Mehdi Syed

CISI Level 4 qualified Private Banking professional with 12+ years of experience advising Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) and High Net Worth (HNW) clients across the Middle East, Africa and international markets. Proven track record in client acquisition, relationship management and generation of Net New Assets (NNA) through holistic wealth management solutions spanning investment advisory, discretionary and advisory portfolios, lending solutions and cross-border wealth structuring. Experienced in managing client relationships exceeding USD 200M in Assets Under Management (AUM) while delivering strategic asset allocation, portfolio construction and periodic portfolio reviews aligned with client objectives and risk tolerance.

Strong background collaborating with investment specialists, credit advisors and wealth planners to deliver integrated private banking solutions. Regulatory exposure across FCA, DFSA, MAS and CBB frameworks with deep understanding of suitability, risk profiling, KYC/AML and client documentation standards. MBA graduate with Distinction from Durham University Business School with additional focus on management consultancy, ESG and sustainable finance.

I have a right to work in the United Kingdom.

Customer Service Advisor - Lloyds Banking Group PLSC - Newcastle, UK

(2025-10 - 2026-02)

• Delivered end-to-end servicing of personal lending products for Lloyds, Halifax, Bank of Scotland & MBNA
• Ensured compliance with Consumer Duty, regulatory standards, and internal governance
• Gained exposure to FCA regulatory frameworks and UK banking compliance standards.
• Managed client requests including repayment holidays, early settlement, closures, direct debits, and balance
• Supported customers across digital channels including mobile and online banking
• Handled vulnerable customers using the TEXAS model, recording support needs on central systems
• Logged and managed complaints using 3R and Resolve systems in line with FCA requirements

Customer Service Rep - National Savings and Investments - Durham, UK

(2025-01 - 2025-07)

• Conducted structured conversations to assess financial needs and provide guidance on savings products.
• Supported clients across Premium Bonds, ISAs, JISAs, Direct Saver, and British Savings Bonds products
• Managed client servicing via phone, email, and service requests, ensuring timely resolution
• Assisted clients with account management, product queries, and buy as well as sale transactions
• Raised and managed complaints using Charter system, ensuring regulatory compliance
• Maintained 95% first-contact resolution while delivering compliant and high-quality client service.
• Contributed to customer journey improvements, including digital and postal processes
• Ensured adherence to FCA regulations, data integrity, and governance standards

Chief Manager Private Banking - ICICI Bank Ltd - DIFC Dubai, UAE

(2015-01 - 2023-09)

Managed relationships with High Net Worth and Ultra High Net Worth clients across the Middle East, India and Africa, delivering holistic private banking and wealth management solutions across investments, portfolio lending and wealth structuring.

• Managed USD 200M+ client portfolios across diversified investment strategies including fixed income, funds and structured products.
• Generated Net New Assets through proactive client acquisition, referrals and relationship expansion.
• Delivered holistic wealth management advice including strategic asset allocation, portfolio construction, and risk-aligned investment strategies.
• Conducted detailed client fact-finds, risk profiling and suitability assessments to align investment recommendations with client objectives.
• Provided portfolio reviews, performance analysis and rebalancing strategies for discretionary and advisory investment portfolios.
• Partnered with investment specialists, credit advisors and product teams to deliver integrated solutions including portfolio lending and structured investments.
• Maintained full compliance with DFSA, MAS and regional regulatory frameworks including KYC, AML and client suitability requirements.
• Delivered 20% YoY AUM growth through disciplined advisory and targeted client acquisition strategies.
• Expanded client base by 20% through relationship-led business development and referral networks.
• Increased portfolio diversification by 30% through structured asset allocation frameworks.
• Accelerated onboarding cycle from 12 to 3 weeks through implementation of digital KYC and onboarding.

Wealth Relationship Manager - ICICI Bank Ltd - Mumbai-Hyderabad, India

(2011-04 - 2015-01)

Delivered wealth advisory services to High Net Worth clients, including a 30% Non-Resident Indian (NRI) client portfolio, providing cross-border investment and banking solutions.

• Provided investment advisory across mutual funds, structured products, real estate investments, and portfolio management services aligned with client risk profiles and financial objectives.
• Conducted detailed client fact-finds, suitability assessments, and periodic portfolio reviews to ensure investment strategies remained aligned with client goals.
• Developed new client relationships through targeted networking, referrals, and relationship-led advisory, contributing to portfolio growth.
• Maintained strong client engagement through regular portfolio discussions and performance reviews, ensuring long-term relationship development.
• Exceeded revenue and AUM growth targets by 15% through disciplined advisory and relationship expansion.
• Awarded “The Exceptionals” for highest AUM growth and successful client acquisition.
• Selected for McKinsey EMARALD strategic initiative focused on wealth manager productivity improvements.

Technical Analyst - ERP - Cognizant Technology Solutions - Chennai, India

(2007-12 - 2009-05)

• Delivered reporting and analytics solutions using SQL and Oracle systems
• Supported operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making

MBA (Distinction) - Sustainability, ESG & Strategic Leadership - Durham University Business School UK (2023-09 - 2025-01)

PGDM - T A Pai Management Institute, India (2009-06 - 2011-03)

BEng - Mechanical - Sri Venkateswara University College of Engineering, India (2003-09 - 2007-04)