As the global community celebrates International Women’s Day, it is essential to acknowledge and honor the remarkable achievements of Rania Nashar, a woman who demonstrated an exceptional aptitude for finance from an early age. She was the first female CEO of a Saudi bank and stands as an inspiring figure who has defied stereotypes and made significant strides in the traditionally male-dominated financial sector.
Rania Nashar’s appointment in 2017 as the first female CEO of Samba Financial Group sent a powerful message about the changing landscape of gender equality in Saudi Arabia. Through her visible leadership, she has become a role model and source of inspiration for aspiring female professionals.
In February 2021, Rania joined the Public Investment Fund (PIF) as Head of Compliance and Governance. She has more than 20 years of experience in the banking sector and is considered one of the leading experts in banking corporate governance and compliance.
She serves on the boards of stc, the Saudi Tadawul Group, the National Center for Performance Measurement, the Saudi Space Agency, and the Saudi Polo Federation. She was also Vice Chair of SambaCapital & Investment Management Company, a member of the CMA Advisory Committee, and a board member of the Institute of International Finance.
During Saudi Arabia’s G20 presidency, she chaired the B20 Women in Business Action Council and the G20 EMPOWER at B20 Saudi Arabia.
Rania Nashar was recently named the 47th most powerful businesswoman of 2023 by Forbes Middle East.
