Nizar Al Shubaily
Islamic Finance Expert
Nizar Al Shubaily has had an illustrious investment banking career with the likes of Deutsche Bank, NCB and Shamil Bank, before setting up his own asset management business. Nizar has now retired from financial services but continues to enjoy life and the good things about it. He is our youngest retired ISFIRE Personality.
What was your earliest ambition?
Growing up I never had any great ambition. I have always focused on accomplishing short-term tasks and building on small successes. I always hoped that I would do no harm and perhaps in some way I would contribute something however small to the world.
What do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy travelling to a new city, especially when it’s an old historic city. I love walking in the streets and imagining history on the same pavements I’m walking on. They say the anguish and victories of souls are still stamped on the stones, and sometimes I almost believe that I can feel this as I walk in a city.
You earned name for, among other things, structuring of Islamic financial products. What took you into Islamic banking and finance?
I fell into banking by accident. An industry I must admit I didn’t like very much. To absolve myself of sins, I followed my heart to Islamic banking. It alleviated the guilt of not doing anything useful and was very stimulating intellectually. I hoped that my contributions would somehow strengthen an industry tied to my faith.
Now that you have luxury of an early retirement, what do you do in most of the time?
I love reading and walking. Both are exercises, one for the body, and the other for the mind. I also travel to new places, where I love to see the day-to-day life of ordinary people. I always discover that ordinary people are actually quite extraordinary.
Which movie is your all-time favourite? [if you watch movies]
If I had to pick one (western movie) then it would be “The Wings of Desire” directed by Wim Wenders. Mere description would not justify it, it has to be seen.
Who has been your greatest mentor?
I have had many mentors. Many have been kind to me and have taken me under their wings and have taught me a lot. I have also had negative mentors who were not very positive. But one learns from hardship as well.
Where are you the happiest?
I’m happiest when I travel to a new city and walk around its streets, never knowing what’s around the corner, and remembering the history that has taken place on the same streets I’m stepping on.
If your 15 years old sees you today what would he say?
He would probably ask me what pitfalls to avoid, and what important aspects of life he should concentrate on.
In a few sentences describe your 65 years old.
I hope he would be able to be happy and healthy. I hope he would be able to say he did his best. And I hope he would be ready to meet his Creator.
Any disappointment in life?
Many disappointments. One would not be human if one didn’t have any regrets. It’s all really summarized in one statement: Did you do your best to reach the potential God gave you?
