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Summary
Overview
Additional Information
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Sohail Bashir

Edison,NJ
Sohail Bashir

Summary

Possessing over 23 years of experience in retail banking, expertise centers on Branch Banking (Sales and Service) and Operations, covering Consumer, Centralized, Treasury and Trade, Wealth Management, Additional Delivery Channels, and Service Quality. Proficient in centralization and automation strategies, excellence is demonstrated in streamlining processes for improved efficiency. As a seasoned professional in mergers and acquisitions, there exists a track record of successfully managing seamless integration processes, including Standard Chartered, Union Bank, American Express (AMEX), Bank of America (BOA), and Emirates Bank acquisitions. Additionally, overseeing the implementation of staff rationalization initiatives and the development of comprehensive policy and procedure regimes ensures compliance and operational excellence. With extensive experience in team management, a collaborative work culture is fostered. Notable achievements include the effective mobilization of deposits through Sales Management Processes and the successful turnaround of a 170+ branch network at NIB Bank, illustrating a consistent history of driving growth and operational efficiency.

Overview

32
years of professional experience

Additional Information

Additional Information

Licenses & Certifications

  • Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) - FINRA
    Issued Dec 2023, Credential ID T0373263
  • Real Estate Licenses - NJ Department of Banking & Insurance - Real Estate Commission
    Issued Aug 2023, Credential ID 2331775
  • Residential Mortgage Loan Originator License - NMLS Licensing
    Issued Jul 2022, Credential ID NMLS # 2266663

Work History

- Cornerstone First Mortgage, LLC; HALO Realty

Mortgage Loan Consultant (NMLS# 2266663); REALTOR
09.2022 - Current

Job overview

  • Provided exceptional customer service throughout the entire loan process, leading to increased referrals from satisfied clients.
  • Collaborated with underwriters and processors to expedite loan approvals, ensuring timely completion of all necessary steps.
  • Assisted clients in selecting suitable mortgage products by thoroughly explaining various loan program features, terms, and conditions.
  • Delivered personalized financial advice to clients based on their unique needs and goals, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust and expertise.
  • Tracked market trends closely to provide up-to-date advice on potential shifts in interest rates or lending guidelines to both colleagues and clients alike.

Gourmet Pakistan

Chief Operating Officer - Pakistan & UK
01.2016 - 07.2016

Job overview

  • Designing strategies, policies, and protocols for key operational initiatives in collaboration with the President/CEO and other executives.
  • Overseeing the recruitment, assessment, and management of operations, production, and sales teams, and establishing departmental guidelines and processes by working closely with managers.
  • Maintaining effective communication across departments, including Production, Operations, Sales, Logistics, Quality Assurance, Shipping, Administration, and Procurement.
  • Developing and supervising the sales of diverse products, such as Food, Beverages, Confectionery, and Sugar.
  • Implementing robust quality assurance systems to ensure high satisfaction levels among internal and external customers.
  • Establishing internal control systems for responsible asset management, covering warehouse, transportation equipment, and facility machinery.
  • Cultivating relationships with third-party distribution partners, contractors, and other relevant entities, ensuring a comprehensive and integrated approach to operational success.
  • Developed quarterly business plans to evaluate cost projections.
  • Developed comprehensive financial plans to support long-term business objectives, reducing operational expenses while maximizing profitability.

TCS Express & Logistics

Head Business Process Re-Engineering & Automation
10.2015 - 01.2016

Job overview

Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environments. Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility. Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations. Worked well in team settings, providing support and guidance.

NIB Bank

Head of Products, Branch Operations & Service Quality
02.2015 - 04.2015

Job overview

  • Mentored junior team members in best practices for product management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Enhanced product development process by implementing agile methodologies and streamlining team communication.
  • Developed comprehensive roadmaps to guide product development from ideation to launch, ensuring timely delivery.
  • Championed innovative solutions by encouraging open dialogue among team members and embracing experimentation.
  • Conducted market research to identify new growth opportunities, leading to the introduction of successful new products.
  • Implemented data-driven decision-making processes, improving overall product performance and competitiveness.
  • Established clear product vision and strategy, aligning business goals with customer needs.
  • Analyzed metrics to measure product performance.

