Walid Ismail
About Walid Ismail
Walid Ismail serves as the SME Risk Director at the National Bank of Egypt, where he develops strategies for the SME risk function and manages credit risk across multiple branches. He holds an MBA from Maastricht University and a BA in Economics from The American University in Cairo.
Work at National Bank of Egypt (NBE)
Walid Ismail serves as the SME Risk Director at the National Bank of Egypt, a position he has held since 2009. In this role, he actively participates in establishing strategies for the SME risk function and lending guidelines. He compiles management information packs and portfolio reports, focusing on minimizing audit findings and resolving issues to uphold credit quality standards. Ismail manages credit risk across a region that includes 56 branches in six governorates, analyzing asset portfolios to identify trends and areas of concern that inform the overall SME portfolio strategy.
Previous Experience at Barclays Bank
Before joining the National Bank of Egypt, Walid Ismail worked at Barclays Bank in various capacities. He served as a Senior Credit Risk Manager from 2006 to 2008, where he was responsible for overseeing credit risk management processes. Following this role, he became the Head of Operational Risk from 2008 to 2009, focusing on operational risk assessment and management strategies. His tenure at Barclays provided him with extensive experience in risk management within the banking sector.
Education and Expertise
Walid Ismail holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Maastricht University, where he studied Marketing from 2003 to 2006. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics from The American University in Cairo, completing his studies from 1989 to 1994. His educational background equips him with a solid foundation in business and economic principles, which he applies in his current role in risk management.
Risk Management and Strategy Development
In his current role, Walid Ismail develops and updates industry risk studies to assess strengths and weaknesses within the SME sector. He plays a crucial role in influencing sector strategies and determining risk appetite. Additionally, he assists in risk assessments for new SME programs, products, and grants, ensuring that customer requirements are met while effectively mitigating risks. His contributions are vital to maintaining the integrity and quality of the bank's SME lending operations.