A Trailblazer in Ethical Investment & Private Equity

Taher Kidwani

Taher Kidwani is a towering figure in the global financial landscape, with a career spanning over three decades marked by innovation, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to ethical investment. As the Founder and Executive Director of Athmara Economic Development, a Middle East-based private equity and wealth management advisory firm, he has carved a niche as a pioneer in ethical investment, private equity structuring, and Islamic finance. His expertise in valuation, acquisitions, and global markets has solidified his reputation as a visionary in the industry.

01

A Career Defined by Leadership and Innovation

Taher’s professional journey is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to transform ideas into thriving enterprises. From 2016 to 2019, he founded and led Leyoun, a US-based consulting firm focused on ethical investment advisory. Under his stewardship, the firm achieved significant growth, and he retained majority ownership until stepping down in December 2019 to pursue new opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa.

Before Leyoun, Taher established YUSR Bank, a DFSA-regulated institution in Dubai, UAE, where he served as Founder and leader from 2009 to 2011. His strategic vision propelled the bank to a 9% net profit by the end of 2010 and expanded its business to over USD 500 million by May 2011. In December 2011, he handed over leadership to a new team, stepping down from the board in January 2012 while maintaining majority ownership.

From 1998 to 2009, Taher was the driving force behind EVAAN Inc., a firm offering investment management, private capital structuring, and wealth advisory services. His leadership expanded the firm’s reach across the Middle East, USA, Europe, Malaysia, China, and Singapore. In 2009, he orchestrated the transfer of its operations to the Dubai International Financial Center, further cementing its global presence.

Earlier in his career, from 1992 to 1997, Taher served as a Senior Expert and Economist at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, France, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. There, he founded the Industrial Investment Advisory Department, overseeing its research center and providing capital structuring advisory to ICC members across seven countries.

02

Academic Excellence and Professional Credentials

Taher’s intellectual foundation is as robust as his professional achievements. He pursued a PhD in Business Economics from the International School of Management in Paris and St. John’s University in New York, complemented by a Postgraduate Executive Education Program in Private Equity & Venture Capital from Harvard Business School. His academic journey also includes:

An MSc in Computer Information Systems from the University of Sunderland.
A Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Economics and Banking from The International Institute of Islamic Economics and Banking in Cyprus.
A Bachelor of Business Economics from King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah.

A lifelong learner, Taher is a Fellow of prestigious organizations such as the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB), the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), and the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS). His professional certifications include:

Certified Director from the IMF and World Bank.
Master Financial Planner & Professional Analyst, Chartered Wealth Manager, and Chartered Asset Manager from the American Academy of Financial Management.
Islamic Finance Professional specializing in private equity and Sukuk.

Panoramic view of a grand circular library with shelves full of books and study desks.

03

Personal Life and Legacy

Born on 1968, Taher Kidwani is a family man, married with six children. His personal life reflects the same dedication and balance he brings to his professional endeavors, emphasizing his commitment to both family and community.
Taher Kidwani’s remarkable career is a story of resilience, innovation, and ethical leadership. His influence extends beyond the firms he has built, shaping the broader financial industry through his expertise in Islamic finance, private equity, and wealth management. A respected leader and scholar, Taher continues to inspire the next generation of financial professionals with his unwavering pursuit of excellence.

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