First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has fortified its executive committee (ExCo) with the appointment of two seasoned global banking professionals, underscoring its commitment to maintaining top-tier governance and strategic growth. The new appointments are Simon Thorn as Group Chief Compliance Officer and Neil Barrable as Group Chief Credit Officer, each bringing extensive expertise to their roles.
Key Appointments:
- Simon Thorn: As the new Group Chief Compliance Officer, Simon Thorn will oversee FAB’s regulatory compliance, anti-money laundering, and financial crime policies and procedures. Thorn’s role is critical in ensuring that FAB upholds the highest standards of compliance across all its business activities. He joined FAB in 2023 from Barclays Bank in the UK, where he served as Chief Compliance Officer. Thorn’s impressive career also includes senior leadership positions in compliance at Merrill Lynch, Nomura, and the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA).
- Neil Barrable: Appointed as Group Chief Credit Officer, Neil Barrable will lead FAB’s credit function. With nearly 30 years of experience in credit and related functions, Barrable’s expertise spans various markets and products. He joins FAB from HSBC in London, where he was Managing Director, Global Head of Wholesale Credit & Lending. His career includes senior executive roles with leading international institutions in the Asia Pacific region, such as JP Morgan, Barclays Capital, and Deutsche Bank. Barrable takes over from Acting Group Chief Credit Officer Rajesh Deshpande, who will now serve as Chief Strategic Business Initiatives Officer & Head of Capital Portfolio Management.
Profiles:
- Simon Thorn: Thorn’s extensive background in compliance positions him to effectively manage FAB’s regulatory landscape. His experience with Barclays, Merrill Lynch, Nomura, and the UK FSA equips him with the insights and skills needed to navigate complex compliance challenges, reinforcing FAB’s commitment to regulatory excellence.
- Neil Barrable: Barrable’s deep understanding of credit markets and products, gained from his tenure at HSBC, JP Morgan, Barclays Capital, and Deutsche Bank, positions him to lead FAB’s credit strategy effectively. His leadership will be pivotal in managing credit risk and driving strategic credit initiatives.
Strategic Impact:
These strategic appointments highlight FAB’s dedication to strengthening its leadership team with experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise. By enhancing its executive committee, FAB aims to bolster its governance, regulatory compliance, and credit management functions, aligning with its strategic objectives for growth and stability.
Simon Thorn and Neil Barrable’s appointments reflect FAB’s proactive approach to addressing regulatory and credit challenges in an ever-evolving financial landscape. Their leadership will be instrumental in guiding FAB through regulatory complexities and credit market dynamics, ensuring robust risk management and compliance.
