saudi capital markets intuitions. Prior to joining Apex, she was part of Sahm Capital Company (2021–2023), where she established and led the Finance Department and contributed to positioning Sahm as the first Chinese investment company operating in the Saudi market. Previously, she held senior roles at BSF Capital, progressing from operations to Vice President of Accounting and Financial Reporting, overseeing regulatory reporting and financial governance. She began her career at ANB Investment Company and was among the first to obtain the CME-1 certification in 2009. Ghada’s experience spans the full operational and financial spectrum of investment companies, positioning her as a well-rounded leader with strong execution capabilities across the investment lifecycle.

Mr. Abubakar handling real estate department in a capacity of “Head of RE Fund Operations” with an overall experience of more than 14 years. He worked with number of multinational corporations during his career and specialized in managing the followings; REITS Private close ended income generating and development funds QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY Chartered Accountant qualified from the “Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales” Holding “Introduction to securities & investment (International) English” from the “Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment” (CISI) His professional qualifications coupled with extensive experience in financial sector made him an invaluable asset for our organization.

Maha Althehaiban is the Head of Compliance & MLRO at Apex Saudi. She oversees compliance across all business activities and advises senior management, committees, and the Board of Directors on regulatory matters. She is responsible for enhancing the firm’s compliance culture, managing regulatory risk, and ensuring alignment with applicable laws and best practices. Maha also contributes to governance frameworks, supports key business initiatives, and liaises with regulatory authorities. Maha has over eight years of experience in the financial sector, working with entities regulated by the Capital Market Authority (CMA). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and is certified as a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) and a Governance, Risk, and Compliance Professional (GRCP).