Abdallah Dahhan: Harnessing Risk as a Compass for Resilient Innovation

Risk is not simply a challenge to avoid, but a force to understand, measure, and master. Every decision, whether in finance, business, or innovation, carries the potential for both reward and setback. Organizations that thrive are those that establish clear frameworks for assessing uncertainty, anticipating vulnerabilities, and taking calculated steps to protect and grow their assets. Risk management is the art of balancing caution with opportunity, ensuring that every action is guided by insight, foresight, and discipline. When done effectively, it transforms uncertainty into a source of strength, resilience, and sustainable growth.

Abdallah Dahhan, as Chief Risk Officer at Al Yusr Financing and Leasing, exemplifies this philosophy through his exceptional leadership and expertise. With over two decades of experience in banking and non-banking financial institutions, he has built a reputation for integrating ethical principles, Sharia compliance, and innovative solutions into every aspect of risk strategy.

A Journey Defined by Purpose and Precision

Abdallah has built a distinguished career in the banking and financing industry, spanning more than twenty years. His journey has been guided by a deep curiosity about how financial systems operate and a desire to help shape responsible and forward-thinking institutions. He began his career at the Saudi National Bank, previously known as the National Commercial Bank, where he built a strong foundation in credit underwriting, operations, risk, and portfolio management.

Over time, Abdallah expanded his expertise by working with several non-banking financial institutions, including Taajeer Finance, Dar Aletiman, Tamam, ALJ United Finance, and Al Yusr Leasing and Financing Company. Throughout his career, he has managed multiple areas of risk, such as credit, operational, market, liquidity, and enterprise risks, while also supervising cybersecurity, business continuity, and data privacy departments.

What has continuously motivated Abdallah is the evolving nature of risk within the financial sector. Each new role presented a fresh challenge to identify, understand, and mitigate risks, not only to protect institutions but also to enable their sustainable growth. This curiosity and dedication naturally led him into the field of risk management, which he views as both an art and a science, one that requires technical expertise, strategic foresight, and the ability to anticipate change.

For Abdallah, taking on the role of Chief Risk Officer represented the opportunity to shape an institution’s resilience from within. It is a position that demands strategic thinking, sound judgment, and a deep understanding of how risk can be transformed into opportunity. He believes that risk, when managed effectively, is not merely a threat to be reduced but a tool to be harnessed for innovation and resilience. As a leader, Abdallah continues to be guided by a commitment to excellence, a passion for continuous learning, and an unwavering belief that strong leadership must be rooted in both competence and character.

Embedding Compliance Ethics and Innovation in Every Decision

At Al Yusr Financing and Leasing, Abdallah ensures that the company’s risk management framework remains fully aligned with its mission of delivering Sharia-compliant and innovative financing solutions. He emphasizes that risk management is not an isolated function but a strategic component woven into every level of decision-making.

The framework that Abdallah oversees is both robust and adaptable. It is grounded in regulatory requirements and market best practices, guided by the ethical foundations of Islamic finance, and continuously refined to reflect evolving market conditions and customer needs. Sharia compliance, as he explains, demands a deep understanding of financial ethics, transparency, and equitable risk sharing. Abdallah works closely with the Sharia committee, as well as internal compliance and legal teams, to ensure that every product, policy, and transaction adheres to these principles.

Innovation, he notes, introduces both opportunity and responsibility. As Al Yusr embraces digital transformation and develops new products, Abdallah ensures that risk assessments are integrated early in the design process. This proactive approach allows the institution to manage operational, credit, and reputational risks effectively while maintaining its customer-centric and ethical focus.

Through this balance of innovation and discipline, Abdallah aims to strengthen long-term trust among regulators, partners, and clients. For him, aligning risk management with the organization’s mission and values is not only a matter of compliance but also a reflection of integrity and accountability.

