Ali Alfaras

About

I'm a builder who works at the intersection of finance and technology. Whether it's an app that teaches people my dialect, an AI agent that handles my daily life, or a personal shopping business. I like turning ideas into real things.
I grew up in Dubai, went to Dubai American Academy, and came to the US for university. Currently finishing my BS in Economics at Penn State, graduating August 2026, and looking at MSc programs in Finance and FinTech for Fall 2026.
I learn by doing, not just studying theory, but actually building, shipping, and running things. That's what drives me more than anything.

Currently building

Lsany

Emirati Arabic learning app

Wafra Inc.

Summer Analyst | Jul 2024 – Aug 2024

Financial Modeling Bloomberg Terminal Investment Research

Subsidiary of Kuwait Investment Authority, managing $30B+ in assets
Worked across securities and alternative investments teams on private market deals and portfolio analysis
Conducted due diligence and authored a whitepaper on strategic investment opportunities
Built financial models to assess viability and risk, presenting to senior professionals
Attended internal board meetings and shadowed associates in investment management

Janus Henderson Investors

Intern | Jan 2020 – May 2020

Fixed Income Asset Management Portfolio Analysis

Two rotations covering fixed-income investing at one of the world's largest asset managers
Created a presentation on MENA and Central Asia clients, presented to the London head office
Gained deep knowledge of fund types, objectives, and operational databases
Managed data storage and deal tracking systems for accuracy and efficiency

Agility Logistics

Intern | Feb 2020

Supply Chain Logistics Jebel Ali Free Zone

Hands-on experience in shipping, customs clearance, delivery, and warehousing operations
Learned warehousing within the strategic Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai
Collaborated with customer service and pricing teams on client satisfaction strategies

National Bank of Kuwait

Intern | Mar 2019

Retail Banking Treasury Trade Finance

The Pennsylvania State University

Bachelor of Science · Economics

2022 – 2026

Dubai American Academy

High School Diploma

2017 – 2021

Penn State Investment Association ·Analyst, student-managed investment portfolio

Apple iOS Developer Program ·Swift development at Penn State

Wharton Business Courses ·Corporate Finance, Financial Accounting, Marketing, Human Capital

Certified Personal Fitness Trainer ·ISSA certified (CPFT)