Ammar Afif

Founder and CEO

Ammar Afif is an accomplished business leader with a proven track record of driving innovation and growth in the financial technology industry. As the Founder and CEO of Cashew Payments and the Chief Executive Officer of Muawin, he leverages his deep expertise in financial services and digital payments to transform the way businesses and consumers manage their financial transactions.

Professional Overview

Ammar's areas of expertise include financial strategy, payment solutions development, and digital transformation. He is passionate about leveraging technology to improve financial inclusion and empower businesses of all sizes to thrive in the digital economy.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Founder and CEO, Cashew Payments (2019-01-01 to Present)

• Oversees the strategic direction and operations of Cashew Payments, a leading digital payments platform that provides seamless, secure, and cost-effective payment solutions to businesses across the UAE.

• Spearheads the development of innovative payment technologies, driving the company's growth and solidifying its position as a trusted partner for merchants and consumers.

• Fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering the Cashew Payments team to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

Chief Executive Officer, Muawin (2019-01-01 to Present)

• Provides visionary leadership as the CEO of Muawin, a financial services company that offers accessible and affordable credit solutions to underserved individuals and small businesses.

• Leads the strategic planning and execution of Muawin's initiatives, ensuring the company's products and services align with the evolving needs of its target market.

• Oversees the development and implementation of Muawin's digital platforms, leveraging technology to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of the company's financial solutions.

Career Progression

Managing Director, Monami Tech (2016-02-01 to 2021-11-01)

• Served as the Managing Director, leading the company's digital transformation and the development of cutting-edge payment solutions for merchants and financial institutions.

• Spearheaded the expansion of Monami Tech's client base and the successful integration of its products and services with leading e-commerce platforms and financial service providers.

Chief Financial Officer, Merchant Warehouse (2013-02-01 to 2016-02-01)

• Played a key role in the company's financial management, helping to drive strategic decision-making and ensure operational efficiency.

• Contributed to the development and implementation of Merchant Warehouse's payment processing solutions, which enabled merchants to accept a wide range of payment methods.

Chief Financial Officer, NaviNet (2009-05-01 to 2013-03-01)

• Oversaw the financial operations of NaviNet, a leading provider of secure healthcare communication and collaboration solutions.

• Played a critical role in the company's growth and expansion, contributing to the development of new products and services that addressed the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.

Academic Background

Ammar holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Southern California, where he graduated with honors. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has completed executive education programs at leading business schools, further enhancing his expertise in financial management and strategic leadership.

Areas of Expertise

• Financial strategy and management

• Digital payment solutions development

• Financial technology (FinTech) innovation

• Entrepreneurship and business growth

• Operational efficiency and optimization

• Regulatory compliance and risk management

Professional Impact

Under Ammar's leadership, Cashew Payments has emerged as a prominent player in the UAE's digital payments landscape, processing billions of dirhams in transactions and serving thousands of merchants across diverse industries. Muawin has also made significant strides in improving financial inclusion and access to credit for underserved individuals and small businesses in the region.

Ammar's contributions extend beyond his companies, as he actively participates in industry events and forums, sharing his insights and advocating for the adoption of innovative financial technologies. He is recognized as a thought leader in the FinTech space, driving the conversation around the future of digital payments and the role of technology in shaping the financial services industry.

Conclusion

Ammar Afif's extensive experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to innovation have positioned him as a prominent figure in the Middle East's financial technology sector. As he continues to lead Cashew Payments and Muawin, he is poised to further revolutionize the way businesses