Harmonizing Growth and Governance Through Innovation

Abdallah often highlights that balancing business growth with effective risk mitigation is one of the defining challenges of financial leadership. In his view, non-banking financial institutions can achieve this balance by combining innovation with strong governance and continuous monitoring.

He advocates for the adoption of AI-driven credit scoring models that use alternative data sources such as transaction history, spending behavioral trends, and sector-specific risk indicators. This approach, he explains, enables a more precise assessment of creditworthiness, particularly for clients with limited or no credit histories. Alongside this, he supports the implementation of a fully digital onboarding journey that integrates automated risk checks, KYC verification, fraud detection and Sharia compliance requirements.

Abdallah emphasizes that true balance comes from collaboration. He encourages risk and control functions to work closely with strategy, product development, and business teams to ensure that all financing solutions uphold Islamic finance principles. This collaboration, coupled with continuous monitoring of strategic performance indicators, allows institutions to achieve meaningful growth while maintaining portfolio quality and minimizing delinquency rates.

For Abdallah, this integrated approach reaffirms a fundamental belief, that innovation and risk governance are not competing priorities but complementary forces driving sustainable success.

Pioneering a Smarter, Safer Financial Landscape

Abdallah recognizes that operational risk has grown increasingly complex with the acceleration of digital transformation and rising regulatory demands. At Al Yusr, he is leading efforts to anticipate and manage these challenges through a proactive and technology-enabled approach. His focus is not only on keeping pace with emerging risks but on staying ahead of them through innovation, data, and collaboration.

A major initiative under Abdallah’s leadership is the implementation of a comprehensive digital operational risk management system. This system automates the identification, assessment, and monitoring of risks across all major business functions. By digitizing these processes, the company is shifting from manual, periodic assessments to a real-time, data-driven model that allows faster detection of potential issues and more agile decision-making.

To enhance visibility and accountability, Abdallah is also overseeing the development of interactive online dashboards, including dynamic risk assessments and heat maps, accessible to senior management and relevant stakeholders. These visual tools provide a clear and current overview of the company’s risk landscape, enabling timely intervention and well-informed strategic discussions.

Abdallah believes that building a strong risk culture is equally important. Under his guidance, Al Yusr continues to invest in training and awareness programs that empower employees to act as the first line of defense. This approach fosters accountability, transparency, and a shared sense of responsibility across all departments.

He often emphasizes a guiding principle in his work, that operational risk should not be viewed as a limitation on innovation, but as a catalyst for creating a safer, smarter, and more sustainable organization. By combining technology with insight and a culture of vigilance, Abdallah is positioning Al Yusr to manage both current and emerging risks with confidence and foresight.

Abdallah finds great inspiration in witnessing the growth of young Saudi talent, seeing them evolve into capable leaders who embody excellence, accountability, and innovation. For him, investing in their development is one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to the long-term resilience and strength of the industry.

Creating Value through Strategic Risk Management

Abdallah views risk management as both a safeguard and a source of competitive advantage. In a financial services environment defined by constant change, he ensures that Al Yusr’s risk management practices do more than protect the company. They also create long-term value for customers, shareholders, and stakeholders.

Under his guidance, Al Yusr has established a comprehensive Risk Appetite Framework that defines both qualitative and quantitative boundaries for risk-taking. This framework ensures that every strategic decision, from credit origination to product innovation, aligns with the company’s objectives and capacity for risk. It also promotes transparency and accountability at all levels, from the Board to operational teams.

Abdallah ensures that the framework is dynamic and regularly reviewed to reflect evolving market conditions, regulatory developments, and business goals. This flexibility allows Al Yusr to pursue growth opportunities confidently while maintaining a strong risk posture.

For shareholders, his approach translates into financial stability, regulatory confidence, and sustained performance. For customers, it ensures that they receive responsible and transparent financial solutions from a trusted partner. Abdallah believes that true differentiation lies in transforming risk management from a defensive mechanism into a strategic enabler of growth, trust, and sustainable value.