NIB Bank

Head of Distribution
02.2013 - 02.2015

Job overview

  • Managed 171 branches nationwide at NIB Bank, overseeing a deposit volume surpassing $900 million and a team of over 1500 staff
  • Led the Sales (Liabilities & Revenue Drivers - FI, FX, Banca & ADCs), Service, and Operations facets of Retail Banking
  • Achieved a remarkable threefold increase in Treasury Products sales, generating $3 million in revenue within 12 months
  • Pioneered the development of two new Retail Products, driving additional sales and revenue
  • Successfully revitalized product specifications, resulting in increased Sales Volume and Revenue
  • In an acting Head of Consumer Banking (HOCB) role, supervised the Bank's Consumer Business, Branch Network, Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Wealth Management, ADC, and Customer Services
  • Formulated the 5-Year Strategic Plan for Consumer Banking during this acting HOCB tenure.

Silkbank Limited

Head of Centralized Operations - Consumer, Trade & Treasury Operations & Centralized Account Opening
02.2012 - 01.2013

Job overview

  • Oversaw the management of Bank Operations, encompassing Centralized, Asset, Trade, and Treasury operations while at Silkbank.
  • Streamlined the Operational Infrastructure, leading to improved Turnaround Time (TAT) and reduced costs.
  • Implemented a 'Human Resource Productivity Measurement' incorporating 'Space Management' to accommodate current and future organizational needs.
  • Formulated Critical Operational Metrics across key functions to gauge and enhance performance.
  • Collaborated with businesses and stakeholders to establish Service Level Agreements (SLAs), fostering greater coordination and accountability.
  • Initiated various projects focused on Process Automation to enhance efficiency.
  • Launched a Digitization and Archiving Project for Critical Bank data in collaboration with an outsourced company.
  • Conducted self-testing and reviews through Cross-Functional Teams to ensure operational excellence.
  • Reduced financial risk exposure through diligent monitoring of cash positions and daily reconciliation activities.
  • Contributed to successful audit outcomes by providing timely information and clear documentation of treasury activities.
  • Maintained strong relationships with external stakeholders such as auditors and regulators, ensuring transparency and compliance in all treasury activities.

Silkbank Limited

Head of Branch Banking, ADC, Bancassurance, Pakistan Remittance Initiative & Wealth Management
04.2008 - 01.2012

Job overview

  • Expanded the branch network from 55 to 85 branches nationwide within two years, resulting in a deposit volume exceeding $560 million.
  • Managed Sales, Service, and Operations of Branch Banking, along with ADC, Banca, Product Development, and Wealth Management, overseeing a team of over 1200 staff members.
  • Successfully introduced a Visa Enabled Debit Card with a comprehensive product suite, generating revenue surpassing $1 million within less than three years.
  • Played a key role in guiding the T-24 'Task Force' for the Retail Bank, facilitating the seamless implementation of the new 'Banking System' across all branches.

Standard Chartered Bank

General Manager, South
07.2006 - 04.2008

Job overview

  • Supervised a network of 90 branches in the region, overseeing a deposit volume surpassing $75 million, with a total staff exceeding 700 individuals.
  • Managed Sales, Service, and Operations within the region, spearheading the implementation of the BVL 2.0 pilot program.
  • Prioritized the learning and development of staff, ensuring their maximum nominations and active participation in training workshops.
  • Acknowledged for operational excellence, resulting in the region being declared the 'Best Region,' boasting the lowest number of audit comments.
  • Successfully led the integration and rebranding efforts for Standard Chartered and Union Bank, overseeing Shared Distribution activities.
  • Took a systematic approach to identify over 500 milestones for Shared Distribution, arranging them in a calendared order for efficient implementation.
  • Played a pivotal role in training front-end staff on new products and systems post-integration.

