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Our Board of Directors

Our vision to add value to our customers and stakeholders through service excellence is supported by our leadership. The unwavering dedication from the leadership to this philosophy, cascades down the organization hierarchy to define a culture of steadfast service and growth, delivered through our employees across the organization.

The present board is comprised of Directors who are eminent professionals in their chosen fields of expertise, allowing invaluable collective insight.

Mr. Lars Eugen Petre

Chairperson of the Board

Mr. Lars Eugen Petré was appointed as Chairperson of the Board of Maldives Finance and Leasing Company (MFLC) on 14th June 2014, representing the company’s principal shareholder. Under his stewardship, MFLC has continued to strengthen its strategic governance framework, broaden its financial offerings, and enhance institutional resilience. With over 45 years of experience in the global tourism and travel industry, Mr. Petré is widely regarded as one of the pioneering investors in the Maldives tourism sector. His legacy of investment and development in the country spans several flagship resort properties, including Kuredu, Komandoo, Hurawalhi, Kudadoo, Innahura, and the expansive Jawakara Islands. His deep understanding of tourism driven economic ecosystems has played a significant role in shaping the luxury hospitality landscape in the Maldives. Beyond resort development, Mr. Petré played a pivotal role in the growth of the aviation sector in the Maldives. As a former shareholder and Board Director of Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), he was instrumental in transforming the company into the largest seaplane operator in the world, facilitating seamless inter-island connectivity and supporting the growth of high end tourism in the archipelago. Internationally, Mr. Petré has extended his investment footprint to the Seychelles, where he is a partner in leading hospitality assets including the Hilton Northolme Resort and Spa and the DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles Allamanda Resort and Spa. His diversified global experience brings valuable insight to MFLC’s strategic vision, especially in areas of cross-border investment, capital structuring, and enterprise development. Mr. Petré does not hold any significant shareholdings or executive or board positions in other financial institutions, ensuring full alignment and commitment to his fiduciary responsibilities at MFLC. His leadership continues to guide the company with a long term perspective focused on growth, innovation, and value creation for stakeholders.

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Ms. Ibthishama Ahmed Saeed

CEO & Managing Director

Ms. Ibthishama Ahmed Saeed was appointed as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Maldives Finance and Leasing Company (MFLC) on 1st September 2021, following her tenure as Deputy CEO from July to August 2021. Prior to this, she served as a Board Director at MFLC from January 2021, representing the interest of the company’s majority shareholder. Her leadership at MFLC is anchored in a strategic vision to strengthen institutional resilience, deepen financial inclusion, and drive innovation across the financial services ecosystem. Ms. Ibthishama is a seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of professional experience spanning public and private sector organizations in the Maldives and abroad. Her multidisciplinary expertise covers a diverse range of industries including banking and finance, aviation, tourism and hospitality, and healthcare making her one of the few Maldivian executives with such a wide reaching leadership portfolio. Her notable contributions in the banking sector include her service as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the Bank of Maldives from 2015 to 2019. During her tenure, she played a key role in shaping the bank’s strategic direction through her active participation in the Board Credit Committee and the Appointments and Remuneration Committee, where she contributed to governance reforms, talent strategy, and credit oversight at a national level. In the tourism sector, Ms. Ibthishama served as the Chairperson of the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) from 2015 to 2016. In this capacity, she led strategic restructuring efforts and worked to revitalize investment and stakeholder confidence in public-private tourism development initiatives. Ms. Ibthishama has also held various senior management and advisory roles in the aviation and healthcare sectors, contributing to institutional restructuring, operational turnarounds, and governance reforms. Her cross sectoral leadership has consistently been marked by a focus on sustainability, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and value creation. Academically, Ms. Ibthishama holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Commercial Law from the University of the West of England, a Master of Arts in Marketing Communication from the University of Westminster, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Kerala, India. Her educational background complements her strategic leadership with strong foundations in legal and regulatory affairs, corporate communication, and business management. Ms. Ibthishama continues to be a prominent advocate for ethical governance, financial inclusion, and women’s leadership in business, and is recognized for her transformational leadership approach in both executive and board level roles.

