Ayman Amin Sejiny stands as a distinguished figure in the financial sector, currently presiding as the chair of a family office.
In addition to his leadership roles, he plays a pivotal advisory role in the issuance of Sukuk through regulated channels. Since 2018, Sejiny has been at the helm of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), steering projects together with his team that promote competition, entrepreneurship, employment, and export potential. Under his leadership, he and his team established business plan which the ICD then has mobilized resources, advanced Islamic finance, attracted co-financiers, and he and his team offered strategic advice to both governments and private entities on modernizing and expanding private enterprises and capital markets.
Before his tenure at ICD, Sejiny served as the CEO of Ibdar Bank and Alkhair Bank (formerly Unicorn Investment Bank), where he and his team oversaw pivotal areas such as DCM, PE and asset management. His strategic acumen was also evident during his time as Managing Director and CEO at Barclays Saudi Arabia from 2009 to 2014, where he also sat on the board and implemented strategies that bolstered the bank's profitability.
Fluent in Arabic, English, and German, Sejiny’s passion for finance and banking has been evident since his youth. He holds a BA in Finance from Eastern Michigan University, USA, which laid a solid foundation for his illustrious career.
Sejiny’s extensive experience includes leading roles at Citi Bank and ABN AMRO affiliate in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating his deep-rooted knowledge of local, regional, and international markets. As a board and C-level performer with over 32 years in investment and corporate banking, Sejiny is renowned for his expertise in innovating financial processes and products.
He has also shared recently, his insights as a keynote speaker at Apex Invest Global Event Series 2025 that was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - February 12-13, 2025 and as a speaker at notable events such as Capital Markets Saudi Arabia 2022, Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Turkey 2021 Virtual Conference, and Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Middle East 2020 - Virtual Conference, among others.
BUSINESS LIFE had the privilege of engaging in an in-depth conversation with Ayman Amin Sejiny, exploring the evolving trends in business and consultancy, digital initiatives, and innovative high-tech adoption, revealing what it means to do business in an increasingly digital world.
In this exclusive interview, Sejiny delves into his motivations, career trajectory, and vision for the future of Islamic banking and finance. He shares invaluable insights on accelerating digital transformation, navigating the complexities of the modern financial landscape, and advising clients in a rapidly evolving world. His perspectives on the unique challenges faced by consultants in the GCC, MENATS and CIS regions, the transformative impact of technologies, and the future of Islamic banking are both enlightening and thought-provoking.
Join us as BUSINESS LIFE reporter uncover the journey of a visionary leader who continues to shape the future of Islamic finance and inspire the next generation of financial innovators.
BL: What inspired you to pursue a career in Islamic banking and finance, and why have you recently focused on advisory and consultancy?
Ayman A. Sejiny: My career in Islamic banking and finance was sparked by a desire to align financial practices with ethical and moral values, emphasizing fairness, transparency, and social responsibility. Recently, I have shifted my focus to advisory and consultancy to leverage my expertise and provide strategic guidance, helping institutions navigate the complex landscape of Islamic finance and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Fintech is the future. My personal experience started with banking technology since the 90s when E-commerce began, and I promoted it. In the 2000s, we had cash management, securitization, and issuance of Sukuk. Now it’s the era of Fintech. My personal investment has been in TeamSec, a leading AI securitization technology company. Another entity, Tarh, focuses on crowdfunding and issuing small size Sukuk. Digital banking and financial inclusion are key targets for me.
BL: As a pivotal figure in Islamic banking innovations within the GCC, MENATS and CIS regions, how do you envision your career trajectory today?
Ayman A. Sejiny: Today, I envision my career trajectory as one that continues to push the boundaries of innovation and transformation within the Islamic banking sector. I aim to be at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies and best practices while fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across the industry to drive sustainable growth and development.
BL: What strategies and insights do you advocate for accelerating the journey of digital transformation?
