Served as a key consultant on UNDP's regional assessment and development of insurance and risk financing solutions across Western Balkans and Central Asia, focusing on policy frameworks and institutional capacity building. - Conducted comprehensive scoping studies for insurance and risk financing solutions across Western Balkans and Central Asia regions, covering 12 countries - Developed strategic concept notes and recommendations for implementing insurance and risk financing solutions, with focus on SDG alignment and development financing frameworks - Facilitated high-level regional dialogues with government stakeholders, donors, and private sector partners to promote insurance penetration and risk transfer solutions - Conducted institutional capacity assessments and gap analysis of insurance frameworks across Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - Authored detailed policy recommendations for integrating insurance solutions into national development financing frameworks, with emphasis on climate resilience and disaster risk management - Successfully organized and led multi-stakeholder consultations resulting in concrete action plans for insurance sector development in both regions

Independent Consultant – Takaful for Climate Action Project (Collaboration of #UNDP & #Islamic Development Bank IsDB)Led strategic initiatives in the "Takaful for Climate Action" project, contributing to impactful knowledge products and training materials. Key roles included:- Led the development of comprehensive knowledge products on Takaful (Islamic insurance) for climate resilience in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) - Conducted detailed market system analysis of global Takaful opportunities, focusing on climate risk mitigation and financial resilience for Muslim communities - Authored a comprehensive report on Takaful Market System Development with recommendations on Takaful’s key role in addressing climate risk - Authored a high-level policy advocacy report examining Takaful solutions for climate risks, with specific focus on MENA region and vulnerable sectors - Developed specialized training materials and workshop content to promote Takaful adoption for climate finance initiatives - Analysed regulatory frameworks and market development barriers for Takaful implementation in developing countries - Established strategic linkages between Takaful products and green finance instruments, including Green Sukuk - Collaborated with key stakeholders from UNDP, Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), and Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) - Spearheaded recommendations for establishing a Global Takaful Alliance for Climate Action to: - Facilitate standardization of climate-focused Takaful products across jurisdictions- Create a unified platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building among Takaful operators- Mobilize Shariah-compliant capital for climate resilience projects- Develop innovative risk-sharing mechanisms for climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives

As the Founder and Principal Consultant at Cross-Sector Solutions Inc., I led strategic initiatives that spanned multiple industries, delivering tailored solutions to enhance operational efficiency, drive growth, and manage risks effectively.- Provided comprehensive consulting services spanning the fast food, manufacturing, education, construction, and insurance sectors. My cross-industry expertise allowed me to implement innovative solutions and best practices for clients.- Successfully guided the launch and expansion of fast-food brands including Cheese Planet and Cafe Florida. My focus remained on operational excellence, quality assurance, and revenue optimization to drive business growth.- Specialized in advising clients on strategic business exits, securing favorable valuations through skilled negotiation. This demonstrated my ability to navigate complex transactions while achieving client objectives.- In the manufacturing sector, I assisted a bread-making enterprise to overcome technical challenges. I implemented processes to streamline operations and enhance efficiency and productivity.- Developed educational strategies for a school near Khanewal city. This work improved access to quality education for underprivileged children, highlighting my commitment to social impact.- Risk management services included thorough assessment and mitigation planning. I advised clients on winding up businesses with minimal losses and implementing effective contingency plans.- In the construction industry, I provided strategic guidance that enabled clients to deliver projects on time and within budget through efficient project management.- Conducted specialized training in the Takaful/Insurance sector, focusing on supervisory compliance and capacity building. I helped companies optimize their data management systems to enhance risk analytics and product development.

- Transformed the Institute from a certification body to a recognized and leading capital market learning and development solutions provider for market professionals, new entrants and investors. - In just 1 year, the institute witnessed a financial turnaround thereby posting first ever annual surplus after 7 years of inception. - Delivered topline growth of 300% (y-o-y) consecutively in the first 2 years of joining.- Posted surplus in just 1 year of joining, followed by 15x increase in surplus in the 2nd year. - Shareholders equity increased by 8 times (approx) within a period of 5 years- Diversified the revenue stream from certificate examinations to Training events and Specialised Workshops with international trainers (from ILO, German development cooperation, and USAID) - Increased collaboration with highly reputed institutions like CFA Institute USA, CISI UK and IBA Karachi. - Increased certification offerings from 6 certifications to 24 certifications for the financial market professionals and insurance industry - Diversified the scope of certifications from Capital Market to Insurance & Takaful industry- Introduced, the first time in the country, Diploma programs on Capital Market in collaboration with leading business schools of the country- Developed a culture of service orientation and service excellence inside the organization by providing a platform to employees to communicate the issues being faced during the service delivery

