Elissar Farah Antonios: A Trailblazer in Banking and Leadership in the Middle East
The Middle East has long been recognized as a hub of economic dynamism, entrepreneurship, and cultural transformation. At the center of this momentum are leaders who break barriers and redefine what is possible for future generations. Among them stands Elissar Farah Antonios, a visionary banking leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s empowerment. As the CEO of Citi Bank UAE, Cluster Head for the Middle East & North Africa (MENA), and a recognized figure in global finance, Elissar has become a symbol of resilience, innovation, and leadership in a region undergoing rapid change.
Early Life and Education
Elissar Farah Antonios was born in Lebanon, a country known for its entrepreneurial spirit despite enduring political and economic challenges. Growing up in Lebanon during turbulent times, Elissar witnessed resilience firsthand — a quality that would later shape her leadership style.
Driven by ambition, she pursued higher education in business and finance, fields that were traditionally male-dominated, especially in the Middle East. Her education laid a strong foundation in economics, banking, and global trade, which she would later leverage to build a career that spans more than three decades.
Career Beginnings in Banking
Elissar’s career began in the financial services sector at a time when women in leadership roles were still rare in the region. She joined Citibank, one of the world’s largest financial institutions, where she quickly established herself as a forward-thinking and results-driven professional.
Over the years, she worked across different regions and roles, gaining exposure to international banking operations, wealth management, and corporate strategy. Her adaptability and ability to drive results in competitive environments earned her the respect of peers and superiors alike.
Rising Through the Ranks at Citi
Her career trajectory at Citi is nothing short of inspiring. She steadily rose through leadership positions to become Citi UAE CEO in 2015. Later, she was appointed as Cluster Head for Citi MENA, a role that placed her in charge of the bank’s strategic operations across the Middle East and North Africa.
This achievement was not only significant on a personal level but also historic for the region. Elissar became the first woman to lead Citi’s operations in the Middle East and North Africa, breaking barriers in an industry that has long been dominated by men.
Leadership Style and Vision
Elissar Farah Antonios is known for her inclusive leadership style, where innovation, collaboration, and resilience play key roles. She believes in empowering teams, cultivating young talent, and encouraging diversity in the workplace.
Her vision for banking in the Middle East goes beyond financial growth. She emphasizes the importance of:
- Digital transformation in banking – adapting to fintech and digital platforms to meet customer needs.
- Sustainability – aligning banking operations with environmental and social responsibility.
- Empowering women and youth – ensuring leadership opportunities for underrepresented groups in finance.
By blending traditional banking excellence with modern innovations, Elissar has positioned Citi as a strong and forward-looking financial institution in the region.
Contributions to the Middle Eastern Financial Sector
Under Elissar’s leadership, Citi has played a crucial role in advancing the financial sector in the Middle East. Some of her notable contributions include:
- Strengthening Corporate Banking – expanding Citi’s corporate client base across MENA, supporting multinational companies, and facilitating regional growth.
- Innovation in Digital Banking – driving Citi’s adoption of digital tools, mobile platforms, and fintech collaborations.
- Sustainable Finance – advocating for green finance initiatives, renewable energy investments, and environmentally conscious lending.
- Regional Economic Development – promoting financial inclusion and supporting economic reforms in countries across the Middle East.
Her leadership reflects a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within MENA, from volatile oil prices to diversification strategies under Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s push for a digital economy.
Advocacy for Women in Business
One of Elissar’s most celebrated roles is her advocacy for women in leadership and entrepreneurship. She has been a vocal supporter of breaking gender barriers in banking, inspiring thousands of young women to pursue careers in finance.
She has participated in global and regional forums, encouraging companies to create inclusive work environments where women can thrive. Through mentorship and empowerment initiatives, she has helped pave the way for more women to hold executive roles in industries once considered off-limits.
Her achievements have shown that women in the Middle East are not only capable of excelling in finance but also of leading institutions on a global scale.
Recognitions and Awards
Elissar Farah Antonios’s impact has not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized multiple times by international organizations, financial publications, and women’s leadership groups. Some highlights include:
- Featured in Forbes Middle East among the Most Powerful Arab Women in Business.
- Recognized as a trailblazer in global banking leadership.
- Invited to speak at international financial forums and leadership summits.
- Praised for her contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in corporate leadership.
Such accolades reinforce her role as both a business leader and a cultural icon in the region.
Challenges and Resilience
Like any trailblazer, Elissar has faced challenges along her journey. Operating in a region often marked by economic uncertainty, political instability, and shifting global financial trends, she has had to navigate complex situations with wisdom and resilience.
Additionally, as a woman breaking into senior leadership in banking, she encountered gender biases and systemic barriers. Yet, she turned these obstacles into opportunities, using her success to advocate for equality and inspire others. Her career is proof that determination and perseverance can transform challenges into stepping stones.
Personal Philosophy and Work-Life Balance
Elissar often emphasizes the importance of authentic leadership — leading with integrity, empathy, and accountability. She believes that true leadership is about inspiring people to achieve their best while creating positive impact for society.
Despite her demanding career, she remains deeply committed to her family and community. She often speaks about the importance of balance in life, encouraging young professionals to pursue success while maintaining personal well-being and values.
Legacy and Impact
Elissar Farah Antonios has not only transformed Citi’s role in the Middle East but has also redefined what leadership looks like for future generations in the region. Her journey embodies resilience, courage, and innovation.
Her legacy can be summarized in three key contributions:
- Banking Leadership – Driving Citi’s success in MENA and shaping regional financial strategies.
- Empowerment of Women – Advocating for gender equality and inspiring women to aim for leadership roles.
- Global Representation – Showcasing the Middle East as a hub of leadership talent on the international stage.
Conclusion
Elissar Farah Antonios stands as a pioneer, leader, and role model in the Middle East’s financial sector. From her beginnings in Lebanon to leading one of the world’s most influential banks in the region, her story is one of ambition, perseverance, and impact.
In an era where the Middle East is redefining its role in the global economy, leaders like Elissar represent the future — bold, innovative, inclusive, and resilient. She has proven that success in finance is not limited by gender or geography but is determined by vision, hard work, and the courage to lead.
Her journey continues to inspire not only bankers and entrepreneurs but also anyone striving to break barriers and create lasting change.
Published: 10th November 2025
For more article like this please follow our social media Twitter, Linkedin & Instagram
Also Read:
Idriss Al Rifai: Transforming Delivery Across the Middle East
Joy Ajlouny: Bold Visionary Transforming Middle East Startups
Hosam Arab: Visionary Leader Behind Tabby and Careem
