Q & A

How long have you been with SICO and why did you decide to join the bank?

I have been working with SICO for two and a half years now. I chose to join SICO because of its strong reputation in the industry and a long history of stability. I value the security and trust that is associated with working for a bank that has consistently performed well and is known for its ethical practices.

What did you do before you joined SICO?

Prior to assuming my full-time role with SICO, I had previously interned at INVESTCORP after graduating from the University of Leeds with a BSc Honors Degree in Economics and Finance.

Tell us a little bit about what your job as a broker involves.

My job involves developing relationships with individual and institutional investors and understanding their financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment preferences to provide them with regular updates and market insights in collaboration with SICO’s sell-side research team.

Can you discuss any significant challenges that arose during the pandemic in terms of providing brokerage services in the GCC region?

The increased market volatility during the pandemic provided opportunities to engage in volatility trading strategies. These strategies involve taking advantage of price fluctuations and market uncertainty. Additionally, the pandemic highlighted the importance of the healthcare sector, leading to increased investments in pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare technology.

How do you keep your clients informed and updated about the rapidly changing market conditions and evolving investment opportunities?

I ensure regular communication with clients to provide timely and relevant information about market trends, market updates, economic indicators, and investment opportunities. Additionally, we provide clients with market research reports on various sectors and industries. These reports include analysis of market trends, company performance, and expected target price published by SICO’s research team to keep clients updated on the latest market conditions and investment opportunities.

What is the best part of your job/what is it about your job that you enjoy the most? Or what is the best thing about working at SICO?

The best thing about working at SICO is the supportive and collaborative environment. Building strong relationships with colleagues while simultaneously working together towards common goals creates a positive and fulfilling work environment. The opportunity to build upon the existing foundations of my knowledge and skills, coupled with tackling challenging projects enables me to evolve professionally; a culmination of which is highly fulfilling, providing a sense of progress and achievement. This plays a vital role in remaining engaged and motivated, which I highly appreciate.

What do you enjoy doing outside work?

I find solace and joy in art. Whether it's painting landscapes, creating abstract art, or sketching portraits, engaging in artistic activities can be a wonderful way to unwind and tap into one's creative side. I also enjoy playing football as it is a great way to stay active, build friendships, and have fun outside of work.

What is your biggest professional challenge at the moment?

One of the biggest professional challenges is keeping up with constantly changing market trends and staying updated on market news, economic indicators, and company information to provide accurate and timely recommendations to clients. Additionally, managing the expectations and emotions of clients during periods of market volatility can present its own challenges.