About Us

Paragon Consulting Partners
About Us

Why Choose Us

At Paragon Consulting Partners, our motto is excellence without compromise, authenticity without equal. We are committed to filling the gap in the market for genuine, trustworthy solutions that create real value. Our goal is not just to meet expectations, but to exceed them, driving your success with integrity and expertise.
We understand that each client is unique, and that’s why we approach every project with a personalized, tailored strategy. Our deep knowledge of global standards and local regulations allows us to create innovative, bespoke solutions that address your specific challenges. We ensure that our work is always aligned with your business goals, providing lasting impact.
Sustainability is at the core of our philosophy. We take pride in delivering solutions that are not only effective but also responsible, contributing to a sustainable future for your business and the world around us. With offices in Dubai and London, we are intimately familiar with the requirements of organizations across the UAE, UK, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, and are well-equipped to support you in a dynamic, evolving market.
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Unrivalled Expertise

20 years’ experience in risk management, ESG, internal audit and assurance at premier banks, financial institutions and big 4 consultancies across London, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.

Client Centric

We believe no client is the same, and our commitment to building long-standing relationships with you is unwavering. By partnering with us, you gain an ally in your journey towards achieving lasting success and thriving in a dynamic business environment.

Global Standards & Bespoke Solutions

We translate global, industry-leading standards and best practises into innovative, bespoke solutions that are tailored to your unique business needs and local regulatory requirements.

Results Oriented

As a specialist consultancy, we take a high-touch, pragmatic approach and our senior professionals are directly engaged on each client project.

Best-in-class Esg Services

Sustainability is one of our core values and reflects our responsibility to our clients and our world. Moreover, we work with you from intent to impact, providing a detail-oriented, integrated approach that is relevant to your business.

International Impact, Regional Excellence

Headquartered in Dubai with an office in London, we are intimately acquainted with the requirements of organisations operating in the UAE, UK, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Our Values

Excellence
Excellence defines us. It is ingrained in our culture, empowering our team to embrace continuous learning, uphold the highest standards of professionalism, and foster collaborative relationships. Through a relentless focus on quality and client satisfaction, we aim to be your trusted partner of choice.
We are committed to providing an authentic experience, ensuring that our clients receive distinctive and exceptional service tailored to their unique needs.
Trust is not just a word; it is at the heart of our value proposition. We build and nurture trust by delivering on our promises, continually striving for excellence, and being accountable in every aspect of our business.
We are dedicated to promoting sustainable governance, practices, and solutions. Our commitment to sustainability reflects our responsibility to our clients and our world.

Our Approach

Scope

  • Discovery call
  • Active Listening
  • Understand Client Requirements

Plan

  • Identify Risks and Opportunities
  • Create Actionable Plan

Execute

  • Implement & Execute
  • Drive Open and Consistent Communication Channels

Refine

  • Optimize Results
  • Feedback & Lessons Learnt

Leadership

Ghassan Zeidan

Founder and CEO
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Ghassan is the Founder and CEO of Paragon Consulting Partners, where he is responsible for strategy, client relationships, and execution. He has 20 years of combined experience in consultancy, banking, and financial services, during which he developed expertise in risk management, ESG and sustainability, and internal audit and assurance.
Prior to establishing Paragon Consulting Partners, Ghassan had a long and distinguished career at elite institutions such as HSBC, Bank of America, Barclays, EY and Deloitte in London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Doha. Most recently, he was Head of Internal Audit & Risk Assurance at J. Awan & Partners. His extensive experience across the 3 lines of defence and exemplary record have established him as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.
Ghassan is committed to professional development and holds the following qualifications:
  • Financial Risk Manager (FRM) and Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) Certifications from the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP).
  • Internal Audit and Risk (IACert) from the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors.
  • Certified Cryptocurrency Auditor (CCA) from the Blockchain Council.
  • MBA from the University of Oxford; MSc in Finance from Durham University; and BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance from Newcastle University.

