Muhammad Farid Alam

Muhammad Farid Alam, FCA

Chartered Accountant/Investment Banker

I am Muhammad Farid Alam, a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and an investment banker with over two decades of experience in financial markets. Currently, I serve as the CEO of AKD Securities Limited, which has won numerous awards and accolades over years.

My guiding philosophy in life is simple yet profound: "First deserve, then desire."

Keep your dreams alive. Understand that achieving anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember, all things are possible for those who believe. (Devers)

These are the very attributes I have relied upon to accomplish my goals. In the most trying moments of my life, I have clung to the slightest bit of hope to run, walk, or inch my way toward my dreams.

Childhood Memories and Early Education

My early years were spent in Model Town, Lahore, where I attended Divisional Public School. I was a diligent student, especially excelling in languages, though mathematics was my Achilles' heel. Sports were my forte, and I was the school badminton champion and a proud Prefect.

After completing my early education, I enrolled at Forman Christian College for F.Sc. However, my true academic turning point came at Government College, Lahore, where I initially pursued a Bachelor’s in Science. A bold decision to switch from science to commerce led me to leave Government College and embark on a new academic journey in business studies. This shift, guided by my father’s mentorship, became the foundation of my career.

One memorable experience stands out: On my first day as a B.Com student, I was tested on journal entries, a topic I knew nothing about. I secured zero marks and faced public ridicule. That incident, rather than discouraging me, fueled my determination. By the end of my degree, I topped the Punjab University in Auditing and secured an overall third position at my college.

This phase of my life taught me resilience. As the saying goes, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

Professional Journey

Early Beginnings

My passion for auditing and finance was ignited during my B.Com studies, where I excelled in the subject of Auditing. Encouraged by a friend, I joined a Chartered Accountancy firm for an internship, which evolved into a full-fledged career. Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant solidified my belief that there are no shortcuts in life — only hard work leads to success.

My first professional role was as an internal auditor at CresBank, Pakistan’s first investment bank. I quickly advanced to become the youngest CFO, Equity Strategist, and Treasurer in the investment banking sector. However, my desire to delve deeper into financial markets led me to transition into corporate finance and equity strategy, relocating to Karachi, Pakistan’s financial hub.

Leadership Roles

I later joined PICIC, heading the Mutual Fund Division, where I managed 14 closed-ended mutual funds acquired from the Investment Corporation of Pakistan (ICP). My contributions during this period were recognized as exceptional, both by my standards and by those of a highly experienced board.

I worked as a domestic consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB), an experience that deepened my understanding of financial consultancy and shattered many preconceived notions about the consultants.

Joining AKD Securities

In a pivotal moment of my career, I was invited by the legendary Aqeel Karim Dhedhi (AKD) to join AKD Group. I embraced the opportunity, eventually becoming the CEO of AKD Securities. Here, I found my passion for capital markets, navigating the dynamic world of equity trading and investment banking.

Reflections and Philosophy

Throughout my journey, I have drawn inspiration from my father, who continues to be my first mentor. His guidance and encouragement instilled in me a relentless drive to achieve my goals. One of his most memorable contributions was proposing the name “HANRIF” for a prospective Chartered Accountancy firm, derived from the initials of our family member name.

As a philosopher aptly said, “To love is to endure,” I have embraced challenges with passion and perseverance. Capital markets continue to captivate me, and the enduring ups and downs have only strengthened my resolve.

Closing Thoughts

Life is a journey of continuous learning and growth. My experiences have taught me that with faith, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication, anything is possible. As I move forward, I remain committed to excellence and innovation in the financial world, aspiring to inspire others to achieve their dreams through resilience and unwavering belief in their potential.

Welcome to my journey. Let’s explore the future together.