Khaled Jamal Al Kayed is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bank Nizwa, Oman’s first dedicated Islamic bank, which offers fully Shari’a-compliant products and services. He has been at the helm since 2017, guiding the bank through its startup phase, rapid growth, and transformative development stages. Under his leadership, Bank Nizwa has emphasized modern, progressive Islamic banking, integrating innovation and digital transformation to sustain competitive positioning within Oman's financial sector.
Mr. Al Kayed holds a PhD in Accounting and Finance and a Master’s degree in International Accounting and Finance from the University of Liverpool, reflecting robust academic credentials that underpin his expertise in financial management and strategic banking operations. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, he has amassed extensive experience across multiple countries, beginning in Jordan, progressing to Cyprus, and returning to Jordan where he served as Deputy CEO and Chief of Finance for Safwa Islamic Bank before joining Bank Nizwa. This international exposure has equipped him with a deep understanding of Islamic finance and conventional banking dynamics.
Khaled Jamal Al Kayed’s tenure as CEO has been marked by a strong commitment to sustainable banking practices and economic diversification aligned with Oman’s Vision 2040. He advocates for transitioning clients toward sustainable financing models, steering them away from traditional approaches. His strategic vision includes bolstering the bank’s role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are pivotal for Oman’s economic diversification and job creation efforts.
Bank Nizwa, under his stewardship, has earned multiple accolades, including the “Best Performing Company” award and Mr. Al Kayed personally receiving the “CEO of the Year – Islamic Banking” at the Alam Al Oula CXO Awards 2025. These recognitions underscore his operational excellence and the productive efforts of his management team. The bank has also pioneered initiatives such as launching sustainability-linked financing in Oman, reinforcing its leadership in integrating sustainability into Islamic finance.
His leadership style focuses strongly on strategic collaboration across sectors to mobilize financial resources necessary for public infrastructure development and sustainable economic growth. At various industry forums and media briefings, Mr. Al Kayed has highlighted the growth prospects for Islamic finance in Oman, emphasizing accelerated adoption and digital transformation as critical drivers.
As CEO, he works alongside Deputy CEO and Chief Operations Officer Tariq Atiq, within a management team focused on innovation, customer centricity, and ethical banking practices, positioning Bank Nizwa as a trusted financial partner in the region.
Key Qualifications and Competencies:
- PhD in Accounting and Finance
- Master’s in International Accounting and Finance from University of Liverpool
- Over 30 years’ experience in Islamic and conventional banking
- Previous roles: Deputy CEO and Chief of Finance, Safwa Islamic Bank
- Proven leadership in strategic growth, finance, and sustainable banking principles
Recent Achievements and Recognition:
- CEO of Bank Nizwa since 2017, leading key phases of growth and digital innovation
- Awarded “CEO of the Year – Islamic Banking” at CXO Awards 2025
- Bank Nizwa named “Best Performing Company” under his tenure
- Led the launch of Oman’s first sustainability-linked financing product
Strategic Focus:
- Driving Oman’s Vision 2040 economic diversification via Islamic finance
- Promoting sustainable banking practices and green finance initiatives
- Enhancing support and financing for SMEs as critical economic drivers
- Implementing digital transformation to build a stronger, more agile bank
Khaled Jamal Al Kayed’s profile demonstrates a comprehensive blend of academic excellence, extensive operational experience, and a forward-looking leadership approach deeply embedded in Islamic finance principles and sustainable economic development. This positions him as a key influencer and decision-maker focused on innovation and growth within Oman’s banking sector.
