In the elite ranks of global banking leaders, one name from the UAE is making waves not just for breaking barriers, but for building a future-forward financial empire. Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), has emerged as one of the most influential figures in the region’s financial transformation. At the helm of the UAE’s largest bank by assets, she is reimagining what a modern bank should be—digital, inclusive, agile, and resilient.
Her leadership has redefined traditional banking paradigms and placed FAB at the forefront of innovation in a sector undergoing seismic technological and consumer-driven shifts. Through bold decision-making, strategic reinvention, and cultural evolution, Hana is not just managing change—she is driving it.
■ A Mission Beyond Banking
Al Rostamani’s mission is rooted in a vision that transcends financial transactions. For her, banking must serve as an enabler of human potential, economic diversification, and long-term national progress.
“Banking should not be about branches—it should be about experiences,” she states confidently. “We’re here to enrich lives, support growth, and remove barriers.”
This belief has driven FAB’s transition from a conventional financial institution to a customer-centric, tech-powered platform that meets the needs of individuals, businesses, and governments alike.
■ Reinventing the Customer Experience
Under Hana’s leadership, FAB has launched a sweeping customer experience overhaul, shifting focus from services to solutions. This includes the deployment of artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and frictionless mobile banking tools that allow clients to manage their finances anytime, anywhere.
● Personalized Banking
Using AI and behavioral data, FAB now offers hyper-personalized experiences—from spending insights to tailored product offers based on customer behavior.
● Voice & Chat Interfaces
Natural language AI assistants have replaced outdated helplines, allowing customers to inquire, transact, and resolve issues within seconds.
● Omnichannel Excellence
FAB has unified physical and digital touchpoints into a seamless ecosystem. Whether through mobile apps, ATMs, or relationship managers, the experience is consistent, secure, and intuitive.
“Today’s customers expect more than service—they expect relevance,” Hana says. “And we’re designing FAB to deliver just that.”
■ Building a Digital Core
One of Al Rostamani’s first priorities was overhauling FAB’s technology infrastructure. Rather than layering new solutions onto legacy systems, she led an internal transformation to build a digital core—one capable of agility, scale, and rapid innovation.
Key initiatives include:
- Core banking modernization, migrating to cloud-based platforms
- Open banking architecture to support fintech collaborations
- Data lakes and real-time analytics to fuel decision-making
- Cybersecurity protocols using biometric authentication and behavioral biometrics
This internal evolution has turned FAB into a tech-forward financial institution, ready to compete with digital-native challengers across global markets.
■ Empowering SMEs and Entrepreneurs
Recognizing that small businesses are the backbone of economic diversification, Hana prioritized developing banking products for SMEs and startups.
- Digital onboarding in under 48 hours
- Access to working capital through AI-powered credit scoring
- Business advisory platforms bundled with financial tools
- Partnerships with government and innovation hubs to support local entrepreneurship
“We’re not just offering loans,” Hana notes. “We’re offering ecosystems.”
These solutions are designed to accelerate business growth while embedding financial discipline from the start—helping create a new generation of resilient enterprises.
■ A Champion of Inclusion and Women in Finance
As one of the most prominent female CEOs in the Middle East, Hana’s impact extends beyond boardrooms. She is a vocal advocate for gender equality, inclusive hiring, and youth empowerment in the financial sector.
At FAB:
- Over 40% of mid to senior-level roles are now held by women
- Dedicated mentorship programs support Emirati youth and female talent
- Employee networks champion diversity, equity, and mental well-being
- Internal leadership academies nurture the next generation of executives
“Representation is not a box to check—it’s a signal of progress,” she reflects. “Inclusion powers innovation, and innovation drives performance.”
■ Sustainable Finance: Greening the Bank
Under Hana’s stewardship, FAB has also emerged as a regional leader in sustainable finance, aligning its strategy with national and global ESG goals.
● Green Bonds and Loans
FAB has structured billions in green financing for renewable energy, clean transportation, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
● ESG Advisory
Clients now have access to specialized ESG consulting services to help them align with sustainability frameworks and reporting.
● Internal Carbon Reduction
FAB’s own operations are moving toward carbon neutrality through smart building systems, renewable energy procurement, and paperless workflows.
“The future is sustainable,” Hana affirms. “We want to be the bank of choice for those building that future.”
■ Expanding Regionally and Globally
FAB’s expansion under Hana’s leadership has been strategic and measured, targeting high-growth markets where the bank can scale innovation and impact.
- Digital banking launches in select Asian and African markets
- Cross-border corporate banking to support regional trade and logistics
- Islamic banking growth with tailored Sharia-compliant products
- Acquisition of digital-first platforms to fast-track entry into new demographics
“We are not expanding for size,” she clarifies. “We’re expanding to serve—to add value, not just volume.”
This global presence also opens opportunities for Emirati professionals to gain international experience, supporting long-term talent development.
