About
Karim Mouaffak is a financial sector specialist with expertise in regulatory innovation, financial strategy, and institutional transformation. His work focuses on supporting financial sector development and the strategic adoption of emerging technologies across the Middle East and in international contexts.
With a background in law and financial regulation, Karim began his career advising on banking and capital markets frameworks. Early exposure to central banking provided a strong foundation in monetary and supervisory systems and shaped his focus on policy-driven financial innovation.
Over time, he has developed a profile that combines regulatory expertise with strategic and operational insight, enabling institutions to navigate complex transformation agendas.
Karim’s experience spans public authorities, financial institutions, and regional initiatives, where he contributes to policy dialogue, institutional reform, and innovation-led financial sector development.
Career Journey
Karim began his career in the world of policy and law, interning at major institutions such as UNESCO in Paris and the Lebanese Parliament in Beirut. At UNESCO, he supported diplomatic affairs related to global governance and sustainable development. During his time at the Lebanese Parliament, he contributed to legislative frameworks on financial and commercial regulation, participating in a program led in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
While pursuing his LLM. in International Business Law, Karim authored a thesis titled “Fintech in the Middle East: Challenges and Solutions,” which gained significant attention online, receiving over 16,000 views on LinkedIn. This experience fueled his interest in the sector and led him to join a renowned legal research group, where he built one of the region’s first legal fintech databases and platforms.
As a pioneer in fintech legal research in Arabic, Karim was among the first to publish extensively on digital assets and fintech innovation from a regulatory perspective. He has shared these insights in legal forums, academic settings, and public events, engaging with students, lawyers, and policymakers.
In his previous role at PwC Middle East, Karim has advised sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, and fintech companies across the MENA region. His work included digital transformation, tokenization strategies, operating model design, and market entry support. He has led key initiatives focused on stakeholder platform development and capital financing through digital assets.
Today, Karim holds a diplomatic role, working in a supranational policy environment, contributing to financial sector development and regulatory innovation across the MENA region. His work focuses on supporting policy dialogue and providing technical assistance on payments, emerging financial technologies, and regulatory strategy. He is also engaged in regional initiatives related to fintech development, digital assets, and sustainable finance.
Areas of Expertise
-
Supports public authorities and financial institutions in designing financial sector strategies, institutional reforms, and development frameworks, with a focus on resilience, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability.
-
Expertise in regulatory and policy frameworks for financial institutions, including banking, fintech, and digital finance, supporting supervisory effectiveness, compliance, and regulatory innovation.
-
Market research and strategic advisory related to fintech ecosystems, innovation hubs, and technology-enabled financial services, supporting sustainable growth and market development.
-
Support for digital transformation initiatives and operating model design, including governance structures, target operating models, and institutional capabilities required to implement innovation effectively.
-
Experience in wealth and asset management transformation, including digital platforms, product innovation, operating model enhancement, and regulatory considerations.
-
Applied research at the intersection of strategy, regulation, and financial innovation, with a focus on organizational transformation, supervisory practices, and sustainable finance in the GCC and Arab region.
-
Engagement in green and sustainable finance initiatives, including policy frameworks, market development, and institutional strategies supporting ESG integration and sustainable financial systems.
Thought Leadership and Engagement
Karim is an active member of the Arab Monetary Fund’s Regional FinTech Working Group, collaborating with institutions such as the BIS and World Bank on innovation and regulatory development. He contributes thought leadership through articles in Arabic and English, focusing on digital banking, tokenization, and fintech policy.
He is a regular guest speaker at the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance at Cambridge Judge Business School and has spoken at international conferences on blockchain, AI, and financial innovation.
Karim has also designed FinTech learning modules for leading educational institutions.
Education
Karim holds an LL.M. in International Business Law and a Master’s in Private Law, with legal studies based in both French and Lebanese legal systems. He specialized in FinTech and Regulatory Innovation at Cambridge Judge Business School and completed executive training in AI in Finance through the Centre for Finance, Technology & Entrepreneurship.
His diverse background enables him to connect legal insight with financial innovation, shaping solutions that are both visionary and practical.
He is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Fintech innovation and regulation with an emphasis on green and sustainable finance.