Mr. Sunil Balakrishnan

Non-Executive/

Non-Independent Director

Mr. Sunil Balakrishnan was appointed as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director on the Board of Maldives Finance and Leasing Company (MFLC) on 14th June 2014, representing the company’s majority shareholder. His appointment brings valuable financial expertise and strategic insight to the Board, particularly informed by his extensive experience in the Maldivian tourism sector and diversified business operations. A Chartered Accountant by profession, Mr. Balakrishnan began his career in the Maldivian tourism industry with the prestigious Reethi Rah Resort, where he developed foundational skills in finance and operations management. In 2000, he joined KASA Holdings Pvt. Ltd, a prominent investment group with diversified interests, to broaden his exposure to multiple sectors and the wider Maldivian economy, which is closely linked to tourism performance. With over two decades of professional experience, Mr. Balakrishnan currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of KASA Holdings Pvt. Ltd, where he oversees the financial management, planning, and strategic investment activities of the company. His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring robust financial controls, effective capital allocation, and sustainable growth across the group’s portfolio. Mr. Balakrishnan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India, a qualification that complements his analytical acumen and strategic financial planning capabilities. He does not hold any significant shareholdings or board or managerial roles in other financial institutions, ensuring his dedicated focus on his fiduciary duties at MFLC. Mr. Balakrishnan’s blend of financial expertise, sectoral knowledge, and executive leadership continues to enhance MFLC’s governance and strategic oversight.

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Mr. Chandrapala Meranchi Abeysekera

Non-Executive/

Non-Independent Director

Mr. Chandrapala Meranchi Abeysekera was appointed as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director on the Board of Maldives Finance and Leasing Company (MFLC) on 14th June 2014, representing the company’s majority shareholder. His appointment brings a wealth of seasoned banking expertise and strategic leadership to MFLC’s governance. Mr. Abeysekera is a highly experienced banking professional with over 40 years of commercial banking experience. Notably, he has previously served MFLC as its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, during which time he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s growth trajectory and strengthening its operational foundations. Prior to his tenure at MFLC, Mr. Abeysekera held the position of Assistant General Manager, Corporate Banking and International Banking at Commercial Bank of Ceylon Plc (CBC), Sri Lanka. In this capacity, he was responsible for managing CBC’s corporate banking portfolio, including overseeing the bank’s loan portfolio operations in the Maldives since 1999. His extensive regional banking experience has provided him with deep insights into cross-border financial management and corporate credit risk. Mr. Abeysekera holds a Diploma in Bank Management from the Bankers Institute of Sri Lanka and is an Associate of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka, credentials that underscore his commitment to professional development and banking excellence. He does not hold any significant shareholdings or board or managerial roles in other financial institutions, ensuring his undivided attention to his fiduciary responsibilities at MFLC. Mr. Abeysekera’s vast experience in banking leadership, risk management, and regional finance continues to contribute significantly to the strategic oversight and sustainable growth of MFLC.

Dr. Ibrahim Vishan

Non-Executive/

Non-Independent Director

Dr. Ibrahim Vishan was appointed to the Board of Directors of Maldives Finance and Leasing Company (MFLC) on 9th April 2014 as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director, representing the company’s major shareholder. He brings to the Board a strong academic and professional background in tourism, business economics, and multi-sector investment management, with extensive experience navigating complex stakeholder environments. Dr. Vishan completed his higher education in the United Kingdom, culminating in a Doctorate in Tourism and Business Economics in 2013. His academic grounding is complemented by a career that spans public policy engagement, private sector leadership, and institutional governance. Prior to joining MFLC, Dr. Vishan served as Manager of Research and Development at the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), a prominent industry body representing over 70 resorts and tourism operators across the Maldives. In this capacity, he was actively engaged with multilateral institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, as well as with domestic stakeholders including government ministries, private sector entities, NGOs, and local communities. His work in this role provided him with broad insight into the socioeconomic and regulatory landscape of the Maldives, particularly in relation to tourism, economic development, and investment. In addition to his role on the MFLC Board, Dr. Vishan currently serves as the Managing Director of Champa Brothers Maldives Pvt. Ltd, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning leasing and banking, healthcare, media, telecommunications, hospitality, real estate, aviation, marine transportation, logistics, fuel services, and online travel technologies. He is also a Board Director at Island Beverages Maldives Pvt. Ltd, further reflecting his leadership across various sectors. Dr. Vishan serves as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director of the Commercial Bank of Maldives (CBM). In line with regulatory requirements, his dual directorship roles at MFLC and CBM have been duly reviewed and approved by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), ensuring full compliance with financial sector governance standards. Despite his broad business interests, Dr. Vishan does not hold any significant shareholdings or board or managerial roles in other financial institutions, ensuring his focus remains aligned with the fiduciary and strategic responsibilities entrusted to him. Dr. Vishan’s extensive experience in corporate strategy, stakeholder engagement, and sectoral diversification continues to add significant value to MFLC’s governance and long-term strategic planning.

