The SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC) has appointed Uz Hassan Kalaam as a non-executive director to its Board of Directors on 17 September 2025.

Uz Kalaam, who currently serves as Chief Islamic Banking Officer at Bank of Maldives, has played a key role in driving the expansion and strategic growth of the Bank’s Islamic banking services.

With more than 13 years of experience in the financial services sector, Uz Kalaam is a licensed Shariah Advisor and holds a Master’s Degree in Islamic Finance from the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF) in Malaysia. He is also a Senior Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals.

Following his appointment, the SDFC Board now comprises seven members: Mohamed Shareef, Badhurudheen Hassan, Fathimath Farihath Waheed, Uz Hassan Kalaam, Fathimath Azma, Ahusal Mohamed and Fathimath Yamna.

SDFC provides financial solutions to small and medium enterprises across the Maldives, with the Board overseeing the company’s governance and long-term strategy.