DIFC makes key hires to support its fintech growth plans

DUBAI / Emirates Business

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Authority, the entity responsible for the operations and management of the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (Measa) region with a wealth and asset management market of $424 billion, has strengthened its leadership team to drive its ongoing journey towards becoming a next generation financial centre.
The Centre has made a number of strategic appointments and promotions of UAE Nationals to spearhead key initiatives that support the DIFC’s vision to further enable financial technology in the region. In addition, this supports the Centre’s broader expansion plans approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in January 2019.
These appointments demonstrate the DIFC’s continued investment in driving innovation and pioneering the digitalisation of the rapidly expanding financial services sector. Peyman Al Awadhi has been appointed as Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at DIFC Authority to lead the strategic positioning, digital transformation and engagement of the Centre. Senior individuals have been promoted within the organization, including Mohammad Alblooshi to Sector Head of Fintech, who is leading the development of the Centre’s FinTech ecosystem, Alya Al Zarouni has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations, whilst Raja Al Mazrouei has been elevated to the position of Executive Vice President of DIFC FinTech Hive.
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer at DIFC Authority, said: “During the last 15 years, DIFC has firmly reinforced its position as one of the world’s top financial centres. Our focus is to become the most advanced financial centre in the world and the only way to do this is to ensure we stay ahead of the curve. Our future is deeply rooted in digital transformation and innovation and it’s crucial for us to make sure we have the right people in the right positions to help realise this vision.”
In the spirit of eight principles of Dubai, unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the DIFC Authority looks to ensure the well-being of its people by continuing to attract skilled and talented people, and nurturing the brightest minds to generate innovative ideas that support the success story of the centre. In addition, the DIFC Authority puts economic diversification at the heart of its business and seeks to create and enter new sectors. The DIFC is working towards maintaining a secure future for its people and the future generation in its community.
Peyman Al Awadhi brings more than 20 years of experience to his role as Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at DIFC Authority, with a particular focus on digital marketing, having worked with leading multinational and governmental organisations such as Mars Inc., PepsiCo, the Dubai Road and Transport Authority and Dubai Sports Council. In addition, the production and film-making experience he has garnered through his entrepreneurial ventures adds an enhanced multimedia dimension to the DIFC’s marketing initiatives.