Maher Fakhr
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Trilingual internal audit and risk advisory professional with over 12 years of experience in the UAE and GCC financial sector. Expertise includes internal audit risk assessments, EQARs internal audit function setup, and governance and controls reviews. Currently manages a portfolio of six clients valued at SAR 3 million, delivering solutions that enhance compliance, improve efficiency, and mitigate risk. Strong analytical and strategic skills support growth-focused organizations.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Assistant Manager
Deloitte (M.E.)
Dubai, UAE
2023.10 - 2026.04
- Recognized for delivering outstanding client service and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
- Led and mentored a team of six, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and energetic work environment.
- Led and executed end-to-end internal audit engagements across the financial sector, including finance companies, BNPL providers, payment companies, investment companies, regional and international banks, and sovereign wealth funds across UAE and GCC.
- Managed internal audit engagements across banking, finance, investment, hospitality, and retail sectors, covering operational functions, governance, risk, compliance, and strategic planning.
- Led enterprise-wide inherent and residual risk assessments and developed internal audit strategic plans for banks, finance companies, investment companies, and other financial sector clients across UAE and GCC.
- Conducted External Quality Assessment Reviews and readiness/gap assessments against Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) for multiple banks across UAE and GCC.
- Led internal audit engagements for finance companies in Saudi Arabia, covering core operational functions and SAMA-mandated audits, including credit, collections, customer experience, compliance, and risk management.
- Managed audits across a broad range of functions, including AML and compliance, finance, risk management, human resources, compensation, business development, procurement, treasury, corporate banking, operations, retail, product, legal, and strategy.
- Conducted internal audit engagements over the full investment lifecycle, including screening, due diligence, risk mitigation controls, involvement of support functions, external due diligence, pre-due diligence for illiquid investments, negotiation, documentation, deal closing, portfolio monitoring, and exit decisions.
- Developed internal audit policies and procedures for banks, investment companies, and subsidiaries of Public Investment Fund.
- Supported establishment of internal audit functions by developing internal audit charters, audit manuals, Audit Committee presentations and reports, methodologies, annual risk-based plans, reporting frameworks, internal audit strategies, and related governance documentation in alignment with GIAS.
- Conducted annual independent remuneration reviews for major banks, including digital bank in Saudi Arabia.
- Prepared and delivered Audit Committee presentations and participated in Audit Committee meetings for investment companies.
- Designed and delivered training sessions on GIAS-related internal audit practices for internal audit teams across financial institutions.
Senior Consultant
Deloitte (M.E.)
Dubai, UAE
2022.04 - 2023.09
- Executed internal audit engagements across financial services clients covering planning, fieldwork, testing, reporting, and follow-up.
- Assisted in conducting risk-based reviews of operational, financial compliance, and governance processes across banks, finance companies, and investment firms.
- Supported assessments of the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls, identifying opportunities for process improvement.
- Drafted numerous client proposals.
Consultant
Protiviti Member Firm Middle East Consultancy
Dubai, UAE
2019.01 - 2022.03
- Conducted internal audit engagements across governmental and public sector bodies covering operational functions, governance, risk compliance, and strategic planning from planning through reporting.
- Conducted in enterprise-wide inherent and residual risk assessments and contributed to the development of internal audit strategic and annual plans.
- Prepared with senior team members client proposals and engagement documents.
Senior Internal Auditor
Fransabank Group S.A.L
Beirut, Lebanon
2014.05 - 2018.12
- Assisted in planning and supervising audit engagements to facilitate efficient execution.
- Conducted internal audit risk assessments and reviews to support branches and operations.
- Helped develop audit programs and testing procedures based on identified risks and objectives.
- Participated in closing meetings with business owners to review findings and agree on actions.
- Supported drafting and reviewing audit reports in accordance with international standards.
Accountant
RESCO
Beirut, Lebanon
2013.06 - 2014.04
- Oversaw preparation of budgets and facilitated year-end closing and financial reporting processes.
- Generated income statements, cash flow statements, and management reports to inform strategic business decisions.
- Managed payroll entries and ensured timely and accurate salary tax calculations.
- Optimised supplier payment coordination in alignment with accounts payable ageing and cash flow strategies.
- Administered fixed asset register and guaranteed precise recording of asset movements.
- Executed fixed asset counts and reconciliations to uphold asset accuracy and integrity within the company.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Management & Administration
Saint-Joseph University
Beirut, Lebanon 2011.09 - 2013.06
Skills
- Internal Audit and Risk Assessment
- Global Internal Audit Standards ("GIAS")
- External Quality Assurance Reviews ("EQAR")
- Setting up Internal Audit functions
- Governance, Policies & Procedures
- Stakeholder Management
- Business Development
- Team Management and Coaching
- Compliance awareness
- Proactive initiative taker
Certification
- Integrated Risk Management Professional "IRMP" – OCEG Mar' 2026
- Governance, Risk Management and Compliance Professional "GRCP" – OCEG Aug' 2025
- Governance, Risk Management and Compliance Auditor "GRCA" – OCEG Aug' 2025
- Integrated Audit & Assurance Professional "IAAP" – OCEG Aug' 2025
- Integrated Policy Management Professional "IPMP" – OCEG Aug' 2025
- International Introduction to Investment – The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment Dec' 2018
- Banking Ethics – Central Bank of Lebanon Jul' 2018
- Lebanese Banking Regulations– Central Bank of Lebanon Jul' 2017
Languages
Arabic
Native
English
Fluent
French
Fluent
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Assistant Manager
Deloitte (M.E.)
2023.10 - 2026.04
Senior Consultant
Deloitte (M.E.)
2022.04 - 2023.09
Consultant
Protiviti Member Firm Middle East Consultancy
2019.01 - 2022.03
Senior Internal Auditor
Fransabank Group S.A.L
2014.05 - 2018.12
Accountant
RESCO
2013.06 - 2014.04
Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Management & Administration
Saint-Joseph University
2011.09 - 2013.06