31-07-2025
Siraj Finance: Driving human-centric growth through visionary leadership
In today's fast-paced financial world, real leadership is defined not just by numbers, but by the ability to drive transformation, inspire people, and stay ahead of change. Mohamed Rusan Fyroze, CEO of Siraj Finance PJSC, exemplifies this new era of leadership — one rooted in vision, innovation, and human-centric growth. At the helm of one of the UAE's leading non-banking Islamic financial institutions, Fyroze has reimagined how finance can empower lives and deliver lasting impact. With a focus on operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and a deeply collaborative culture, he is steering Siraj Finance into a future where agility and purpose go hand in hand. In this exclusive interview, he shares his philosophy, priorities, and bold outlook for the financial services industry.
How do you balance driving business goals with supporting your team's growth?
Balancing business goals with team development begins by setting clear targets and fostering a culture of trust and ownership. I believe in creating an environment where people feel motivated and valued. At Siraj Finance, we organise activities like sports events, Iftar gatherings, and recognition programs to strengthen our internal bonds and uplift morale. Regular performance reviews help identify skill gaps and unlock individual strengths. When personal growth aligns with organisational goals, people feel empowered to contribute more meaningfully.
What core principles have shaped your approach to leading change in the financial services sector?
Driving change in financial services starts with a deep understanding of customer needs. Whether it's simplifying financial journeys or personalising solutions, it all comes down to building lasting trust. I focus on using data and strategic foresight to anticipate shifts and stay ahead of the curve. Creating a culture of innovation, transparency, and continuous learning empowers teams to adapt confidently. We encourage collaboration and calculated risk-taking to bring new ideas to life. This people-centric, agile mindset supports sustainable transformation while delivering lasting value to customers, stakeholders, and the wider community.
You emphasise innovation and operational excellence. How do you foster a culture that continuously drives both?
To drive both innovation and operational excellence, there must be clarity in vision and alignment with strategic goals. At Siraj Finance, we empower our teams to take initiative, experiment, and learn from outcomes — this nurtures creativity and ownership. Innovation is not a separate event; it's embedded in our daily routines through open dialogue, training, and collaboration. We celebrate progress, value feedback, and use data to guide continuous improvement. A strong growth mindset, supported by investment in people and systems, ensures we remain efficient and competitive. This dual focus keeps the organisation future-ready while delivering tangible performance.
In today's digital-first landscape, how is your team rethinking customer engagement?
Customer engagement is being reimagined through a blend of data intelligence and human-centric values. We're focused on hyper-personalisation, proactive support, and creating a seamless customer experience across all touchpoints. By breaking down data silos and leveraging AI, we anticipate needs and deliver tailored experiences. That said, we never lose sight of the human element — each interaction is designed to be authentic and empathetic. We've also redefined KPIs to measure success in a more nuanced, automated landscape. Ultimately, it's about building trust, loyalty, and delivering meaningful value with every customer engagement.
How do you foster cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced environment?
Collaboration starts with a unified purpose and shared vision. At Siraj Finance, we break down silos through open communication, mutual respect, and clear accountability. Agile teams with diverse skills work closely to solve challenges together. Regular check-ins, integrated tools, and active leadership help maintain alignment and momentum. We also celebrate collaborative wins and encourage knowledge-sharing across departments.
What key trends will reshape financial services in the next 3–5 years, and how is your organisation preparing to lead?
The financial services sector is on the cusp of rapid evolution. Key trends like artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, cybersecurity, and shifting regulatory frameworks will significantly reshape the landscape. At Siraj Finance, we're integrating automation into our core processes to enhance decision-making, personalise offerings, and boost efficiency. Strengthening our cyber resilience and aligning innovation with long-term strategic goals is a top priority. We're also investing heavily in upskilling our teams, adopting agile methodologies, and fostering strong partnerships to stay ahead.
