The current business environment demands organizations to be agile and adaptable by responding effectively to changing market conditions and emerging opportunities. In these times of rapid evolution, what organizations need is a capable Chief Operating Officer to oversee day-to-day operations. A successful COO leads by example, fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, and empowers employees to achieve their full potential.
Ankit Kapoor, the Chief Operating Officer of ASAS Capital, is a name among those successful leaders who inspire all aspiring COOs. He is an experienced Private Banker with a demonstrated history of working in the banking industry. He possesses strong professional skills in Portfolio Management, Financial Risk, Business Relationship Management, Banking, and Cross-Selling. While discussing with us, he shed light on his remarkable journey in this field.
Below are the highlights from the interview!
Could you please tell us about yourself and what motivated you to embark on this sector?
I have a unique journey into the world of finance, one might even call me an accidental banker. Initially, my motivation was purely centered around survival, navigating the complexities of the industry to carve out my path. However, as I delved deeper, I discovered a profound source of motivation in the work itself. The opportunity to advise and collaborate with individuals of immense wealth and influence, such as billionaires, has been particularly exhilarating. It’s a realm where decisions hold significant weight and impact, driving me to continually strive for excellence. Moreover, there’s a certain power in the ability to guide and influence financial trajectories, turning clients into eager spectators as their investments unfold. This dynamic environment not only fuels my passion but also instills a deep sense of confidence in my abilities, pushing me to excel further with each passing day.
Could you please brief us about your company and its inception story?
I’m proud to trace our origins back 15 years ago when we started as a single-family office founded by the Al Hoiribi brothers from Saudi Arabia. Initially managing the Al Horaibi family’s finances, our aspirations grew with time. The turning point came when our MD, Himanshu Khandelwal, joined us, bringing with him a vision for expansion and innovation. Together, we evolved into a multi-family office, extending our services to a broader clientele, including institutional and UHNI clients. Himanshu played a pivotal role in pioneering pre-IPO deals in the GCC region, which significantly contributed to our growth, visibility, and reputation. Today, Asas Capital stands proudly as a respected boutique financial firm in the heart of the DIFC. Our service offerings encompass corporate advisory, wealth advisory, and asset management. Notably, we facilitate pre-IPO transactions for companies like SpaceX, Palantir, Uber, and Airbnb and advise conglomerates on IPO mandates, showcasing our expertise in complex financial landscapes and delivering significant value to our clients.
What specific skills and qualities do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for the COO role?
With a background in top-tier banking institutions such as UBS, Credit Suisse, and Standard Chartered, I bring a unique blend of people-centric leadership, talent development, and strategic acumen to the COO role. I excel in fostering inclusive environments and aligning individual strengths with organizational objectives. My structured yet empathetic approach ensures goal attainment while maintaining team morale. In the financial services sector, I’m adept at risk management, financial analysis, and technology integration, poised to drive growth and compliance. I’m committed to leveraging my expertise to propel the company forward.
How do you approach strategic planning and execution within an organization?
Implementing strategy and executing it in financial services involves breaking down plans into iterative sprints, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and continuously gathering feedback. Decisions are made based on real-time data, promoting adaptive decision-making amidst dynamic financial market workings. Transparent communication ensures alignment, while empowered teams take ownership of initiatives. Once a task is assigned, I assess the capabilities within my team and appoint the most suitable individual as the leader of that specific task, allowing them to assemble their team. I oversee progress with regular check-ins and follow-ups to ensure timely execution and address any challenges. This approach enhances agility and responsiveness, driving competitiveness in the financial services sector.
Can you describe your experience in managing and optimizing operational processes and systems?
Managing and optimizing operational processes and systems in financial services mirrors the perpetual upkeep of a finely tuned organism. Embracing continuous improvement, I enact a culture where every aspect undergoes regular evaluation, leading to refinement for heightened efficiency. Guided by data-driven analysis, I leverage metrics to identify bottlenecks and make informed adjustments. Streamlining through automation and integration reduces manual intervention while robust risk management safeguards against threats. Encouraging cross-functional collaboration ensures alignment and fosters collective efficiency gains. This proactive approach aims to enhance operational effectiveness and support overarching strategic goals within the organization.
How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between different departments and teams?