Harnessing Technology for Smarter Decision-Making

Abdallah believes that technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence are essential to the future of credit underwriting and portfolio management, especially for non-banking financial institutions seeking to operate with greater precision and agility. For him, these tools play two vital roles, improving decision quality and strengthening portfolio resilience.

He explains that AI and advanced analytics enable more accurate and consistent credit evaluations by integrating alternative data sources and real-time insights. This is particularly valuable for assessing clients such as SMEs or individuals who have limited credit histories. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and data intelligence, institutions can make faster, more reliable lending decisions without compromising on risk standards.

From a portfolio management perspective, Abdallah highlights the importance of proactive and dynamic risk monitoring. Al Yusr has introduced early warning systems that identify emerging risks, detect delinquency trends, and support timely interventions. These tools help maintain asset quality and ensure optimal portfolio performance.

Abdallah also emphasizes the ethical dimension of technological advancement. He insists that all AI and data-driven processes must align with strict governance standards, regulatory expectations, and customer privacy principles. For him, transparency and fairness are non-negotiable aspects of responsible innovation.

Looking to the future, Abdallah envisions a financial landscape where human expertise and machine intelligence work together seamlessly. He believes that combining data-driven insight with experienced judgment will define the next era of resilient, inclusive, and customer-focused financial services.

Credentials That Shape Visionary Risk Leadership

Abdallah’s extensive certifications, including GRCP, CERS, and CORP, along with completion of the Risk Management Leadership Program, have played a pivotal role in shaping his approach to risk leadership in this industry. These credentials have provided him with a comprehensive understanding of international governance, risk, and compliance standards, reinforcing the importance of aligning risk management with the broader objectives of the organizations.

He applies the principles of GRCP by integrating governance, risk, and compliance into every leadership discussion, ensuring that risk is evaluated not in isolation but as a part of a broader framework for both protecting and creating organizational value. The CERS and CORP certifications have deepened his expertise in enterprise and operational risk, enabling him to conduct scenario analyses, set risk appetite thresholds, and design agile, technology-enabled risk systems.

Abdallah also emphasizes that the Risk Management Leadership Program has enhanced his strategic and people leadership skills. He recognizes that successful risk management is not only about systems and policies but also about building a resilient risk culture and fostering cross-functional collaboration. For him, these professional credentials are a reflection of a commitment to excellence, ethical leadership, and continuous improvement, guiding him to lead with confidence and integrity while contributing to a resilient financial institution.

Balancing Principles with Practical Risk Controls

At Al Yusr, Abdallah ensures that risk controls fully reflect the company’s vision of professionalism, adaptability, and regulatory compliance while remaining practical and supportive of business growth. He emphasizes that risk management should act as a strategic enabler rather than a constraint, embedding these values into every policy, framework, and operational decision.

Professionalism is reinforced through adherence to international best practices, structured governance, clearly defined roles, and ongoing training. These measures ensure that all risk-related decisions are transparent, ethical, and aligned with organizational goals.

Adaptability is another key element of Abdallah’s approach. He ensures that risk frameworks evolve in response to changes in market conditions, business expansion, and technological advancements. The company leverages digital tools to enhance agility, allowing timely responses to emerging risks without compromising risk appetite or governance standards.

Regulatory compliance remains a non-negotiable foundation. Abdallah while leading Risk Management, supports compliance teams, and product developers to ensure that all risk controls respect ethical and legal standards and aligned with regulatory expectations. This includes fairness in contracts, transparency in disclosures, and responsible treatment of clients throughout credit and collection processes.

By integrating professionalism, adaptability, and regulatory compliance into its risk framework, Al Yusr not only protects the institution but also enables sustainable growth, strengthens customer trust, and preserves the integrity of its mission.

