PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Mark J. Smyth Managing Director Mark Smyth is a founding partner of the group and has contributed to Failaka's development since the firm's inception in 1996. Mr. Smyth began his financial career in 1992 with the Bank of Montreal's Harris Trust and Savings Bank in Chicago, gaining experience in lending, mortgage banking, and sales management. Afterwards, he became a partner with The International Investor of Kuwait, managing one of the firm's direct investments in New York before becoming involved with the firm's acquisition strategy from their Kuwait City office. In 2004, Mr. Smyth joined a leading commodities brokerage becoming a respected broker and currency analyst whose market commentary was widely syndicated online and in print. Mr. Smyth holds a B.S. in Business Management and an M.B.A. in International Finance from DePaul University in Chicago, as well as a NASD Series 3 license.

Hanif Shakir Vice President of Sales Hanif Shakir has served as an advisor to Failaka since 2002, and joined the firm as Vice President of Sales in 2007. He currently leads our North American sales efforts. Mr. Shakir began his career in mortgage financing, brokerage, and sales, working for various leading mortgage firms and banks in his hometown of Philadelphia. In 2000, he joined HSBC Bank USA to lead the sales effort of the newly-formed Islamic banking division in New York. In 2005, Mr. Shakir joined Guidance Residential, LLC, the home finance arm of Guidance Financial Group, as a District Manager responsible for recruiting and training a sales team of eleven loan officers. Mr. Shakir holds a B.S. in International Business from Strayer University in Washington, D.C.

Rano Ahmed Data Manager – Middle East & South Asia

Felix Brücher Data Manager - Europe and Middle East

Adelene Teo Data Manager - South-East Asia