Islamic Wealth & Asset Management
Independent Consultant
Geneva, Switzerland, March 2009 to present
Presently a consultant for Islamic wealth & asset management assignments.
Encore Management S.A.
Managing Director
Geneva, Switzerland, August 1998 to March 2009
Created and managed an independent Swiss asset management company focused on private family wealth in Saudi Arabia and Russia, which raised over $250 million from private clients and generated over CHF 15 million in total revenue. Performed all aspects of business management, from cash projections to recruitment to audits. Developed an important real estate business within the company with numerous commercial properties purchased and managed for groups of clients. Manages over 50 globally allocated portfolios. Became a recognized industry leader in Islamic Asset Management, founded the world’s first Islamic bond fund, first sukuk participation certificate, and first securitization of Saudi real estate. Presently serving as a consultant to various clients and working to establish the world’s first dedicated Islamic mutual funds company. See www.encoremanagement.com.
Cupola Asset Management S.A./Cupola Group
Chief Investment Officer
Geneva, Switzerland & Dubai, United Arab Emirates,
August 1997 to July 1998
Served as senior manager of all investment activities for this $150 million investment company based in Dubai, UAE (later became Abraj Capital). Simultaneously created Cupola Asset Management S.A. in Geneva, and created Cupola Venture Partners I Ltd., an offshore investment fund capitalized at $16.7 million. Left Cupola to establish stand-alone Swiss asset management company (Encore). See www.abraaj.com.
Banque Leu S.A. (division of Credit Suisse Private Banking)
Senior Investment Advisor
Geneva, Switzerland, January 1995 to July 1997
Served as private banker and investment advisor for several dozen individual and institutional clients. Managed mostly Saudi portfolios entirely generated by own marketing efforts (zero bank-sourced clients). Also served as global asset allocation advisor for several major Saudi families, which included numerous private equity assignments (corporate and real estate). Specialized in delivering multiple bank products to private clients, including offshore trusts, companies & foundations. Extensive market penetration in Saudi Arabia, the first-ever marketing effort for the bank in this region. See www.clariden.com.
Deutsche Bank (Suisse) S.A.
Investment Advisor
Geneva, Switzerland, November 1993 to November 1994
Served as the assistant to a senior portfolio manager for mostly Saudi individual and private institutional accounts. Conducted all aspects of Private Banking, including matters relating to transfers, credit, foreign exchange, custody, trusts and offshore corporations, fiduciary and time deposits, hedging; and all aspects of asset allocation strategy, including the purchase and sale of equities, bonds, warrants, funds, options, precious metals and other securities in most major markets. See www.db.com.
REM Capital Corporation
Vice President, Capital Markets
Arlington, Virginia, June 1991 to October 1993
Managed originations and placement of securities offerings in U.S. capital markets for private and institutional clients. Maintained relationships with over 100 institutional and individual investors. Structured and placed numerous transactions, including: serving as co-lead manager for $50 million natural gas production securitiation, $120 million electric utility funding, and lead manager of $200 million aviation fund. Financings include investment-grade and unrated senior debt, subordinated debt and equity, and hedge programs to minimize interest or price risk. Successfully defended ratings of new bond and securitization issues in front of credit-rating teams at Duff & Phelps and Standard & Poor’s.
IDEA Network (Jeddah)
Vice President, Private Placements & Marketing
Washington and Houston, January 1990 to June 1991
Assisted a high-net-worth Saudi family with portfolio allocation and investments. Helped develop the family's Paris-based investment company which also served other Saudi investors. Frequently performed due-diligence and financial analysis of numerous U.S. and offshore corporate, real estate and securities offerings. Gulf War halted business development. Through today continue to advise IDEA on investment policies and business strategies in the Middle East. See www.idea-development.net.
Middle East Policy Council
Director of Development / Chief of Staff
Washington, January 1984 to January 1990
Co-managed public-policy group focusing on financial, economic and political issues. Managed all aspects of investor relations, including solicitations and marketing annually to over 400 high-net-worth individuals and institutions. Led several first-ever U.S.-Arabian Gulf economics and finance studies. Frequent hosting of U.S. delegations to the Arabian Gulf, working with counterparts in ministries of economics, finance, and commerce on U.S.-Arabian Gulf economic development programs. Developed many lasting personal relationships in Saudi business and government at all levels during this period. See www.mepc.org.
Chadbourne & Parke
Arabian Gulf Legal Aide / Research Associate
New York, October 1982 to January 1984
Assisted firm's Arabian Gulf practice through legal research; monthly newsletter on Arabian Gulf economics, commerce, law and finance; and client matters. Participated in M&A transactions, and trust and estate planning for high-net-worth clients. See www.chadbourne.com.
Undergraduate Studies
Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service, International Finance and Commerce
Professional Training
Personal
Born February 7, 1957, Burlingame, California. Resident in Switzerland since 1993, C Permit.