- Arabic – Native
Iman Ahmed AlYazouri
Abu Dhabi
Summary
Senior Investment Operations Executive with over 20 years of experience leading Investment Implementation-Operations, custody oversight, fund administration, treasury coordination, performance reporting, governance, and operational transformation initiatives across pension funds and banking institutions. Proven track record in supporting investment portfolios exceeding USD 50 billion in assets under management, delivering large-scale operating model transformations, global custodian transitions, investment technology modernization, tax-efficient investment structures, securities lending programs, and governance enhancement initiatives. Recognized for building high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and partnering effectively with investment committees, boards, regulators, and global service providers to support strategic investment objectives.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Director – Investment Implementation
Abu Dhabi Pension Fund (ADPF)
Abu Dhabi, UAE
05.2014 - Current
- Lead the Investment Implementation Division responsible for investment execution, custody relations, performance reporting, fund administration oversight, securities lending, treasury coordination, governance, and strategic operational projects supporting a multi-asset portfolio exceeding USD 50 billion.
- Key Achievements:
- Successfully managed the Investment Operations restructuring initiative, resulting in the segregation of Investment and Investment Operations functions and strengthening governance and accountability.
- Led the procurement, evaluation, appointment, and transition of global custodians in 2018 and 2023, ensuring smooth migration of assets, operational continuity, and enhanced service delivery.
- Established and continue to oversee the Securities Lending Program, including strategic oversight of lending agents, performance monitoring, risk management, compliance, and reporting to senior management and investment committees.
- Contributed to the Investment Tax Restructuring Project, supporting the review of investment structures, Section 892 considerations, and the establishment of UAE subsidiaries to enhance tax efficiency and operational governance.
- Led multiple operational transformation initiatives focused on reporting automation, process optimization, risk reduction, operational scalability, and service provider management.
- Manage annual Investment Affairs budgets covering manpower, operational expenditure, technology initiatives, training, and business travel, while monitoring budget utilization and reporting to senior management.
- Leadership Responsibilities:
- Lead the end-to-end implementation and operational onboarding of all approved investment transactions across public and private markets following Investment Committee approval.
- Oversee account opening, legal documentation execution, KYC/AML requirements, capital call processing, subscriptions, redemptions, portfolio transitions, funding arrangements, and operational readiness.
- Manage all custody-related products and services including global custody, local custody, market account openings, settlement oversight, foreign exchange, corporate actions, cash management, collateral management, and service provider governance.
- Direct strategic relationships with global custodians, fund administrators, investment managers, consultants, legal advisors, auditors, tax advisors, and other service providers.
- Lead treasury coordination activities including cash projection, portfolio cash monitoring, liquidity planning, capital calls, distributions, and implementation of portfolio rebalancing decisions.
- Oversee investment performance reporting and portfolio monitoring activities, ensuring accurate and timely reporting to Senior Management, Investment Committee, Board of Directors, regulators, and other stakeholders.
- Report investment performance, operational matters, securities lending results, investment costs, and strategic initiatives to senior management and governance committees.
- Lead annual business planning, budget planning, and strategic initiatives across the Investment Affairs function.
- Ensure compliance with investment policies, governance frameworks, delegated authorities, operational procedures, and industry best practices.
- Develop and mentor high-performing teams while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- BOARD & GOVERNANCE ROLES
- Director and Board Member of ADPF Subsidiaries
- Provide governance oversight and strategic direction for investment holding structures and subsidiary entities.
- Review operational, governance, regulatory, and financial matters while ensuring alignment with ADPF investment objectives.
Senior Manager – Operations Section Head, Transaction Banking Operations
First Abu Dhabi Bank (Formerly First Gulf Bank)
Abu Dhabi, UAE
01.2003 - 01.2014
- Progressively promoted through multiple leadership positions within Operations, managing large-scale corporate and retail banking operations, transaction processing, payment services, remittances, loans, clearing operations, and operational transformation initiatives.
- Key Highlights:
- Led high-volume transaction banking operations supporting corporate and retail banking activities.
- Served as Category A Signatory with approval authority for significant banking transactions and operational activities.
- Acted as Deputy to the Unit Head and regularly represented the department before senior management.
- Played a key role in major banking transformation initiatives including Temenos/Globus implementation and UAE Central Bank Direct Debit projects.
- Participated in UAE National recruitment and talent development programs as a member of HR interview panels.
Branch Service Ambassador & Customer Service Representative
Standard Chartered Bank
Abu Dhabi, UAE
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Managed customer service activities covering accounts, loans, credit cards, and retail banking services.
Education
B.A, Finance And Banking - Business Administration
UAE University
Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates01-1995
Skills
- Investment Operations Leadership
- Investment Implementation & Onboarding
- Public & Private Markets Operations
- Global Custody & Fund Administration
- Securities Lending Oversight
- Treasury & Cash Management
- Performance Measurement & Reporting
- Investment Governance & Risk Management
- Operational Transformation
- Strategic Planning & Budget Management
- Service Provider Management
- Board & Committee Reporting
Accomplishments
- Lead operational support and implementation activities for a diversified investment portfolio exceeding USD 50 billion in assets under management.
- Successfully led two major global custodian procurement, selection, and transition projects, including RFP management, due diligence, evaluation, contract negotiation, and operational migration.
- Directed the restructuring of the Investment Operations function, strengthening governance and establishing clear segregation between Front Office and Investment Operations responsibilities.
- Led the implementation and oversight of the Fund’s Securities Lending Program, enhancing governance, reporting, monitoring, and revenue generation.
- Played a key role in the Investment Tax Restructuring Program, contributing to the establishment of UAE investment subsidiaries and supporting tax-efficient investment structures.
- Led strategic operational initiatives including fund administration outsourcing, performance reporting enhancement, operating model transformation, custody optimization, and investment technology modernization.
- Serve as Director and Board Member of ADPF subsidiaries, providing oversight governance and strategic guidance.
- Represented the Investment Department in Abu Dhabi Award assessment cycles.
- Member of the Tax Restructuring Project Team.
- Member of Technical Evaluation Committees for Tax Advisor, Global Custodian, Local Custodian, Fund Administrator, and other strategic service provider appointments.
- Owner of Investment Affairs Corporate KPIs and presenter at quarterly corporate performance review meetings.
Certification
[Insert Certifications, Courses and Executive Programs]
LANGUAGES
- English – Fluent
Timeline
Director – Investment Implementation
Abu Dhabi Pension Fund (ADPF)
05.2014 - Current
Senior Manager – Operations Section Head, Transaction Banking Operations
First Abu Dhabi Bank (Formerly First Gulf Bank)
01.2003 - 01.2014
Branch Service Ambassador & Customer Service Representative
Standard Chartered Bank
01.1995 - 01.1997
B.A, Finance And Banking - Business Administration
UAE University