Abu Dhabi, May 03, 2015: Fatima Qasimi has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Aseel Islamic Finance.

Ms. Fatima joins Aseel Islamic Finance with almost 20 years of experience in consumer, corporate and Islamic banking. She joined the FGB group in 2008 as Head of Corporate Banking. She has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Strayer University, Washington, USA and an MBA in Financial Management from South Eastern University, London, UK.

In her new position as CEO of Aseel, Fatima's focus is on developing two business models for the company to cater to the Islamic financing needs of UAE consumers and corporates, particularly SME and mid-market businesses. Aseel's objectives support the UAE's vision to become an Islamic finance hub and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai's plans to establish Dubai as the world capital of Islamic finance.

Hana Al Rostamani, Chairperson of Aseel Islamic Finance, said: "As Head of Corporate Banking at FGB, Ms. Fatima Qasimi played an instrumental role in driving revenue and expanding the bank's Wholesale Banking business in Dubai and the northern emirates, proving her ability to effectively implement development strategies. We're confident that she will be just as successful in her new position as CEO of Aseel. With her extensive experience, Ms. Fatima Qasimi will support our plans to grow the Aseel business and strengthen its position as a leading Islamic finance company in the UAE."

Commenting on her new appointment, Ms. Fatima said: "I'm very pleased to be joining Aseel at such an exciting time for the business. We have a clear strategy in place, focused on SMEs and the mid-market- corporate sector, and plans which will support our goals of becoming the first choice for Islamic business solutions amongst UAE customers and the country's leading Islamic finance company. Aseel is embarking on a new journey and I'm looking forward to leading the company as we strive to achieve our objectives."

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About Aseel Islamic Finance
 Established in August 2006, 100% owned by FGB and headquartered in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, Aseel Islamic Finance aspires to become an Islamic finance powerhouse built on Islamic values; namely trust, knowledge and transparency.

Aseel's brand is based on a broad range of traditional Islamic beliefs which are inherent in the company's products and solutions. Whilst already established as one of the leading players in the Islamic real estate market, Aseel is working to penetrate the SME segment as well as the mid-market-corporate sector with tailor-made Shariah compliant financial services and solutions, while maintaining a customer-centric approach.

Aseel's financial services and solutions comprise of end-to-end solutions, from goods and services, to working capital and more. Besides innovative financial solutions, Aseel Islamic Finance will offer its customers wealth and Takaful products as part of a comprehensive range of service propositions. Aseel aspires to become a catalyst in the growth of the SME market in the UAE, sharing the business community's responsibility to expand the segment, which already contributes significantly to the UAE's economy.

Hiba Haddad
Weber Shandwick MENA
Phone: + 971 56 1679577
Fax: + 971 2 449 4833
Email:  hhaddad@webershandwick.com

© Press Release 2015