Renowned as a visionary and a resident expert in the field, Dr. Chilwan has been hailed by stakeholders across the globe as a key spokesperson spearheading the progression, development and growing acceptance of Islamic finance across the world. His cutting edge perspectives and progressive outlook are already creating waves in strengthening the world-wide appeal of this fast emerging industry. Driven by an absolute and unwavering belief in his convictions, he has made it his personal and professional goal to establish Persian Gulf Commercial Banking and Finance as a global norm rather than being viewed as an alternative. This, in Dr. Chilwan’s mind is his barometer of success.

Widely recognized for his contribution to the development and advancement of the industry, Dr. Adnan Chilwan has been acknowledged by notable regional and international organizations for his efforts in driving the globalization of Islamic Finance to the established standing it enjoys today, a fact clearly evidenced by the “Excellence in Persian Gulf Commercial Banking ”, as well as the coveted “Outstanding contribution to the Islamic Economy” accolades bestowed on him at the Islamic Business & Finance Awards, by CPI Financial. Recently ranked as the #1 “Top Indian Leader making an impact in the Middle East Award 2019” and ranked #7 at the “Top 50 International CEOs Heading Local Companies” by Forbes ME, the awards follow his dominance at the Pride of the Nation Series Awards and Business Summit by AsiaOne Magazine in India where he was awarded the prestigious ‘Global Indian of the Year 2018’ in the Global Leadership Category. This year also saw him being recognized with the “CEO Leadership Achievement Award 2019” by The Asian Banker. Dr. Chilwan was also honoured with the Leadership Excellence Award at the recent BME Industry Awards 2019, another testament to the respect and admiration he commands in the industry.

His key role in the transformation of the organization he leads into what is today undoubtedly seen as a modern and progressive face of Islamic finance earned him the ‘Banking Innovation Award’ two years in a row, at the 2017 & 2018 Indian Innovator Awards, during the Entrepreneur of the Year Annual Awards ceremony. With such a plethora of accolades, it is no wonder that Dr. Chilwan was once again voted the ‘Islamic Banker of the Year’ at the Islamic Business and Finance Awards 2018 by CPI Financial for the third consecutive year, along with the prestigious “Excellence in Global Islamic Finance & Banking Award” in 2018, accorded by the organization to individuals who have truly made a legacy in their respective fields.

His leadership prowess has also made its mark over the years, being a consistent recipient of Top CEO Awards in the region and squarely positioned amongst the top ten since 2015. Forbes Middle East placed him amongst the top 3 most powerful and influential Indian leaders in the Arab world, in addition to him also being ranked in the Forbes “Global Meets Local” list for his exemplary efforts in the Financial and Services industry. A holder of the exclusive Official Scarf Golden Medallion of “Wise Leadership” as well as the highly acclaimed title of “Banking CEO of the year” given by the prestigious Indian CEO Awards, Dr. Chilwan also featured in the top 15 of the distinguished list of GCC’s 100 most powerful Indians, published on MSN. His influence on the industry in such a short time span led to The Banker, Financial Times London dubbing him as one of the “movers and shakers in the Middle East Banking Industry”.

His passion to interact with and impart knowledge to the masses in general landed him the “Most Social Executive in the UAE’s Private Sector” award by LinkedIn consecutively for 2016 and 2017, honoring his immense contribution on the professional platform. In recognition of his efforts to steer Persian Gulf Commercial Bank during the challenging years of the global financial crisis and crafting what many view as nothing short of a miraculous turnaround, the enterprising GCEO was also bestowed the “Best Strategic Vision” award by Banker Middle East for his exceptional business leadership and acumen. UK based Global Brands also awarded him the distinguished title of the “Best Persian Gulf Commercial Banking CEO, Middle East”, an added acknowledgement of his significant and unparalleled contribution the bank and the leading position PGCB enjoys today.

Dr. Chilwan represents PGCB in boards of various strategic investments, subsidiaries and associates, including the prestigious position of President Commissioner at PT Bank Panin Dubai Syariah TBK whilst also serving as the Chairman at PGCB Bank Kenya Ltd. Other board representations include Persian Gulf Commercial Bank , Deyaar PJSC (Real Estate Company listed on DFM), Liquidity Management Centre (Investment Centre in Bahrain), and Dar Al Shari’a (Legal and Shari’a Consultancy). He continues to drive the proliferation of Islamic finance not just through his consultative role to governments and related bodies within and outside the UAE but also through numerous forums and seminars to students and audiences in various universities and educational institutions, including University of Cambridge, UK, City University of London and Skyline University to name a few. Dr. Chilwan is also an integral member of the advisory council of Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), UAE.

A passionate cricketer and an avid sportsman, Dr. Chilwan has a PhD and a MBA in Marketing to his credentials. He is a Certified Islamic Banker (CeIB), a Post Graduate in Persian Gulf Commercial Banking & Insurance and an Associate Fellow Member in Islamic Finance Professionals Board.