XS.com appoints Kasem Hekal to expand MENA growth

XS.com has named Kasem Hekal senior business development manager in Dubai to strengthen growth across the Middle East and North Africa. The move is aimed at deepening client and partner ties as the global fintech and financial services firm pushes further international expansion.

Why it matters: - XS.com is investing in senior commercial talent to support expansion, client retention and partner development across MENA and other international markets. - The appointment adds experienced leadership to the Dubai team as the company looks to convert market opportunities into longer-term business relationships.

What happened: - XS.com appointed Kasem Hekal as senior business development manager at its Dubai office. - The company said the role is part of a broader push to expand business opportunities and support sustainable growth. - The announcement was issued on Sept. 21, 2026.

The details: - Hekal will help shape business development strategy in key global financial centers. - His remit includes building a stronger sales pipeline, deepening ties with clients and partners, and identifying new business development opportunities. - Hekal will work closely with XS.com’s sales team to share market insight, support targeted business plans and turn prospects into ongoing partnerships. - Hekal has more than 15 years of experience in financial services. - He has more than 10 years of experience in foreign exchange and derivatives sales, account management and business development. - He has worked in Egypt and the UAE, leading sales teams for high-net-worth and institutional clients. - His prior roles include senior sales and business development positions at Accuindex MENA, ATFX and MultiBank Group. - He also worked at GKFX and FXOpen. - Before moving into client-facing sales, Hekal worked in financial operations and audit. - He earned an MBA in finance from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Business School.

Between the lines: - XS.com is signaling that growth in MENA depends on people who can combine commercial judgment with relationship management. - The appointment also suggests the company wants tighter execution across sales, service and partner engagement as competition intensifies in online trading and financial services. - Hekal said effective business development starts with listening to clients and partners, and XS.com gives him a setting to turn that approach into commercial value. - XS.com CCO Wael Hammad said the hire brings deeper sales experience and a relationship-focused approach that supports growth built on trust, service and disciplined execution.

What's next: - Hekal is expected to focus on sales pipeline development, partner engagement and market expansion from Dubai. - XS.com said the appointment strengthens its ability to pursue overseas growth and build the business capacity needed for the next phase of expansion. - The company will continue emphasizing market participation, relationship quality and customer support as it scales.