30 Years of Excellence in GCC Capital Markets

Najla Al Shirawi brings over 27 years of investment banking experience. She joined SICO in 1997 and was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer in 2014, following her role as Deputy CEO in 2013. Earlier in her career, she served with Geneva-based Dar Al-Maal Al-Islami Trust, where she established the Group’s private banking operations across the Gulf region.
She serves on the boards of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, the Future Generations Reserve Council, the Deposit Protection Scheme, the Supreme Council for Women, and Eskan Bank BSC(c).
She also serves as Chairperson of Bahrain Credit Facilities Company. Within the SICO Group, she is Chairperson of SICO Invest (Abu Dhabi) and Vice Chairperson of SICO Capital (Riyadh).
Najla holds an MBA in Finance from the American College in London and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Bahrain.

Ali Marshad brings over 20 years of experience in asset management, investments, and treasury. He joined SICO in 2008 as an Analyst in the Investments and Treasury Division, later establishing and leading the Fixed Income Desk in 2012 before being promoted to Head of Fixed Income in 2015. In 2025, he was promoted to Group Deputy CEO – Buy Side Business. He also serves as a Board Member of SICO Capital in Saudi Arabia. Prior to joining SICO, Ali gained international experience in the UK as an Analyst with Mercer Investment Consulting and as a Performance Analyst with UBS Global Asset Management in London. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), he holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Banking, Finance, and Management from Loughborough University, UK.

Yousif  brings over 15 years of experience across alternative investments and financial services in the GCC. Prior to joining SICO, he held senior leadership roles across the financial services and real estate sectors, where he led a number of strategic initiatives spanning investment management, transaction execution, and business growth. He holds a BSc in Accounting and Finance from the University of Leeds and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

K. Shyam Krishnan has 34 years of experience in finance, accounting, audit, investments, and risk management, with the majority of his career spent in conventional and Sharia-compliant banking. Shyam currently also serves as a Board Member at SICO Invest, UAE. Prior to joining SICO in 2015, he was Group Head of Finance at Al Salam Bank-Bahrain. Before this, he was Head of Hedge Funds’ Operational Risk Management at Investcorp, Bahrain, and Audit Supervisor at the Bahrain office of Ernst & Young. He is a Chartered Accountant and Management Accountant from India and a Chartered Financial Analyst, Certified Internal Auditor, and a Certified Information Systems Auditor. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Madras University, India.

Anantha Narayanan has over 34 years of diversified experience in the areas of operations, audit, and risk in the banking industry, Anantha joined SICO in 2008. Prior to joining SICO, he worked for Credit Agricole, BBK, Commercial Bank of Oman/Bank Muscat, and Pricewaterhouse Coopers. He is currently the Vice Chairman of SICO Invest, UAE. Anantha is a Chartered Accountant and Cost Accountant (India), a Certified Information Systems Auditor (USA), Financial Risk Manager (USA), and an Associate Member of the Institute of Financial Studies (UK). He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Manchester, UK.

Maryam AlMohri brings a wealth of experience in risk management to her role as Chief Risk Officer at SICO, specializing in asset management, treasury, brokerage, and investment banking. Maryam’s journey with SICO began in 2017, and her most recent position before this appointment was Vice President of Risk Management. Prior to joining SICO, she held the position of Assistant Manager in ALM Reporting and Capital Management at Gulf International Bank. Maryam holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and a first-class Master of Science (MSc) in Investment Banking & Islamic Finance from the University of Reading, United Kingdom.

Noora Janahi brings over 16 years of extensive legal experience in investment banking services, corporate law, and offering legal services in banking and finance. She has orchestrated numerous major transactions in Bahrain, including mergers and acquisitions and public and private capital markets transactions. Noora Janahi is licensed before the Court of Cassation and Constitutional Court of Bahrain and is a practicing arbitrator. Noora holds a Master’s degree in International Business Law and a License in Law, both from Université de Bourgogne, France. She was also recognized as a leading lawyer in 2020, 2021, and 2022 by Thomson Reuters and highly regarded lawyer in 2024 by IFLR1000.

Jithesh Gopi has 30+ years of experience in investment management, research, and analytics. Since 2013, he has held senior leadership roles at Al Rajhi Capital (Riyadh), including Head of Research, Head of Asset Management, and Director of Corporate Development and Proprietary Investments. Previously, he joined SICO in 2006 as Senior Analyst and Head of Research, covering 50+ companies across major sectors, and currently serves as a Board Member at SICO Capital (KSA).

He holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, Trivandrum, an MBA from the Asian Institute of Management (Manila), is a CFA charterholder, and completed the Asian International Executive Program at INSEAD Singapore.

Manuel Almutawa brings around 15 years of industry experience to his new leadership position. A seasoned professional, he has been with SICO as a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Fixed Income department, where he has been instrumental in covering the MENA fixed income market. His responsibilities have included portfolio management, structuring, and trading, leveraging a strong background in multi-asset classes from his previous proprietary desk experience. Mr. Almutawa holds an MSc in Investment Management from the University of Reading, ICMA Centre. He is also a CFA Charterholder and holds the International Fixed Income and Derivatives Certificate, highlighting his commitment to professional excellence and continuous learning.ʼ

Shakeel Sarwar joined SICO in 2004 and, over the length of his career, has accumulated over 30 years of investment industry experience in the UK, Pakistan, and the Middle East. Prior to joining SICO, he worked with Riyad Bank’s Asset Management Division and was part of a team that managed over USD 3 billion in Saudi equities. He has also held positions with ABN Amro Asia Securities in the UK and Pakistan. Shakeel holds a Master of Business Administration in Banking and Finance from IBA, Karachi, Pakistan.

Ayman brings over 18 years of experience in the investment banking industry across the MENA and GCC regions. He has a proven track record in executing high-profile IPOs and M&A transactions in his previous role as a Director of Investment Banking at SICO, successfully advising on mandates across a wide range of sectors, including telecommunications, real estate, education, hospitality, financial services, food & beverage, logistics, and manufacturing. Prior to joining SICO in 2014, he held senior roles at regional financial institutions. Ayman holds an Executive MBA from Bayes Business School, City St George’s, University of London.

Mariam Isa has 20 years of experience in regional equity trading and sales. She joined SICO in 2005. Before becoming the Head of Brokerage, she held the position of Chief Broker. Mariam has also worked as a Senior Officer in the Placement Department at Gulf Finance House. She holds a Master of Business Administration in Islamic Finance from the University College of Bahrain, an Associate Diploma in Accounting from the University of Bahrain, and a Treasury and Capital Market Diploma from BIBF. She has also completed the Leadership Development Program at the University of Virginia, USA.

Ahmed Almudawi has over 14 years of experience in the fixed income and public equity arenas in both emerging and developed markets. Joining SICO in 2015, Ahmed has been the Global Markets primary On-Desk Trader since 2020. He caters to sell-side clients; namely institutional investors and ultra/high net worth individuals. In 2024, he assumed the position of Head of Global Markets. Joining SICO Funds Services (SFS) in 2015 as a Senior Fund Administrator, Ahmed's vast experience in the field has developed through various exposures within the bank. In 2017, Ahmed transitioned from SICO Funds Services to SICO as Senior Fixed Income Trader within the brokerage team. He is a graduate from Exeter University with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Finance. Ahmed is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) as well as a Chartered Accountant (ACCA®)

Chiro Ghosh has 17 years of sell-side research experience, focusing on financial institutions of emerging markets. Prior to joining SICO in 2012, he worked with HSBC in the Financial Institutional Group (Banks, Insurance, and Real Estate) in a similar role. He also spent two years as a financial consultant in the real estate sector. In addition to equity research, Chiro has been involved in various Merger and Acquisition deals in the GCC. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, before completing his post-graduation in management with a specialisation in Finance. Chiro is also a CFA Charter holder.

Mishal brings over 25 years of experience in the technology sector across both public and private domains. Prior to this appointment, he served as Chief Operating Officer of SICO Capital in Riyadh. Earlier in his career, he held key roles at Arcapita and the Ministry of Finance and National Economy in Bahrain.

He has also contributed to academia and industry development, having served as a Council Member of the College of Information Technology at the University of Bahrain. He is the Founder and Chairman of Bahrain's Technology and Business Association.

Mishal holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Malaysian Open University and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Bahrain.

Mohammed Ibrahim has over 24 years of experience in the field of information technology (IT), including IT project management, business analysis, complex system builds and interfaces, business continuity planning, and information security. Prior to joining SICO in 2007, he was Training Head and Technical Consultants Team Lead at the Bahrain Institute of Technology and Technical and Training Manager at YAT Group, Egypt. Mohammed is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSIP), a Master Certified Internet Web Professional (MCIW), a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert, and a Microsoft Certified Trainer. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Education and a Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Education from Alexandria University, Egypt.