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Ms. Maryam Abdul Nasir

Non-Executive, Independent Director

Ms. Maryam Abdul Nasir was appointed as a Non-Executive, Independent Director of Maldives Finance and Leasing Company (MFLC) on 25th June 2025. She brings extensive expertise in public finance management, sovereign debt administration, and international development, strengthening the Board’s capacity in governance, risk oversight, and sustainable finance. Currently, Ms. Maryam serves as the Director General at the Ministry of Finance and Planning, where she leads the Public Finance Modernization and Reform Department. In this senior leadership role, she is responsible for spearheading reforms aimed at enhancing fiscal policy effectiveness, financial governance, and institutional modernization in the Maldives. Ms. Maryam’s prior roles include serving as the Chief Debt Management Executive at the Ministry of Finance, where she oversaw the country’s debt portfolio, ensuring prudent borrowing strategies and debt sustainability. Additionally, she represented the Maldives as the Alternate Governor for the Asian Development Bank (ADB), facilitating critical engagement with international financial institutions. Beyond her public sector accomplishments, Ms. Maryam has contributed globally as a V20 Climate Prosperity Fellow for the Climate Vulnerable Forum Vulnerable 20 Group, advocating for climate resilient economic policies for vulnerable countries. She also served as a Voice Secondee for IDA Strategy and Operations at the World Bank Group, where she supported strategic initiatives to enhance development financing and operational effectiveness. Her governance experience is further complemented by her tenure as a Board Member of the Maldives Pension Administration Office, where she contributed to the oversight and strategic direction of the national pension system. Ms. Maryam holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, both from the Open University Malaysia. Her academic qualifications, combined with her broad professional experience, position her as a valuable contributor to MFLC’s strategic governance and oversight. She does not hold any significant shareholdings or other board or managerial roles in financial institutions, ensuring her independence and commitment to her fiduciary duties at MFLC.

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Mr. Mohamed Inaz

Non-Executive, Independent Director

Mr. Mohamed Inaz was appointed as a Non-Executive Independent Director of Maldives Finance and Leasing Company (MFLC) on 25th June 2025. He brings over 25 years of extensive managerial and technical experience in environment, climate change, and sustainable development within the Maldives. Currently, Mr. Inaz serves as the Director of Climate Change and Sustainable Development at Nexia Maldives Pvt Ltd. In this capacity, he leads strategic initiatives focused on environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Prior to this role, he held key managerial positions in the private sector and was responsible for overseeing the Environment and Energy portfolio at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Maldives, where he also contributed significantly to the overall management of UNDP Maldives operations. Mr. Inaz has a distinguished track record of public service, having served in various capacities within the Government of Maldives. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in shaping national policies and driving actionable programs related to sustainable development, climate adaptation, and environmental protection. He holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from Wageningen University and Research and the Institute for Aerospace Survey and Earth Sciences. His academic background combined with his practical experience enables him to provide valuable insights into integrating environmental considerations with strategic business and governance frameworks. Mr. Inaz does not hold any significant shareholdings or board or managerial roles in other financial institutions, ensuring his impartiality and dedication to his role at MFLC.

