XS.com names Kasem Hekal senior business development manager in Dubai

XS.com has appointed Kasem Hekal as senior business development manager in Dubai to help expand the global fintech firm’s commercial reach across MENA. The move adds a seasoned sales and business development executive as XS.com pushes deeper client and partner relationships in international markets.

Why it matters: - XS.com is adding a senior commercial leader as it tries to deepen relationships with clients and partners and expand across MENA and other international markets. - The appointment strengthens the company’s Dubai base, which sits in one of the region’s key financial hubs. - Hekal’s background in FX, derivatives and financial operations gives XS.com more capacity to pursue long-term business partnerships with institutions and high-value clients.

What happened: - XS.com appointed Kasem Hekal as senior business development manager in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. - The hire is part of a broader push to bring in senior commercial talent to support sustainable growth. - Hekal will help drive XS.com’s business development strategy from Dubai. - Hekal will work closely with the company’s commercial team to identify new opportunities, share market insights and convert partnerships into long-term relationships.

The details: - Hekal has more than 15 years of experience in financial services. - More than 10 of those years were spent in FX and derivatives sales, client account management and business development. - His career spans roles in Egypt and the UAE. - His experience includes working with high-net-worth clients and institutional clients. - Hekal has also managed sales teams and aligned strategy with market conditions and client demand. - Before joining XS.com, Hekal held senior sales and business development roles at Accuindex MENA, ATFX and MultiBank Group. - He also worked earlier at GKFX and FXOpen. - Hekal previously gained experience in financial operations and account auditing. - He holds an MBA in Finance from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University. - Hekal said effective business development starts with listening to clients and partners and translating those needs into lasting value. - Wael Hammad, XS.com’s Group Chief Commercial Officer, said the company needs people with commercial judgment and a clear understanding of clients and partners.

Between the lines: - XS.com is signaling that growth will come from relationship-driven commercial expansion rather than broad, undifferentiated hiring. - The Dubai appointment suggests the company wants closer proximity to regional markets while keeping commercial decision-making tied to client demand. - Hekal’s mix of sales, operations and auditing experience points to a preference for leaders who understand both revenue growth and the discipline behind financial services execution.

What's next: - XS.com is expected to continue adding commercial capability as it expands in overseas markets. - Hekal will focus on new business opportunities, closer client engagement and stronger partner collaboration. - The company said the appointment should help it work more closely with individual markets and support the next phase of growth.

The bottom line: - XS.com is betting that an experienced MENA-facing business development executive in Dubai will help turn regional relationships into longer-term commercial growth.