The Remarkable Story of Shahzad Amir: The London Trader Who Single-Handedly Rebuilt His Team
If you’re an emerging markets (EM) trader at a bank in London and find yourself in a situation where several members of your team decide to move on, the standard practice is to seek assistance from the internal talent acquisition team, headhunters, or even recruit new team members yourself. However, Shahzad Amir, a trader at Japanese bank SMBC in London, took matters into his own hands when faced with a similar predicament.
During the summer, five members of SMBC’s London emerging markets team departed, leaving a significant gap in the team. Shahzad Amir, known as “The lifter of Liverpool Street” among headhunters, personally recruited six new team members to fill the void. His meticulous selection process led to the inclusion of talented individuals like Kavit Jagia from ING, Bader Barghouti from Mizuho, Sarah Smadja from BancTrust, Christine Dabaghy from Novate Global Markets, and Reja Azad (a junior). Additionally, Ben Cooper from Bank of America, Agnes Valencic from SocGen, and Georgio Gregoriou from RBC are also set to join the team, although they were not directly recruited by Amir.
Amir’s proactive approach to hiring coincided with a promotion, as he is expected to assume the role of head of CEEMEA sales in the near future. SMBC Nikko, with its tie-up with Jefferies and plans for a joint venture starting January 2027, presents a dynamic environment for its global markets team. While the implications of this partnership on jobs and hiring remain uncertain, one thing is clear – if the need arises for new traders, Shahzad Amir is more than capable of assisting.
Expertise and Strategic Vision
Amir’s ability to swiftly rebuild his team showcases not only his expertise in the field of emerging markets trading but also his strategic vision for talent acquisition and team development. By handpicking a diverse group of skilled professionals, he has demonstrated a keen eye for identifying top talent and fostering a cohesive team dynamic.
Trust and Leadership
Amir’s leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed, as his colleagues and industry peers regard him as a trusted figure within the trading community. His commitment to ensuring the success of his team and the overall growth of SMBC’s London operations exemplifies a high level of trust and integrity in his leadership approach.
Future Prospects and Industry Impact
As SMBC Nikko continues to navigate the evolving landscape of global markets, Shahzad Amir’s role as head of CEEMEA sales will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the firm’s future prospects. His strategic hiring practices and ability to adapt to changing market conditions position him as a key player in driving success for SMBC’s trading operations.
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