Afaf Ghazwan
Summary
Strategic banking professional with experience in Liability & Transaction Banking and Compliance, AML & Financial Crime. A strategic leader with a proven track record in regulatory management/excellence, driving business growth and optimizing financial strategies. Former CBB-approved Head of Compliance & MLRO, currently leading liability management and transaction banking with a strong focus on liquidity and corporate relationships
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work history
Liability & Transaction Banking Manager (Head)
The Housing Bank for Trade & Finance – Bahrain
01.2024 - Current
- Lead Liability & Transaction Banking, driving deposit growth and optimizing cash management solutions
- Develop and execute funding strategies, contingency planning, and market positioning to increase the bank’s market share
- Identify and implement new business opportunities, securing NTB (New-to-Bank) clients and strategic partnerships
- Manage and enhance digital banking initiatives to improve cash management services for corporate clients
- Oversee corporate deposit portfolio, pricing structures, and relationship management for institutional clients
- Collaborate with Business team & Corporate Banking teams to structure competitive deposit and liquidity solutions
Compliance Officer & MLRO (CBB Approved)
The Housing Bank for Trade & Finance – Bahrain
04.2019 - 12.2023
- Led regulatory compliance, AML/CFT policies, and risk management frameworks to ensure full adherence to CBB regulations
- Developed and implemented compliance monitoring programs, policy frameworks, and governance structures
- Managed regulatory reporting, audits, and interactions with the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB)
- Conducted AML risk assessments, investigations, and suspicious transaction reporting (STR) to local authorities
- Spearheaded compliance training programs for senior management and employees
Compliance Officer & Deputy MLRO
Gulf International Bank B.S.C – Bahrain
07.2015 - 04.2019
- Developed and maintained compliance policies, internal monitoring, and reporting structures
- Managed AML investigations, regulatory assessments, and suspicious activity reports
- Led financial crime compliance initiatives, ensuring adherence to local and international regulations
- Provided strategic advisory on regulatory updates and corporate governance matters
- Advised the Board and Executive Management on governance, compliance, and risk policies
Education
Diploma in Compliance & Financial Crime -
University of Reading, UK
04.2001 - /2017
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) -
Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering
Corporate Governance Masterclass -
Brefi Group Limited
UKBachelor’s Degree in Business Informatics -
AMA University
Skills
- Stakeholder Management
- Leadership
- Negotiation
- Strategic Decision-Making
- Project & Program Management
- Business Execution
- Time Management
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Leadership & Strategy Execution
- Corporate Relationship Management
- Liquidity & Deposit Growth Strategies
- Market Analysis & Business Development
- Project & Change Management
- Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
- Successfully established and led the Liability & Transaction Banking division, optimizing funding strategies and corporate deposit growth
- 3x Liability Portfolio Growth
- Leading the development of Corporate Cash Management system, coordinating with stakeholder to introduce competitive digital banking solution
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Liability & Transaction Banking Manager (Head)
The Housing Bank for Trade & Finance – Bahrain
01.2024 - Current
Compliance Officer & MLRO (CBB Approved)
The Housing Bank for Trade & Finance – Bahrain
04.2019 - 12.2023
Compliance Officer & Deputy MLRO
Gulf International Bank B.S.C – Bahrain
07.2015 - 04.2019
Diploma in Compliance & Financial Crime -
University of Reading, UK
04.2001 - /2017
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) -
Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering
Corporate Governance Masterclass -
Brefi Group Limited
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Informatics -
AMA University
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