Introduction
In Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving economic landscape, few figures stand out as distinctly as Hanouf Abdulelah Bin Saeed. With nearly two decades of expertise in banking, finance, and investment, Hanouf has not only climbed the ranks to top executive positions but has also played an active role in shaping the country’s transformation in line with Vision 2030. Currently serving as the General Manager of Stake KSA, she leads one of the region’s most promising fintech platforms specializing in fractional real estate investment, helping democratize wealth-building opportunities for ordinary Saudis.
Early Life and Education: Foundations of a Trailblazer
Although specific biographical details about Hanouf’s early life are less publicly available, it is clear from her career trajectory that she has always been deeply committed to excellence and continuous learning.
From the outset, Hanouf demonstrated a keen interest in finance, business strategy, and economic development. Her academic and professional credentials reflect this commitment: she pursued a degree in finance and built expertise across multiple banking disciplines, acquiring knowledge that positioned her for leadership roles early on.
In a region where opportunities for women in executive positions were historically limited, Hanouf emerged as part of a new generation of Saudi women determined to break through barriers and create a seat at the table for themselves and others.
Early Career: Entering the Financial Sector
Hanouf began her professional career in the Saudi financial sector, taking on increasingly strategic roles that involved managing assets, designing financial products, and developing client relationships. Her ability to balance risk with innovation quickly earned her recognition.
She worked across corporate banking, treasury services, and non-banking financial institutions (NBFI) — areas critical to the growth and stability of the Saudi economy. Her capacity to bridge the gap between conventional banking and emerging financial models made her an asset to every institution she worked with.
Notably, she became known for her ability to develop strategic partnerships, grow portfolios, and implement financial solutions that aligned with both institutional goals and national development priorities.
Leadership at Riyad Bank: Scaling the NBFI Portfolio
One of the most defining chapters of Hanouf’s career came with her tenure at Riyad Bank, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading financial institutions. As Senior Vice President and Head of the Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFI) Division, Hanouf achieved remarkable milestones that elevated the bank’s reputation and strengthened its footprint in non-traditional financial services.
Under her leadership, the NBFI portfolio grew from SAR 1 billion to over SAR 12 billion in just 4.5 years — a tenfold increase that reflected both her sharp strategic focus and her deep understanding of market needs. This portfolio expansion played a critical role in Riyad Bank’s positioning as a progressive institution supporting diverse sectors beyond traditional corporate clients.
Hanouf’s expertise also led her to spearhead landmark financing projects, including the SAR 2 billion financing agreement for the Four Seasons Resort at The Red Sea, a mega-project aligned with the country’s push toward sustainable tourism and hospitality as part of Vision 2030.
Her work at Riyad Bank not only strengthened the bank’s balance sheet but also contributed to broader economic goals by financing projects that created jobs, stimulated local economies, and attracted international attention to Saudi Arabia’s evolving investment landscape.
Championing Vision 2030: Supporting National Economic Goals
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is an ambitious strategic framework aimed at reducing the Kingdom’s dependency on oil, diversifying its economy, and fostering innovation. For Hanouf, Vision 2030 was not just a government policy; it was a personal mission.
Her projects, both at Riyad Bank and beyond, have consistently aligned with the Vision’s goals, especially in promoting sustainable development, economic diversification, and financial innovation. By facilitating financing for non-traditional sectors such as tourism, real estate, and fintech, Hanouf has helped shape a more resilient and future-ready Saudi economy.
Additionally, her presence as a woman in high-ranking financial roles serves as a powerful example of the Vision’s emphasis on empowering women and increasing female participation in the workforce — an essential pillar of the national transformation strategy.
Transition to Stake KSA: Entering the Fintech Revolution
In November 2024, Hanouf made a strategic career pivot by joining Stake, a Dubai-based fintech platform, as General Manager for Saudi Arabia. Stake specializes in fractional real estate investment, allowing individuals to invest in premium real estate assets with minimal entry capital — a game-changing concept in a region traditionally dominated by large institutional investors.
