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Fractional Cybersecurity Leader

Fractional CISO | Cybersecurity Executive | Security Advisor for Startups

Middle East

Description

This executive specializes in delivering affordable, scalable, and business-aligned cybersecurity solutions tailored for startups and growth-stage ventures across diverse regions including MENA. With over a decade of expertise leading security initiatives in fintech and banking sectors, this leader provides fractional CISO services that empower organizations to build trust and achieve key certifications such as ISO 27001 and PCI DSS. Blending technical mastery with strategic governance and risk management, they guide companies through complex security transformations while fostering growth and resilience.

Key Roles

  • •Founded a virtual CISO service platform supporting growth-stage startups featured by Forbes in the MENA region, enabling growth through security
  • •Led information security and privacy governance to attain ISO 27001 and PCI DSS certifications across global operations
  • •Pioneered comprehensive security programs including application security, DevSecOps, identity management, and vulnerability management across multiple regulatory environments
  • •Built and scaled security teams and programs in high-pressure settings including leading commercial banks and top managed security service providers
  • •Recognized as a top cybersecurity visionary and leader, receiving prestigious CISO awards and ranking among leading cybersecurity voices in the region

Meet Me

Hi, I’m an advocate for transforming cybersecurity from a fear-driven expense into a scalable growth enabler. I collaborate with startups and scaleups to build security programs that foster trust with customers, partners, and investors. Drawing on experience leading fintech and banking security teams and guiding complex certification journeys, I make expert security leadership accessible through fractional CISO services. Outside work, I engage with global security communities and contribute to advancing cybersecurity innovation and leadership.

Personas

Strategic Cybersecurity Leader

  • •Drives global information security and privacy programs for regulated fintech companies with compliance across multiple jurisdictions
  • •Leads certification efforts including ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and privacy readiness frameworks
  • •Aligns security strategy with business objectives to support transformation and growth initiatives

Superpowers

Superpowers not available

Sweet Spot

This operator shines at empowering startups and growth companies with scalable, certification-focused cybersecurity programs that enable trust and accelerate business momentum. Combining strategic leadership, hands-on technical capabilities, and fractional service delivery, they add value in fast-paced environments where security innovation meets rapid expansion.

Functional Skills

Cybersecurity Leadership & Governance
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Information Security & Privacy Leadership- Directed security and privacy programs supporting fintech and financial services operations with multi-jurisdictional regulatory compliance.
•
Security Strategy & Risk Management- Crafted and implemented integrated governance, risk management, and compliance strategies for global businesses.
•
Security Certifications & Standards- Led efforts to achieve ISO 27001, PCI DSS certifications, privacy readiness, and compliance with emerging regulatory frameworks.
Technical Security Architecture & Programs
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Application Security & DevSecOps- Developed and scaled programs including static and software composition analysis, vulnerability management, and automated security pipelines.
•
Identity and Access Management (IAM)- Implemented robust IAM and privileged access management with least privilege principles across complex infrastructures.
•
Cloud & Container Security- Oversaw secure deployments of container orchestration platforms and cloud architectures, ensuring comprehensive security controls.
Fractional CISO & Consulting
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Virtual CISO Services- Provides fractional CISO leadership tailored to startups and SMBs, aligning security programs with evolving business needs.
•
Security Audits & Penetration Testing- Managed thorough security assessments including penetration testing for cloud-native and custom authentication services.
•
Team Leadership & Development- Built and led diverse security teams encompassing product, offensive security, DevSecOps, and privacy experts.

User Manual

Engage with clear business objectives and an understanding that security is a strategic enabler rather than just a compliance requirement. This executive excels in regulated, fast-paced settings where technical expertise and executive communication blend effectively. Delivers value through hands-on involvement and strategic vision, thriving with organizations open to fractional leadership and collaborative innovation.

Focus Areas

Cybersecurity StrategyFractional CISO ServicesGovernance, Risk & ComplianceApplication Security & DevSecOpsIdentity & Access ManagementSecurity Program ScalingPrivacy & Data ProtectionSecurity Architecture

Industries

FintechBanking & Financial ServicesStartups & ScaleupsInformation Security ConsultingTechnology

Geographical Coverage

MENAMiddle EastUnited KingdomRussiaGlobal (multi-jurisdictional)

Stage

Pre-SeedSeedSeries ASeries BGrowthEnterprise

Personal Interests

Cybersecurity Thought LeadershipPublic SpeakingTechnology InnovationLeadership DevelopmentTravel

Certifications

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)ISO 27001 Foundation CertificationCertified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)