FAB’s interim joint credit chief steps down + Shuaa taps new head of digital assets

First Abu Dhabi Bank’s (FAB) interim joint chief credit officer Antoine Sokhn (LinkedIn) has stepped down after 15 months in the role, The Banker reports. Sokhn has been with FAB for over nine years. He had served as executive vice president and head of credit risk before he was appointed interim joint chief credit officer, after Neil Barrable stepped down in 2025 following less than a year in the role.

The latest resignation comes after a wider restructuring for the lender in the past year, as it looks to strengthen its financial and advisory services. So far, FAB hasn’t said whether Harsimrat Singh, who was appointed as co-CCO alongside Sokhn, will continue in the role alone or if the lender will tap a new lead.

Shuaa Capital has appointed Faris Mesmar (LinkedIn) as its head of business growth and strategic partnerships, according to a LinkedIn post. Mesmar will lead the buildout of its tokenization and distribution platform, focusing on expanding access to Shuaa’s institutional-grade assets for retail and accredited investors. The new hire is a founding partner of Dubai-based VC firm Hatch & Boost, and he held a role at the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.