CEO Today Middle East Awards

www.ceotodaymagazine.com 16 CEO Today Middle East Awards 2019 bahrain HISHAM AL RAYES Chief Executive Officer of GFH Financial Group FIRM PROFILE GFH is a well renowned financial group in the GCC region, with a diversified offering and pioneering track record. Headquartered in Bahrain, GFH’s innovative approach to Islamic investment banking services has been recognised internationally for over a decade. GFH has developed a strong and consistent ability to identify, successfully bring to market and capitalise on a wide range of solid investment opportunities in some of the world’s most dynamic markets and sectors. This approach signifies the Group’s investment insights and commitment to increase the value of its assets, and financial returns to its investors and shareholders. Since the Group’s inception in 1999, GFH has raised over US$6.2 billion assets and fund under management from its strong client base in four main activities: • Wealth Management; • Real Estate Development; • Commercial Banking; and • Asset Management GFH is listed on three stock exchanges in the GCC, including the Bahrain Bourse, Boursa Kuwait and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) where it is one of the most liquid and actively traded stocks. GFH’s operations are principally focused across the GCC, North Africa and India, along with strategic investments in the U.S. and U.K. Recognition GFH has consistently been widely recognised by various industry stakeholders for its innovative approach, investment prudence and overall achievements in Islamic finance, wealth management and investment banking. GFH was named “Best Investment Bank-Middle East” and “Best Islamic Bank-Bahrain” at the Islamic Business & Finance Awards-EMEA in 2018. The Group has also been recognized with three prestigious awards at the Bankers Middle East Awards in 2018 as well as five top honours in 2017. In 2016, the Group was awarded the “Best Islamic Financial Group” from Global Brands Magazine, “Best Investment Bank” from Middle East Industry Award, “Gold & Silver Award” from Transform Award MENA, “Investment Banker of the Year” from CPI Awards and “GCC Best Employer Brand” from Dubai. Prior to that, in 2015, the group was awarded the ‘Best Investment Bank – Middle East’ at the 10th Islamic Business & Finance Awards. In 2014, GFH was recognised as the ‘Fastest Growing Bank in Bahrain’ and ‘Best Wealth Management Firm’ by CPI Financial and Banker Middle East. Earlier in 2012, the company won the prestigious award for ‘Best Islamic Investment Bank, Bahrain’ from Capital Finance International (CFI). Other awards include Banker Middle East’s ‘Deal of the Year 2008’, Euromoney’s ‘Best Investment Bank’ in 2005, 2006 and 2007 and ‘Best Islamic Investment Bank’ in 2005. Creation As an innovative investment Group, GFH has an enviable track record in conceptualizing and establishing a large number of pioneering financial institutions in the GCC. GFH was instrumental in the creation of First Energy Bank, the world’s first Islamic investment bank focusing exclusively on the energy sector. The Group also established various cross-border entities including Khaleeji Commercial Bank in Bahrain, QInvest in Qatar, Arab Finance House in Lebanon, First Leasing Bank in Bahrain, Asia Finance Bank in Malaysia, and Gulf Holding Company in Kuwait. GFH has also successfully conceived, funded and developed large, complex and innovative real estate and infrastructure projects in the GCC, MENA and India. Residential and commercial projects include Bahrain and Tunisia’s iconic Financial Harbours, and Energy Cities in Qatar and India. These developments are eventually expected to be key economic drivers and commercial business hubs of note. The Group has also acted as the master developer for luxury lifestyle developments such as Royal Ranches of Marrakech in Morocco. More recently, the Group has led the revival of the prestigious Bahrain developments multi-million dollar Villamar project and the development of the Harbour Row project Diversification As part of GFH’s vision, the Group adopts a dynamic, entrepreneurial investment approach underpinned by solid professional credentials. Furthermore, the group pursues a diversified asset allocation strategy to adapt to the multitude of challenges in an ever changing macro environment whilst working closely with our stakeholders to realistically meet expectations. In terms of asset class diversification, GFH has participated in and brought privileged access to unique private equity investments and in wide-ranging sectors such as real estate, consumer goods, retail, healthcare, industrial, education, technology and sports. Geographically, GFH initially had an investment focus on the Middle East, North Africa and India, but in recent years the Group has further diversified its holdings across the U.S., U.K. and Turkey to take advantage of emerging opportunities in these markets. ABOUT HISHAM AL RAYES Hisham Al Rayes is the Chief Executive Officer as well as the member of the Board of Directors of GFH Financial Group, one of the regional leading financial groups with USD 6.2 billion assets and fund under management and shares listed in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Dubai and Kuwait. In 2012, Mr. Al Rayes assumed leadership of the firm with an objective to establish a diverse and well-recognized regional financial group offering a remarkable platform for Wealth Management, Real Estate, Commercial Banking and Asset Management. Prior to his role as the Group’s CEO, Mr. Al Rayes was GFH’s Chief Investment Officer during which he was responsible for driving the development and execution of its regional and international investment strategy along with management of the bank’s liabilities.