Difc Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Difc has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational scaling, and legal compliance.

Dedicated to fostering economic growth across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, Difc maintains a premier financial hub status by driving innovation and regulatory excellence within the special economic zone.

Leadership Roles at Difc

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kalani Lal
  • Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder - Rehab E M Abdalla
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Hitesh Dhankani
  • Chief Financial Officer - Kathleen De Jesus
  • Founder & Chief Financial Officer - Farid Rehaili
  • Regional Chief Financial Officer - Nader Baba
  • Chief Operating Officer - Alya Al Mansoori
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Ghalya Binsalman
  • Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer - Saurabh Gupta
  • Chief Legal Officer - Jacques Visser
  • Kalani Lal - Chief Executive Officer

    Kalani Lal, the Chief Executive Officer at Difc, directs the overarching strategic vision for the financial hub. Overseeing the expansion of the special economic zone, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the broader economic goals of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets. This leadership role involves managing high-level stakeholder relationships and driving sustainable growth initiatives. By optimizing the regulatory framework, Kalani Lal directly impacts the competitive positioning of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures long-term stability for the financial ecosystem while fostering innovation across the region. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the hub. This position requires constant engagement with global financial partners to ensure the continued relevance of the zone in a rapidly evolving international market landscape.

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

    Rehab E M Abdalla, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at Difc, architects the foundational growth strategies for the organization. Focusing on the initial development and long-term scalability of the financial hub, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder drives initiatives that attract international investment to the region. This leadership role involves coordinating with the board to define the mission and operational scope of the special economic zone. By leveraging deep industry expertise, Rehab E M Abdalla ensures the hub remains a central pillar for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets. The Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder monitors market trends to adapt the business model for maximum impact. Through consistent focus on institutional excellence, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder strengthens the reputation of the organization as a premier destination for global financial services and corporate entities.

    Hitesh Dhankani - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Hitesh Dhankani, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Difc, establishes the core operational philosophy for the financial hub. Driving the strategic direction of the special economic zone, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer oversees the integration of global financial standards into the local market. This leadership role involves managing the long-term vision and ensuring the organization meets the complex needs of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets. By fostering a culture of innovation, Hitesh Dhankani directly influences the growth trajectory of the hub. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with other C-suite leaders to align departmental goals with the overarching mission. Through persistent focus on market expansion, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer secures the position of the organization as a vital link in the global financial network, ensuring sustained economic development and operational success.

    Kathleen De Jesus - Chief Financial Officer

    Kathleen De Jesus, the Chief Financial Officer at Difc, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Overseeing the financial reporting and budgeting processes, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with international standards within the special economic zone. This leadership role involves analyzing economic data to support the growth of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets. By optimizing the capital structure, Kathleen De Jesus directly impacts the financial stability of the hub. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with the board to provide transparent insights into the fiscal performance of the organization. Through rigorous risk assessment and financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for long-term infrastructure development. This position requires deep expertise in financial modeling to navigate the complexities of the regional economic landscape and support the overall mission of the hub.

    Farid Rehaili - Founder & Chief Financial Officer

    Farid Rehaili, the Founder & Chief Financial Officer at Difc, architects the initial financial architecture and investment strategies for the organization. Focusing on the long-term fiscal sustainability of the special economic zone, the Founder & Chief Financial Officer drives the development of financial products that serve the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets. This leadership role involves managing the foundational capital requirements and ensuring the hub remains attractive to global investors. By leveraging deep financial expertise, Farid Rehaili directly impacts the economic viability of the organization. The Founder & Chief Financial Officer monitors the fiscal health of the hub to ensure alignment with the original mission. Through consistent focus on financial innovation, the Founder & Chief Financial Officer strengthens the reputation of the organization as a stable and reliable partner for international financial institutions and corporate entities.

    Nader Baba - Regional Chief Financial Officer

    Nader Baba, the Regional Chief Financial Officer at Difc, directs the financial operations specifically tailored to the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets. Overseeing the regional fiscal strategy, the Regional Chief Financial Officer ensures that the special economic zone maintains a competitive edge in local and international financial landscapes. This leadership role involves managing regional budgets and ensuring that financial resources are allocated to support growth initiatives across these key territories. By optimizing the regional financial reporting, Nader Baba directly impacts the transparency and efficiency of the organization. The Regional Chief Financial Officer coordinates with the global finance team to ensure alignment with the overall corporate mission. Through rigorous analysis of regional economic trends, the Regional Chief Financial Officer secures the financial stability of the hub, enabling the organization to effectively serve its diverse client base.

    Alya Al Mansoori - Chief Operating Officer

    Alya Al Mansoori, the Chief Operating Officer at Difc, directs the internal scaling and operational efficiency of the financial hub. Overseeing the daily functions of the special economic zone, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all infrastructure and services meet the needs of global financial entities. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to support the growth of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets. By optimizing the operational framework, Alya Al Mansoori directly impacts the productivity of the organization. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with various departments to ensure seamless service delivery and regulatory adherence. Through persistent focus on operational excellence, the Chief Operating Officer secures the reliability of the hub as a premier financial destination. This role requires constant attention to detail to maintain the high standards expected by international partners operating within the zone.

    Ghalya Binsalman - Chief Marketing Officer

    Ghalya Binsalman, the Chief Marketing Officer at Difc, directs all global brand positioning and market outreach initiatives. Overseeing the communication strategy for the special economic zone, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures alignment with the corporate mission to attract international financial institutions. This leadership role involves expanding market share through targeted digital campaigns and high-level industry events. By optimizing the brand narrative, Ghalya Binsalman directly impacts the visibility of the organization across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer secures long-term brand equity by highlighting the unique value proposition of the hub. Through strategic partnerships and media engagement, the Chief Marketing Officer drives awareness of the regulatory advantages offered by the zone. This role requires constant monitoring of global market sentiment to ensure the brand remains a top choice for international investors.

    Saurabh Gupta - Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer

    Saurabh Gupta, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at Difc, directs the dual functions of risk mitigation and revenue generation for the financial hub. Overseeing the identification of potential market threats, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer ensures that the special economic zone remains secure while simultaneously driving growth across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets. This leadership role involves balancing the need for aggressive revenue expansion with the necessity of maintaining a robust regulatory environment. By optimizing the revenue streams, Saurabh Gupta directly impacts the financial performance of the organization. The Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer coordinates with the legal and finance teams to ensure that all growth initiatives are compliant with international standards. Through persistent focus on risk-adjusted returns, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer secures the long-term viability of the hub.
    Jacques Visser, the Chief Legal Officer at Difc, directs the legal framework and regulatory compliance for the special economic zone. Overseeing the legal department, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all operations within the hub adhere to international financial standards and local laws. This leadership role involves managing complex legal matters that support the growth of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets. By optimizing the regulatory environment, Jacques Visser directly impacts the trust and stability of the organization. The Chief Legal Officer coordinates with the board and other C-suite leaders to provide guidance on legal risks and opportunities. Through persistent focus on legal excellence, the Chief Legal Officer secures the reputation of the hub as a safe and transparent destination for global financial services. This role requires deep expertise in international law to navigate the complexities of the regional financial landscape.
    Jacques Visser

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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 Hitesh Dhankani (Founder & Chief Executive 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), Hitesh Dhankani (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Difc have?
    Difc has 10 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, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Founder & Chief Financial Officer.