The SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC) has appointed Fathimath Farihath Waheed as its new Operations Director, marking a significant addition to its executive leadership team.
In her new role, Farihath will take charge of driving strategic oversight and operational efficiency across SDFC’s key divisions, including Administration, Procurement, Human Resources, Marketing, Business Development, and Information Systems. The move underscores the corporation’s commitment to enhancing its institutional capacity as it expands financial and advisory support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Maldives.
Farihath brings with her nearly two decades of experience in the banking and financial services industry. She most recently held the position of Head of Card Networks and Strategic Partnerships at the Bank of Maldives, where she also previously served as Head of Card Payments and Governance, and Head of Strategy and Change. Her track record includes steering transformative initiatives, strengthening governance structures, and forging key partnerships within the financial sector.
Commenting on the appointment, SDFC’s Managing Director Badhurudheen Hassan said:
“We are delighted to welcome Fathimath Farihath to our leadership team. Her profound expertise in financial services, strategic change management, and building key partnerships will be invaluable as we continue to enhance operational excellence and expand our support to the SME sector of Maldives”.
Farihath holds a Master’s degree in International Business from Monash University Malaysia and is a Chartered Banker certified by the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers.
Her appointment comes at a crucial time as SDFC continues to strengthen its role in financing and empowering local entrepreneurs, a key pillar in the Maldives’ long-term economic diversification strategy.
SDFC is a subsidiary of Bank of Maldives (BML).
