Eng. Loai Hassan Abduljawad – the name, banking, and fintech sector will never be forgotten. Because only a few leaders left a profound mark, such as Loai. With over 25 years of leadership experience in Saudi Arabia’s financial sector, Loai has built a career-defining innovation, agility, and customer-first strategies. As the CEO and Chartered banker (MCBI), he has successfully driven digital upgrades, secured regulatory licenses, and launched new ventures. Also, his passion lies in shaping financial institutions that are future-ready while empowering people and businesses. And today, Loai stands as a guiding force in aligning financial innovation with sustainable growth.

 Early Life Education and Inspiration

Loai’s journey started with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from King Abdulaziz University. His pursuit of knowledge continues through leadership governance and strategic certifications, including the prestigious Chartered Banker credential. He also earned professional certification in life relationships and business coaching from Mars Venus. Over the last 25 years, Loai has led financial transformation at AI Rajhi Bank, Saudi Awwal Bank, Bank Albilad, Emirates NBD Bank KSA, and Tiqmo. His inspiration came from a belief that financial upgrades could empower society. This vision pushed him to develop effective solutions bridging traditional banking with digital fintech advancements.

Unique Value to Orginisations & Businesses

Loai’s leadership stands out because of his ability to transform ideas into real-world financial services. He has overseen the submission of packs to the Saudi Central Bank (SCB), to satisfy regulatory requirements to obtain licenses’ approval for expanding branch network for a regional bank and commencing commercial lending services. His contribution also included assisting in securing a major EMI license for Tiqmo Wallet. Beyond licensing, he designed new organisational structures with a specialised role for technological growth. Loai played a key role in platform integration and cross-selling through e-wallet businesses. He succeeded in achieving strategic milestone, launching real-time digital offerings that make banking accessible, and being customer focused. Overall, these efforts showcase the unique value of his expertise.

Key Lessons in Leadership

Leadership for Loai is about flexibility and careful planning. He holds that flexibility plays a vital role when confronted with challenges in financial services. His style does not consider compliance as an obstacle, but rather as a source of sustainable development. Over the years, he focused on the significance of first leadership by people. He has made his career out of creating and inspiring high-performing teams. Besides this, he also puts special consideration to strategic partnerships and ecosystems as a means of enhancing the rate of scalability. Through these lessons, there are the leadership models that have demonstrated combination of vision, strategy, governance, and collaboration that has had an effect of achieving success in the current-day financial world.

Impact on Society and Industry

Loai’s contributions go beyond corporate achievements. His efforts are aligned with the Vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia through the enhancement of digitalization and financial inclusivity. He has made structured financial services more accessible, thereby allowing other entrepreneurs and individuals to accelerate growth. Loai’s leadership also helps customers gain easier access to tools that support their financial journey. Concisely, he has not only influenced institutions with his vision, but he has also influenced society positively by promoting inclusiveness and digitally empower society.

Long-term Goals and Vision

In the future, Loai would like to create a regional platform that will provide several services tailored to individuals and businesses. This is an ambition that aims at developing a regional competitive advantage. His strategy also includes enhancing customer journeys that cement loyalty. By scaling rapidly and capturing valuable data insights, he plans to establish unique models in digital lending, wallet services, and fintech innovations. This forward-looking approach ensures long-term sustainability while keeping pace with technological and growing needs of regional markets.

Advice to Emerging Leaders

Loai believes that true leadership lies in embracing change and viewing disruption as an opportunity. He advises future leaders to build a holistic understating of all business and finical aspects, as these are essential for developing a strong leader. He emphasizes that people who are the most valuable investment—teams are the true engines of transformation. Finally, Loai encourages decision-making driven by long-term vision rather than short-term gains. This mindset empowers leaders to remain focused, resilient, and visionary, helping new professionals craft impactful careers in banking and fintech.

Encouraging Leaders

Loai believes leadership flourishes through trust, mentorship, and empowerment. He stresses the need for organisations to create environments where future leaders feel supported and valued. Development programs and purposeful roles allow emerging talent to demonstrate their skills, while clarity and recognition inspire accountability. Such conditions, Loai emphasizes, cultivate a lasting pipeline of leaders for the financial sector.

A Quote He Lives By

When asked about his guiding philosophy, Loai shares a simple yet powerful quote,

“People are the most valuable asset of any organization. True leaders know how to attract, retain, and motivate them, because success follows when people thrive.”

This guiding philosophy reflects Loai’s people-first leadership. His success stems from empowering teams, proving that organizational strength begins and ends with its people.

Conclusion

This interview with Loai delivers key insights into effective leadership, innovation, and strategic thinking. His emphasis on flexibility, adaptability, governance, and customer focus offers a practical framework for success. These principles extend beyond finance and fintech, serving as a universal blueprint for professionals aiming to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact.

Follow Loai Hassan Abduljawad on LinkedIn.

ALSO READ-

Interview With Sameer Kassim – Founder of StarLED Displays

Interview with Jinal Savla: Building Growth Through People, Culture, and Innovation