Chief Executive Officer-fnb Islamic Banking
“Living in a minority Muslim country, there is still much work to do in growing the Islamic banking industry. The South African Islamic banking infrastructure is robust enough to allow South Africa to become the Islamic banking gateway to the rest of Africa. Having just issued its debut sovereign Sukuk, been through its third National Taxation and related legislative amendments in recognising Islamic banking instruments, South Africa leads the way in many aspects regarding Islamic banking. I aim to be at the front of these developments.”
What kind of education did you have when you were growing up?
Apart from the formal education of school and university, some of my greatest learning came from working at my father’s modest general dealer retail business, after school and on weekends. From an impressionable age I was exposed to the business of business, time spent working at that small business prepared me for big business many years later in life.
Who was you mentor?
I was fortunate enough to have had a series of mentors through my working life. I was privileged to have had a diverse working life and the opportunity to move from banking into auditing, consulting, advisory and then back into banking. All through the way, I was able to identify those who had achieved the success I was looking to achieve. They were instrumental in guiding me along my path without directly pointing out the way, rather, they helped me evaluate the most appropriate route to success.
How would you describe your managerial style?
Empowering, with a measured dosage of appropriately timed support. Whilst I encourage my managers to be creative and innovative when executing on strategy, I am generally hands-on and prefer to gently guide and direct to ensure collective success. I also allow for mistakes and judgement errors as these are valuable in learning from life’s lessons.
Ambition or talent: which matters more for success?
Ambition. I have always believed that without ambition, some of the greatest talents are wasted. So in that vein, a fair balance of: Ambition, Attitude and Aptitude makes for a great success, the one managing the growth of the other.
What was your earliest ambition?
To tread where others would fear to tread – I’ve always had a deep desire to take the reins no matter the conditions ahead. As far back as I can recall, I have driven myself to be the best at what I do and in doing so have earned the right to lead. You do not have to be a CEO or a Captain to be a leader, by being the most passionate and devoted to whatever you do can also make you a leader.
In what place are you the happiest?
In the words of the great companion of the Prophet (peace be upon him), Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf “…on the floors of the marketplace”. Working with customers directly and helping to solve for their specific banking requirements, moving them toward Islamic banking always brings a special delight.
What ambitions do you have still?
There are many, however, in the field of Islamic banking, I wish to ensure that this phenomenon of Islamic banking is spread well into the rest of Africa. I would be no pioneer in doing so, however, I know that out of Africa’s 500 million or so Muslim’s there are many out there that will benefit from an alternate banking form that they currently have no knowledge of.
What drives you on?
Living in a minority Muslim country, there is still much work to do in growing the Islamic banking industry. The South African Islamic banking infrastructure is robust enough to allow South Africa to become the Islamic banking gateway to the rest of Africa. Having just issued its debut sovereign Sukuk, been through its third National Taxation and related legislative amendments in recognising Islamic banking instruments, South Africa leads the way in many aspects regarding Islamic banking. I aim to be at the front of these developments.
What is the greatest achievement of your life so far?
I am blessed in having been part of or responsible for quite a few great achievements in both my business and personal life.
However, from a professional perspective, it would have to be my building and launching of South Africa’s first dedicated Islamic audit and advisory practice whilst at Deloitte SA This certainly proved to be the launch pad for greater things later on.
What has been your greatest disappointment?
When I can’t secure enough development time to build some more great Islamic banking products.
What do you do in your spare time?
My spare time is spent with my five sons, their interests have become my own, other than that I enjoy travelling to places with rich Islamic heritage, reading and when time allows a round of golf.
If you had to rate your satisfaction with your life so far, out of 10 what would you score?
It would rate high up on the scale, Alhamdulillah, I have been fortunate to have had a fulfilling and challenging career thus far and have been blessed with an ideal wife and 5 remarkable sons.
If your 20 year’s old self could see you now, what would he think?
He’d aspire to reach those milestones in life.
What is the future of Islamic banking and finance in South Africa?
The future looks bright, Government supports and endorses the concept and the financial services industry has embraced Islamic banking, financing and investing. South Africa is set to export its brand of Islamic financial services not just to Africa but to the other parts of the world as well.
How committed are you to Islamic banking and finance?
I am devoted to the industry globally and am a vocal ambassador of Islamic banking. I relish the opportunities to present Islamic banking and finance to all, even those who take the slightest bit of interest.
