Jonathan Lawrence
What was your earliest ambition?
Jonathan Lawrence: To be a teacher of English literature.
Why are you into Islamic banking and finance?
Jonathan Lawrence: It is a legal, academic and social challenge that stimulates me. I like to see how financing techniques can be created to produce solutions that align with people’s beliefs. My initial interest surrounded the financing of real estate assets. However, my outlook has broadened to a whole range of other uses – including project finance and equity-type arrangements.
What is the future of Islamic banking and finance in the United Kingdom?
Jonathan Lawrence: Whilst the vote to leave the European Union has led to a lot of market uncertainty, my sense is that it could end up being beneficial to the UK Islamic finance sector. In reality, many of the fundamentals to doing business have not changed and the UK’s prominent position in the Islamic finance market will most likely be maintained (and potentially even enhanced) by it. Brexit could lead to a need for the UK government to expand its horizons to attract required investment from worldwide sources, including from Muslim-majority countries.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Jonathan Lawrence: I like the cross-border element of my work. From my office in London, I regularly engage with clients globally and with my colleagues in our offices in Dubai, Doha, Asia, continental Europe, the US and Australia.
What do you do in your spare time?
Jonathan Lawrence: I enjoy opera, concerts and gardening.
Who has been your greatest mentor?
Jonathan Lawrence: I have had several great mentors including my parents. In my career as a lawyer, my mentors have included colleagues at the three law firms where I have worked – Hogan Lovells, Allen & Overy and K&L Gates.
Where are you the happiest?
Jonathan Lawrence: At home on a summer’s day.
If your 15 years old sees you today what would he say?
Jonathan Lawrence: “I’m surprised!” Ambition or talent: which matters more to success? Jonathan Lawrence: Both are important and must work together. Success cannot be built in isolation. It s important to be part of a great team.
Any disappointment in life?
Jonathan Lawrence: I try to treat disappointments as opportunities to do better or to change direction. That is something I have learned to do over time and it is not always easy!
I try to treat disappointments as opportunities to do better or to change direction.
