Mashreq Bank appoints new Head of Business Banking & NEOBiz

By Leandra Monteiro

Mashreq Bank, a financial institution in the UAE, has appointed Vikas Thapar as its new Head of Business Banking and NEOBiz – the bank’s exclusive digital banking platform for SMEs.

In his new role, Thapar will manage the bank’s Business Banking segment and NEOBiz propositions, including defining go-to-market strategy and improving the overall experience for the business banking customers. To begin his responsibilities, Vikas will work together with other business segments to capitalise on growth opportunities as well as help drive a strong value proposition through cross sell and strategic partnerships.

Thapar possesses more than 25 years of experience in the banking sector. Having previously worked with as a Senior Client Lead, MENA financial services for American digital consulting company, Publicis Sapient.  Prior to that, Vikas served as EVP and Head of Business Banking at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), where he led the bank’s digital transformation efforts including its digital onboarding proposition for SMEs. His prior experience also includes serving as the Executive Vice President & Head Business Banking at Emirates NBD, as well as senior leadership positions at Citigroup in India and Indonesia.

Subroto Som, Senior Executive Vice President and Group Head of Retail Banking at Mashreq Bank said, “This appointment comes at a time of great change in the banking sector, in which the customer experience has become key and digital channels are of the utmost importance. Now more than ever, businesses require fast and convenient access to financing, as well as timely information that leads to informed decisions. This is particularly true as we emerge from COVID-19 and continue the road to economic recovery.”

“With his wealth of experience in business banking and digital transformation, we are confident that Vikas can bring his years of knowledge to benefit both Mashreq and its stakeholders, particularly in the SME banking segment,” added Som.

On his new appointment, Vikas Thapar said, “It is an honor to be able to step into this new role at Mashreq. As we move forward over the course of 2021 and into 2022, customer centric business banking will be key, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, who have long been the backbone of the UAE economy. Under the leadership of the bank, I’ll be working to ensure that Mashreq provides the best possible service and innovative products to our valued business customers.”