Afsaneh Jalilzadeh

AFRA Ambassador - 2025

Afsaneh’s journey exemplifies a powerful blend of experience in banking, finance, and law, paired with a deep commitment to social impact and community service. Her career spans across local and international banks, including Citibank N.A., where she managed business units for SMEs, multinationals, and corporate clients in the U.A.E. and Europe.

Her expertise then expanded to consulting for corporates and financial institutions, while she pursued an LLM in Financial Crimes and Money Laundering. After completing her law degree, Afsaneh joined the IFC/World Bank, contributing to initiatives focused on financial inclusion, SME development, and trade projects.

Beyond her professional career, Afsaneh is dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives through various volunteer roles. She serves as the Local Lead for Mentor Walks in Dubai, supporting women by connecting them with exceptional female mentors. She is also an Ambassador for a Social Enterprise in Jerusalem, which empowers women in Palestine and preserves cultural heritage. Afsaneh further contributes to education by teaching spoken English remotely to underprivileged teenagers in India through the Smart Life Foundation.

With a strong foundation in finance and fluency in several languages, including Arabic, Afsaneh is not only an experienced professional but also a passionate advocate for social change.