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Market Development
(the Industry Expertise)

I have a proven track record of developing and scaling payment ecosystems across diverse regions. From launching national payment switches to driving international card issuance, I have consistently delivered strategies that promote growth, adoption, and sustainability. My deep understanding of issuers, acquirers, fintech players, and processors enables me to integrate payment systems that meet local and global standards.

Proof Points:

1. Spearheaded the launch of Pakistan’s national payment switch (1LINK), doubling member banks from 15 to 30 and introducing services like real-time interbank transfers, utility bill payments, and Visa debit cards.
2. Established UnionPay’s presence in the UAE and Oman, driving the issuance of 5 million cards and achieving market-wide contactless acceptance.
3. Played a critical role in Visa’s entry into Pakistan, securing over $5 billion in payment volumes through strategic agreements with tier-1 banks.
4. Launched 15 physical and 5 tokenized card issuance products for UnionPay, addressing diverse market needs and boosting adoption.
5. Partnered with UAE Central Bank for nationwide ATM acceptance & debut Jaywan co-badge card issuance.

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Strategic Partnerships
(the People Skills)

Building meaningful relationships has been the cornerstone of my career. I excel in forging strategic alliances with acquirers, issuers, fintech players, regulators, and industry associations. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated the ability to navigate complex negotiations, manage high-stakes agreements, and build lasting trust. My people-first philosophy empowers teams and stakeholders alike to innovate, adapt, and achieve shared success.

Proof Points:

1. Secured 35+ strategic agreements for UnionPay in the UAE, including partnerships with all acquiring banks and the Central Bank for ATM acceptance.
2. Negotiated and closed the region’s largest deal with Al Rajhi Bank during my tenure at TSYS, significantly enhancing market share.
3. Fostered partnerships with key players Payment Gateways (MPGS and CyberSource) and Merchants (Noon and Amazon) to launch UnionPay’s e-commerce acquiring platforms in the UAE.
4. Collaborated with senior stakeholders to introduce Experian’s portfolio management system for Amex, improving credit analytics capabilities.
5. Worked closely with Visa’s tier-1 clients to deliver portfolio segmentation and spend stimulation strategies, resulting in increased payment volumes.

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Digital Payments
(the Functional Knowledge)

With a 360-degree understanding of the ecosystem—from ATMs and e-commerce platforms to QR code payments, tokenized solutions, and person-to-person transactions—I have successfully launched products that enhance convenience, security, and accessibility. Coming from a Computer Science background, I have the advantage of understanding the technical intricacies of payments, giving me an edge over those without a STEM foundation.

Proof Points:

1. Successfully launched 150+ payment products, including tokenized cards, QR payments, and advanced e-commerce acquiring solutions across multiple regions.
2. Designed and implemented UnionPay’s QR payment infrastructure, achieving universal acceptance by partnering with major acquirers in the UAE.
3. Played a pivotal role in Visa’s debit and credit card portfolio development, introducing 17 new products tailored to market demands.
4. Launched e-commerce acquiring platforms, including 3DS 2.0 and tokenization services, enhancing security and user experience.
5. Enabled digital card issuance for UnionPay, pioneering seamless and secure tokenized card deployments across GCC markets.