Visionary Banking Leader Driving Digital Transformation and Customer-Centric Growth in the UAE
Introduction
Raheel Ahmed is a seasoned banking and financial services executive with over 30 years of extensive experience leading diverse teams and driving strategic growth across multiple markets and cultures. As the Group Chief Executive Officer of RAKBANK since January 2022, he spearheads the bank’s digital transformation and customer-first initiatives, positioning RAKBANK as one of the most innovative and customer-centric banks in the UAE.
Current Role and Leadership Impact
In his current role as CEO of RAKBANK, Raheel is responsible for shaping and executing the bank’s strategic vision focused on leveraging technology and innovation to enhance customer experience, operational efficiency, and financial inclusion. Under his leadership, RAKBANK has accelerated its digital banking capabilities, expanded product offerings, and strengthened its market position in the UAE’s competitive banking sector. Raheel also serves as a Board Member of RAKINSURANCE and chaired the UAE Banks Federation Fintech Committee, playing a pivotal role in shaping fintech and banking policies regionally.
Professional Journey
Raheel’s illustrious career spans senior leadership roles in some of the world’s leading financial institutions:
- Group Chief Executive Officer, RAKBANK (Jan 2022 – Present): Leading strategic growth, digital innovation, and customer-centric transformation across the bank’s operations in the UAE.
- Board Member, RAKINSURANCE (Jun 2022 – Feb 2024): Providing governance and strategic oversight to the insurance arm of RAKBANK.
- Chairman, UAE Banks Federation Fintech Committee (Mar 2022 – Oct 2023): Driving fintech innovation and regulatory collaboration across UAE’s banking sector.
- Chief Product & Analytics Officer, Barclays UK (Feb 2020 – Jan 2022): Oversaw retail products and analytics for 22 million customers, contributing to Barclays UK’s executive strategy and customer experience enhancements.
- CEO, Retail Lending, Barclays UK (May 2019 – Feb 2020): Led retail lending operations, focusing on growth and risk management.
- Managing Director roles at Barclays UK (2015 – 2019): Directed digital, virtual, and branch banking, supporting over 23 million personal and business customers.
- Global Head and Regional Head roles at Standard Chartered Bank (2004 – 2015): Managed retail client strategies and distribution channels across Middle East, Pakistan, Africa, and Europe.
- Regional Credit Risk Manager, Citigroup (2002 – 2004): Oversaw credit risk management for Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
Raheel’s career is marked by a consistent focus on innovation, customer advocacy, risk management, and operational excellence.
Educational Background
MBA, Marketing & Finance
Institute of Business Administration (1988 – 1991)
Raheel’s strong academic foundation in marketing and finance complements his extensive professional expertise, enabling him to lead complex banking operations with strategic insight.
Specializations and Skills
Raheel is highly skilled in retail banking, credit risk, customer experience, digital distribution, operational risk management, financial services, relationship management, strategic planning, and new business development. His leadership has been widely endorsed by colleagues and industry peers for driving impactful change and fostering inclusive workplace cultures.
Vision and Legacy
Raheel envisions a banking future where technology and innovation seamlessly enhance customer experiences while promoting financial inclusion and operational efficiency. He is passionate about lifelong learning, diversity, and inclusion, championing these values within RAKBANK and the broader financial community. His legacy is defined by transformational leadership that balances business growth with social responsibility.
Honoring an Arab Leader
Raheel Ahmed Named Among “Top Arab Banking Leaders” by The Arab Leaders
The Arab Leaders proudly recognize Raheel Ahmed, Group Chief Executive Officer at RAKBANK, as one of the “Top Arab Banking Leaders” for 2025. This recognition celebrates his exceptional leadership in digital transformation, customer-centric innovation, and strategic growth within the UAE’s banking sector.
