Top 100 Arabs 2025

20. Lubna Suliman Olayan

Chairperson, Saudi Awwal Bank (formerly Saudi British Bank)

Origin: Saudi Arabia

Residence: Saudi Arabia

Sector: Finance

2024 Rank: 19

Olayan is a prominent figure in Saudi’s financial sector, serving as chairperson of Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB). Under her stewardship, SAB has achieved robust financial results. In 2024, the bank recorded a net profit after zakat and income tax of SAR8.07bn, a 15 per cent increase from the previous year. Total operating income also rose by 10 per cent, reaching SAR14.018bn. Net loans and advances surged to SAR259bn, marking a 20 per cent year-on-year increase.

Olayan’s strategic direction has led to strong revenue growth, solid loan performance, and a return on tangible equity of 16 per cent.She has also emphasised innovation, establishing a department for financial innovation and launching initiatives in areas like CBDC, Quantum Computing, and open banking.

Beyond financial performance, Olayan is a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment

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