Ayman A. Sejiny: To accelerate digital transformation, I advocate for a holistic approach that encompasses technological adoption, cultural change, and process optimization. Organizations should invest in scalable and secure digital infrastructure, embrace agile methodologies, and prioritize continuous learning and development. Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration is essential to drive successful digital transformation initiatives. Achieving accelerating growth strategies and gainful profits is crucial. AI accelerates the process of analyzing credit portfolios and rates them for securitization issuances.
BL: In the digital era, how do you chart your path to success?
Ayman A. Sejiny: In the digital era, charting a path to success requires a proactive and adaptive mindset. I focus on staying abreast of technological advancements, cultivating a strong professional network, and continuously honing my skills. Embracing change, taking calculated risks, and maintaining a customer-centric approach are also key components of my strategy for navigating the dynamic digital landscape. Exploring technological integration and future expansion plans in the insurance industry are part of my endeavors. The insurance business is just starting to strive in the region, and I am involved in advising a leading insurance brokerage company. AI analysis of insurances vs. clients and monitoring it enhances client experiences and helps insurance companies with claims compliances.
BL: How do you guide your clients in this ever-evolving world?
Ayman A. Sejiny: Guiding clients in an ever-evolving world involves providing tailored, forward-thinking solutions that address their unique challenges and opportunities. I prioritize understanding their needs, leveraging data-driven insights, and offering actionable recommendations. By fostering trust and maintaining open communication, I help clients stay ahead of industry trends and achieve their strategic objectives. Discussing growth and future endeavors in a rapidly evolving industry is crucial. There are great startups in all Fintech and AI entities, offering almost unlimited growth opportunities. Additionally, meeting clients’ needs and enhancing their experience provides a significant advantage. I am also establishing a $500 million fabless semiconductor fund in Saudi Arabia, as my clients are always interested in the latest investment opportunities. Besides my special passion for Sukuk investment and funding clients’ finance needs, I strive to provide comprehensive support to ensure their success in various investment arenas.
BL: What unique challenges do consultants face in the GCC and MENA regions?
Ayman A. Sejiny: Consultants in the GCC and MENA regions face unique challenges, including navigating diverse regulatory environments, addressing socio-economic disparities, and managing geopolitical risks. Additionally, there is a need to balance traditional practices with modern innovations while ensuring cultural sensitivity and fostering local talent development. The consultancy sector in Saudi Arabia is set for robust, double-digit growth over the forecast period, albeit from a very low base. Vision 2030 has been very progressive. Most businessmen realize that they have to catch up quickly to benefit from the amazing futuristic shift. Moreover, as clients become more sophisticated, they recognize the great enhancement they get by having specialized advisers. My financial advisory has been in high demand, as clients want to benefit from our team’s local and global experience in most sectors.
BL: How would you characterize the modern customer?
Ayman A. Sejiny: The modern customer is discerning, tech-savvy, and demands personalized experiences. They value convenience, transparency, and ethical practices, and are increasingly influenced by digital touchpoints and social media. Meeting their expectations requires a deep understanding of their preferences, behaviors, and values, along with a commitment to delivering exceptional service.
BL: Could you share more about your family business?
Ayman A. Sejiny: My family business has a rich history rooted in entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence. We have diversified our interests across various sectors, including real estate, manufacturing, and hospitality. Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement has been the cornerstone of our success and growth over the years.
BL: In what ways do technologies enhance your daily business operations?
Ayman A. Sejiny: Technologies enhance daily business operations by streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and enabling data-driven decision-making. Advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation tools help us optimize resource allocation, enhance customer experiences, and stay competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.
BL: How are Saudi business and financial institutions transforming their operations with Generative AI?
Ayman A. Sejiny: Saudi business and financial institutions are harnessing Generative AI to revolutionize their operations. From enhancing customer interactions with AI-driven chatbots to optimizing risk management and fraud detection through advanced algorithms, Generative AI is enabling these institutions to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver innovative financial products and services. Moreover, digital banking and financial inclusion are expanding into markets that were not explored before, opening up new opportunities for growth and development.
