Managing the complexities of digital payments can feel like an uphill battle for many local e-commerce businesses. With a myriad of options and ever-evolving technology, entrepreneurs often find themselves overwhelmed, struggling to provide seamless payment experiences for their customers. This is where Khalil Alami steps in, transforming challenges into opportunities.
As the Founder and CEO of Telr, Khalil has dedicated his career to simplifying the payment landscape for businesses across the Middle East. Launched in 2014, Telr was conceived to address the unique hurdles faced by local merchants in the digital economy.
Khalil joined the company in 2019, bringing with him over two decades of experience in financial services and fintech across the US, UAE, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Under his leadership, Telr has emerged as a frontrunner in the fintech sector, earning accolades such as a spot in Forbes’s “The Middle East’s Fintech 50” and the prestigious title of “Fintech Company of the Year” at the Finance Middle East Awards 2024.
But Khalil’s vision extends beyond just business success. He is deeply committed to advancing financial literacy and nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem, actively participating in initiatives like the Arab Monetary Fund’s Fintech Working Group and Jordan’s Young Entrepreneurs Association. Through his work, Khalil Alami is not just shaping a payment gateway; he’s empowering a generation of entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital age.
Below are the interview highlights:
Could you please give a brief introduction to your company and its inception story?
Telr, founded in 2014, is a leading payment gateway provider in the MENA region, offering a robust and secure platform that supports over 120 currencies and 30 languages. Headquartered in Dubai, Telr is the first company in the region to secure both PCI DSS Level 1 and NESA certifications, confirming top-tier protection for its clients.
With proprietary technology, Telr provides tailored, hurtful-power solutions to businesses, allowing them to access a variety of local and global payment methods through a single integration. Beyond payment processing, Telr offers additional services such as social commerce tools, QR codes, digital invoicing, recurring payments, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options, and Telr Finance, which provides merchants with the financing they need to grow.
Telr’s mission is to lead digital transformation in the region, setting new benchmarks for security, convenience, and innovation in the rapidly evolving e-commerce view.
Can you describe your leadership style and how it has evolved over your career as a CEO?
My leadership philosophy is rooted in ethics, empowerment, and leading by example. In the earlier stages of my career, I was heavily involved in the day-to-day operations, but as I transitioned to the CEO role, I’ve learned to embrace empowerment. I trust my team to take ownership of their work and make decisions independently, fostering a culture of responsibility and innovation.
Ethical leadership is at the core of my approach. I believe in doing the right thing, especially during difficult times, because it builds a foundation of trust. Leading by example is vital in this regard. When employees see their leaders acting with integrity, they are more likely to follow suit.
Over time, I’ve come to realize that creating an environment where every team member feels valued, trusted, and empowered is key to driving our collective success. Collaboration, trust, and empowerment are now the pillars of my leadership style.
What are the fundamental values that guide your decision-making process in your organization?
The values that guide my decision-making at Telr are ethics, innovation, customer-centricity, and teamwork. Ethics form the bedrock of every decision we make—ensuring that we always do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. This commitment builds trust with both our clients and our internal team.
Innovation is equally critical, especially in the rapidly changing fintech landscape. We are always seeking out new ideas and solutions to stay ahead of the curve. At the same time, we are committed to keeping our customers at the center of everything we do. This means that our decisions are always geared toward improving the customer experience and meeting their evolving needs.
Finally, teamwork is vital. We believe in the power of diverse perspectives to produce better decisions and more substantial outcomes. By fostering a collaborative environment, we ensure that our solutions are not only innovative but also robust and sustainable.
How do you approach building and maintaining a strong company culture?
At Telr, we believe that a strong company culture is the foundation of our success. We prioritize creating a positive, inclusive environment where every team member feels empowered to share their ideas. This diversity of thought leads to more creative and effective solutions.
We also care deeply about the well-being of our employees. We provide resources and support to help maintain a healthy work-life balance and encourage both personal and professional development. This includes offering top-tier training courses to keep our team ahead of the curve in their respective fields.
Recognition is also an integral part of our culture. We make it a point to celebrate individual and team achievements, ensuring that everyone feels valued and appreciated for their contributions.
Equality, respect, and open communication are at the core of our culture. I regularly meet with the entire team to encourage open dialogue about the company and the broader industry. These discussions are invaluable in helping us understand how we can continuously improve as a company.
Can you share a challenging situation you faced as a CEO and how you navigated it?
Leading a fintech company comes with its own set of challenges—particularly in a region where regulatory landscapes can differ greatly from one country to the next. One of the most complex challenges we’ve faced at Telr was navigating the varying regulations across the different markets we operate in. These regulations often change quickly and require immediate adaptation.
Rather than reacting to these changes as they occur, we’ve adopted a proactive approach. Staying ahead of regulatory requirements is crucial to our business. One notable example was when we became the first company in the UAE to secure NESA certification, a testament to our commitment to compliance and security standards.
Our strategy is to stay flexible and forward-thinking. This means continually innovating, staying in close communication with regulators, and building strong partnerships. By remaining adaptable, we ensure that our solutions not only meet current needs but also anticipate future challenges, allowing us to thrive in an ever-changing environment.
