Hashim Shawa joined Bank of Palestine in 2007 as Chairman and CEO, leading its transformation through financial inclusion, digitization, and sustainability. Under his leadership, the bank achieved global recognition, earning the title of the world’s best bank for financial and digital inclusion by the Financial Times’ The Banker.
Founded in 1960, Bank of Palestine Group is Palestine’s largest financial institution, with assets approaching $8 billion—equivalent to 40% of the country’s GDP. Its subsidiaries include Arab Islamic Bank, PalPay Fintech, and Qudra Renewable Energy, with operations across Palestine and representation offices in the UAE and Egypt. The bank is regarded as the most trusted financial institution in Palestine, backed by leading international financial organizations such as the IFC, EBRD, Proparco AFD, JICA, DFC, IDB, and the Arab Fund through equity and debt partnerships.
In 2020, Shawa transitioned to Group Chairman, focusing on regional expansion across the GCC, Levant, and North Africa. His vision leverages the 20-million-strong global Palestinian community to foster economic collaboration and regional integration. As the founder of Ibtikar VC Fund Intersect Hub, he raised over $40 million to support Palestinian tech startups, fostering innovation and connecting them with global investment and growth opportunities.
A graduate of University College London, Shawa began his career at Citigroup and later served as Director of MENA Business at HSBC Switzerland. He is a member of the International Institute of Finance, a contributor to the World Economic Forum, and an advisor to the World Bank Group.