Yubi Group strengthens MENA leadership with appointment of banking veteran Suvo Sarkar to its Advisory Board
DUBAI, UAE/PRNewswire/ -- Yubi Group, today announced the appointment of Suvo Sarkar, a distinguished leader in global banking and digital transformation, to its Advisory Board in Middle East and North Africa (MENA). With over 36 years of experience across Asia and the Middle East, Mr. Sarkar's appointment reinforces Yubi's strategic focus on driving innovation and expanding its footprint in the region.
Suvo Sarkar is the Founder & CEO of 3D Advisory, a boutique consultancy specializing in digitization, data, and design for financial services. A recognized industry thought leader, he brings deep expertise in retail banking, wealth management, and digital innovation. His illustrious career includes serving as Senior Executive Vice President & Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, where he spearheaded the bank's digital transformation and launched Liv., the Middle East's first digital lifestyle bank.
Currently, Mr. Sarkar holds advisory roles with global institutions, including Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company, Executive Advisor to Mastercard, and Chairman of IBM's MEA Advisory Board. He also hosts the acclaimed Money Majlis podcast and serves on boards for Abu Dhabi University, Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), and fintech startups like NewBridge Fintech.
On this remarkable development, Gaurav Kumar, Founder & CEO, Yubi Group commented, "We are honored to welcome Suvo Sarkar to the Yubi MENA Advisory Board. A luminary in global banking, Suvo has been instrumental in architecting the modern financial services landscape of MENA through decades of visionary leadership. As Yubi accelerates its strategic investments and cements its regional presence, Suvo's unparalleled expertise will be pivotal in advancing our mission to redefine debt infrastructure and empower economies at scale."
Upon taking up the advisory role, Suvo Sarkar stated,"Yubi's mission to revolutionize debt infrastructure through advanced technology mirrors the next frontier of financial innovation in MENA. Having witnessed the evolution of banking across decades, I see Yubi as a catalyst for redefining how capital flows in this dynamic region. This partnership is not just about growth—it's about shaping a legacy of financial inclusivity and digital-first solutions that will empower institutions and economies for generations."
Mr. Sarkar's contributions have earned him global recognition, including:
Lifetime Achievement Award (Retail Banker International, 2020)
Digital Leader of the Middle East (MIT Sloan Review, 2017)
Retail Banker of the Year (Asian Banker, 2015)
An alumnus of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad (Gold Medalist) and IIM Calcutta (Glaxo Medal in Marketing), he has also completed executive programs at Stanford, INSEAD, and Oxford.
About Yubi Group:
Yubi is the world's only technology company powering the full debt lifecycle. Founded in 2020 by CEO Gaurav Kumar, Yubi's unified infrastructure streamlines debt origination, risk assessment, and collections through AI/ML-driven platforms. Backed by top-tier investors including Peak XV, Lightspeed, and Insight Partners, Yubi has facilitated over ₹1.5 lakh Cr in debt volume, serving 17,000+ enterprises and 6,200+ investors & lenders while slashing collections costs by 57%. In MENA, the company has partnered with several leading financial institutions including Emirates NBD, RAKBANK, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Emirates Islamic Bank among others. With a mission to democratize credit access, Yubi is reshaping global finance into an inclusive, transparent ecosystem.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
UAE President, German Chancellor discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Friedrich Merz, held a phone call today to discuss ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and development fields. The call took place within the context of the strategic partnership between the UAE and Germany and focused on advancing shared interests. During the call, His Highness congratulated Chancellor Merz on his election and wished him every success in leading Germany towards greater progress and prosperity. He reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the new Chancellor to further enhance bilateral ties, especially in areas that support sustainable growth and benefit both nations and their peoples. Chancellor Merz thanked His Highness for his warm congratulations and reaffirmed Germany's commitment to deepening its relationship with the UAE in support of mutual development goals.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Shookra Clinics launches in Dubai, ushering in new era of high-tech regenerative aesthetics
Dubai's wellness sector has welcomed a major innovation with the launch of Shookra Clinics, a state-of-the-art regenerative aesthetics and longevity center that blends biotechnology, precision diagnostics, and advanced cellular therapies. Touted as a first-of-its-kind concept in the region, Shookra Clinics introduces a 4-phase medical protocol that leverages AI-powered diagnostics, stem cell-based treatments, and personalised longevity programmes — placing it at the intersection of healthtech, aesthetics, and preventative medicine. The clinic's protocol begins with in-depth testing — including AI-based skin, hair, and scalp scans, genetic and bloodwork profiling, and biological age assessments — to create an individualised treatment roadmap. Subsequent phases integrate cutting-edge procedures like stem cell infusions, exosome therapy, PRP, mesotherapy, and energy-based technologies such as Morpheus8 and fractional lasers. Unlike traditional aesthetic offerings focused on surface-level results, Shookra's data-led model is built for measurable transformation and long-term biological optimisation. "This is a protocol-based, diagnostic-first system designed to rejuvenate from the inside out," said a clinic spokesperson. "It reflects the future of wellness - personalised, preventative, and regenerative." Operating on an exclusive membership model, each Shookra client receives dedicated support through a medical supervisor and concierge advisor. AI-driven dashboards track progress quarterly, adjusting skincare and supplement plans based on ongoing diagnostics. This long-term approach emphasises biological resilience and internal rejuvenation, not just external enhancement. With investment from Terra-Invest and a business strategy focused on high-margin, loyalty-based care, Shookra is already preparing for regional expansion — with new branches planned across the UAE and Saudi Arabia in response to growing demand for regenerative healthcare among affluent consumers. Shookra's launch comes as the Middle East's wellness market undergoes rapid evolution. According to MEA Wellness Market Reports, the regional aesthetic and longevity sector is projected to exceed $5.4 billion by 2030. Shookra's blend of advanced diagnostics, personalised treatment pathways, and a scalable infrastructure position it to capitalise on this growth - offering a next-generation solution for consumers seeking proactive, data-informed wellness. With further plans to integrate with AI wellness platforms and roll out biologically tailored product lines, Shookra aims to set a new global benchmark in aesthetic medicine - not just offering services but creating a full operating system for aging well.