Difc Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Difc has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, marketing, operations, and legal.

Driven by innovation, Difc operates as a pivotal financial hub, connecting markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, fostering economic growth and regulatory excellence.

Leadership Roles at Difc

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kalani Lal
  • Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder - Rehab E M Abdalla
  • Chief Financial Officer - Kathleen De Jesus
  • Founder & Chief Financial Officer - Farid Rehaili
  • Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer - Anoop Radhakrishnan
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Ghalya Binsalman
  • Chief Legal Officer - Jacques Visser
  • Chief Operations Officer - M.Adil Chughtai
  • Kalani Lal - Chief Executive Officer

    Kalani Lal, the Chief Executive Officer at Difc, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the financial center. Lal's leadership focuses on enhancing Difc's position as a global financial hub, driving economic development across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets. This executive role involves cultivating strategic partnerships, attracting international investment, and ensuring regulatory frameworks support innovation and growth. Lal oversees the integration of new financial technologies and services, aligning operations with the company's mission to foster a dynamic and secure financial ecosystem. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to stakeholder engagement, representing Difc on international platforms, and championing initiatives that expand market reach and operational efficiency. By setting clear objectives and fostering a culture of excellence, Kalani Lal ensures Difc remains at the forefront of financial services innovation and economic contribution.

    Rehab E M Abdalla - Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

    Rehab E M Abdalla, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at Difc, spearheads strategic initiatives and foundational development for the financial hub. Abdalla's dual role emphasizes both long-term vision and the practical execution of growth strategies, particularly in connecting the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets. This leadership position involves guiding the expansion of financial services, fostering an environment conducive to innovation, and ensuring robust regulatory compliance. The Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder works closely with key stakeholders to drive economic diversification and attract global financial institutions. Rehab E M Abdalla's operational oversight includes developing new business lines and strengthening existing partnerships to enhance Difc's competitive advantage. By focusing on sustainable growth and market leadership, Abdalla ensures the continued success and influence of Difc as a premier financial center.

    Kathleen De Jesus - Chief Financial Officer

    Kathleen De Jesus, the Chief Financial Officer at Difc, manages all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the economic zone. De Jesus's responsibilities encompass fiscal oversight, budget management, and investment strategy to support Difc's growth as a financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. This executive role involves ensuring financial stability, optimizing resource allocation, and driving profitability through sound financial policies. The Chief Financial Officer oversees treasury functions, financial reporting, and risk management, providing critical insights to guide business decisions. Kathleen De Jesus works to secure funding for new initiatives, manage relationships with financial institutions, and ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations. By maintaining rigorous financial discipline and strategic foresight, De Jesus strengthens Difc's economic resilience and capacity for future expansion.

    Farid Rehaili - Founder & Chief Financial Officer

    Farid Rehaili, the Founder & Chief Financial Officer at Difc, provides foundational financial leadership and strategic fiscal direction for the economic zone. Rehaili's dual capacity as founder and CFO underscores a deep commitment to establishing and maintaining Difc's financial integrity and growth trajectory. This executive role involves overseeing all financial planning, budgeting, and investment activities, ensuring the financial health of the organization and its capacity to support market expansion in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The Chief Financial Officer manages financial reporting, compliance, and risk management, safeguarding assets and optimizing financial performance. Farid Rehaili works to attract and manage capital, foster strong relationships with financial institutions, and implement policies that drive sustainable economic development. Through strategic financial stewardship, Rehaili reinforces Difc's position as a robust financial hub.

    Anoop Radhakrishnan - Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer

    Anoop Radhakrishnan, the Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer at Difc, oversees the day-to-day operational efficiency and strategic execution of the financial center. Radhakrishnan's role is critical in ensuring seamless operations and supporting Difc's mission to serve as a financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. This executive position involves managing infrastructure development, optimizing service delivery, and implementing best practices across all operational departments. The Chief Operating Officer works to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and ensure the effective deployment of resources to meet organizational goals. Anoop Radhakrishnan collaborates with leadership to drive operational excellence, manage risk, and support the expansion of financial services within the zone. By focusing on robust operational frameworks, Radhakrishnan ensures Difc functions effectively and efficiently.

    Ghalya Binsalman - Chief Marketing Officer

    Ghalya Binsalman, the Chief Marketing Officer at Difc, directs all marketing, branding, and communication strategies to elevate Difc's global profile. Binsalman's focus is on enhancing Difc's reputation as a leading financial center, attracting businesses and talent to the region. This leadership role involves developing integrated marketing campaigns, managing public relations, and overseeing digital presence to engage target audiences across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The Chief Marketing Officer is responsible for market research, competitive analysis, and identifying new opportunities for brand expansion and market penetration. Ghalya Binsalman collaborates with other departments to ensure marketing efforts align with business objectives and support economic development goals. Through strategic brand positioning and impactful communication, Binsalman drives awareness and reinforces Difc's value proposition.
    Jacques Visser, the Chief Legal Officer at Difc, directs all legal affairs and regulatory compliance for the financial center. Visser's expertise ensures that Difc operates within a robust legal framework, supporting its role as a financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. This executive position involves overseeing the development and implementation of legal policies, managing corporate governance, and advising on complex legal matters. The Chief Legal Officer is responsible for ensuring adherence to international legal standards, managing litigation, and safeguarding the organization's legal interests. Jacques Visser collaborates with regulatory bodies and internal departments to maintain a compliant and secure operating environment. By providing strategic legal counsel and upholding the rule of law, Visser strengthens Difc's credibility and operational integrity.
    Jacques Visser

    M.Adil Chughtai - Chief Operations Officer

    M.Adil Chughtai, the Chief Operations Officer at Difc, manages the comprehensive operational functions and service delivery across the financial center. Chughtai's leadership focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing resource utilization, and ensuring the seamless functioning of Difc as a key financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. This executive role involves overseeing infrastructure management, service quality, and the implementation of operational strategies that support business growth and client satisfaction. The Chief Operations Officer drives process improvements, manages operational risks, and ensures compliance with all relevant standards and regulations. M.Adil Chughtai collaborates with various departments to align operational activities with the company's strategic objectives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By ensuring robust operational frameworks, Chughtai supports Difc's mission and market position.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Difc Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Difc?
    Difc is led by Kalani Lal (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Rehab E M Abdalla (Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder) and Kathleen De Jesus (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Difc’s executive team?
    The executive team of Difc includes leaders such as Kalani Lal (Chief Executive Officer), Rehab E M Abdalla (Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder), Kathleen De Jesus (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Difc have?
    Difc has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Difc’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Difc includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Chief Financial Officer, Founder & Chief Financial Officer, Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer.