When Haroon Ali took the top job as country head at BSP Bank Fiji six years ago, he vowed to make the institute number one, from its then third ranking position. He set for himself a five-year timeline within which he was to achieve his one significant goal. That promise has since come to pass under his leadership at BSP, as the bank sits as the country’s biggest commercial lending institute. But Mr Ali will not rest on his laurels. There is much more to do, he said. His next goal is the make BSP bank the best in the country. When he took office in 2018, he acknowledged the stiff competition among the industry’s six banks. His single-minded approach on the road to glory is marked with effective strategies. His appointment to the top job came on the eve of the COVID pandemic. Mr Ali said despite two years of set-back in 2020 and 2021, BSP has since achieved the number one position, not only in terms of loans and deposit market share, but as the most profitable bank, if not the single most profitable private enterprise in Fiji. SunBiz retrieved the annual account details for the period 2018 to 2023 from the Key Statement Disclosures published by BSP, noting that the bank has yet to release this information for 2024. The performance of the bank has been quite incredible and astounding when compared to its competitors as evidenced from results displayed in a breakdown provided in this edition (See table). The 2024 full year outcome is currently under audit. Given the bank’s performance in less than half a decade, Mr Ali is a clear winner as the most successful chief executive in Fiji, delivering return on equity at circa 30 per cent. His track record at BSP Bank showcases the strength of local talent at its best, which when given the opportunity, stands tall. KEY DRIVERS Mr Ali’s great success story has many facets to it. On the professional side, he lists a few, which include his predecessor, team work, and client advocacy. Credit where its due Mr Ali pays homage to his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy who handed him a well-established and growing business. “He was a master strategist who together with the bank’s former general manager corporate, Cecil Browne, and business development manager Narend Kumar Ambo, set that platform for the business, from which I could take the quantum leap to the next level”. BSP Bank boasts the best resources. “We have a great executive management team that operates as one team, with fully engaged managers and very passionate staff,” Mr Ali said. Client advocacy programme Clients turned advocates is a strength BSP Bank prides itself with. “We have acquired great customers with whom we enjoy excellent relationships,” Mr Ali said. Electronic banking Customer needs is primary at BSP Bank. “Our suite of products and our focus on electronic banking services have satisfied customer needs,” Mr Ali said. TECHNOLOGY AND SUPPORT Other key drivers under Mr Ali’s include: 122 ATMs and just over 3000 EFTPoS terminals to support service convenience. Heavy investment in technology, and Great support from BSP Bank’s parent body in PNG. PERSONAL SUCCESS Any leader worth his salt at the top would more naturally know the rule of thumb to such sustainability: getting the home base nailed down to a pat, as a founding fundamental element. For Mr Ali, his strong support base with his family, says it all. The cornerstones of his success as a seasoned and successful commercial banker are his wife and children. Mr Ali’s wife, Halima, gave up her career as a banker to support his rise to the top. “She is the best wife in this world,” he said. The unconditional support from his three children – son, Zibraan, daughter, Zee and daughter-in-law, Nishrat – provides a more wholesome picture of his life as a family man. His three siblings, their spouses and close family and friends, have also been a pillar of support in what he described as a fulfilling career journey. THE HEAD MASTER’S SON Born in Bhusia, Raralevu, Nausori, Mr Ali was six years old when his family moved to Labasa, where his late father, Master Abdul Wahid received his first head teacher posting in 1967. Mr Ali’s formative years – 21 years, to be precise -was spent at Vunimoli Village, Labasa, before he moved to Labasa Town for a few years. An avid sportsman, he was a “good” soccer player for Labasa College when his team won the Inter-Secondary IDC soccer tournament in 1977. Mr Ali also played club soccer for Labasa Police soccer team. He is now a passionate golfer. “The sport (golf) has helped me develop an excellent business network in Fiji,” Mr Ali said. Mr Ali does not intend to retire soon, planning instead to remain where he is for a few more years, where his next goal is to make BSP the “best” bank in the country. “Despite banking being a very competitive industry, BSP will continue to be the market leader,” he said. “My key focus now is to make BSP the best bank, by enhancing the customer experience at every point of sale and service. “We started on this roadmap by establishing our first state-of-the-art Corporate and Retail Banking Centre at Truemart complex along Denarau back road. “We have recently secured two top floors of the new Carpenters Tower in Suva as an investment to modernise our business.” 45 YEARS OF SUCCESS, AND COUNTING Mr Ali’s ascend to the top spot as the country’s leading banker is a remarkable milestone considering his 45 years of service in the banking and finance industry. His journey, marked by commitment, honesty, leadership with integrity, and innovation has significantly contributed to the growth of Fiji’s banking sector. Mr Ali joined Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) in Labasa as a 19-year-old. The day was February 5, 1980. His rise through the ranks to become the head of the biggest financial institution in Fiji, was purely meritorious, he said. With more than four decades of banking experience under his belt, he has held key positions across various banking institutions, gaining extensive experience in: strategic and risk management, customer service, financial management, and corporate leadership. Since taking the helm at BSP Bank Fiji, he has played a pivotal role to strengthen the bank’s market presence and position, foster financial inclusion, and drive digital banking initiatives. Under his leadership, BSP Bank Fiji has expanded its services, enhanced customer experience, and remained at the forefront of modern banking practices, he said. Reflecting on his 45-year journey, Mr Ali is grateful for the opportunities, challenges, and relationships he has built along the way. “Banking is not just about numbers; it’s about people, trust, and service,” he said. “I am grateful to have been part of this industry’s evolution. “I look forward to continuing my contribution to its growth.” His unwavering dedication has earned him respect within the bank, industry, customers, and other key stakeholders. Mr Ali’s fulfilling banking career over the last 45 years spanned the three largest banks in Fiji; BNZ, Australia & NZ Banking Group Ltd (ANZ), and Bank of South Pacific now named BSP Financial Group (Fiji) Pte Limited (BSP). THE EARLY DAYS: Mr Ali was a loans training officer with BNZ in the early 90s, before the bank was acquired by ANZ. He spent two decades with ANZ until he joined BSP Fiji in September 2010, as chief risk officer. During his 20 years at ANZ as a banker, Mr Ali was appointed to 15 different roles in Fiji and Melbourne, all on merit, he said. Mr Ali would have every reason to be proud of his accomplishments to date, as it established a solid platform for him to take the quantum leap to become the group chief risk officer with BSP Group in PNG, and subsequently Country Head of BSP Fiji. He credits his sound strategic management skills to the exposure he gained working alongside the experienced board during his term as group executive role in PNG. SunBiz joins the banking and business sectors in celebrating his rise as the first Fijian to be appointed to the C-suite of the biggest bank in the South Pacific, and for turning the BSP bank’s track record to what it is today. SunBiz joins the banking and business sectors in celebrating his rise as the first Fijian to be appointed to the C-suite of the biggest bank in the South Pacific, and for turning the BSP bank’s track record to what it is today. Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj