Abstract：As WikiEXPO Dubai concludes successfully, we had the pleasure of interviewing Amira Soliman, the CEO and Founder of Time Guardian | Athar. She is a dynamic senior executive with over 25 years of extensive experience in Consumer Banking, including Payments, Cards, Consumer Lending, Bancassurance, and Investment. Amira brings a unique blend of expertise across various functions, having held pivotal roles in Credit Risk Management, Process Digitalization, CRM Optimization, and Portfolio Management at prestigious global financial institutions such as Citibank, Credit Agricole, First Gulf Bank, and First Abu Dhabi Bank, across diverse regional markets in the Middle East and Africa.
As WikiEXPO Dubai concludes successfully, we had the pleasure of interviewing Amira Soliman, the CEO and Founder of Time Guardian | Athar. She is a dynamic senior executive with over 25 years of extensive experience in Consumer Banking, including Payments, Cards, Consumer Lending, Bancassurance, and Investment. Amira brings a unique blend of expertise across various functions, having held pivotal roles in Credit Risk Management, Process Digitalization, CRM Optimization, and Portfolio Management at prestigious global financial institutions such as Citibank, Credit Agricole, First Gulf Bank, and First Abu Dhabi Bank, across diverse regional markets in the Middle East and Africa.
As a passionate advocate for technology-driven innovation, Amira is committed to advancing digital payments and FinTech solutions. Her strategic vision, risk management acumen, and strong sales expertise position her as a transformative leader in the financial services landscape.
Part 1: Leadership, Innovation & the Future of Digital Banking
Q1: Youve led large-scale retail banking operations and digital transformationprojects. Which innovation in consumer banking has had the most profound impacton customer experience in recent years?
A: The convergence of real-time payments, AI-driven personalization, and frictionless digitalonboarding has been transformational. Customers today expect seamless digitalexperiences across all financial interactions. At Time Guardian | Athar, we extend this evolution by integrating crypto payments, AI-powered lending, and secure digital asset management into one ecosystem—bridging TradFi and DeFi for merchants and everyday users.
Q2: With over 25 years in payments and lending, how do you see the future of digital banking in the Middle East and Africa evolving in the next five years?
A: Three major forces will reshape MEA: crypto-enabled financial services, AI-driven risk and credit scoring, and full interoperability between banks, fintechs, and decentralized systems. Time Guardian | Athar is already building this future—enabling seamlessmovement across payments, lending, and secure digital transmission on both traditionaland blockchain rails.
Q3: You‘ve managed teams of over 1,000 professionals. What’s your leadershipphilosophy when driving both performance and innovation?
A: My leadership philosophy is rooted in empowerment, human-centric innovation, and courageous clarity. Scaling teams responsible for over 85% of consumer bankingoperations taught me that culture drives performance. Empowered teams innovate fasterand deliver stronger outcomes.
Part 2: Industry Outlook& WikiEXPO Perspective
Q4: As a participant in WikiEXPO Dubai, how do platforms like these contribute tocollaboration among banks, fintechs, and regulators?
A: Platforms like WikiEXPO create neutral, trust-based environments where innovators,regulators, and financial institutions can align on opportunities and risks. For Time Guardian | Athar, it enabled us to showcase secure digital legacy transmission, cryptopayments, and AI-driven DeFi solutions within a compliant financial framework.
Q5: WikiFX has been advocating transparency and consumer protection in the forexand payments ecosystem. What areas of improvement are still most needed?
A: The stronger transparency standards and improved consumer education, as well as more rigorous accountability for digital asset platforms. Innovation must evolveresponsibly—trust remains the foundation of every financial system.
Q6: What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in fintech and financial services?
A: Your voice and leadership are needed. My advice: own your expertise, build powerful networks, choose courage over perfection, and lead through influence rather than titles.Women bring strategic clarity, empathy, and strong risk awareness — qualities essential for shaping the future of finance.
About WikiEXPO Global Expert Interview
As the organizer of WikiEXPO, WikiGlobal is committed to fostering international dialogue and cooperation through offline exhibitions. By engaging with global experts on financial regulation, technology, and governance, WikiGlobal aims to enhance the integration of fintech and regtech, improve regulatory efficiency and accuracy, and promote industry self-discipline. Through these efforts, we encourage financial institutions to adopt best practices, build a more transparent and resilient ecosystem, and ultimately create a safer trading environment for investors worldwide.