Suraya Jemima

Head of Business Development
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As Head of Business Development, Suraya’s focus is on building successful, long-term relationships with new and existing clients. Leveraging over a decade of expertise in business development and sales across diverse industries in the UK and GCC, she brings a wealth of experience, insights and knowhow and is driven by an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.
Suraya’s strategic prowess lies in her ability to meticulously research and pinpoint opportunities and identify pragmatic solutions that address unique customer needs. Known for a results-driven approach, she transforms challenges into opportunities.
Suraya holds a BA (Hons) in Management from St. Mary’s University and is the driving force behind our market growth and expansion. She is committed to elevating businesses with the unmatched expertise of Paragon Consulting Partners.

Bevan Lane

Cyber Security and IT Audit Leader
Bevan is a dedicated cyber security and information systems expert with 25 years of experience. Bevan is a global cyber security and IT Audit leader who has been involved in Cyber, Data privacy and AI assessments and implementation across a wide range of clients. He specialises in information security consulting, ensuring that strategies are tailored to align with business goals, and in ISO 27001 audits and implementations, helping businesses meet and exceed global standards. His expertise extends to security operations, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments.
Bevan holds numerous certifications and qualifications, including:
  • ISO 27001 Master
  • Cyber security Manager ISO 27032
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
  • Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
  • BA (Hons) Nelson Mandela University

Stalin Shahi

Associate Director
Stalin is a governance, risk, audit and compliance professional with over 12 years of global experience. He partners with leadership teams to strengthen assurance, lift organisational resilience, and translate complex requirements into practical, workable systems.
Stalin’s background includes Big Four advisory and senior roles supporting organisations across financial services, telecommunications, aged care and government. His experience spans Australia, the United States, Europe, India, Africa and South America, where he has led projects focused on governance uplift, reform readiness, internal audit, business continuity, and ISO certification.
He is a Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA), and an ISO 27001 Lead Auditor.
Known for a collaborative and pragmatic style, Stalin combines deep technical capability with empathy and clarity, helping teams align risk and compliance with real operational outcomes.

How We Can Support You

Retainer Agreement

Providing an ongoing outsourcing service such as an outsourced risk officer or internal audit. This will provide you with a an agreed-upon number of hours’ support on an ongoing basis, which can be highly flexible to your requirements and can be adjusted as your these change.

Advisory / Assurance Engagement

Providing advice or assurance on a specific topic or for a specific engagement or project such as drafting policies & procedures or performing a specialist review, transaction due diligence, compliance assurance or remediation programme.

Flexible Ad-Hoc Agreement

Providing access to our seasoned consultants as and when needed. Harness the expertise of our experienced practitioners who can help identify pragmatic solutions to meet your needs, quickly and economically.

What People Say About Us

Ghassan has a strong understanding of the business risk and control environment. He has worked across several business lines in banking, capital markets, and credit and lending. He looks at risk with a commercial lens, building a strong control framework whilst at the same time enabling the business. He also has strong project management skills, navigating through a complex business matrix to achieve key regulatory deliverables.
Amy B.
Global Chief Control Officer HSBC
It was a pleasure working with Ghassan. He has strong technical skills in risk, internal audit and governance and was able to build solid networks. His honesty and integrity are beyond reproach.
Neil B.
Global Head of Credit and Lending HSBC
I have known Ghassan since 2010 and have seen his commitment and dedication to progress and enhancing his knowledge. He understands his clients’ needs and expertly manages their expectations. I would recommend Ghassan for his knowledge and skills in the fields of risk, internal audit and ESG.
Allen M.
Managing Director Inovalis Fund Management
Ghassan has strong communication skills and is highly capable of managing and executing different projects across diverse topics. I worked with him for many years and know first-hand his professionalism and dedication.
Fares A.
MENA COO Bank of America
I have known Ghassan in a professional and personal capacity for over 15 years. He is a true professional, always aiming for the highest standards, technically excellent, a great team player with a flexible and positive outlook and a pleasure to work with.
Naveed K.
Director of Strategy & Transactions
Extremely knowledgeable about risk management. Strong counsel on complex regulatory environments. I hope my collaboration with Paragon continues well into the future.
John Kidd
Director at DP World Financial Services