In the ever-evolving financial landscape of Saudi Arabia, Ms. Lama bint Ahmed Ghazzawi stands as a pillar of leadership, expertise, and innovation. As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of First Saudi Bank, she has played a crucial role in shaping the institution’s financial strategy, risk management, and operational excellence. With a distinguished career spanning over 24 years, Ms. Lama Ghazzawi has built a reputation as a financial visionary, navigating the complexities of banking and corporate finance while driving sustainable growth.
A Journey of Excellence in Finance
Ms. Lama Ghazzawi’s career in finance is marked by her dedication, strategic acumen, and an unwavering commitment to financial integrity. She began her journey in the financial sector with a passion for accounting and quickly rose through the ranks due to her exceptional analytical skills and leadership abilities.
Her tenure at Saudi National Bank (SNB), one of the Kingdom’s leading financial institutions, was instrumental in refining her expertise in financial planning, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance. Throughout her time at SNB, she held several key leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the bank’s financial operations, ensuring stability, and leading large-scale financial projects. She also served as the Director of the General Department of Accounting, where she was responsible for implementing strategic financial policies and maintaining compliance with international financial standards.
Shaping the Future of Finance in Saudi Arabia
In her role as Chief Accountant, she managed financial reporting, audits, and corporate budgeting to enhance financial efficiency. As Head of Budgeting & Financial Reporting, she played a pivotal role in preparing financial statements and overseeing fiscal planning.
Before joining the banking sector, Ms. Lama Ghazzawi also worked as an external auditor at Deloitte, one of the world’s largest professional services firms. This experience provided her with deep insights into financial auditing, corporate governance, and risk mitigation, skills that would later prove invaluable in her banking career.
Driving Financial Innovation at First Saudi Bank
As the CFO of First Saudi Bank, Ms. Lama Ghazzawi continues to lead with foresight and innovation. Her role encompasses financial risk management, investment strategies, corporate governance, and digital transformation within the banking sector.
Under her leadership, First Saudi Bank has achieved robust financial performance through cost-effective financial strategies that ensure profitability and resilience in a rapidly evolving market. She has also been a strong advocate for technological advancements, championing financial technology (FinTech) integration, enhancing digital banking solutions, and implementing automation to improve customer experience.
Her extensive knowledge of financial laws and policies ensures that First Saudi Bank remains compliant with Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) regulations and international banking standards. She has also focused on sustainable financial growth by emphasizing long-term financial planning and responsible investment to drive sustainable growth for the bank and its stakeholders.
Her leadership is not just about numbers; it is about empowering financial institutions to innovate, remain competitive, and adapt to global economic trends.
A Leader Beyond the Boardroom
Beyond her role at First Saudi Bank, Ms. Lama Ghazzawi is an active contributor to Saudi Arabia’s financial and economic landscape. Her expertise is widely recognized, leading to her appointment as a board member of several prestigious financial and governmental organizations.
She currently serves as a member of the Council of the Human Rights Commission, where she plays a crucial role in integrating financial policies with broader social and economic initiatives. She is also a board member at the Securities Clearing Center Company, contributing to financial market infrastructure and securities clearing regulations. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Academy of Financial and Accounting Excellence, where she supports the development of finance professionals and promotes education in the sector.
Her involvement in these institutions highlights her dedication to financial governance, market stability, and the development of future financial leaders in Saudi Arabia.
Pioneering Women’s Leadership in Saudi Arabia’s Financial Sector
Ms. Lama Ghazzawi is a role model for aspiring female professionals in finance and banking. In a traditionally male-dominated industry, she has shattered barriers and proven that women can lead at the highest levels of financial management and corporate strategy.
Her success aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes women’s empowerment, workforce participation, and leadership across all sectors. By holding a top executive position at First Saudi Bank, she serves as an inspiration for women striving to excel in finance, economics, and leadership roles.
She is a strong advocate for mentorship, education, and professional training programs, ensuring that young financial professionals—both men and women—have access to the resources they need to thrive in the modern banking industry.
Academic Excellence and Professional Accreditations
Ms. Lama Ghazzawi’s success is underpinned by strong academic credentials and globally recognized certifications. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the Lebanese American University, providing her with a solid foundation in financial principles and business management. She is also a Fellow of Chartered Accountants from Colorado, USA, a prestigious accreditation that signifies her expertise in financial reporting, auditing, and risk management.
Her education and professional qualifications reflect her commitment to continuous learning, ethical financial practices, and international financial standards.
Legacy and Future Contributions
With over two decades of expertise, Ms. Lama Ghazzawi has cemented her status as one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential financial leaders. Her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, drive strategic growth, and foster financial innovation positions her as a pivotal figure in the Kingdom’s banking sector.
As she continues to lead First Saudi Bank, her vision for the future includes advancing digital banking initiatives to enhance customer accessibility and efficiency. She is also focused on strengthening financial security measures to protect against global economic risks and cyber threats. Additionally, she remains committed to mentoring the next generation of financial professionals, ensuring Saudi Arabia’s finance sector remains globally competitive.
Her leadership is not just about steering a financial institution to success; it’s about building a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking financial ecosystem for Saudi Arabia.
Recognizing Her Impact
At Arabian Leaders Magazine, we are honored to spotlight exceptional leaders like Ms. Lama bint Ahmed Ghazzawi, who are redefining Saudi Arabia’s financial sector. Her contributions to banking, corporate finance, and economic policy are instrumental in shaping the country’s financial future.
Her unwavering dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence serve as a beacon of inspiration for financial professionals, women in leadership, and the broader business community. As she continues her journey of financial transformation and leadership, we look forward to witnessing her continued success in shaping Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape.