Salman Al Sairafi has 22+ years of experience in financial services and technology. He joined SICO in 2020 as Head of Global Markets and was appointed Group Head of Transformation in 2024. Previously, he served as CIO and Board Member at Capital Growth Management (Bahrain), Senior Investment Advisor at United Consulting Group (KSA), and led Fixed Income and Money Markets at NCB Capital (KSA).

He has also held consulting and R&D roles in Bahrain and the UK. Salman is Chairman of Dar Al Ma’rifa (Bahrain), a CFA and CAIA charterholder, a former Chevening Scholar, and holds a BEng in Information Systems Engineering and an MSc in Advanced Computing from Imperial College London.

Haifa Ajlan has more than 23 years of experience in the field of Human Resources. She first joined SICO in 2004, holding the position of Assistant Vice President before now being appointed as Head of Human Resources and Administration. Haifa holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Strathclyde Business School in Glasgow, UK and a bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems from University of Bahrain.

Nadeen Oweis joined SICO in 2008 and has accumulated over 23 years of professional experience. Prior to joining SICO, Nadeen oversaw corporate communications and public relations for Microsoft in Bahrain. Before this, she handled regional accounts for Lowe Contexture. She also held posts at Procter and Gamble in Jordan and managed the advertising and promotions account for Radio Fann FM in Jordan. Nadeen holds a Master’s Degree in Diplomatic Studies from the Jordan Institute of Diplomacy, a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Jordan, and a Certificate of Digital Marketing from Columbia Business School.

Mohammed Juma has over 21 years of experience in compliance, investment, and operations management. Mohammed joined SICO in 2016 as Head of Compliance and MLRO, assuming responsibility for monitoring SICO Group’s operational adherence with the guidelines of regulatory authorities. Previously, Mohammed was Head of Compliance and MLRO with the International Investment Bank and JS Bank Limited in Bahrain. Mohammed holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Bahrain and has completed the Leadership Grooming Executive Program with the Ivy Business School in Canada and Hong Kong. He is a Certified Compliance Professional and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist.

Joseph Thomas has over 22 years of experience in internal audits, assurance engagements, and other financial advisory services. Joseph joined SICO in 2015 after having been Head of Internal Audit at Global Banking Corporationand holding a post with the Risk Consulting division of KPMG Bahrain. He began his career with Bharat Overseas Bank in India, followed by an internal audit role at the South Indian Bank. He later served as Audit Manager and Partner at a Dubai-based auditing firm. Joseph is a Chartered Accountant and a Certified Internal Auditor. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Mahatma Gandhi University, India.

With more than 16 years of experience in regional equity trading and client relations, Fatima Mansoor joined SICO in 2006 as a Broker, assuming the role of Senior Broker in 2008. She moved to the Client Relations Department in 2017 and was appointed Head of the department in 2019. Fatima holds a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance from the University of Bahrain and a Master of Business and Administration in Finance from the New York Institute of Technology.

Wissam brings over 23 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, real estate, and corporate finance across the GCC. He was appointed CEO of SICO Capital following 11 successful years as Group Head of Investment Banking at SICO BSC. Earlier in his career, Wissam held senior roles at Gate Capital in Dubai, Najd Investments, Unicorn Capital, NBD Sana Capital (Emirates NBD), NCB Capital, and Eastgate Capital. He currently serves as a board member of Al Abraaj Restaurants Group in Bahrain, and as Chairman for Flow Mena Residential Real Estate Fund 1. Wissam holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Concordia University, Canada.

With over 18 years of experience in the UAE financial sector, Tariq Shyyab currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of SICO Invest LLC since December 2025. He has been with the firm prior to assuming the CEO role and brings deep expertise across financial brokerage, capital markets operations, and regulatory compliance. In his capacity as CEO, Tariq leads the company's strategic and operational agenda, with a strong focus on corporate governance and the delivery of advisory services in full alignment with the regulations of the SCA, ADX, DFM, and Nasdaq Dubai. He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting, in addition to multiple professional certifications in securities, information security, cyber risk, and anti-money laundering.

Ahmed Burashid was appointed Chief Executive Officer of SICO Wealth in 2026, bringing nearly two decades of experience in the GCC financial sector. He joins SICO from Khaleeji Bank BSC, where he served as Head of Corporate Banking, Investments and Debt Capital Markets and led the bank’s syndicated financing and regional sukuk transactions. He spent the earlier part of his career at Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain, where over eleven years he moved from the investments group into corporate banking. He serves on the boards of several institutions in Bahrain, including as Chairman of Hope Talents and as a Board Member of Gulf Holding Company. Ahmed holds a Master of Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Commerce (Honours) from DePaul University.