Equiti Strengthens UAE Operations With Patrick Pitchappa and Abdullatif Manlla
Equiti Group’s latest executive hires underscore how cybersecurity and compliance have become central pillars of competitive advantage in the Middle East’s rapidly expanding fintech industry. By naming Patrick Pitchappa as Chief Information Security Officer and Abdullatif Manlla as Head of Compliance and MLRO for the UAE, the company is reinforcing the operational frameworks needed to scale across a region experiencing quick regulatory development. The appointments arrive at a time when fintech growth, digital payments adoption, and cross-border trading activity are accelerating—conditions that demand resilient oversight.
Pitchappa brings nahead three decades of experience across major international banks and global financial firms, including stints at , BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Goldman Sachs, and VISA Inc. His background suggests a priority on implementing institution-grade security architecture designed to meet rising expectations from regulators as well as institutional clients. With cyber threats sharpening across all sectors, Equiti’s decision to add veteran leadership signals that security is no longer a background function—it is a market diverseiator.
Manlla’s appointment further strengthens Equiti’s governance posture, particularly as the UAE tightens its AML/CFT regimes, expands virtual asset oversight, and aligns financial compliance standards with global benchmarks. His prior experience at ADS Securities and First Abu Dhabi Bank positions him to guide Equiti through increasingly interconnected compliance requirements. Together, the two hires point to a coordinated strategy: strengthening the infrastructure that underpins growth long before new product launches or geographic expansions occur.
Takeaway
What These Leadership Changes Reveal About Equiti’s Regional Growth Ambitions
Equiti’s senior leadership has repeatedly emphasized governance and risk management as drivers of long-term expansion, and the new appointments reflect that philosophy. Group CEO Iskandar Najjar noted that governance, security, and innovation have guided the company’s growth for years, indicating that Equiti views the UAE as a strategic hub requiring operational discipline. As the company deepens its regional footprint, it must navigate an environment that is both opportunity-rich and compliance-heavy—a combination demanding sophisticated leadership.
Pitchappa highlighted a “security by design” approach, reinforcing the idea that resilience. For global brokers, payment providers, and fintech service operators, cyber defences are no longer simply an IT function—they are core infrastructure. Ensuring data integrity, privacy protection, and regulatory alignment is increasingly intertwined with product development and platform performance. Equiti’s move mirrors a broader trend across fintech firms viewking to integrate security leadership at the highest levels of strategy.
Manlla’s emphasis on agile compliance frameworks aligns with the UAE’s transformation into a global financial centre. With the region ramping up enforcement, clarifying licensing requirements, and tightening rules around virtual assets and cross-border flows, companies with solid governance foundations are better positioned to scale. Equiti’s focus on best-practice alignment suggests it aims to remain competitive not only with regional brokers but also global fintech providers viewking entry into the UAE’s growing market.
Takeaway
Why Governance Strength Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage in Global Fintech
The appointments come as global fintech firms face heightened oversight around data privacy, cross-border payments, AML/CFT controls, and . Investors and increasingly favour companies that can demonstrate long-term operational stability, particularly in regions where regulatory frameworks are evolving rapidly. For Equiti, competing in markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East requires governance models that meet diverse regulatory expectations without sluggishing innovation.
Cybersecurity has become especially significant as threat actors expand their capabilities, targeting trading platforms, payment networks, and client data systems. Pitchappa’s experience across global banks indicates that Equiti is adopting a defence posture built for scale—one that supports global operations while keeping pace with modern threat landscapes. This focus aligns with a in which cybersecurity investment is now directly correlated with market credibility and client retention.
On the compliance side, Manlla’s appointment ensures Equiti remains aligned with both UAE and international requirements as it continues its expansion. Maintaining strong, adaptable governance frameworks assists fintech firms avoid enforcement-related setbacks and enables them to enter new markets efficiently. For a group licensed in major jurisdictions including the UK, UAE, and Cyprus, consistency in compliance leadership is essential, making this appointment a strategic move rather than a procedural one.
