New Era Digital Partners launches in DIFC Dubai

Following his departure from Sohar International Bank, Ewan MacLeod has officially launched New Era Digital Partners, a strategic advisory firm based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The firm will focus on providing digital transformation guidance to banks and financial institutions across the Middle East, drawing on MacLeod's extensive experience from his roles at Nordea and Sohar International.

"After years of leading transformation initiatives within banks, I'm excited to support multiple institutions in their digital journey from an independent advisory perspective," said MacLeod. "The Middle East region presents tremendous opportunities for banks to accelerate their digital transformation efforts."

New Era Digital Partners will offer a comprehensive range of services including digital strategy development, technology implementation guidance, organizational change management, and executive coaching for digital transformation leaders.

The choice of DIFC as the firm's base reflects the growing importance of Dubai as a regional financial hub and the increasing demand for digital transformation expertise in the Middle East banking sector.

MacLeod brings over 15 years of experience in banking technology and digital transformation, having previously served as Chief Digital Officer at Nordea, where he led digital initiatives across multiple Nordic markets, and most recently as Chief Transformation Officer at Sohar International Bank in Oman.

"The banking landscape in the Middle East is evolving rapidly, with institutions recognizing the need to embrace digital technologies to remain competitive," MacLeod explained. "New Era Digital Partners will help banks navigate this transformation while maintaining focus on customer experience and operational excellence."

The firm's services will extend beyond traditional consulting, offering hands-on implementation support and long-term strategic partnerships with client institutions. This approach reflects MacLeod's belief in the importance of practical, results-oriented advisory services.

Initial client engagements are already underway, with the firm working with several regional banks on various digital transformation initiatives. The company plans to expand its team in the coming months to meet growing demand for its services.