Our Executive 
Committee

We are committed to a long-term management model, observing all tenets of good corporate governance and compliance to maintain excellent financial and capital ratios. Our Executive Committee members involved in the management are as follows:

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Ms. Ibthishama
Ahmed Saeed

CEO & Managing Director

Ms. Ibthishama Ahmed Saeed was appointed as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Maldives Finance and Leasing Company (MFLC) on 1st September 2021, following her tenure as Deputy CEO from July to August 2021. Prior to this, she served as a Board Director at MFLC from January 2021, representing the interest of the company’s majority shareholder. Her leadership at MFLC is anchored in a strategic vision to strengthen institutional resilience, deepen financial inclusion, and drive innovation across the financial services ecosystem. Ms. Ibthishama is a seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of professional experience spanning public and private sector organizations in the Maldives and abroad. Her multidisciplinary expertise covers a diverse range of industries including banking and finance, aviation, tourism and hospitality, and healthcare making her one of the few Maldivian executives with such a wide reaching leadership portfolio. Her notable contributions in the banking sector include her service as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the Bank of Maldives from 2015 to 2019. During her tenure, she played a key role in shaping the bank’s strategic direction through her active participation in the Board Credit Committee and the Appointments and Remuneration Committee, where she contributed to governance reforms, talent strategy, and credit oversight at a national level. In the tourism sector, Ms. Ibthishama served as the Chairperson of the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) from 2015 to 2016. In this capacity, she led strategic restructuring efforts and worked to revitalize investment and stakeholder confidence in public-private tourism development initiatives. Ms. Ibthishama has also held various senior management and advisory roles in the aviation and healthcare sectors, contributing to institutional restructuring, operational turnarounds, and governance reforms. Her cross sectoral leadership has consistently been marked by a focus on sustainability, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and value creation. Academically, Ms. Ibthishama holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Commercial Law from the University of the West of England, a Master of Arts in Marketing Communication from the University of Westminster, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Kerala, India. Her educational background complements her strategic leadership with strong foundations in legal and regulatory affairs, corporate communication, and business management. Ms. Ibthishama continues to be a prominent advocate for ethical governance, financial inclusion, and women’s leadership in business, and is recognized for her transformational leadership approach in both executive and board level roles.

Mr. Ahmed Sinan

Chief Operations Officer

Mr. Ahmed Sinan joined Maldives Finance and Leasing Company (MFLC) in 2022, bringing with him more than a decade of diverse experience across senior leadership roles in both public institutions and private sector organizations. His career has been distinguished by his strategic acumen in investment structuring, corporate finance, and business development, skills, he has consistently leveraged to support institutional growth and transformation. Throughout his professional journey, Mr. Sinan has been instrumental in shaping and executing strategies that promote sustainable financial performance, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation. His prior engagements span various sectors, where he has led initiatives focused on investment feasibility, capital structuring, and strategic partnerships. At MFLC, he plays a key role in driving strategic planning, enhancing financial models, and supporting enterprise level decision making. Mr. Sinan holds a Bachelor of Banking and Finance and a Bachelor of Computing, both awarded by Monash University, Australia an academic foundation that uniquely combines financial expertise with technological fluency. This dual competency has enabled him to contribute effectively to data driven investment analysis, digital transformation efforts, and innovation led growth strategies within MFLC. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Mr. Sinan is a strong advocate for academic excellence and knowledge sharing. He currently serves as a Visiting Lecturer at Villa College, where he delivers undergraduate and postgraduate programs affiliated with the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol - UK. His involvement in academia reflects his commitment to nurturing the next generation of finance professionals in the Maldives. Mr. Sinan is recognized for his analytical mindset, collaborative leadership, and dedication to institutional advancement. His ongoing contributions continue to support MFLC’s mission to be a forward-looking, inclusive, and high-performing financial institution.