To ensure effective communication and collaboration across departments and teams, I combine traditional and modern approaches. Regular face-to-face meetings are prioritized to cultivate personal connections and facilitate open dialogue, enabling discussions on key initiatives and alignment. Additionally, I promote best practice-sharing activities such as workshops and seminars to enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange. These activities provide platforms for teams to showcase successful strategies, share insights, and learn from each other’s experiences. By blending traditional face-to-face interactions with modern best practice-sharing, I foster a culture of effective communication and collaboration, driving collective success and innovation throughout the organization.
What strategies do you implement to drive operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness?
Well, let’s just say I’ve got a few sneaky maneuvers to keep things efficient and cost-effective without breaking a sweat. It’s like playing financial hide-and-seek, always finding clever ways to trim the fat without sacrificing quality. But hey, a magician never reveals their secrets, right? So, my playbook stays locked up tight. It’s the mystery that keeps things spicy around here.
How do you prioritize and allocate resources to meet organizational goals and objectives?
To prioritize and allocate resources effectively, we implement a dynamic approach that aligns with our organizational goals and objectives. Firstly, we adopt a core and satellite strategy, where each employee has a primary role (core) and secondary responsibilities (satellite) as a backup. This ensures versatility and resilience within our workforce, maximizing productivity while mitigating risks. Additionally, we foster a culture of job rotation, periodically shifting employees between roles to prevent monotony and stimulate growth. By continuously assessing and adjusting resource allocations based on evolving priorities and skill sets, we optimize our ability to meet organizational goals and maintain adaptability in a dynamic environment.
Can you share an example of a complex problem or challenge you faced as a COO and how you successfully resolved it?
Ah, well, let me tell you about the time I turned problemsolving into a competitive sport! So, picture this: in our lean and mean organization, everyone’s eager to impress the top brass with their direct approach. But sometimes, that eagerness could lead to, let’s say, a bit of rule-bending. So, I thought, why not make it a game? I introduced a hierarchy game with points – you know, like a real-life video game, but with job stakes involved. Break a rule, lose some points, and watch your appraisal take a dip. It was a playful way to keep everyone on their toes while ensuring we stuck to the playbook. And hey, who says problem-solving can’t be fun, right?
How do you stay updated with industry trends and changes, and how do you apply that knowledge to drive innovation within the organization?
Staying ahead of industry trends is akin to staying abreast of the latest developments in our field—essential for maintaining our competitive edge. Personally, I’ve got my reading list and my podcast queue, and you bet I’m front row at those seminars, soaking up every bit of knowledge like a sponge. But hey, I’m not the only one on this information highway. We’ve got our in-house wizard, our CIO, who conjures up these weekly sessions to keep the team in the know. It’s like having our own mini-TED talks right here in the office. So, armed with the latest buzz and insights, we’re not just keeping pace with the industry – we’re paving the way for innovation like trailblazers!
How do you build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external to the organization?
Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external, is paramount for organizational success. I prioritize regular engagement, ensuring that lines of communication remain open and active. Whether it’s through face-to-face meetings, phone calls, or digital channels, maintaining consistent contact fosters trust and collaboration. Additionally, I adhere to an honest and discreet approach in all interactions, valuing transparency and confidentiality to build credibility and respect. Furthermore, I believe in being realistic in my commitments and expectations, setting achievable goals, and delivering on promises. By demonstrating reliability, integrity, and authenticity, I cultivate enduring relationships that form the bedrock of mutual support and cooperation.
Please give us a few testimonials from your clients and awards or recognition that accurately highlight your achievements in the corporate niche.
- Testimonial 1: “As a client of Asas Capital, I’ve been thoroughly impressed by their strategic wealth management approach. Their expertise in diversifying my assets across multiple geographies and asset classes has significantly minimized risks while maximizing returns. Their professionalism and commitment to my financial success are truly commendable.” – Satisfied Client
- Testimonial 2: “Working with Asas Capital has been instrumental in our conglomerate’s expansion strategy. Their guidance and support in acquiring Quick Service Restaurant chains nationwide not only streamlined the process but also resulted in substantial cost savings. Their expertise in corporate acquisitions is unparalleled, and we highly recommend their services.” – Appreciative Corporate Client
- Reward: “We are honored to have been recognized as the Best Investment Company by the Burj CEO Awards in 2021. This prestigious accolade underscores our commitment to excellence in the financial services industry and motivates us to continue delivering exceptional results for our clients.” – Asas Capital Management Team.
