Ruslena Ramli appointed as new director of FinTech by MDEC

By Leandra Monteiro

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), a Malaysian s agency in digital transformation, recently announced the appointment of Ruslena Ramli as director of FinTech and Islamic Digital Economy to drive forward its ‘Reinvent’ mission and fast-track capability to achieve the goals of the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDigital).

Ramli will report to Gopi Ganesalingam, vice president, Tech Ecosystem and Globalisation, and is tasked to lead the FinTech and Islamic Digital Economy (FIDE) team at MDEC to leverage on its burgeoning opportunities and create differentiation for Malaysia via financial inclusion and Islamic Finance.

Ruslena began her career as an investment banker with SIME Merchant Bank in 1997. She then expanded her career with RAM Rating Services Bhd’s (RAM) in 1999, before joining the Islamic banking sphere in 2004. Her experience encompasses investment, commercial and retail banking, having structured and advised on sukuk / bond issues, syndicated facilities and bridging transactions, including securing Bank Negara Malaysia’s approval for the establishment of Islamic banking products.

“Malaysia ranks first in the Global Islamic Fintech (GIFT) index and had an estimated Islamic Fintech market size in 2020 of US$3 billion, expected to grow by 23 percent annually to reach US$8.5 billion by 2025. Ruslena will be a crucial appointment as we assert our global leadership position in the areas of Islamic Digital Economy and Fintech. I am confident she will be an astute addition as we strive towards propagating a society integrated with technology, anchored by inclusivity and equitability in line with Malaysia 5.0,” said Dr Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff, chairman, MDEC, according to media reports.

She brings to MDEC her expertise in Shariah-compliant structures, acquired through her previous role as an Islamic banker as well as a trainer for the Securities Industry Development Corporation. Prior to joining MDEC, Ruslena held the position of Head of Islamic Finance in RAM. She played a key role in expanding RAM’s franchise in Islamic finance and was successful in securing several research grants that promoted RAM’s expertise and insights in credit rating and sukuk transactions.

“I welcome Ruslena into team MDEC and she represents another important appointment, reflecting our efforts and resolve to maintain our leadership position in the global Islamic economy and finance. Her deep experience will further complement and enhance our capabilities as we seek to address the fast-evolving needs of this sector,” said Surina Shukri, CEO, MDEC, according to media reports.

Ruslena holds a BA (Honours) in Accounting and Finance from Middlesex University of London and a Master’s Degree in Islamic Finance from International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF).

“MDEC has played a hugely significant role in the development of Islamic digital economy and Fintech for almost the past decade, resulting in our leadership position in this sector. I am proud to be able to be part of this machinery now, joining the best-in-class team to contribute not only to MDEC but to the nation as well,” said Ruslena, according to media reports.