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Mr. Ali Athif

Chief Risk Officer

Mr. Ali Athif joined Maldives Finance and Leasing Company (MFLC) in 2025, bringing with him over ten years of specialized experience in public finance, macroeconomic policy advisory, and risk management. His professional background is rooted in high level government and regulatory institutions, where he played a critical role in shaping national fiscal and economic policy, debt sustainability strategies, and financial sector reforms. Prior to joining MFLC, Mr. Athif held several senior level advisory and technical positions across key institutions including the President’s Office, the Ministry of Finance, and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA). In these roles, he was instrumental in designing and implementing national debt management frameworks, assessing sovereign credit risks, and aligning public finance strategies with broader economic development goals. His contributions helped strengthen macro-fiscal stability and informed key policy decisions at the national level. Mr. Athif brings to MFLC a strong analytical and regulatory perspective, with deep expertise in areas such as credit analysis, risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and capital market development. His insights into both domestic and international financial systems make him a valuable asset to MFLC’s strategic and financial operations, particularly in aligning the institution’s growth objectives with sound financial governance and sustainable risk practices. Academically, Mr. Athif holds a Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University, Australia, and a Bachelor of Business from Victoria University, Australia. He is also currently pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, reflecting his commitment to continuous professional development and adherence to global standards of financial ethics and investment management. Mr. Athif is recognized for his policy insight, financial acumen, and dedication to institutional excellence. At MFLC, he contributes to building a resilient financial architecture that supports innovation, transparency, and long-term value for stakeholders.

Ms. Fathimath
Mohamed Faiz

Chief Credit Officer

Ms. Fathimath Mohamed Faiz is an accomplished finance and risk management professional with over a decade of progressive experience at Maldives Finance and Leasing Company (MFLC). She joined MFLC in 2014 as a Marketing Executive, where her early responsibilities extended beyond marketing into credit evaluations, laying the groundwork for a career rooted in analytical rigor and institutional integrity. Over the years, Ms. Fathimath has played a pivotal role in strengthening MFLC’s internal risk culture. Her transition from frontline marketing and credit roles to leading the development of the company’s Risk Management framework reflects her deep understanding of enterprise wide risk, regulatory compliance, and portfolio sustainability. Through a combination of structured oversight and proactive risk mitigation strategies, she helped formalize risk governance across the company’s credit, operational, and market risk domains. Her consistent performance and leadership capabilities led to her appointment as Chief Risk Officer, where she spearheaded the enhancement of MFLC’s risk management systems, policies, and reporting structures, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and regulatory expectations. Under her leadership, MFLC established real-time risk monitoring tools, improved credit risk grading methodologies, and institutionalized a more data driven approach to risk-based decision making. In May 2025, Ms. Fathimath was appointed Chief Credit Officer, a role through which she now leads the strategic direction of MFLC’s credit function. She is responsible for overseeing credit policy development, underwriting standards, credit portfolio performance, and operational efficiency within the credit lifecycle. Her dual background in risk and credit uniquely positions her to drive sound, balanced growth while ensuring robust risk adjusted returns. Ms. Fathimath holds a Bachelor of Business Management and Marketing from Maldives National University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from the University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom. She is also currently advancing her professional credentials by pursuing the Chartered Banker qualification, reinforcing her commitment to excellence in ethical banking, risk governance, and financial leadership. Her career reflects a strong alignment with MFLC’s vision of building a resilient, compliant, and customer centric financial institution, and she continues to serve as a role model for emerging professionals in the Maldivian finance sector.

Mr. Yamyn Adam

Chief Compliance Officer

Mr. Yamyn Adam joined Maldives Finance and Leasing Company (MFLC) in 2022, bringing with him over 30 years of distinguished experience in the Maldivian financial services sector. His deep-rooted expertise spans a wide range of areas, including banking operations, risk management, regulatory compliance, international trade, and cross-border financial transactions. Throughout his extensive career, Mr. Yamyn has held various senior roles across the financial industry, where he has been instrumental in establishing sound operational frameworks and promoting regulatory integrity. At MFLC, he plays a pivotal role in leading the company’s compliance function ensuring that internal policies, processes, and practices align with both local regulations and global compliance standards. Known for his meticulous approach and commitment to institutional governance, Mr. Yamyn has championed the integration of risk-based compliance systems and proactive monitoring mechanisms to mitigate regulatory and reputational risks. His leadership has been critical in embedding a culture of compliance across all levels of the organization, while facilitating stakeholder confidence and operational resilience. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Yamyn is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA), further reinforcing his dedication to continuous learning and strategic leadership development. His ongoing academic pursuit complements his practical experience and supports MFLC’s vision of becoming a trusted, forward-thinking financial institution. Mr. Yamyn is widely respected in the industry for his integrity, operational foresight, and unwavering commitment to upholding ethical and regulatory standards. His contributions continue to elevate MFLC’s compliance capabilities and position the company for long term, sustainable success.

