Muhammad Asif Marfani
Dubai
Summary
Seasoned banking professional with 33 years of expertise in operations, compliance, and credit risk management across global and Middle eastern financial institutions (conventional/Islamic). Proven track record in regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and operational efficiency.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head - Customer Due Diligence Oversight, Group Compliance Department
Commercial Bank of Dubai
10.2022 - Current
- Oversee high-risk onboarding and due diligence across all business segments, including financial institutions
- Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) in digital onboarding and ongoing due diligence
- Compliance SPOC for Dubai Unified License project, enhancing SME/Corporate account opening
- Led the implementation of ongoing due diligence and annual reviews under KYC remediation
- Enhanced KYC onboarding, AML/CFT compliance, and Customer Risk Assessment Methodology (CRAM)
- Conducted FCC training across all business segments
- Compliance SPOC for Central Bank audits and regulatory gap assessments
Head - KYC High-Risk Onboarding & Ongoing Due Diligence
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
11.2019 - 10.2022
- Led high-risk onboarding and due diligence initiatives across all business segments
- Launched upgraded risk assessment regulatory technology in 2020
- Compliance SPOC for digital onboarding, ongoing due diligence, and remediation projects
- Implemented KYC/AML policies to ensure regulatory compliance
- Provided compliance advisory and training for first-line defense
- Ensured timely compliance with key regulatory and policy requirements
Head - Centralized Retail Banking Operations & Digital Transformation
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
08.2016 - 10.2019
- Managed 94-member team for centralized account opening and services across ADIB Group
- Led digital transformation initiatives, streamlining account maintenance, escrow, and retail asset services
- Centralized key operations, reducing turnaround times and improving efficiency
Head - Process Centralization & Transformation, Retail Operations
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
06.2015 - 08.2016
- Standardized and centralized international and domestic banking processes
- Migrated retail asset services to digital workflows, enhancing operational efficiency
- Implemented policies to optimize retail banking operations
Head of Retail/SME Credit Risk
Bank Nizwa
08.2012 - 06.2015
- Developed retail and SME credit risk policies in compliance with Sharia principles
- Grew retail portfolio to OMR 90 million with zero NPL within two years
- Implemented Loan Operation system for retail and SME credit evaluation
- Built and led credit risk teams, improving processes and reducing turnaround time
Head of Credit - Retail/SME
Reem Finance
10.2011 - 06.2012
- Established Credit Admin department and introduced KYC and self-assessment frameworks
- Conducted credit reviews, leading to risk policy enhancements
- Spearheaded Islamic credit policies
Head of Operations (Retail/SME)
Reem Finance
10.2010 - 09.2011
- Led process improvements, reducing turnaround times
- Developed and launched Islamic banking products and systems
Credit Initiation Head – Retail and SME
Noor Islamic Bank
04.2007 - 10.2010
- Key founding member of Noor Islamic Bank’s credit operations
- Managed credit risk controls, fraud mitigation, and policy development
- Automated credit underwriting processes and improved service quality
Head - Consumer Operations & Technology
Citibank N.A.
Bahrain
01.1998 - 01.2007
- Led retail banking operations, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational efficiency
GCB Country Branch Banking Operations Head
Citibank N.A.
Pakistan
01.1998 - 01.2007
- Managed retail operations and compliance
Credit Card Operations & Chargeback Head
Citibank N.A.
Pakistan
01.1998 - 01.2007
- Led risk mitigation and process automation
Manager - Centralized Credit Risk Operations
Citibank N.A.
Pakistan
01.1998 - 01.2007
- Oversaw credit risk and Y2K compliance projects
Administrative Assistant, Private Banking
Chase Manhattan Bank
Pakistan
01.1991 - 12.1991
Corporate Credit Assistant
ABN AMRO
Pakistan
01.1988 - 12.1991
Education
MBA -
Preston University
USA01-1999
B.Com -
Government National College
01-1988
Skills
- Leadership & team management
- Analytical thinking & problem-solving
- Operational efficiency & process optimization
- Technology proficiency & digital adaptability
- Adaptability & resilience in dynamic environments
- Assertive decision-making
- Goal-oriented & results-driven approach
- Effective communication & stakeholder engagement
- Business process improvement
- Financial planning & budgeting
- Bank liaison and stakeholder management
- Creditors & audit management
Certification
- International Certification in Coaching & Mentoring
- Certification in Credit Management – EIBFS/Hong Kong Institute of Bankers
- Sharia Banking Certification – NIB
- Basel II & UAE Regulatory Compliance
- Anti-Money Laundering & Operational Risk Management Workshops
- Advanced Audit Techniques & Consumer Credit Courses
Languages
Urdu
First Language
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
Arabic
Beginner
A1
Accomplishments
•CEO Award for Simplification and Innovation – ADIB
•Fundamental Achievements Award – Citibank N.A
•Long Service Award – Citigroup (UAE)
•Quality Excellence award – Citigroup (UAE)
•Certificate of Recognition – Citibank N.A (Pakistan)
Expertise
- Anti-Money Laundering Regulations
- CFT Regulations
- Retail Banking Operations
- SME Credit Risk Management
- Islamic Banking
- Corporate Control & Governance
- FI Systems, Policies & Procedures
- Credit Operations
- Corporate Credit Administration and Control
- Internal Control and Reviews
Timeline
Head - Customer Due Diligence Oversight, Group Compliance Department
Commercial Bank of Dubai
10.2022 - Current
Head - KYC High-Risk Onboarding & Ongoing Due Diligence
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
11.2019 - 10.2022
Head - Centralized Retail Banking Operations & Digital Transformation
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
08.2016 - 10.2019
Head - Process Centralization & Transformation, Retail Operations
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
06.2015 - 08.2016
Head of Retail/SME Credit Risk
Bank Nizwa
08.2012 - 06.2015
Head of Credit - Retail/SME
Reem Finance
10.2011 - 06.2012
Head of Operations (Retail/SME)
Reem Finance
10.2010 - 09.2011
Credit Initiation Head – Retail and SME
Noor Islamic Bank
04.2007 - 10.2010
Head - Consumer Operations & Technology
Citibank N.A.
01.1998 - 01.2007
GCB Country Branch Banking Operations Head
Citibank N.A.
01.1998 - 01.2007
Credit Card Operations & Chargeback Head
Citibank N.A.
01.1998 - 01.2007
Manager - Centralized Credit Risk Operations
Citibank N.A.
01.1998 - 01.2007
Administrative Assistant, Private Banking
Chase Manhattan Bank
01.1991 - 12.1991
Corporate Credit Assistant
ABN AMRO
01.1988 - 12.1991
- International Certification in Coaching & Mentoring
- Certification in Credit Management – EIBFS/Hong Kong Institute of Bankers
- Sharia Banking Certification – NIB
- Basel II & UAE Regulatory Compliance
- Anti-Money Laundering & Operational Risk Management Workshops
- Advanced Audit Techniques & Consumer Credit Courses
MBA -
Preston University
B.Com -
Government National College
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