Mike Cunningham

Initiator
DISC Type : Di

Chief Executive Officer at Afghanistan International Bank

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Overview

Mike Cunningham is a senior executive and CEO of Afghanistan International Bank, the countrys largest financial institution. With over 20 years of experience across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, his core focus is on digital banking strategy and innovation. He studied at the University of Liverpool and Harvard Business School.

While his public profile is professionally focused, colleagues describe him as a practical and pragmatic leader with an easy and friendly personal style. This approach helps him bring people together during complex business transformations, highlighting his ability to connect with diverse, multi-cultural teams.

Unique fact: Mike mentors FinTech start-ups on what banks are looking for and, in his own words, "how best to hustle in the Middle East! "

Personality Overview

Risk-Accepting

Friendly Challenger

Conviction Driven

They measure a product on its merit but can be influenced by strong testimonials.  They respond well to objective pitches but also attach some value to relationships. They usually prefer to drive the conversation.

Topics They Care About

Digital Banking
His career focus is on digital banking strategy, bringing innovation to current models, and leading digital transformations at major international banks.
Fintech Mentorship
He serves as an independent mentor for new FinTech start-ups at Flat6Labs, helping them navigate the accelerator program and regional challenges.
Corporate Ventures
He founded 77 Ventures to create new digital banking services and believes that for ventures to succeed, they must be structured correctly and not constrained by bank org charts.

Media Appearances

Mike has no verified media appearances

Work History

10-2024
Chief Executive Officer at Afghanistan International Bank
5-2021 - 4-2025
Executive Partner | SPAC at Union Acquisition Group
6-2021 - 1-2023
Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director | Venture at 77 Ventures
8-2018 - 1-2023
Chief Strategy & Digital Officer | Banking at Banque Saudi Fransi
10-2017 - 5-2022
Mentor | Fintech at Flat6Labs

Education

2002 - 2003
Running a Professional Services Organisation from Harvard Business School
1992 - 1996
BSc (Hons) from University of Liverpool

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 6 Location : Dubai, United Arab Emirates Job Level : Leadership Designation : Chief Executive Officer at Afghanistan International Bank
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Insights For Selling To Mike

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Focus on the big picture and the strategic value of your product
  • Acknowledge their status and position during the conversation
  • Get them to a point where they are ready to bat for your product internally

DONT's

  • Don't be unorganized, be prepared for the pitch
  • Avoid focusing only on the product or its ROI, keep building trust subtly
  • Don’t keep repeating the same information, it could make them impatient

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Mike is

  • Product value plays a big role, followed by relationship and a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Mike

  • If they do not firmly believe in you, they will refuse without hesitation.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Mike move?

  • If they develop confidence in your product and you, then they can make fast decisions.
  • Can Mike take some risk or not?

  • If necessary, they have the ability to take risky decisions.

You And Mike

Personality Compatibility


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