BL: How can organizations effectively leverage spatiotemporal big data?
Ayman A. Sejiny: Organizations can effectively leverage spatiotemporal big data by integrating it into their decision-making processes. By analyzing patterns and trends in location-based data, businesses can optimize supply chain management, enhance customer targeting, and improve operational efficiency. It is crucial to invest in robust data analytics platforms and foster a data-driven culture to fully realize the potential of spatiotemporal big data.
BL: As the chair of a panel and keynote speaker at the Apex Invest Global Event 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, could you provide an overview of the sessions you were involved in?
Ayman A. Sejiny: At the Apex Invest Global Event Series 2025, I had the privilege of chairing a panel on “The Future of Islamic Finance in a Digital World” and delivering a keynote address at Apex Invest 2025 on the evolving investment landscape in Saudi Arabia in the context of Vision 2030. The sessions focused on exploring the impact of technology on Islamic finance, discussing best practices for digital adoption, and highlighting success stories from the region. The event provided a platform for thought leaders to share insights and strategies for navigating the evolving financial landscape.
BL: What recent developments can you share about your consultancy firm, and what are your strategies and plans for the remainder of 2025?
Ayman A. Sejiny: Recent developments at our consultancy firm include expanding our service offerings to include digital transformation advisory and launching a series of industry-specific research reports. Our strategies for the remainder of 2025 focus on deepening client relationships, enhancing our digital capabilities, and fostering a culture of continuous innovation. We are committed to delivering impactful solutions that drive sustainable growth for our clients. Additionally, we help clients understand Sukuk issuance as a source of funding, ensuring they have access to diversified financial instruments to meet their financing needs.
BL: What are your thoughts on the economy and the mega projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?
Ayman A. Sejiny: The economy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is poised for significant growth, driven by ambitious mega projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Vision 2030 initiatives. These projects are set to transform the economic landscape, create new opportunities, and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for innovation and investment. The emphasis on diversification and sustainability will be key to ensuring long-term economic resilience.
BL: What current and future challenges do you foresee in your field?
Ayman A. Sejiny: Current and future challenges in the field of Islamic finance include regulatory compliance, technological disruptions, and evolving customer expectations. Staying ahead of these challenges requires a proactive approach to innovation, collaboration with regulatory bodies, and a commitment to delivering ethical and customer-centric financial solutions.
BL: How do you stay ahead of industry trends and maintain a competitive edge?
Ayman A. Sejiny: Staying ahead of industry trends involves continuous learning, networking with industry peers, and staying informed about the latest technological advancements. I actively participate in industry conferences, engage with thought leaders, and invest in professional development. Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation within my organization ensures that we remain agile and responsive to emerging trends.
BL: What role does innovation play in your organization, and how do you cultivate a culture of innovation?
Ayman A. Sejiny: Innovation is at the core of our organization’s success. We cultivate a culture of innovation by encouraging creativity, collaboration, and experimentation. We provide our team with the tools, resources, and support they need to explore new ideas and drive continuous improvement. Recognizing and rewarding innovative efforts further reinforces our commitment to fostering a forward-thinking environment.
BL: How do you foresee the future of Islamic banking and finance over the next decade?
Ayman A. Sejiny: Over the next decade, I envision Islamic banking and finance becoming more integrated with digital technologies, offering seamless and efficient financial services. The focus on ethical and sustainable practices will continue to attract a growing customer base, and innovation will play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s future. I anticipate increased collaboration between traditional financial institutions and fintech companies, driving the development of new products and services that cater to the evolving needs of customers. Additionally, Islamic banking might help the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) invest in each other’s opportunities, providing customers with a large number of open platforms for investment products between OIC member countries. This will increase investment flows among OIC nations, fostering economic growth and development.
