Amana Bank has made a significant announcement regarding the appointment of Siddeeque Akbar, its Vice President of Retail Banking & Marketing, as the President of the Association of Alternative Financial Institutions (AAFI). This appointment, which took place during the Association’s recent Annual General Meeting, reflects Siddeeque’s leadership and expertise within the non-interest-based Islamic Banking sector, showcasing his strong contributions to the industry.
Siddeeque Akbar’s journey with Amana Bank began during its formative stages, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the marketing function as the Senior Manager of Marketing & Corporate Communications. His dedication and capabilities led to his elevation to the position of Vice President of Retail Banking and Marketing within the bank.
Prior to joining Amana Bank, Siddeeque held various key roles, including Marketing Manager and Brand Manager, across diverse industries such as financial services, telecommunications, and consumer electronics. He also served as the Treasurer of the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing, demonstrating his broad experience and industry knowledge.
Siddeeque has been actively involved in representing Amana Bank and the Islamic banking and finance sector as a whole, participating as a panelist and speaker at numerous local and international forums. His contributions and expertise have earned him respect and recognition within the industry, culminating in his appointment as the inaugural Vice President of AAFI in 2015.
Established in 2015, AAFI comprises major banks and financial institutions in Sri Lanka, aiming to advance the Non-Interest-Based Participatory Banking and Finance sector. Through proactive engagement, AAFI strives to ensure that all Sri Lankans benefit from this distinctive banking and finance model.
Expressing his gratitude, Siddeeque Akbar commented, “I am honoured to serve as the President of the Association of Alternative Financial Institutions. This association signifies the collective commitment of our alternative banking community to promote cooperation and drive the growth of this unique banking and finance model. I am thankful to Amana Bank for providing me with the platform to expand my knowledge, expertise, and exposure in this industry.”
The AAFI Executive Council comprises esteemed members such as Suresh Perera (KPMG) as Vice President, Rifka Ziyard (KPMG) as Secretary, Bahar Nayan (NDB) as Treasurer, Hisham Ally (HNB) as Assistant Treasurer, and Ilsam Awfer (LOFC) as Assistant Secretary. The late Ravi Abeysuriya served as the Founder President of the Association.