Naser Abu Zahra: Strengthening Jordan’s Corporate Banking and Investment Landscape

The relationship between banking and economic development is built through the businesses, projects and investments that financial institutions help make possible.

For Naser Abu Zahra, that relationship has shaped a career spanning more than three decades across corporate banking, project finance, investment banking and strategic leadership in Jordan and the wider region.

Today, as Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Sector at The Housing Bank for Trade and Finance, Abu Zahra oversees a corporate portfolio exceeding JOD 2.3 billion, covering large corporates, project finance, commercial banking and transaction banking.

Three Decades in Corporate Banking

Abu Zahra began his banking career in corporate and credit functions, building his expertise around financial analysis, credit assessment, risk and corporate relationships.

Over time, his responsibilities expanded considerably. At Bank ABC in Jordan, where he spent 14 years, he progressed through corporate banking leadership to become Assistant CEO and Head of Corporate & Medium Enterprises.

His work involved leading corporate teams, contributing to business planning, developing growth initiatives and managing relationships across important sectors of the Jordanian economy.

Strong corporate banking is built on more than access to capital. It requires understanding the business, the opportunity and the risks surrounding both.

Financing Businesses and Major Projects

Abu Zahra returned to The Housing Bank for Trade and Finance in 2016 as Head of Corporate Investment Banking, taking responsibility for the Large Projects Division.

His work included identifying investment opportunities, structuring complex financial transactions and supporting project finance and syndicated lending.

In 2017, he was appointed Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Sector, expanding his responsibilities across a substantial corporate portfolio.

His current role places him at the intersection of capital and enterprise, with responsibility for strategic investment management, financial structuring and high-value transactions involving both commercial and government entities.

Governance Beyond Jordan

Abu Zahra’s leadership also extends into board and governance responsibilities.

Since 2023, he has served as a Board Member of Jordan International Bank Plc in London. His previous board positions include Specialized Leasing Company, Jordan Exporters Association and Housing Bank Algeria.

These appointments have expanded his experience beyond corporate banking into institutional governance and strategic oversight across different markets.

Financial leadership creates wider value when disciplined decision-making is matched by a clear understanding of long-term economic priorities.

Building Long-Term Business Relationships

Despite the scale of his current responsibilities, one principle has remained consistent throughout Abu Zahra’s career: banking is fundamentally relationship-driven.

From managing corporate accounts early in his career to overseeing major portfolios today, his work has required understanding businesses beyond their immediate financing requirements.

That means assessing market conditions, evaluating risk, structuring appropriate solutions and developing relationships capable of supporting sustainable growth.

His academic background includes a Master’s degree in Financial Management from the Arab Academy for Banking and Financial Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a minor in Economics from the University of Jordan.

A Friend of Jordan’s Business Community

Abu Zahra’s contribution is closely connected to the development of Jordanian enterprise.

Across corporate banking, project finance, investment and governance, his career has placed him alongside businesses and institutions seeking to finance expansion, execute major projects and pursue new opportunities.

His work demonstrates the role experienced banking leaders can play in connecting capital with productive economic activity.

Behind every successful financing structure is a deeper objective: enabling businesses and projects to move from ambition towards execution.

Recognition by Iconic Leaders

Naser Abu Zahra’s career reflects a sustained commitment to Jordan’s corporate and financial landscape.

Across more than 30 years, he has progressed from corporate credit and relationship management to responsibility for complex financing, major projects, strategic investments and a multi-billion-dinar corporate portfolio.

For the Friends of Jordan category, his story represents the professionals whose influence is often exercised behind the scenes, helping businesses access capital, supporting major investments and strengthening the financial relationships that contribute to Jordan’s continued economic development.