Nabil Awan, Senior Relationship Manager, Structured Real Estate

I joined AlRayan Bank in 2017 after spending over three decades in managerial roles within conventional real estate at other banks. I was drawn to the opportunity to work for an Islamic bank, recognising the growing global significance of the Islamic finance sector. 

Since then, my understanding has deepened significantly, both through the privilege of working alongside knowledgeable colleagues and by earning my Islamic Finance Qualification (IFQ), building on my existing real estate certifications.

I’m a strong believer in lifelong learning. No matter how experienced or capable you are, there’s always more to learn and new ways to grow, whether through formal training or by learning from those around you. I’ve gained a great deal from my peers over the years, and I see real value in passing that knowledge on. Coaching and mentoring others whenever I can is something I consider both important and rewarding. Embracing new challenges and sharing what we learn along the way helps us all move forward.

As a Senior Relationship Manager, my role is a dynamic blend of sourcing new business through a trusted network of introducers and existing clients, structuring credit applications, and working closely with lawyers and valuers. Each day brings new challenges opportunities to find smart, strategic solutions for clients - from navigating complex deals to ensuring alignment with credit risk and compliance requirements, all while balancing the client’s needs with the Bank’s risk management framework. It’s a demanding but hugely rewarding role.

Yet what I value most about working here is the people. I genuinely enjoy collaborating with my team and colleagues across the business. We’ve built a positive culture that has strengthened significantly over the past three or four years. I’ve seen meaningful change driven by strong leadership, and a growing sense of diversity and inclusivity that truly makes this a great place to work.

I believe that this strong leadership is a key driver of the Bank’s continued success, alongside a clear strategy and a workforce that genuinely believes in our vision and values. This foundation will carry us into the future. From my perspective as a Senior Relationship Manager, I can appreciate that the Structured Real Estate and Premier markets are highly competitive, which is why it’s essential for the Bank to keep expanding into new sectors and pushing forward with digital transformation.

 Doing so will help us stay ahead of the curve and continue attracting high-quality clients.