We recently interviewed Nibal Najmeh, Managing Director and accomplished professional. Along with an Ph.D. degree, Nibal is also an international banker. He has built his position as an Executive Banker with years of multidimensional banking experience and a high educational background. Nibal spent years in risk management, corporate & investment banking, and wealth management for private and institutional clients in the GCC and Middle East region and is an expert in the industry. Let’s learn more about Nibal Najmeh and his journey through this interview below.
Start Of The Journey
We started the interview by asking, “Could you share a brief overview of your career journey, including key milestones and transitions?”
He shared, “My first objective was to follow a high-level academic education and to graduate from a top university at a young age. The encouragement of my family played a significant role, as intellectual values were of utmost importance. I joined Sorbonne University in Paris and was able to complete a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in banking, defend a Ph.D. thesis in finance at the age of 25, and start teaching monetary policies at the same university.
Vacations during that period were short as, every year, I used to follow summer training at reputable financial institutions to gain an understanding of the professional world and couple my academic knowledge with practical learning. Trilingual with a middle eastern background, I was offered in 2005 a credit risk manager job with a regional Saudi bank in Riyadh. This job allowed me to gain first-hand and actual fundamental knowledge of banking operations, credit aspects, financing transactions, and financial products.”
Nibal Najmeh continued, “A few years later, I moved to a front office role in the corporate banking department as a senior banker and assistant regional manager to develop a coverage banking model where all aspects of the corporate relationships were taken care of via a team of experts under my close supervision. Along with the team, we were able to grow our portfolio, arrange large transactions, originate visible financings, win important mandates, and transform the business unit from a simple lender of funds to a global provider of financial solutions.
During that time, I also had the chance to follow an executive education program at INSEAD business school in France and I was regularly publishing economic articles in newspapers and on social media. A major change happened in 2018 when I was offered a managing director job in Dubai’s regional office of a major French bank. This move allowed me to expand my international exposure and handle a sizable and diversified corporate portfolio with a special focus on investment banking activities. With the international expertise of the team and the global bank network, we were able to accompany our clients in different geographies and support them in achieving their strategic investment objectives. The success of the worldwide banking approach was quick and visible. It opened the door for other opportunities at with reputable global banks with entrepreneurial business models covering investment banking & wealth management dimensions.”
Impact Of Educational Background On Career Path
We were interested to learn about the influence of Nibal Najmeh’s educational choices on this career journey. We asked, “How has your education influenced your career choices and success in this industry?”
Nibal Najmeh replied, “Education is mainly and primarily about learning how to think structurally and judge based on objective reasons. Of course, it then plays a crucial role in influencing career choices and success in various industries. Education first puts the foundation of knowledge in key concepts and principles. A relevant degree or educational qualification enhances credibility and competitiveness in the job market.
In addition, reputable institutions often provide networking opportunities, such as career fairs, alumni events, and industry partnerships. That was particularly the case with me at INSEAD, whereas engaging in these activities helped me build connections with professionals already established in the banking sector, which can lead to valuable insights into the industry.”
Nibal Najmeh further added, “Finally, higher levels of Education, such as postgraduate programs in finance or business, open doors to higher-level positions and leadership roles within the banking industry as it provides individuals with a deeper understanding of complex financial concepts and equips them with analytical skills required for strategic decision-making.
While Education provides a strong foundation, practical experience and continuous learning are crucial for career success in the banking industry. A combination of Education, relevant skills, and a proactive approach to professional development will contribute to making informed career choices and achieving success in this field.”
Use Of The Right Expertise
We were intrigued to learn how Nibal Najmeh uses his expertise in his job. We asked, “How do you use your multidimensional banking expertise?”
Nibal Najmeh shared that a banker must comprehensively understand his counterparties’ financial and personal situations. In today’s interconnected business world, individual wealth is often linked to corporate business. Investment advisory is vital to achieving strategic financial objectives. Missing one part of the formula can make you irrelevant, as other dynamics could be heading in opposite directions. The transverse expertise among various banking solutions would lead to the optimal outcome and position the banker as a reliable partner for business growth and wealth preservation. Banking is about using various financing sources & efficient capital structure in order to achieve diversified assets allocation & optimal risk-adjusted return.
Adapting To the Latest Technologies
The importance of shifting to fresh technologies and trends is paramount to persist in the strong position of a business in the industry. We asked, “How do you ensure your business remains adaptable to changing market dynamics, emerging trends, and technologies?”
