Digital identity pioneer Callsign, sets up development site in Abu Dhabi, appoints Saeed Ahmad
Callsign, the digital identity pioneer, has established an engineering and development site in Abu Dhabi. In line with the UAE’s Vision 2071 for a nation that places digital transformation at the heart of the national strategy, Callsign is building a world-class engineering facility, employing regional talent to drive innovation and growth in the digital identity industry.
Callsign has appointed Saeed Ahmad as managing director to lead the efforts in the MENA region. Based in Abu Dhabi, Ahmad will be responsible for operations across the region and for driving business strategy to meet customers’ digital identity solution requirements.
Ahmad joins Callsign from Lloyds Banking Group, where he was the Design Director across all enterprise functions including the digital bank platform, data, and machine intelligence. Prior to that, he helped set up KPMG’s Financial Services Technology Consulting division, working with Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, HSBC, RBS and other global Financial Services organizations. He led large scale digital transformations, finance and risk transformations, setup multiple banks and was a technology advisor for M&A. Ahmad also brings extensive experience in data security having worked for a security start-up and nearly 10 years at IBM Business Consulting Services.
The new offices will include business development, alongside engineering and development teams with the goal to expand quickly throughout 2021.
Founded in 2012, Callsign is making digital identity simpler and secure. Working across multiple sectors including banking, healthcare, and e-commerce, Callsign has developed machine learning and artificial Intelligence techniques that utilize data from multiple sources, devices, locations, and knowledge to understand how the customer uniquely interacts every time they transact online.
Unlike other providers, Callsign’s solutions positively identifies customers rather than simply Identifying fraudsters. This holistic and innovative approach puts the customer at the heart of every online interaction, reduces friction and keeps customers and employees safe from different types of fraud.
“We are delighted to be opening an office in Abu Dhabi and to welcome Saeed to lead our expansion across the region. The UAE, the wider Middle East and North Africa continue to be at the forefront of adopting new technologies and establishing an engineering and development site will allow us to better serve clients both globally and across the region with local talent and skills,” explained Ian Welch, chief operating officer, Callsign.
“Saeed has a track record of building and leading teams and strategies to help customers digitally transform. We are pleased he is joining Callsign at a time when our solutions are experiencing high demand. I look forward to working with him,” concluded Welch.
“As the UAE celebrates its Golden Jubilee year, I am thrilled to be part of an organization that is supporting the nation’s vision of accelerating the digital transformation and adoption of new technologies such as digital identities. It is a promising year for the region, and I look forward to working with exceptional local talent that will help our customers with their digital identity strategies,” said Ahmad.
