A good banker must be strong in three dimensions: reasoning, mathematics and language. But to be a great banker, you must have people skills, because in the end, banking and finance is a relationship business.

- Helmi AJ -

Helmi AJ
Helmi has over 20 years’ experience having completed some RM200 billion worth of deals in the entire spectrum of projects ranging from project conception and business development to project advisory to project finance. He possesses in-depth knowledge of domestic and foreign Public Private Partnership (PPP) and wholly private projects in various industries including highways, railways, township and property development, oil and gas, power plants, and telecommunications. He has been to 11 countries, namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Namibia, Senegal, Turkiye and Spain, on finance-related assignments.

Malaysia

Thailand

Indonesia

Bangladesh

India

Sri Lanka

Singapore

Turkiye

Spain

Senegal

Namibia

With 34m people, abundant natural resources and many touristic spots, Malaysia has a burgeoning need to build more infrastructure, industrial areas, residential and commercial properties, and agricultural areas. The country has the third largest bonds markets as a percentage of GDP in Asia after Japan and Korea, which supports financing large projects. GDP: USD447b. S&P: A-

Singapore is Southeast Asia’s only AAA-rated country and its financial hub. The 5.5m population is supplemented with a large cadre of foreign industrial workers in areas like shipping, where large oil and gas vessels are constructed. There are also limited opportunities in utilities. The country is the regional headquarters for international banks making it the balance sheet of Southeast Asia. GDP: USD516b. S&P: AAA

Indonesia’s 274m population is mainly concentrated on Java island with 145m. Power, transportation, highways, water and sanitation are some areas requiring large investments. Affordable housing is another important focus area. Short to medium term financing is provided by the banking system. GDP: USD1.39t. S&P: BBB

Thailand’s 72 mil population has a large middle class. Infrastructure, property and manufacturing are some opportunities available in the country. The country has reasonably mature financial markets that support its economic growth. GDP: USD574b. S&P: BBB+

India is the world’s largest democracy has 1.4 bil people spread over 28 states and 8 union territories. It sorely needs an influx of investments in infrastructure. The country is fast becoming the the preferred location for the electronics industry as large companies locate a significant portion of their manufacturing activities away from China. With bright prospects for its economy, property development and manufacturing should continue to grow. GDP: USD3.74t. S&P: BBB-

Sri Lanka’s 22m population may have somewhat declined in recent months due to the country’s dire public finances. The country, however, is rich in natural resources and touristic areas. There are plenty of investment opportunities in infrastructure, property and manufacturing, especially when valuations have bottomed. GDP: USD74b. S&P: SD (default).

A large number of Bangladesh’s 169 mil people work overseas due to the lack of opportunities. However, the country is a IT powerhouse on the rise. A well-educated population is creating a groundswell desperately need infrastructure. Power, water, sanitation, transportation and highways have to be upgraded. Property projects are in high demand. GDP: USD421b. S&P: BB-

Namibia’s small 2.5 mil population is by no means backwards. This former German colony sets cultural standards in the African continent. Tourism is main economic contributor with safaris and game hunting the highlights for travellers. There are some opportunities for infrastructure and property although it is challenging to source of materials from other countries in the region. GDP: USD13b. Fitch: BB- 

Senegal has a small population of 17 mil people. The country needs large investments in infrastructure and housing, apart from manufacturing to provide people with jobs. GDP: USD31b. S&P: B+

Turkiye has 85 mil people with 15 mil in Istanbul, the country’s financial hub. Despite inflationary issues, the country has a strong economy which acts as a bridge between Western Europe and the Middle East. It has a strong foundation in domestic investments, in particular, defence. Foreign money is welcome in infrastructure and manufacturing. GDP: USD1.03t. S&P: B

Spain’s 47 mil population is modern and chic, yet has a strong bond to traditions. The retail sector is bustling and fashionable. Players must be nimble to take advantage of fleeting tastes and interests. GDP: USD1.49t. S&P: A

As a subject matter expert in Islamic finance, Helmi led a number of award-winning Islamic finance transactions and has served notable conglomerate, banking and advisory firms based in Malaysia and overseas. Amongst others, his transactions have been recognised with awards by Asian Banking & Finance, Alpha Southeast Asia, The Asset Triple A and Islamic Finance News. He also played instrumental roles in winning team accolades such as Best Loan House and Best Domestic Bond House.

Asian Banking & Finance​

The annual Corporate & Investment Banking Awards are held in Singapore to celebrate Asian financial institutions which have made notable contributions to the industry in the past year

Alpha Southeast Asia​

The 17-year old Southeast Asia-focused magazine holds its annual awards ceremony for financial institutions in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam

The Asset Triple A Awards​

The Hong Kong-based publisher of The Asset magazine also organises events to encourage dialogue on important issues that the industry is faced with such as Islamic finance, ESG financing and country summits

Islamic Finance News​

With offices in Dubai and Kuala Lumpur, the Redmoney Group publishes news on a daily and weekly basis covering the global Islamic financial markets with emphasis on Islamic banking

Finance is not only a rewarding career. It also offers insight into the economy. You will become privy to market-sensitive information because of your proximity to economic decision-makers. When other people wonder and debate the scarcity and prices of commodities, for example, you know exactly why things are the way they are. You enjoy that bit of satisfaction from knowing the answers.

- Helmi AJ -

Helmi is a Human Resources Development Corporation (HRDC) TTT-certified trainer which enables him to conduct HRDC-claimable courses.

The programmes offer companies a cost-effective method of improving staff productivity.

Since 2016, Helmi has been helping professionals in top Malaysian and international financial institutions, reputable financial advisory firms, audit firms and major corporations obtain continuous professional education (CPE) points or to sharpen their technical skills quickly through online and classroom courses.

With artificial intelligence advancing rapidly, finance professionals have to constantly stay ahead with new knowledge and improved skills. If you take your eyes off the ball, you will soon learn that the competition has overrun you. Continuous professional education is never a bad investment.

- Helmi AJ -

Helmi brings a wealth of experience in project and business development, financial advisory and financing. This unique perspective forms the foundation of his courses in five core areas of finance. Participants gain immensely from the insights shared, which have real-world applications.

Financial Modelling with Microsoft Excel

Cashflow statement, profit & loss statement and balance sheet + Reserve accounts + Finance service coverage ratios + Dividends and discounted cashflow valuation + Manual and automated principal repayment schedule

Islamic finance and capital markets

Shariah principles underlying sale-based, lease-based, equity-based and agency-based Islamic finance + Economic theory and monetary policy + Swaps and derivatives + Legal documentation

Project finance and business banking

Government procurement methods + Contractual structure and parties + Contract salient terms + Designated accounts + Dispute resolution + Financing life cycle + Credit approval + Facilities

Valuations in the capital markets

Psychology of decision-making + Cost method + Comparison method + Income method + Fundamental analysis + Technical analysis + Sukuk and bonds valuation + Swaps valuation

Anti-money laundering and terrorism financing

Laws and regulations + Major predicate offences + Common money laundering methods + Trade-based money laundering + Capital markets-based money laundering + Common methods of terrorism financing

I look forward seeing you at my training programme!

Telephone: +60193539093 | Email: contact@helmiaj.com