Could you provide a brief journey of how you arrived where you are today?

I spent 15 years as an asset manager and global investment strategist at Merrill Lynch and Prudential plc, where my work was very much focused on non-USA clients. When I saw the major institutions wavering on their commitment to global activity, I was inspired to strike out on my own as an entrepreneur. With members of my earlier corporate teams, I formed Calyx Financial in 2002 to bring unique investment products to institutions and high net worth individuals across the Islamic world.

What does your role involve?

On paper, I oversee all Calyx Financial operations and take charge, in particular, of our investment research and strategy. In reality, as the head of an emerging company, I’m the chief relationship officer. Much of my energy so far has been put into building ties with prospective clients and institutional distributors for our Islamic products, as well as developing the commentary that distinguishes Calyx Financial in publications and conference presentations.

What is your greatest achievement to date?

We have created what we believe is the first globally sourced, multi-asset-class fund-of-funds in the Islamic space. This fall we are launching the Calyx Islamic Strategist program in partnership with distributors in the Middle East, South-East Asia, and Europe. This builds on precursor product concepts developed in my previous asset management positions, to create something relevant to Islamic wealth management.

Which of your products/services deliver the best results?

It’s a little early for us to talk about a track record and I would be uncomfortable doing so out of context. Instead, I’d like to mention our editorial program, which I think has not only provided useful analytical perspectives to our client base, but has also been of some value to the Islamic investment community as a whole. It’s very flattering and encouraging to hear an industry mentor say that an article of mine is one of the best he’s ever read in the field.

What are the strengths of your business?

We’re a young firm made up of “old hands.” Thanks to major corporate experience among our senior managers, we can combine a mature institutional perspective with the sort of agility and flexibility that you can only pull off at an investment boutique.

Cross-cultural viewpoints are another attribute that is essential to Calyx Financial’s way of doing business. We’ve extended beyond seasoned core management to bring on up-and-coming talent from diverse national backgrounds. I also expect our current complement of team members based outside of New York will evolve into satellite offices in the Middle East and Asia.

Yet I also want to recognize our Wall Street base as a strength. The New York financial market remains the world’s largest, and as such gives us easy access to myriad professional resources. As long as you extend your view beyond a certain myopia that can accompany a US base, the marketplace of ideas in New York is very conducive to global client service.

What are the factors contributing to the success of your company?

Building on relationships formed over a two-decade career has been essential to our success. So has a legacy of rigorous analytical discipline, which we apply to product development and asset management.

And finally, I must recognize the critical role of our patient backers. Thanks to their resources and commitment, we have been able to meet the “endurance test” of building a small-but-nevertheless-global business.

Name one thing you would like to see change in the world of Islamic finance

I look forward to the day when perceptions in the conventional finance industry catch up with the reality of Shariah compliant banking and investing. Some of the misconceptions I run into are hilarious; others are, quite frankly, sad. For the most part, western bankers are simply awaiting better education and exposure to what is probably the fastest-growing segment of world finance, and we at Calyx Financial are grateful for the opportunity to help that process along.

Headquartered in New York, Calyx Financial provides investment programs to a global clientele. The firm combines the intellectual and service depth of a major house with a boutique’s flexibility in tailoring products and services to client needs. The Calyx Financial relationship focus integrates three disciplines: asset management, product marketing, and consulting and education services.

Further information about the firm is available at www.calyxfinancial.com, or by emailing
[email protected]
.