About Alumni 1. Introduce yourself?
My name is Maha Michel Al-Baho, and I have been the CEO of JoPACC since its establishment seven years ago. The company provides digital payment infrastructure and supports financial innovation and entrepreneurship in Jordan. I bring with me over 30 years of professional experience, most of which was at the Central Bank of Jordan, where I served in various departments, including Foreign Investments and Payment Systems & Financial Inclusion. When I began working on financial inclusion, only 24% of Jordanians had formal bank accounts. Today, we've surpassed 60%.
I led Jordan's first National Electronic Payments Strategy (2014–2016). The goal was to digitize financial services—bringing the bank to the mobile phone. One major achievement was launching E-Fawateercom, a system that allowed citizens to pay bills via their phones, a key motivator for the government to automate its services.
I also managed the Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system and led Jordan to become the first country to implement the SWIFT system in 2015, ahead of many others. We established an Automated Clearing House, which made interbank transfers smooth and laid the groundwork for digitizing government debt issuance—from auctioning treasury bills to the digital central depository of government securities, integrating the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank, and commercial banks.
Later, I founded a company dedicated to managing e-payment systems, including mobile wallets like CliQ. As CEO, I had the honor of building the company from the ground up—renting offices, hiring staff, and establishing JoPACC as a reliable institution. We were recently awarded the Royal Medal of Excellence (79) by His Majesty King Abdullah II. I'm also a proud mother to Shatha and Shadi, both engineers, and currently a member of the Jordanian Senate (7th term)—a royal recognition I'm deeply honored by. I've served on several boards and earned my Bachelor's in Business and Economics from the University of Jordan. | 2. Share your fondest memory from your time at Jordan University?
Every memory is dear to me. I was an active and social student, connected with faculty, staff, and students alike. One of my most cherished memories is my involvement in public service and environmental advocacy. I co-founded a student movement that promoted environmental awareness and national responsibility. We felt we were truly contributing to our country's development. | 3. In one word, how would you describe Jordan University? Jordan's academic beacon. | 4. Explain how your experiences at UJ shaped you?
My relationship with faculty and staff was very strong, and many of those connections still exist today. I used to visit my classmates living in refugee camps and study with them. I had good relations with all segments of the university community, from professors to security guards. The university brought together people from all over Jordan and beyond, and it taught me how to engage respectfully with all kinds of people. Academically, I was top of my class, and I felt that the University of Jordan provided an education equal to the best international institutions. | 5. Discuss what fascinated you about your chosen course of study?
I made that decision in the 11th grade. While many leaned toward medicine or engineering for their social status, I realized I had strong leadership skills and a passion for economics. I came to love the field—it plays a vital role across all disciplines. Medicine, engineering, and every other field depend on economics. I'm particularly interested in knowledge-based economies and data analytics, which are crucial in today's world. My academic background helped me lead digital financial experiments and statistical studies. That's why I strongly recommend increasing focus on statistics and data analysis in our schools and universities. | 6. Offer advice to graduating students preparing to enter the workforce?
The real world is very different from academia. Students need hands-on training during their studies, and companies should treat interns seriously and responsibly. In school, we focus on grades and exams, but real distinction begins after graduation, through acquiring soft skills, communication, presentation, and basic digital literacy—like Microsoft Office. Even a top graduate won't be employable without IT skills. I urge today's youth to take advantage of free online learning resources, especially in programming and tech. | 7. Reflect on what you wish you had known during your time as a student?
University is more than just school it's a preparation for real life. I wish I had joined a workplace during my studies just to learn the hierarchy and structure of organizations. Yes, managers can be kind, but what truly matters is commitment and self-discipline. Don't wait for others to recognize your efforts work with integrity and let your performance speak for itself. | 8. Identify the person who has had the greatest impact on your career?
The former Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Ziad Frair had a profound impact on me—both professionally and personally. He was a true statesman: wise, fair, and deeply insightful. I learned more about economics and leadership from him than from any textbook. Even after his retirement, I continue to follow his example in leadership and love for our homeland. He is a one-of-a-kind figure, and his influence remains with me to this day.
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