Shahbaz H. Syed, a finance professional with over three decades of international experience, has been appointed as the new President and CEO of the Export-Import Bank of Pakistan (EXIM Bank), taking the helm of the national export credit agency with a mandate to support the country’s exporters and improve its international trade interests.
According to a statement issued today, Syed holds Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Financial Risk Manager (FRM) designations. His extensive career includes senior leadership positions at notable international institutions such as the Saudi EXIM Bank, Export Development Canada, the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
His professional background also encompasses entrepreneurial ventures in financial and insurance technology (FinTech and InsureTech). He has been instrumental in establishing and managing Shariah-compliant equity and real estate funds and has led enterprise-wide risk management initiatives that contributed to achieving high institutional credit ratings for previous employers.
Prior to this appointment, Syed served as a Senior Executive Advisor/DG at the Saudi EXIM Bank. His areas of expertise include political and credit risk insurance, project and trade finance, Islamic banking, and fund management.
In a welcome address, the incoming President and CEO stated, ‘I am honoured to have been appointed to serve Pakistan by leading the country’s official Export Credit Agency, EXIM Bank of Pakistan, and look forward to developing sustainable financial solutions with Team EXIM, which will empower Pakistani exporters in their global expansion, and contribute towards a positive trade balance.’
Addressing the bank”s staff, Syed added, ‘just as we all have an established belonging to Pakistan, we must all develop a similar belonging to this newly established institution and pursue the agency’s mission with the national spirit and resilience Pakistanis are known world over for, and consider our service to this institution as an honour and matter of pride.’
The Board and management of EXIM Bank have formally expressed their full support and confidence in Syed’s leadership.