For Hanouf, this transition represented more than just a career move; it was an opportunity to help democratize investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia. She recognized the immense potential of leveraging technology to break down financial barriers, making real estate — historically an elite investment class — accessible to middle-income Saudis and young investors.
Under her leadership, Stake KSA has focused on creating user-friendly investment products, ensuring regulatory compliance, and raising awareness among Saudis about the benefits and risks of fractional investing.
Key Achievements at Stake KSA
In her relatively short tenure at Stake, Hanouf has already achieved several notable milestones:
- Market Expansion: She has spearheaded Stake’s entry into the Saudi market, navigating regulatory complexities and forming local partnerships.
- Community Engagement: Through webinars, workshops, and public outreach, Hanouf has actively educated the Saudi public on fintech innovations and real estate investment opportunities.
- Building Trust: Recognizing that fintech adoption requires trust, she has focused on transparency, security, and delivering measurable returns for investors.
- Aligning with Vision 2030: Her efforts support national goals by encouraging entrepreneurship, fostering a savings and investment culture, and contributing to the growth of the non-oil economy.
Leadership Style: Visionary, Inclusive, and Results-Oriented
Hanouf is widely regarded as a visionary leader who combines strategic foresight with practical execution. Her leadership style is marked by several key traits:
- Inclusivity: She believes in empowering her teams and creating a collaborative environment where diverse voices are valued.
- Innovation-Driven: She constantly pushes her organizations to embrace innovation, whether by adopting new technologies or rethinking old processes.
- Data-Informed Decisions: Hanouf leverages data analytics to guide business strategy, measure performance, and optimize outcomes.
- Mentorship and Advocacy: As a female executive in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she is passionate about mentoring young professionals, particularly women, to help them advance their careers.
Industry Recognition and Influence
Over her career, Hanouf has been recognized not only for her business achievements but also for her influence in shaping the broader industry landscape. She is frequently invited to speak at conferences, panels, and workshops, where she shares insights on topics such as:
- The future of fintech in Saudi Arabia
- Empowering women in finance
- Sustainable development through responsible investing
- Aligning private sector strategies with Vision 2030 goals
Her influence extends beyond her formal roles, making her a thought leader whose voice helps shape public discourse on key economic issues.
Challenges and Resilience
Hanouf’s rise to leadership has not been without challenges. As one of the few female executives in Saudi banking and fintech, she has navigated:
- Gender Bias: Overcoming stereotypes and proving her capabilities in boardrooms often dominated by men.
- Regulatory Complexity: Operating within an evolving legal and regulatory environment, especially in fintech, requires agility and a deep understanding of compliance.
- Market Education: Introducing new financial concepts like fractional investing requires sustained effort in educating and building trust among consumers unfamiliar with these models.
Through resilience, adaptability, and unwavering focus, Hanouf has turned these challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Hanouf Abdulelah Bin Saeed envisions a financially inclusive Saudi Arabia where technology enables ordinary citizens to participate in wealth-building opportunities traditionally reserved for the elite.
Her work at Stake KSA reflects this vision — combining cutting-edge fintech solutions with a deep commitment to national development goals. Hanouf’s ability to align private-sector innovation with public-sector priorities positions her as a key player in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing economic transformation.
As she continues to expand Stake’s presence, mentor the next generation, and drive innovation, Hanouf remains steadfast in her mission: to help build a dynamic, diversified, and resilient Saudi economy that empowers all its citizens.
Conclusion
Hanouf Abdulelah Bin Saeed’s career is a testament to what visionary leadership, determination, and innovation can achieve. From her early days in corporate banking to her role at Riyad Bank, and now as the General Manager of Stake KSA, she has consistently driven progress, inspired change, and helped shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s financial and investment sectors.
Her contributions go beyond business success; they align with the Kingdom’s broader ambitions under Vision 2030, fostering economic diversification, empowering women, and embracing digital transformation.
In an era defined by rapid change and global competition, leaders like Hanouf stand out for their ability to blend local expertise with global innovation, delivering solutions that not only benefit companies and investors but also contribute to national progress.
As she continues her journey, Hanouf Abdulelah Bin Saeed is not just managing companies — she is building a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and sustainable growth that will shape Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape for generations to come.
