Deutsche Bank has announced the establishment of a new and exclusive forum for women in Saudi Arabia to address key themes in investment and financial markets. The Ladies Finance Forum will meet on a regular basis and will include experienced speakers from Deutsche Bank and affiliated entities to discuss topics including wealth planning and protection, technology and associated macro trends, alternative and renewable energy, investment asset classes, and trends in investment in contemporary art.
The first gathering of the forum took place on Sept. 17, at the Al-Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh and saw great interest from senior Saudi female executives from a range of industries and commercial backgrounds.
Senior executives from Deutsche Bank including Peter Hinder, head of wealth management Europe Middle East and Africa, and Jamal Al-Kishi, chief executive officer Middle East and Africa, were also in attendance.
Deutsche Bank will host the next Ladies Finance Forum in London as part of its Frieze Art Fair program. The next event in Riyadh, scheduled for later this year, will focus on the theme of digitalization.
The Ladies Finance Forum was a concept developed by Haifa Al-Obaid, director, senior client adviser at Deutsche Securities Saudi Arabia, based in Riyadh.
Al-Obaid said: “The forum is one of a kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We saw great enthusiasm from the ladies in attendance and we are thrilled with the feedback we have received from the forum’s participants.”
Al-Kishi, Deutsche Bank’s CEO in the Middle East and Africa, said: “Deutsche Bank is deeply committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s National Transformation Plan and Vision 2030. As the empowerment of women in the Kingdom is a key pillar of this plan, we are committed to supporting this endeavor through the creation of this unique forum, at the same time providing our valued clients access to senior Deutsche Bank thought-leaders from around the globe.”
The inaugural forum saw a welcome address from Al-Kishi and Hinder. Mohammed Hawa, Deutsche Bank’s head of equities in Saudi Arabia, spoke on Saudi Arabia’s macroeconomic outlook and opportunities in the Kingdom’s equity markets.
Deutsche Bank launches Ladies Finance Forum in Riyadh
Deutsche Bank launches Ladies Finance Forum in Riyadh
PwC Middle East and Sirar by stc’s CISO500 program advances cyber leadership
The fifth edition of the CISO500 program ran from Feb. 8-12. Delivered in partnership between PwC Middle East and Sirar by stc, the program featured five intensive days of rich discussions and hands-on practical experiences, aimed at strengthening leadership capabilities in cybersecurity and keeping pace with rapid technological transformation.
The program is designed to develop the capabilities of executive cybersecurity leaders and enhance their strategic role in supporting organizations’ digital transformation. It equips participants to address contemporary challenges in the cyber landscape and expand their influence within decision-making ecosystems.
Yasser Al-Swailem, CEO of Sirar by stc, said that the program represents an important step toward strengthening the readiness of cyber leaders in the region. He noted that the CISO500 program is a fundamental pillar in the journey toward building a secure and trusted Saudi cyberspace aligned with national ambitions. He added that investing in national cybersecurity leadership is no longer optional but a strategic necessity for ensuring sustainable digital development. The program reflects a commitment to empowering national talent to lead the digital security landscape according to the highest global standards.
He further emphasized that such initiatives contribute to strengthening digital security ecosystems and enabling organizations to confidently and sustainably address future challenges.
Samer Omar, cybersecurity and digital trust leader at PwC Middle East, added: “CISO500 is a long-term investment in Saudi leadership. Over the past year, we’ve seen how bringing together senior Saudi cybersecurity professionals in a structured executive environment accelerates capability, builds confidence and deepens collaboration. As the program enters its second year, our focus remains on equipping Saudi CISOs with the strategic perspective and technical depth required to secure the Kingdom’s digital ambitions.”
The program addressed a range of advanced topics, including common cyber transformation pitfalls, mechanisms for securing enterprise digital transformation, and cybersecurity budgeting and financial governance. These topics enhanced leaders’ ability to translate cyber risks and security investments into financial indicators that support executive decision-making.
It also covered the latest technological developments, particularly artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, quantum computing, and the protection of critical and operational infrastructure. Emphasis was placed on the importance of security governance for AI technologies and strengthening enterprise-wide risk management perspectives associated with them.
The program adopted an interactive learning methodology combining strategic discussions, collaborative work, and creative practical exercises, contributing to a deeper understanding of concepts and enabling their translation into applicable organizational practices.
Abdullah Al-Asmari, global cybersecurity director at the Saudi Research and Media Group and one of the program participants, said that the experience added significant strategic and practical value: “The program provided a rich experience that strengthened the leadership perspective of cybersecurity, particularly in linking technical practices with strategic and financial dimensions within the organization. It also offered valuable space for exchanging expertise on emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing, and the challenges of securing critical infrastructure. This experience enhances cyber leaders’ ability to adopt a more influential role in supporting digital transformation and enabling decision-making based on a comprehensive understanding of risk and value.”
He added that the program facilitated the exchange of insights on emerging challenges and strengthened the ability to align cybersecurity with institutional objectives and executive decision requirements.
Participants said that the program constituted a valuable professional and knowledge-driven experience that enhanced the readiness of cyber leaders to keep pace with rapid digital transformation, reinforcing cybersecurity’s role as a strategic enabler that supports innovation while preserving business trust, reliability, and sustainability.