What strategies do you use to foster innovation within your team?
Innovation is at the heart of Telr’s success. To foster a culture of innovation, we encourage our team to constantly push the boundaries and think creatively. We make it a point to celebrate every idea—whether it’s a breakthrough or a small yet meaningful improvement to our products or services. Acknowledging and rewarding these innovations reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement.
Security remains a key focus, but we never allow it to stifle creativity. Instead, we see it as an area for innovation itself. By focusing on creative solutions that enhance security while improving the user experience, we’re able to stay at the forefront of fintech innovation.
We also encourage open dialogue within the team. Regular brainstorming sessions and cross-functional collaboration ensure that fresh ideas are constantly flowing and that everyone has a voice in shaping our future.
How do you prioritize work-life balance for yourself and your employees?
At Telr, we take work-life balance seriously because we know that a well-rested and happy team is more productive. We offer flexible working hours and the option to work from home, allowing our employees to manage their personal responsibilities alongside their professional commitments. This flexibility is key to helping our team find a balance that works for them.
We also emphasize the importance of unplugging after work and during weekends. We encourage our team to disconnect from work so that they can recharge and come back with renewed energy and focus. Promoting this balance helps us maintain a healthy, motivated, and productive workforce.
On a personal level, I try to lead by example, making sure that I prioritize time with my family and take time to unwind. By doing so, I aim to show my team that it’s possible to excel in business without sacrificing personal well-being.
In your opinion, what are the most essential qualities for a successful CEO?
To be a successful CEO, several key qualities are essential. First and foremost is the ability to communicate effectively. Clear, assertive communication is necessary to inspire and align the team toward the company’s goals. Equally important is active listening—truly understanding the needs and concerns of employees, customers, and stakeholders can uncover valuable insights and help resolve challenges early on.
Empathy is another vital trait. A CEO must create a supportive and inclusive environment where employees feel valued and understood. Emotional intelligence goes hand in hand with this, fostering strong relationships and team cohesion. Finally, strategic thinking is critical. A successful CEO must be able to anticipate opportunities and challenges, making informed, data-driven decisions that will guide the company toward sustained growth and innovation.
When these qualities are combined, they create impactful leadership that drives both short-term success and long-term sustainability.
How do you handle feedback and criticism from your team and stakeholders?
I believe that feedback and criticism are invaluable tools for growth. I approach them with an open mind and see them as opportunities for improvement, both personally and for the organization. Constructive criticism, especially when it comes from forward-thinking individuals, can challenge us to evolve, refine our strategies, and ultimately deliver better results.
I make it a point to create an environment where feedback is welcomed and encouraged. By fostering open communication and transparency, we ensure that feedback—whether it’s positive or critical, becomes a driving force for continuous development.
What role does mentorship play in your leadership approach, and how do you mentor others?
Mentorship is a critical aspect of my leadership philosophy. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some remarkable mentors, and I’m passionate about passing that knowledge on to others. For me, mentoring is about empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of business with confidence.
I strive to provide guidance not just within Telr but also through my involvement in regional initiatives, such as the Arab Monetary Fund’s Fintech Working Group. I believe that by offering support, sharing my experiences, and providing actionable insights, I can help aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators reach their full potential. Mentorship is about more than giving advice—it’s about fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
How do you stay informed about industry trends and changes that could impact your organization?
Staying informed in such a dynamic industry as fintech requires a multifaceted approach. Reading widely across industry publications and thought leadership helps me stay on top of emerging trends and innovations. Additionally, I regularly engage with fintech experts and peers, exchanging ideas and perspectives that help refine my understanding of the sector’s direction.
We also make it a point to actively participate in key fintech events across the region, particularly in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. These events provide us with critical insights into industry developments and allow us to connect with other leaders, enabling us to anticipate shifts in the market and adjust our strategies accordingly. This proactive approach ensures that Telr remains competitive and continues to innovate.
Can you discuss a time when you had to make a tough decision that was unpopular but necessary for the company?
One tough decision I made was asking my team to come into the office three days a week, despite the growing popularity of remote work. While I am a strong advocate of work-life balance and support flexible working arrangements, I also recognize the unique value of in-person collaboration. There’s something about being in the same room that fosters real-time communication, creativity, and stronger problem-solving, which is sometimes harder to achieve remotely.
This decision wasn’t immediately popular, but I believe it has been necessary to maintain our strong team dynamics, foster innovation, and ultimately drive better results. Finding the right balance between remote work and in-person collaboration has been key to ensuring we stay connected and aligned as a company.
What advice would you give aspiring CEOs looking to make their mark in business?
My advice to aspiring CEOs is simple: embrace new ideas, but always base your decisions on data and customer feedback. Be open to innovation, but don’t lose sight of your core values and the needs of your customers. Success often comes from identifying market needs and finding innovative ways to address them—so keep your eyes open, stay adaptable, and trust your instincts.
Most importantly, never stop learning. The business world is constantly evolving, and the most successful leaders are those who remain curious and continue to grow alongside their companies. Combine vision with practicality, and you’ll be well on your way to making a lasting impact.