Ms. Hawwa Nabeela

Company Secretary

Ms. Hawwa Nabeela joined Maldives Finance and Leasing Company (MFLC) in 2021, bringing a unique blend of expertise in business development, marketing, and commercial law. Prior to joining MFLC, she served as the Business Development and Marketing Manager at Tree Top Health, where she played a key role in driving brand visibility, stakeholder engagement, and service expansion in the healthcare sector. Ms. Nabeela's professional background also includes experience in the Maldivian financial services industry, where she has contributed to corporate strategy, market positioning, and client relationship management. At MFLC, she applies her multidisciplinary background to support business development initiatives, strategic communications, and legal advisory functions, helping to drive sustainable growth and regulatory alignment. With strong academic credentials, Ms. Nabeela holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Commercial Law from the University of the West of England, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Keele University, United Kingdom. This dual foundation in law and business equips her with the analytical, commercial, and legal insight necessary to navigate the complexities of financial services and corporate governance. Ms. Nabeela is recognized for her strategic thinking, effective communication, and results-oriented approach. She continues to contribute to MFLC’s vision of becoming a dynamic, customer-centric, and resilient financial institution.

Our Shariah 
Committee

The Committee of MFLC was established and commenced its meetings in the last quarter of 2024. The Committee Secretary ensures that all procedures are followed in setting the meeting agenda, circulating information, conducting Committee meetings, and maintaining minutes.

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Mufti Muhammad 
Muaz Ashraf

Chairman, Shariah Committee

Mufti Muhammad Muaz Ashraf is a distinguished Shariah scholar and globally recognized expert in Islamic finance auditing and Halal compliance. Serving as the Chairman of the Shariah Governance Committee of Maldives Finance and Leasing Company since the last quarter of 2024, Mufti Ashraf brings extensive academic rigor regulatory insight and practical experience to the governance of Shariah compliant financial services within the organization. He holds the prestigious Certified Shariah Advisor and Auditor CSAA qualification from the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions AAOIFI Bahrain the leading international standard setting body for Islamic finance. He is also registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan reflecting his credibility as a regulatory compliant expert in Islamic advisory. In addition, he is a Certified Halal Lead Auditor authorized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation OIC through the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries SMIIC where he also contributes as part of their Expert Trainer Pool. Over the past decade Mufti Ashraf has played a pivotal role in designing, validating and approving a wide range of Islamic financial products and Shariah compliant business models tailored to modern banking and capital markets. His expertise has guided institutions in developing risk sharing contracts Sukuk structures Islamic leasing Ijarah equity based instruments Musharakah and Mudarabah and ethical investment frameworks that are fully compliant with Shariah principles. Mufti Ashraf’s work also includes Halal auditing and quality assurance where he has conducted numerous international audits and assessments of Halal supply chains manufacturing standards and certification processes. His deep understanding of Islamic commercial law Muamalaat combined with operational knowledge of compliance and governance make him a unique asset to the industry. He has authored more than one thousand Fatawa and legal opinions on complex financial transactions, corporate structures and Halal industry matters. His scholarly research and presentations at international conferences have advanced the body of knowledge in Islamic finance and economics. As an educator, Mufti Ashraf has trained and lectured at prominent institutions including •Meezan Bank Limited •State Bank of Pakistan •National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) •Faysal Bank •Adamjee Takaful •University of Management and Technology (UMT) •Centre for Excellence in Islamic Finance IBA (CEIF) •University of the Punjab •COMSATS University •Sargodha University •The Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) His lectures cover Shariah governance Islamic banking products risk management Halal certification and regulatory compliance for Islamic financial institutions. As Chairman of MFLC’s Shariah Governance Committee Mufti Ashraf provides strategic oversight and ensures that all Islamic finance activities are fully aligned with Shariah principles. His leadership supports MFLC’s mission to offer ethical inclusive and innovative financial services across the Maldives and regional markets. His guidance reinforces MFLC’s credibility with international Islamic finance standards and strengthens its position in the Halal economy.

