Tell us a little about yourself and your journey to joining SICO’s Internal Audit team.
I graduated from the University of Bahrain with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, earning First Class Honors, and later obtained the ACCA qualification. I began my career at KPMG, where I spent nearly three years in the Audit Department and gained valuable experience across a range of industries.
In 2023, I joined SICO’s Internal Audit team, which gave me the opportunity to develop my expertise further within the financial services sector. I was drawn to SICO’s strong reputation, long history of stability, and commitment to ethical business practices. Working at a trusted and well-established Bahraini institution has given me valuable opportunities to grow professionally and to contribute to strengthening governance and risk management across the organization.
For those who may not be familiar with the function, how would you describe what Internal Audit does and why it is critical for a financial institution like SICO?
Internal Audit acts as a trusted advisor to the organization, helping it identify risks, strengthen controls, improve processes, enhance compliance with regulatory requirements, and ensure that operations run effectively.
For a financial institution like SICO, the function plays an important role in protecting the Group, our clients, and our shareholders by promoting strong governance, accountability, and compliance. Providing independent assurance is a key part of that role, as is working closely with stakeholders to identify control gaps, process inefficiencies, and emerging risks, and to recommend practical improvements that strengthen the overall control environment.
What have been some of the most valuable skills or insights you’ve gained since joining SICO, and how has the environment supported your professional development?
Since joining SICO, I have gained valuable experience in internal audit, risk management, and regulatory compliance within the financial services sector. Working on diverse and challenging audits has strengthened my analytical and communication skills while broadening my understanding of the business. Being part of a fully-fledged investment bank like SICO has exposed me to a wide range of products, asset classes, and services, including investment banking, asset management, and brokerage, putting me in a position today to be able to provide internal audit services across the Group in a multi-jurisdictional regulatory environment.
What I value most is the continuous opportunity for learning and growth. SICO’s Internal Audit department fosters a genuinely supportive and collaborative environment. The chance to learn from experienced colleagues, work across different departments, and continuously build on my knowledge has played an important role in my professional growth and continues to motivate me.
As a young Bahraini professional, what opportunities do you see for your generation in the region’s evolving financial sector?
As a young Bahraini professional, I see exciting opportunities in the region’s evolving financial sector, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, risk management, and investment services. SICO is a continuously growing, innovating, and evolving institution, and one I see as a critical component of Bahrain’s financial sector. The Kingdom’s strong financial ecosystem gives young talent excellent opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to the industry’s future.
What advice would you give to young professionals considering a career in financial services, and what key skills are essential to succeed today?
My advice to young professionals is to stay curious, be disciplined and hardworking, and remain ready to learn continuously. The financial services industry is constantly evolving, so investing in your professional development and gaining practical experience can make a significant difference.
Outside of work, what is something your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
I enjoy watching TV series and exploring new places to eat or relax. I think it’s important to make time for the things that bring you happiness, and I enjoy treating myself occasionally as a way to recharge and maintain balance.
