Lana Katbeh

Lana Katbeh

Financial Strategy | Access to Finance | SME Development Expert

With over 20 years of experience in banking, financial strategy, access to finance, and SME development, Lana Katbeh is a highly accomplished expert in credit analysis, loan guarantee funds, financial risk management, and investment strategy. Her extensive career has enhanced financial inclusion, supported SMEs, and strengthened economic growth through sustainable lending practices and strategic financial planning.

Lana served as the Country Manager of the Middle East Investment Initiative (MEII) in Palestine, where she led credit guarantee programs, financial advisory services, and strategic partnerships to improve access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Before her tenure at MEII, she held senior credit and investment roles at the Arab Palestinian Investment Bank and Jordan Ahli Bank, where she specialized in financial structuring, credit risk assessment, and strategic investment planning.

Career Highlights

Access to Finance and SME Development – Designed and led financial inclusion programs that expanded SME access to credit, working closely with banks, lending institutions, and regulatory bodies to develop cash flow-based lending models. Provided technical assistance to banks, shifting credit assessment from collateral-based to performance-based lending.

 

Loan Guarantee & Risk Management – Managed loan guarantee programs that increased lending efficiency while mitigating risk for financial institutions. Oversaw portfolio risk indicators, due diligence processes, and financial performance evaluations, ensuring sustainable and responsible lending practices.

 

Strategic Investment & Credit Structuring – Developed credit policies, financial models, and operational procedures that improved bank lending efficiency. Trained banking professionals and financial institutions on best practices in underwriting, loan origination, credit assessment, and portfolio management.

 

Financial Strategy & Institutional Capacity Building – Developed financial operations manuals and strategic lending procedures, ensuring alignment with international financial standards. Provided technical assistance to banks and financial institutions, strengthening internal controls and governance structures.

 

Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Advocacy – Served as a special consultant for SME development, working with the Palestine Monetary Authority, banking institutions, and international development organizations to drive financial sector reform and private sector growth.

At Innovate360, Lana brings her expertise in financial strategy, SME development, access to finance, and institutional capacity building to support businesses, financial institutions, and policymakers in creating innovative financial solutions and fostering sustainable economic growth. Her ability to bridge the gap between financial institutions, investors, and SMEs makes her a key asset in enhancing financial accessibility and economic resilience.At Innovate360, Lana brings her expertise in financial strategy, SME development, access to finance, and institutional capacity building to support businesses, financial institutions, and policymakers in creating innovative financial solutions and fostering sustainable economic growth. Her ability to bridge the gap between financial institutions, investors, and SMEs makes her a key asset in enhancing financial accessibility and economic resilience.

Areas of Expertise

  • Access to Finance and Financial Inclusion
  • Loan Guarantee Programs and Credit Risk Management
  • SME Development and Investment Strategy
  • Financial Modeling and Strategic Lending Procedures
  • Institutional Capacity Building and Policy Development
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Banking Reform

Lana is committed to advancing financial accessibility, strengthening SME resilience, and driving economic growth through innovative financial strategies and sustainable investment solutions. Her deep financial expertise, leadership in banking, and strategic insights continue to shape transformative financial initiatives.

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