Preparing for Emerging Risk Trends in Saudi Arabia

Abdallah identifies the convergence of digital disruption, regulatory transformation, and credit segmentation as one of the most significant risk trends in the Saudi financing and leasing market over the next five years. He highlights the rapid financial inclusion under Vision 2030, which is expanding access to Sharia-compliant products like auto leases, cash financing, and Murabaha for diverse customer segments, including first-time borrowers, SMEs, and digitally native consumers. While this expansion presents growth opportunities, it also introduces new credit, operational, and conduct risks due to limited credit histories and evolving customer expectations.

The rise of fintech partnerships and open finance models accelerates innovation but adds layers of third-party, cybersecurity, and model governance risks, particularly as AI and alternative data are integrated into credit decisioning.

To address these emerging challenges, Abdallah has implemented a multi-layered approach. He is strengthening credit risk analytics to better understand borrower profiles and make informed lending decisions. Digital risk governance is being enhanced through robust cybersecurity protocols, third-party risk management, and AI model validation frameworks to ensure secure, ethical, and compliant operations. Regulatory readiness is also a priority, with continuous monitoring of developments from SAMA and other regulators to maintain transparency and compliance.

Equally important is cultivating a strong culture of risk awareness across all levels of the organization. Abdallah believes that a resilient risk culture is the first line of defense against emerging and unknown risks. By balancing innovation with controls and growth with governance, he positions Al Yusr not only to manage tomorrow’s risks but also to transform them into strategic opportunities, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience in the Saudi financing and leasing sector.

The Power of Continuous Learning

Abdallah credits self-development and continuous learning as central pillars of his professional journey. He believes that in the demanding and evolving financial services sector, the ability to learn, adapt, and grow is essential not only for remaining relevant but also for leading with impact. Throughout his twenty-year career, Abdallah has deliberately invested in both technical expertise and leadership development, viewing global certifications and advanced programs not merely as milestones, but as commitments to excellence and lifelong learning.

This philosophy has guided him through complex career transitions, from traditional banking to non-bank financing institutions, from conventional models to digital and AI-driven risk strategies, and from individual contributor roles to executive leadership positions. Abdallah emphasizes that continuous learning fosters curiosity, open-mindedness, and resilience—qualities that are crucial in navigating change successfully.

He advises young professionals entering finance and risk management to invest in themselves through certifications, advanced degrees, workshops, and informal learning platforms. Embracing change as an opportunity, rather than a threat, is key, as is developing both competence and character. Abdallah underscores the importance of integrity, accountability, and ethical judgment, noting that trust is the foundation of effective risk management. He also encourages the next generation to seek mentorship and become a mentor, recognizing the profound impact guidance and support can have on professional growth. For Abdallah, lifelong learning is not just about career advancement, but about personal growth, leadership maturity, and alignment with purpose.

Building a Legacy of Leadership and Resilience

As Chief Risk Officer, Abdallah envisions leaving a legacy defined by principled leadership, institutional resilience, and empowered people. For the organizations he serves, he aspires to embed a risk culture that is forward-looking, values-driven, and deeply understood at every level. He aims for a culture where risk is not only managed but respected and owned, where controls serve as enablers of sustainable growth, innovation, and ethical conduct, and where Sharia compliance, professionalism, and agility guide every decision.

Abdallah also hopes to leave behind robust frameworks and digital systems that are technically sound, practical, scalable, and aligned with regulatory expectations and stakeholder trust. His objective is to future-proof the institutions he serves, ensuring they remain resilient, responsible, and capable of leading even after his tenure.

Perhaps most importantly, Abdallah measures his legacy by the people he has mentored. He takes pride in shaping a generation of risk and credit professionals who are technically skilled, ethical, confident, and ready to lead. Watching young Saudi professionals grow into capable leaders who take ownership and drive positive change is, for him, the ultimate achievement.

In summary, Abdallah hopes to be remembered not just for the risks he has managed, but for the values he upheld, the people he empowered, and the foundation he helped build for a stronger, more resilient financial future.