Sajan Farook

Dynamic banking operations professional with over 20 years of extensive experience in Islamic Banking, focusing on Corporate, Syndications & Retail Operations, Digital Transformation and Regulatory Compliance, targeting to leverage expertise in a senior operational role & digital transformation within the banking industry across GCC.

• Accumulated comprehensive experience in the banking sector, specializing in Islamic Banking Operations, with a proven track record in Corporate Financing, Syndications, and Retail Banking Services.
• Currently working as Senior Manager / Acting Head of Operations at Al Hilal Bank, leading strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction while ensuring compliance with Sharia principles and regulatory standards.
• Progressed through various roles within Al Hilal Bank, from Officer to Senior Manager, acquiring a wealth of knowledge in banking operations, digital transformation, and risk management throughout the career journey.
• Assisted in the setup of Corporate Financing Operations for Al Hilal Bank’s Kazakhstan branch, playing a key role in expanding the bank’s regional presence and ensuring the smooth integration of operational processes in a new market.
• Played a key role in the successful migration of corporate and SME portfolios to ADCB following the acquisition of AHB, demonstrating strong project management skills.
• Demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement among team members, while mentoring staff to achieve operational excellence and superior customer service.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of digital banking solutions and core banking systems, contributing to the bank's transformation into a leading digital Islamic Banking institution.
• Recently led the transition to a cloud-based core banking platform (Temenos Transact), successfully migrating retail customers from the legacy system, resulting in improved operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience.
• Knowledgeable in identifying and mitigating operational risks, implementing robust controls to safeguard the bank's assets and ensure compliance with internal and external regulations.
• Proficient in ensuring regulatory and Sharia compliance across banking operations, and implementing risk management frameworks to safeguard assets and enhance operational controls.
• Established ability to identify system gaps and operational weaknesses, initiating change requests to enhance automation, reduce operational risk, and improve overall service delivery.
• Focused on optimizing customer journeys by aligning banking operations with digital solutions, ensuring customer satisfaction while improving internal processes.

• Bachelor of Commerce – Calicut University
• Diploma in Information & System Management – APTECH
• Diploma in Computer Applications – All India Comp-U-Soft