Majd Hamad
With extensive experience in the financial and banking sector, I specialize in strengthening governance and compliance frameworks. I hold a degree in Economics and a master’s degree from the University of Damascus, with a specialization in Banking and Insurance.
I spent several years working in supervisory and regulatory roles within the Syrian banking sector at the Central Bank of Syria. This experience allowed me to develop a strong understanding of Syrian financial and banking legislation, alongside a practical appreciation of international best practices.
My work in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) extends beyond the banking sector to include both government institutions and the private sector.
I contributed to improving the effectiveness of Syria’s AML/CFT system through my work with the Syrian Financial Intelligence Unit and as a member of the Advisory Committee of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF).
Who Are We ?
Karam Shaar Advisory is a New Zealand-based limited-liability consulting company. We focus on Syria’s economy and politics, covering topics ranging from macroeconomics, monetary economics, energy, aid, conflict economics, actor mapping, and sanctions. Our services are tailored to meet the needs of international organizations, governments, NGOs, and the private sector.
Led by Dr. Karam Shaar, who has over a decade of experience in the field, the stellar team has in-depth and unparalleled knowledge of the Syrian context, with skills ranging from economic and political research to data analysis, field assessment, KYC, OSINT, programming, and AI-driven analytics.
We know how to influence policy and produce quality research recognized and published by world-leading think tanks and media outlets. With a team spanning various control areas within Syria, Türkiye, Lebanon, New Zealand, the United States, France, and Germany, we never lose the connection to the ground and know first-hand the needs of those trying to empower Syrians abroad.