Union Bank Ltd. Pakistan

Regional Manager - South; Regional Manager - East; Branch Manager
03.2001 - 06.2006

Job overview

  • Supervised 18 branches in the region, spanning Karachi and Hyderabad, with a collective deposit of $3 million
  • In October 2006, took charge of a group of Branch Managers from Union Bank and Standard Chartered, leading them to Hong Kong for the 'Standard Chartered Global Branch Managers Buddy Up Program.' Acted as a crucial member of the BASEL II Committee
  • Spearheaded the team responsible for the legal merger, acquisition, amalgamation, and system integration during the acquisition of Bank of America and Emirates Bank in Pakistan.

Citibank N.A.,

BOSS (Branch Operations & Service Supervisor), CitiGold Executive, Relationship Manager
10.1991 - 02.2001

Job overview

  • As the Branch Operations & Service Supervisor in Karachi from December 1999 to March 2001, ensured error-free branch operations and compliance with State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)/Internal Audit policies.
  • Responsibilities included overseeing timely accruals/liquidation and managing the Cash Management System in line with SBP policies.
  • Previously, as Manager at the Citigold Centre in Lahore, maintained operational efficiency, adhered to standards, and managed income and expenses.
  • In the earlier role as a Citigold Executive/Personal Accounts Officer from January 1992 to December 1999, served as a CitiGold Relationship Manager, managing high-net-worth client relationships, mobilizing deposits, and promoting Mutual Funds sales.
  • Throughout the career, consistently prioritized excellent service, compliance, and contributing to overall institutional success.

Education

Institute of Leadership & Management
Lahore, Pakistan

Executive MBA from Marketing
1999

University Overview

Govt. Islamia College
Lahore, Pakistan

Bachelor of Arts
07.1989

University Overview

Govt. Islamia College
Lahore, Pakistan

F.Sc from Science
01.1986

University Overview

St. Anthony's High School
Lahore, Pakistan

Associate of Science
1984

University Overview

Skills

  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills
  • Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution
  • Client-Centric Approach
  • Adaptability and Change Management
  • Leadership and Team Building
  • Financial Analysis
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Services
  • Sales Skills
  • Time Management
  • Retail Banking
  • Process Improvement
  • Commercial Banking
  • Relationship Management

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Urdu
Native or Bilingual
Punjabi
Native or Bilingual
Hindi
Professional Working

Timeline

Mortgage Loan Consultant (NMLS# 2266663); REALTOR
- Cornerstone First Mortgage, LLC; HALO Realty
09.2022 - Current
Chief Operating Officer - Pakistan & UK
Gourmet Pakistan
01.2016 - 07.2016
Head Business Process Re-Engineering & Automation
TCS Express & Logistics
10.2015 - 01.2016
Head of Products, Branch Operations & Service Quality
NIB Bank
02.2015 - 04.2015
Head of Distribution
NIB Bank
02.2013 - 02.2015
Head of Centralized Operations - Consumer, Trade & Treasury Operations & Centralized Account Opening
Silkbank Limited
02.2012 - 01.2013
Head of Branch Banking, ADC, Bancassurance, Pakistan Remittance Initiative & Wealth Management
Silkbank Limited
04.2008 - 01.2012
General Manager, South
Standard Chartered Bank
07.2006 - 04.2008
Regional Manager - South; Regional Manager - East; Branch Manager
Union Bank Ltd. Pakistan
03.2001 - 06.2006
BOSS (Branch Operations & Service Supervisor), CitiGold Executive, Relationship Manager
Citibank N.A.,
10.1991 - 02.2001
Institute of Leadership & Management
Executive MBA from Marketing
Govt. Islamia College
Bachelor of Arts
Govt. Islamia College
F.Sc from Science
St. Anthony's High School
Associate of Science
Sohail Bashir