In a strategic move underscoring its commitment to innovation and excellence in corporate banking services, saib Bank (Egypt) has appointed Sarah Salah as Head of Global Transaction Banking (GTB), effective August 2025. Salah, a seasoned banking executive with more than 16 years of cross-border experience in trade finance and transaction banking, is set to lead the bank’s GTB division through an ambitious era of digital transformation and product innovation.
A Proven Track Record in Banking Leadership
Sarah Salah’s professional journey reflects a rich blend of hands-on operational expertise and strategic leadership across leading financial institutions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Prior to joining saib, Salah served for nearly 11 years at Emirates NBD (UAE), one of the region’s largest banking groups.
During her tenure at Emirates NBD, she held multiple senior leadership roles, including:
- Head of Commercial Products – Transaction Banking (2024–2025)
- Head of Solutions & Advisory – Transaction Banking (2022–2023)
- Head of Trade Products (2019–2021)
Her contributions were instrumental in driving the bank’s trade finance product development, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and advising multinational corporations on structured trade and transaction solutions. Salah’s leadership helped streamline operational efficiency and elevate client engagement in one of the most competitive banking environments in the region.
Exemplary Career Foundation
Salah’s ascent in the banking sector began in 2009 at Crédit Agricole Egypt, where she spent nearly five years as a Trade Finance Officer before rising to the role of Senior Trade Officer in 2014. Her early responsibilities offered her deep exposure to the fundamentals of documentary credits, trade documentation, and cross-border operations.
Later in 2014, she joined National Bank of Greece (Egypt) as a Senior Trade Finance Officer, further enriching her experience in institutional banking before transitioning to Emirates NBD.
Parallel to her corporate roles, Salah has been an accredited instructor at the Egyptian Banking Institute (EBI) since 2020, delivering specialized training in trade finance, presentation skills, and workforce development for banking professionals. This dual track of industry leadership and academic contribution underscores her well-rounded approach to sector development.
Academic Excellence and Global Credentials
Salah holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce (English Section), majoring in Accounting, from Cairo University, one of the region’s most prestigious institutions. Her academic foundation has been fortified with globally recognized certifications in banking and finance.
These international designations reflect her deep expertise in documentary trade, demand guarantees, international trade law, and corporate credit—fields that are increasingly vital in a dynamic, regulation-intensive global financial ecosystem.
Strategic Vision for saib’s GTB Growth
Salah’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as saib Bank seeks to expand its suite of transaction banking services and capitalize on Egypt’s growing role in global trade corridors. Her leadership is expected to drive:
- The launch of digital GTB platforms tailored for Egyptian corporates and SMEs
- Expansion of structured trade finance capabilities
- Strengthening of cash management and liquidity solutions
- Development of sustainable finance products aligned with ESG mandates
In addition to product innovation, Salah brings a human-centered leadership style focused on talent development, diversity, and strategic partnerships, ensuring that saib Bank remains agile in the face of technological disruption and evolving customer expectations.
A Model of Executive Empowerment
Her experience—spanning corporate finance, trade banking, product management, and training—positions her as a key figure in shaping the future of transaction banking in Egypt and beyond.
As she takes the helm at saib’s Global Transaction Banking division, all eyes will be on how Salah leverages her distinctive mix of operational precision and visionary leadership to deliver sustained value in one of the most crucial pillars of modern banking.
