Steering Committee

Director

Mr. Hisham Tabsh

Senior Instructor of Practice
Department of Accounting and Finance
 

Mr. Tabsh was appointed director of the Institute for Banking and Finance in fall 2025. He leads the Institute’s strategic direction and oversees initiatives that strengthen collaboration between AKSOB and the banking and financial services industry.
 

Advisory Board

To strengthen the Institute’s connection with the financial services industry, AKSOB established an Advisory Board comprising distinguished leaders from Lebanon’s banking, finance and regulatory sectors. The board provides strategic guidance, supports industry engagement and helps ensure the Institute’s activities remain aligned with current and emerging developments in the financial sector.

The inaugural Advisory Board members are:

• Dr. Fadi Osseiran, CEO, BLOMInvest Bank
• Dr. Marwan Barakat, Member of the Group Executive Committee and Group Chief Economist, Bank Audi
• Mr. Nassib Ghobril, Chief Economist and Head of Economic Research & Analysis, Byblos Bank
• Mr. Rabih Nehme, Executive Board Member, Banking Control Commission of Lebanon
• Mr. Mohamad Ali Hassan, Executive Director and Head of the Accounting Department, Banque du Liban
• Mr. Hadi Hammoud, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy General Manager, Al-Mawarid Bank

The Advisory Board held its inaugural meeting on November 21, 2025, during which members established the Institute’s strategic priorities and approved its activities roadmap for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Vision

To strengthen the connection between the Department of Accounting and Finance and the financial services industry by fostering strategic partnerships, advancing professional collaboration and enriching student learning through real-world engagement.

Mission

The Institute for Banking and Finance enriches student learning through industry engagement, practitioner-led events, finance competitions and experiential learning opportunities. It also supports the banking and financial community by offering specialized training programs, seminars and workshops that address emerging industry needs.

Strategic Objectives

The Institute’s activities are organized around five strategic pillars.

Student Competitions, Skills Development and Industry Exposure

The Institute prepares students for successful careers in banking and finance through experiential learning opportunities that complement classroom education. Activities include finance competitions, case challenges, workshops, certifications and direct engagement with industry professionals.

Industry Engagement, Partnerships and Practitioner-Led Events

The Institute builds strong relationships with banks, financial institutions, regulators and industry leaders to ensure students gain practical exposure to contemporary financial practices. Through conferences, executive talks, panel discussions and strategic partnerships, students engage directly with professionals shaping the future of the industry.

Alumni Engagement

The Institute strengthens connections with AKSOB alumni working across banking, investment and financial services. Alumni contribute through mentoring, networking events, guest lectures and career development initiatives that enrich the student experience.

Thought Leadership and Publications

The Institute contributes to informed dialogue on banking, finance and economic policy by producing publications, market insights, reports and opinion pieces that address emerging trends and challenges affecting Lebanon and the region.

Professional Training and Executive Education

The Institute offers specialized training programs, executive seminars and professional development opportunities that respond to the evolving needs of banking professionals and financial institutions while promoting lifelong learning.