Yasmeen Al-Sharaf

Yasmeen Al-Sharaf is a pioneering figure in the finance and fintech sectors, currently working as the Director of the FinTech & Innovation Unit at the Central Bank of Bahrain. Tasked with creating an ecosystem that allows for robust frameworks fostering innovation throughout the financial services sector, Yasmeen has delivered impactful work for the past two decades at the CBB. Now hired as a keynote speaker on finance, fintech and innovation, Yasmeen has delivered keynote speeches at events such as the World Government Summit and has established a reputation as a leading authority on the financial services sector.

Having completed a BSc in Banking and Finance at the University of Bahrain, Yasmeen began her decorated career working as an Analyst for the Bahrain Islamic Bank. Following a short stint with the bank, Yasmeen joined the CBB, working as a Superintendent of Licensing Research & Development for the Central Bank of Bahrain. Performing duties as a Superintendent for 16 years, Yasmeen was later promoted to Head of the Fintech & Innovation Unit at the CBB, before moving into her current position of Director of the FinTech & Innovation Unit. In 2020, Yasmeen completed a FinTech & Regulatory Innovation Certificate at the University of Cambridge, furthering her detailed expertise in fintech and innovation. 

Gaining detailed knowledge of Bahrain’s regulatory frameworks and governing of the financial services industry, Yasmeen is famed for having designed and implemented the FinTech Strategy for the CBB. She is also renowned for having worked on creating the Kingdom’s Regulatory Sandbox, having released the Kingdom’s first sandbox platform “FinHub973”. Yasmeen’s efforts have earned Bahrain recognition as one of MENA’s leading fintech hubs, with Yasmeen having been a pivotal member of the CBB FinTech Working Group committees – such as the Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN). She has also played significant roles as a member of the Bloomberg LP’s GCC Gender Diversity Initiative “A Fair Share” and the Bahrani’s Women in FinTech Committee. The Chairman of the Regulatory Sandbox Application Committee at the CBB, Yasmeen’s dedication to the development of fintech has been recognised by selection on the 2019  Top 100 Women in FinTech list by Lattice80 and the Women in FinTech Powerlist by Innovate Finance UK in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023. 

Having spent her career working closely with banks, investors, financing companies and insurance companies, Yasmeen has a broad perspective on the financial services sector and how it can be innovated. Handling key initiatives regarding finances, fintech, and innovation, Yasmeen has a thorough understanding of Bahrain’s regulatory frameworks and the financial services sector's governing sectors. If you are searching for a keynote speaker who has detailed expertise in financial technology, financial services and how they can be improved through innovation, don’t hesitate to hire Yasmeen Al-Sharaf today.