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia, UAE lead office quality fit-out investments
The corporate sentiment in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is geared towards targeted investments in overall space design and fit-outs to support return-to-office strategies, according to leading real estate expert JLL. This has accelerated demand for high-quality Grade A office spaces and fit-outs that enhance workplace experience and performance. In its latest 'EMEA Office Fit-Out Cost Guide 2025', JLL has identified Saudi Arabia and the UAE among the top countries globally with a high proportion of cost for high quality finishes, averaging more than $2,400/sqm, against the global average of $1,830/sqm, as workplace design becomes a component part of talent attraction and retention. The JLL EMEA Office Fit-Out Cost Guide 2025, which analyses data from 25 countries to provide insights into cost variations, drivers, sustainability concerns, and market sentiment, has also outlined the complex cost pressures for the EMEA construction sector in 2025, with office fit-out costs increasing in the last 12 months. The steady rise in costs reflects the growing trend of organisations (44%) in the region to increase office-based workdays over the next five years. Dubai also ranks among the top 20 cities globally in the City Cost Index, reflecting continued competition for Grade A spaces, while in Saudi Arabia, initiatives such as regional headquarters (RHQ) programme is also driving demand. JLL has also found that sustainability is a key driver in many relocation strategies and office fit-outs, with 68% of organisations globally planning to increase investment in sustainability performance in the next five years. In MEA, the sentiment is strongest in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where 78% of corporate real estate leaders aim to enhance value through sustainability. Maroun Deeb, Head of Project & Development Services, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at JLL, said: "The general optimism towards investing in workspaces is likely to continue throughout 2025 as growth-oriented corporations invest in office fit-outs to support their hybrid workplace policies." "Targeted investments to enhance employee experience will see an increased focus on workplace design, innovative technology solutions, and refurbishment opportunities amid growing interest in healthier, energy-efficient workspaces," he stated. Several factors are contributing to the current market dynamics. Supply chain disruptions in 2024 disproportionately affected the Middle East and North Africa, tightening project timeframes and escalating pricing. According to JLL, builders' works, which includes partitions, flooring, finishes, and joinery, typically accounts for the largest component of fit-out costs, ranging from 26% in Cairo and 36% in the UAE to 40% in Saudi Arabia. These costs are among the most susceptible to raw material prices and supply chain risks, it stated. Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) services now account for a higher proportion of office spend as stricter environmental and sustainability standards require more complex systems. Cairo (39%) ranks among the top cities globally for average proportion of costs per sqm for M&E services, while Dubai (30%) and Riyadh (29%) are on par with the global average cost of 29%. Technology integration is also pivotal to enhancing hybrid work environments across all office typologies, with companies in MEA investing in improved and extended AV systems. Gary Tracey, the Head of Project & Development Services UAE at JLL, said: "The demand for high-performance office spaces is intensifying in the UAE as stakeholders increasingly prioritise environmental considerations to drive asset value." "Offices that embrace innovative technologies and sustainable design principles and have higher levels of green certification command a premium, especially in Dubai. Investments to improve sustainability will mitigate future operational expenses, remaining highly attractive to tenants seeking modern, efficient workplaces," he added. JLL said the momentum for sustainable workplaces continues to surge in the region, driven by corporate commitments, evolving expectations, and stricter regulatory requirements. Companies are weighing the cost-benefits of relocation to newer Grade A buildings compared to upgrading existing assets. However, organisations in the region face challenges in meeting sustainability requirements due to limited suitable stock and high costs of upgrading older buildings. To address these challenges, early planning and integration of sustainability targets in relocation strategies and fit-out projects are crucial, it stated. Ahmed Hemmat, Head of Project & Development Services at JLL in Egypt, said: "In a climate of economic uncertainty, organisations that build flexibility and agility into planning will be better positioned to adapt their work settings to evolving workforce needs." "This also supports leasing decisions, as flex spaces optimise costs for landlords and occupiers and create a more engaging and productive work environment to support the needs of today's hybrid work model," he added. Despite the complex landscape of challenges and opportunities, office construction will remain active in the region. To ensure the success of fit-out initiatives, JLL recommends the need for greater collaboration and effective partnerships. From environmental and smart building systems to adaptive workspaces and settings, supply chain engagement is critical in managing costs and allowing for innovation in future-focused workspaces. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
