Name:
Position: Company: |
Mudassir Amray Asia-Pacific head of Islamic banking Citi |
|
Could you provide a brief journey of how you arrived where you are today?
Before I took up this post in November 2008, I was country corporate bank head for Citi Pakistan. During my eight years at Citi Pakistan, I held various positions including head of capital markets and syndications, financial institutions group head, and regional head for corporate banking business in the north. I have over 16 years of banking experience in diverse product and coverage roles. Prior to joining Citi, I worked with some of the largest local banks in Pakistan.
What does your role involve?
I am primarily responsible for developing both the product and the market for Islamic banking in the region. Specifically, we work as a specialist with, (i) product partners to develop products, services and customized delivery channels, (ii) coverage partners to streamline business origination, (iii) execution teams involving legal advisors and eminent academics and experts of Shariah law to provide back to front implementation. A large part of the role is to cultivate relationships and dialogues with regulators in different countries, and working with them to create conducive markets for an efficient product platform.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
Which of your products/services deliver the best results?
Citi’s Islamic banking solutions and products are developed in coordination with our product partners and we ensure Shariah compliance at every step. That is why our products and solutions are well received and appreciated across the industry. Citi wins several awards in the Islamic space every year. What are the strengths of your business?
Our Islamic product structuring team has vast experience in both the conventional and Islamic fields. This cultivates better understanding of client needs and the development of tailored solutions. Clients also have direct access to Shariah control to seek clarification at every step. This ensures that they are comfortable with the level of compliance. What are the factors contributing to the success of your company? Our focus on “Live Client First” ensures that products and solutions are developed according to client needs. To meet the growing demand for Shariah compliant products, we now have a comprehensive product range which includes cash management, trade solutions, risk management solutions, structured investment products, capital market products, and custody and agency in selected locations.
What are the obstacles faced in running your business today? Name one thing you would like to see change in the world of Islamic finance. |