CFI leadership is entering a new phase after Federico Cirulli took over as chairman of the group’s board. The appointment marks another step in the company’s efforts to strengthen its structure and support international growth. CFI Financial Group has expanded its operations across several markets in recent years. Therefore, the company has also focused on developing stronger governance and leadership systems. The latest change follows several executive and board developments within the group.
Cirulli brings more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry. His career includes senior leadership positions across brokerage and asset management businesses. He has also worked across areas including regulation, governance, international expansion, and business development. As chairman, he will work closely with the board and executive management. His role will focus on supporting sustainable expansion and improving operational performance. In addition, he will help guide the group as it scales across international markets.
The appointment follows several changes that have reshaped the group’s leadership structure. Ziad Melhem became group chief executive officer in June 2025. The company then strengthened its board by adding independent members in November 2025. Meanwhile, co-founders Hisham Mansour and Eduardo Fakhoury have changed their responsibilities within the organisation. Both founders will now serve as non-executive directors. They will remain involved with the board while continuing to support the company’s long-term development.
The leadership changes reflect the group’s broader transition toward a more institutional structure. CFI has grown significantly in terms of markets, clients, products, and regulatory responsibilities. Consequently, the company says strong governance has become increasingly important. Expansion brings additional responsibilities alongside new business opportunities. The group therefore aims to maintain consistent standards as it enters new markets. At the same time, its executive team will continue implementing the existing business strategy.
Mansour welcomed Cirulli’s appointment and described it as an important stage in the company’s development. He also highlighted the founders’ continued commitment to CFI’s long-term success. According to Mansour, the company has always aimed to develop beyond its founders. The latest leadership structure supports that goal while maintaining continuity across the organisation. Furthermore, the founders will remain connected to strategic discussions through their positions as non-executive directors.
Melhem also emphasized the growing importance of governance as CFI expands internationally. Each new market brings regulatory requirements, licenses, and additional client responsibilities. Therefore, the group wants its governance framework to develop alongside its international operations. Melhem said Cirulli’s experience would help maintain high standards during the next stage. He also welcomed the chairman’s focus on accountability and disciplined growth.
Cirulli said CFI has developed strong foundations during more than 25 years of operations. He credited the company’s founders and management team for building those foundations. He also described the new role as an important opportunity for the group’s future. As chairman, Cirulli plans to work closely with the board and executive team. His priorities include strategic focus, strong governance, and disciplined international expansion. He also aims to support growth across the company’s markets, products, and services.
The company has continued investing in technology and financial products alongside its international expansion. These investments form part of a broader strategy to support its growing operations. Meanwhile, the group has continued developing its organisational and governance structures. The changes aim to create a stronger foundation for future expansion. They also seek to balance entrepreneurial ambitions with the standards expected from a global financial services organisation.
CFI leadership now combines an experienced executive team with an independent board and chairman. This structure gives the group additional oversight as it expands its international presence. At the same time, the founders remain involved through their non-executive board positions. The company can therefore maintain continuity while introducing additional leadership experience. This approach could support its efforts to scale operations while maintaining strong governance.
The latest appointment also comes after a period of strong trading performance for the group. CFI has continued expanding its international footprint while developing its technology and service offering. The company now operates in an increasingly competitive global financial services environment. As a result, effective leadership will remain important as the group enters new markets. CFI leadership will also play a central role in maintaining operational standards during that expansion.
Overall, Cirulli’s appointment represents another significant step in CFI’s development. The company is moving toward a structure designed to support larger international operations. Stronger governance will remain central to that strategy as the group continues growing. Meanwhile, the executive team will continue focusing on business performance and expansion. The leadership changes aim to position CFI for its next stage of international development.
