|
Name: |
Ghida Kahwaji Kotob
Head of Investment Arab Finance House (Islamic Bank) Lebanon 37 Lebanese |
Could you provide a brief journey of how you arrived where you are today? In my career, I started my first years with the Ministry of Finance, where I learnt a lot about analyzing the bigger macro-environment and then moved to the second layer to get a closer look and understanding of different businesses through working in the field of corporate/project finance with reputable local investment banks. My last step was four years ago, when I decided to join Arab Finance House to enrich my knowledge and become a more specialized finance person in the field of Islamic finance. I plan to continue working in the field of Islamic finance not just because it is today ‘the Industry under the spotlight’ but also for believing in ‘doing the right thing the right way’. What does your role involve? What is your greatest achievement to date? Which of your products/services deliver the best results? What are the strengths of your business? What are the factors contributing to the success of your company? What are the obstacles faced in running your business today? Government authorities should understand the specifics of Islamic banking and formulate policies and regulations that lead to the promotion of the entire banking sector. Sometimes, we are not able to benefit from certain incentives given to conventional banks and sometimes, we have to incur extra fees associated with running our business. Where do you see the Islamic finance industry, maybe in the next five years? The industry is expected to continue growing at over 15% for the next five years. On the one hand, people shall become better educated and more aware of Islamic banking activities, and on the other, Islamic banks will overcome most of the current obstacles and will provide highly innovative and competitive products/services that will be more appealing to Islamic as well as non-Islamic investors. Name one thing you would like to see change in the world of Islamic finance? It is very true that both will lead you to the same place, but they will be following different routes and this is what would really matter and make Islamic finance more distinguished. CIMB has the largest in-house dedicated Islamic capital market team in Malaysia, and one of the largest in South East Asia, overseeing all areas relating to Islamic financial transactions. It is a dedicated Islamic financial solutions boutique offering investment banking products and services in compliance with Shariah. Arab Finance House is the first comprehensive Islamic bank in Lebanon. It was established in 2003. |