Could you provide a brief journey of how you arrived where you are today?
I started my career as a banking inspector at the Qatar Central Bank (QCB). Then I shifted from the domestic side of business to the international side at the central bank, when I joined the QCB’s investment department. There I started dealing with foreign currency and foreign bonds.
I was at the trading desk, until I became the head of investment and foreign exchange. With this position, I acquired good exposure in all the international markets.
Then, I had the opportunity to move to QIIB, where I was in charge of the bank’s international operations. The QCB seconded me initially for a year and later renewed it for another year.
Thereafter, QIIB’s board of directors asked me to join the bank permanently. I thus got more responsibility to look after the bank’s domestic as well as international operations. Gradually, I became CEO of the bank.
What does your role involve?
My role as CEO and a member of the board of directors is to follow the bank’s business on a day-to-day basis. I also discuss the strategy of the bank with the board of directors and implement those strategies, both short-term and long-term.
I also have a major role to play in implementing risk guidelines issued for the bank. In addition, I am responsible for ensuring that we implement the rules and regulations set by the central bank and other relevant authorities.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
Initially the balance sheet of this bank was very small. With a good strategy laid out by the board of directors, I managed to create a strong climate of teamwork; and through this we have taken the bank to greater heights. In the last five years, we have maintained an average of 20% growth.
From a single branch and head office in downtown Doha, QIIB has expanded to a well-established retail and commercial network of 15 branches and 60 ATMS in Qatar, with strategic partners in the MENA region.
Which of your products/services deliver the best results?
All of our products have delivered good results. In terms of service, we believe that the ‘customer is king’. Recently, we have created a quality control department staffed with qualified people. They visit branches regularly and ensure that effective quality control is in place.
What are the strengths of your business?
The bank has a solid board of directors. They have a clear strategy and vision. Hence the bank is very stable. These factors in turn have had a positive effect on the bank. That is why, even during the economic crisis, QIIB sailed smoothly and our balance sheet reflects that. We have managed to grow steadily all these years.
What are the factors contributing to the success of your company?
I believe that our staff are our best asset. That is why the staff turnover is very low at QIIB. We provide our staff with good training and motivate them. As the CEO, I always receive the newcomers personally. I try to pass on the message that we are like one family in this bank.
What are the obstacles faced in running your business today?
We need to adapt and follow good corporate governance and also be transparent. It is important to adhere to the new requirements of Basel III. Furthermore, it is pertinent that we also focus on risk management.
I always believe that banking should be ethics-based and not greed-based.
Where do you see the Islamic finance industry in the next five years?
The Islamic financing industry has proven to be the right choice for our community. Islamic finance has proven to be prudent. In genuine transactions, Islamic financing is a safe haven for small business and individuals alike.
Name one thing you would like to see change in the world of Islamic finance.
We should never try and ‘Islamize’ conventional products. We should design genuine products, services and solutions and tailor these to the specific needs of our customers.