Where do you see the future of finance headed in the Middle East in the next 5 years?
In the upcoming years, the future of finance in the Middle East is going to see notable progress, especially in fintech. For example, in China, people use one app for almost all payments and hardly carry cash. I see a similar trend emerging here. We're also likely to see more extensive adoption of technologies that streamline operations and improve financial transactions, although we'll need to carefully watch how policies and regulations develop to support these changes.
Ever since AI has been introduced to the finance function, how do you think it has impacted finance professionals?
The introduction of AI in finance has been great but also quite challenging. AI has forced finance professionals to adapt to new tools that automate and optimize tasks which were previously manual and time-consuming. This has allowed them to focus more on strategic decision-making rather than routine tasks. However, it also requires a continuous learning mindset to keep up with these advancements, which can be a major shift for many in the field.
What excites you the most about your role as a CFO?
The CFO role is not only about finance, though most people understand it as such. It involves a much wider picture. Finance and accounting are essential for evaluating the company’s performance, but the numbers should drive us to think about future strategies. What makes me excited is thinking about what we are doing for the future of our company, not just the current financial arrangements.
What is it like being the only female member in the finance team at Allsopp & Allsopp?
It’s quite a privilege. For instance, on Women's Day, my team, which is all male, surprised me with a bouquet of flowers, which is totally beyond what you’d expect. People often think accountants are just about numbers and not very emotional, but that gesture showed a lot of appreciation. Working in a male-dominated team is quite good because you often know what's the missing part in the team culture. My role extends beyond finance; I also try to coach the team to make us stronger and more cohesive.
Bio
Faline is the Chief Financial Officer at Allsopp and Allsopp Group, with a decade of experience in finance across the Middle East. An ACCA and CFA holder, she began her career in Dubai through the prestigious Dubai Business Associates program. Her diverse background spans multinational banks, Fortune 500 companies, and the aviation industry. Known for her analytical acumen and strong communication skills, Faline excels in high-pressure environments and is passionate about using technology to drive business growth.