Nibal Najmeh shared, “Japanese fishermen discovered that sea fish remains in constant motion because it will be eaten if it does not move. That is why sea fish tastes delicious. The aquarium fish instead remains slow because there is no reason for it to move, and its taste is not so good. I reckon it is also true for humans. If you do not act quickly, you will be beaten by the competition. You will never excel if you do not step out of your comfort zone. We all should strive to seize opportunities, embrace challenges, and learn from both successes and failures. Motivation, innovation, and agility are the keywords for proper adaptability with today’s professional world.”
Views On Present Market Conditions
We were intrigued to learn about Nibal Najmeh’s view on the ongoing situation of the market. So we asked, “What are your views on current market conditions and the inflationary environment?”
Nibal Najmeh shared, “In my personal view, the main drivers of market movement in developed countries during the last two years were inflation expectations and interest rates level. After Covid episode, decision makers needed clarification about the transitory versus permanent nature of inflation, and their response to it went from being very soft to becoming very harsh.
The successive increase of interest rates is a double-edged sword, as it absorbs liquidity on the one hand but increases the costs of borrowing and production on the other hand. The challenge is that the interest rates policy is very similar to medical treatment by antibiotics. Just as the patient must complete the dose of antibiotics even if his health conditions improve during treatment, central banks must continue to raise interest rates even if inflation begins to recede gradually. This explains why central banks continue to hike interest despite declining inflation rates.
Accordingly, we may expect to live with relatively high-interest rates until inflation is fully controlled and no relapse could happen later, even if this leads to adverse effects on employment and growth rates or is associated with economic recession and market volatility. Inflation is the devil. Its defeat requires sacrifices.”
Unique Services
A business can stand out from its competitors based on its unique and distinct services in the industry. We asked, “How do you differentiate your services from competitors in the current market?”
Nibal Najmeh shared, “Differentiation requires a deep understanding of the target market, competitors, and your strengths. Targeting the correct recipients, understanding all parties’ priorities, providing a unique value proposition, ensuring quality service, observing the competition, and keeping an eye on innovation are all forming the pieces of the differentiation strategy.
In addition, seeking strategic partnerships or collaborations with complementary businesses can create massive synergies and get you ahead of the competition. Finally, in finance, trust is the cornerstone of a successful relationship. Keep your word and make people count on you. Trust is certainly built by being authentic and honest, but also by delivering the expected outcome promptly and at a reasonable cost.”
Visions For The Business
We were intrigued to learn about Nibal Najmeh’s visions for his industry in the coming times. We asked, “What are your plans or goals for your career and company?
Nibal Najmeh replied, “The business environment keeps changing, and the sophistication level does not cease to increase. Your goals for the next period will be outdated when you reach there. Therefore, I have always focused on constant and continuous career progress and dynamic leadership.
However, some aspects have recently attracted my attention more than others as they play a growing role in the banking industry. These include technological proficiency (digital banking platforms, fintech solutions, artificial intelligence, blockchain, etc.), the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into business, and the promotion of ethical banking practices.”
Experiences Gained In The Career
Every person once comes across specific turning points and life lessons throughout their career journey. To learn about Nibal Najmeh’s experiences, we asked, “What valuable lessons have you learned throughout your career?”
Nibal Najmeh shared, “I believe staying relevant requires committing to lifelong persistence and not relying on past success. Games are won by players who focus on the playing field and not by those whose eyes are glued to the scoreboard. Staying focused and consistent is key, especially in tough times. One must also cultivate meaningful connections, seek mentors, and collaborate with the best people. Finally, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for long-term success and personal well-being. Strive to create boundaries and make time for family, friends, and self-care.”
Tips For Beginners
To share some insights and tips for beginners in a similar field, we asked, “What are the most important qualities or skills you believe beginners should cultivate to thrive in this industry?”
Nibal Najmeh said, “Beginners are not expected to be highly knowledgeable or handle complex tasks. However, they should show and grow a certain number of values.
First, curiosity. This is the eagerness to discover, explore, learn, and understand—openness to feedback and active pursuit of best practices.
Second, attitude. It is the work ethic, punctuality, collaboration, respect, proper organizational behavior, and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
The third and most important is tenacity. This is the willingness to try, to repeat, and not to leave any stone unturned until the satisfactory fulfillment of a task. You do not stop when you are tired; you stop when you are done. It is here where resilience to overcome challenges is acquired, and competencies in problem-solving are sharpened.”
