Tell us about yourself and your career journey
I began my professional journey in the fields of Legal, Compliance, and Human Resources. My academic background is rooted in law, which I pursued as my initial field of study. Over the years, I complemented this foundation with several master’s degrees—one in Banking and Finance, another in Management, and a third in Leadership. This diverse educational path has shaped my multidisciplinary expertise across regulatory, strategic, and people-focused domains.
I currently serve as Head of Legal, Compliance, and Human Resources, and act as Board Secretary at Arab Bank (Switzerland) Lebanon S.A.L.—a Lebanese bank fully owned by a Swiss-regulated institution. I lead the Legal, Compliance, and HR functions, while also ensuring effective board governance. In 2022, I established my own consultancy firm, specializing in legal advisory, compliance, and HR services, allowing me to extend my expertise across both institutional and private sectors.
What led to you founding Corporate Code SAL?
The idea to found Corporate Code SAL came to me after completing my executive education at Harvard Business School in 2021. During the closing ceremony, the chair emphasized how the world was becoming increasingly virtual—and that even education might fully shift online. This insight inspired me to launch Corporate Code SAL, a company that initially focused on creating online videos to simplify and explain key topics in legal, compliance, HR, and corporate governance
What are the biggest compliance challenges facing companies in the Middle East right now?
One of the biggest compliance challenges in the Middle East today is keeping up with rapidly changing regulations, especially in areas like anti-money laundering, data protection, ultimate beneficial ownership, and anti-bribery laws. Companies must also navigate differing local requirements across jurisdictions, increased regulatory scrutiny, and growing expectations around transparency and ethical conduct. Add to that the complexities of geopolitical risks and sanctions, and it’s clear that compliance teams need to be more proactive, agile, and well-resourced than ever.
Cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and blockchain technology are transforming finance, what are the biggest compliance challenges that businesses need to be aware of?
Cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and blockchain technology are indeed transforming the financial landscape, but they bring significant compliance challenges. The biggest issues include the lack of regulatory clarity, the high risk of money laundering and fraud, and the difficulty in conducting proper KYC and transaction monitoring in decentralized environments. Many jurisdictions are still developing frameworks, leaving businesses exposed to regulatory gaps or conflicting rules. To navigate these challenges, businesses should adopt a risk-based approach—enhancing due diligence, investing in blockchain analytics tools, and staying updated on evolving local and international regulations. Proactive engagement with regulators and building internal expertise are also key to remaining compliant while leveraging these technologies.
As a female, what are the biggest challenges you have faced gaining authority in your industry?
To be honest, I haven’t faced significant challenges gaining authority in my industry, perhaps due to my character or the way I carry myself. I never felt sidelined for being a woman, nor did I feel undermined. There was, however, one instance when a superior told me that regardless of how smart or hardworking I am, I would still face limitations simply because we live in a male-dominated world. I won’t say I simply accepted that—my response was clear and firm. I’ve never let such remarks define my trajectory
What advice would you give to women starting out in the industry?
The best advice I can give to any woman starting out, whether in my industry or any other, is simply this: just start. You don’t need to have all the answers at the beginning. Once you take the first step, you’ll find your way, learn to navigate the challenges, and grow with experience and confidence.
Where can readers find out more about you and Corporate Code SAL?
Readers can learn more about me and Corporate Code SAL through LinkedIn, where I’m highly active and deeply engaged. I post regularly (two to four times a week) sharing videos and insights on legal, compliance, HR, and corporate governance. This platform has been my main channel to connect with the public and where many first discovered my work. It remains my primary space for sharing knowledge, sparking dialogue, and staying visible in the industry.