Currently teaching:-Corporate Finance -Financial Modelling -Financial Institutions and Markets

The objective of the assignment was to provide legal assistance for the fund (National Disaster Risk Management Fund) design options, specifically for the legal structure of a not-for-profit company or trust. A comparative analysis of both structures, along with their pros and cons, was presented, and a recommendation was made for the structure that best met the fund's objectives. As a consultant, drafted the Memorandum & Articles of Association, prepared and submitted regulatory forms, obtained licenses, and facilitated the incorporation process. Additionally, corporate governance procedures for the fund were established, including board composition, responsibilities, powers, financial governance and controls, appointment of key personnel, related party transactions, corporate and financial reporting framework and compliance, internal and external audit procedures, directors' remuneration, and committees of the board. The institutional structure of the fund and the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, such as the NDMA, government organizations, insurers, reinsurers, and sponsors, were defined.

Conducted in-depth fundamental research on companies in Oil & Gas Exploration, Insurance, Cement and Fertilizer sectors and identified good quality, mispriced companies with long term investment horizon-Initiated and provided buy/sell recommendation by analyzing industry trends and company competitive advantages, creating detailed financial models, interviewing all related company stakeholders, and participating in industry conferences-Conduct weekly presentations to Portfolio Managers, Investment Officers and Equity Sales Team; outlining pressing economic concerns, market, and company specific news. Take questions regarding previously mentioned ideas, and address questions and concerns of portfolio managers and equity sales team-Initiated and published company/industry reports, communicating industry trends and themes, sub-sector developments, implications for other sectors, provided timely updates and led team discussion to communicate investment recommendations in a highly research-orientated investment process-Providing investment recommendations to Bank AL Habib (parent company) on various proposals received from financial institutions on equity participation (IPOs), private placements and debt restructuring-Knowledgeable about various industries through frequently interacting with analysts covering different industries and actively participating in their formal stock recommendation presentations

Assisted the World Bank on a project focused on Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance, specifically reviewing and assessing Pakistan's current insurance markets and regulatory environment to determine their suitability for developing property disaster insurance. Collaborated closely with participants in the domestic insurance market to identify constraints hindering market development, ensuring that the analysis was comprehensive and reflective of industry perspectives. Contributed to the development of a tentative roadmap outlining the necessary steps to enable the creation of property disaster insurance instruments, aiming to enhance financial resilience against natural disasters in Pakistan.

As the Project Lead for a World Bank-funded initiative coordinated by the Institute of Capital Market, I spearheaded the design and development of syllabi, comprehensive course and training materials, and an extensive question bank specifically tailored for compliance officers in equity brokerage firms. This project aimed to enhance the professional competencies of compliance officers by providing a robust educational framework covering critical aspects such as securities laws and regulations, ethical standards, risk management practices, anti-money laundering procedures, and corporate governance principles. Under my leadership, we strengthened the compliance function within brokerage firms, promoting a culture of integrity and accountability, reducing the risk of financial misconduct, and ultimately supporting the overall stability and trust in the financial markets.

Assisted the World Bank in preparing a comprehensive Training Needs Assessment (TNA) and developing the curriculum for the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan's (SECP) Institute of Financial Markets. This project involved conducting an in-depth assessment aimed at capacity building for participants within the insurance and capital markets sectors, collaborating closely with industry stakeholders to identify skill gaps and essential training requirements to enhance professional competencies. The assessment process included surveys, interviews, and analysis of current industry practices to ensure the training programs would be relevant and effective. As a result, contributed to the design and development of detailed syllabi tailored to the needs of insurance professionals, Takaful operators, and financial intermediaries at various levels; prepared comprehensive course and training materials incorporating best practices and the latest industry knowledge; and developed examination frameworks and assessment tools to evaluate participants' proficiency effectively. This project aimed to strengthen the overall capabilities of the insurance and capital markets workforce, thereby supporting the SECP's objectives of fostering a robust and well-regulated financial sector in Pakistan.