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Sheikh Ahmad Fahmy Didi

Member, Shariah Committee

Sheikh Ahmed Fahmy Didi is a distinguished Islamic scholar, educator, and public intellectual with over four decades of experience in religious affairs, Islamic jurisprudence, and community leadership. Fluent in Dhivehi, Arabic, English, and Urdu, Sheikh Ahmed has dedicated his career to promoting Islamic values, religious education, and ethical discourse within the Maldives and across the wider Islamic world. Currently serving as a Religious Consultant at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Ahmed provides strategic counsel on key theological, legal, and social matters. He is a trusted voice in national policymaking and has played a pivotal role in shaping public understanding of Islam through his active participation in television and radio programs. His media presence has spanned topics such as Islamic jurisprudence, faith and science, social ethics, and contemporary religious issues. Notably, he has represented the Maldives by delivering live translations of the Hajj Sermon Khutbah from Makkah, a role of immense religious and cultural significance. Sheikh Ahmed’s academic contributions are equally substantial. He has served as Acting Dean of the Faculty of Shariah and Law at Villa College where he helped foster the next generation of legal and religious scholars. His dedication to knowledge dissemination is reflected in his authorship, public lectures, and curriculum development efforts in both Islamic and secular educational contexts. In his continued commitment to governance and nation building, Sheikh Ahmed is an active member of several high-level advisory bodies including •Halal Shariah Board •Waqf Bill Drafting Committee •Dhivehi Bahuge Gavaid Committee Official Dhivehi Language Dictionary and Standards Board •National Rehabilitation Committee His previous appointments include membership on the Shariah Advisory Committee of the Maldives Centre for Islamic Finance MCIF and participation in the South Asian Network on Preventing Violent Extremism where he provided theological perspectives on peacebuilding, deradicalization, and interfaith dialogue. In recognition of his lifelong service and exceptional contributions to religious affairs, Sheikh Ahmed Fahmy Didi was conferred the National Award of Honor in 2023. This prestigious accolade acknowledges his excellence in religious education, spiritual leadership, and public engagement. As a member of MFLC’s Shariah Governance Committee Sheikh Ahmed brings unparalleled depth in Fiqh Islamic jurisprudence, ethical guidance, and socio religious governance. His role reinforces MFLC’s commitment to operating in accordance with Shariah principles while contributing to national development and social well-being through inclusive, ethical, and faith compliant financial services.

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Uz. Mohamed Ameen Zahir

Member, Shariah Committee

Uz. Mohamed Ameen Zahir is a respected Islamic legal scholar and practitioner whose academic excellence and professional contributions reflect a deep commitment to the advancement of Shariah law and jurisprudence in the Maldives. With an educational background rooted in internationally recognized institutions, Uz. Zahir combines classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary legal expertise. He holds a master’s degree in Shariah and Law from Villa College Maldives and a master’s degree in the Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence Usool alFiqh from the Islamic University of Madinah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in Islamic Shariah from the same university and completed a Diploma in Arabic Language, equipping him with fluency in Arabic and direct access to foundational Islamic texts. Professionally, Uz. Zahir serves as a Legal Officer at the High Court of Maldives. In this capacity he provides legal analysis, research and drafting support on high level judicial matters while ensuring alignment with the Constitution and Islamic legal principles. His work at the High Court reflects a high degree of trust and responsibility in upholding the integrity and independence of the judicial system. In addition to his judicial responsibilities, Uz. Zahir actively contributes to academic development in the Maldives. He is a part time lecturer at Villa College and the Islamic University of Maldives where he teaches subjects related to Islamic law, legal methodology and comparative jurisprudence. Through his teaching and mentoring he plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of legal scholars and professionals in the country. Uz. Zahirs combined academic and professional experiences make him a valuable member of MFLCs Shariah Governance Committee. His in-depth knowledge of Usool alFiqh, Islamic jurisprudence and statutory law ensures that MFLCs financial products and operations are fully compliant with Shariah standards while remaining relevant to the evolving legal and regulatory landscape of the Maldives. As a member of the Committee, he contributes to the review and approval of Islamic financial products, provides legal opinions on Shariah compliance and supports governance processes that align with ethical and faith-based principles. His balanced approach to legal rigor and practical application enhances MFLCs ability to offer inclusive, transparent and faith aligned financial services to its clients.

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