Naji Belgasem

Naji Mohamed Issa Belgasem is an economist and central banker who has held senior positions across public and private financial institutions in the Middle East and North Africa. He currently serves as Chairman at Arab Banking Corp. B.S.C. (Bank ABC) from 2025, while also serving as Governor of the Central Bank of Libya since October 2024.

Education and Early Career: Belgasem graduated with honors from the University of Tripoli with a degree in economics in 1987. He pursued graduate studies in the United Kingdom, earning a master's degree in finance from the London School of Economics and a PhD in monetary policy from Cambridge University.

Career History:

• Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Libya (2005)
• International economic consultant for the International Monetary Fund and other institutions (post-2011)
• Senior Advisor to the Minister of Finance of Libya (2018 onwards)
• Governor, Central Bank of Libya (October 2024–present)
• Chairman, Arab Banking Corporation B.S.C./Bank ABC (2025–present)

Industry Recognition: Belgasem is noted as the first Central Bank of Libya governor to be approved by Libya's legislatures since the 2011 civil war, signifying broad political acceptance during a period of institutional reform. His career has focused on economic stability and monetary policy, particularly during periods of economic sanctions and political transition.

What Belgasem could bring to Bank ABC Group Chairman role: Belgasem's appointment as Chairman reflects his deep expertise in monetary policy, international banking relationships forged through IMF consulting, and demonstrated ability to navigate complex institutional crises. His experience stabilizing central banking operations during Libya's political fragmentation, combined with his scholarly background in monetary economics, positions him to provide strategic governance and stakeholder confidence as the Bank ABC Group navigates evolving regional banking regulations and international compliance frameworks. However, his concurrent role as Central Bank Governor may warrant clarification regarding governance separation and time allocation.