London – Two British-Pakistani professionals have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to Islamic finance and cybersecurity in the UK.
Asim Khan, the founder of an Islamic finance group, received the prestigious Global Islamic Finance Leadership Award 2024. This award highlights Asim’s significant role in advancing the Islamic finance industry worldwide. Throughout his career, which spans the Asian subcontinent, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Europe, Asim has held key positions at PwC, KPMG, and Deutsche Bank. He has specialized in Islamic financial services and capital markets, providing innovative solutions in sectors like real estate, infrastructure, and healthcare.
In his acceptance speech, Asim expressed his gratitude, saying, “This award is not just a recognition of our work but also a testament to the growth and importance of Islamic finance. I dedicate this award to my team at Khalij Group and the broader Islamic finance community.” He also shared his vision for the future, emphasizing the need to build a world where finance serves the greater good through ethical and sustainable practices.
Ahmed Junaid, a cybersecurity expert of Pakistani origin, was also honored with an exclusive award in the cyber industry category. In his early 30s, Ahmed has achieved global recognition for his exceptional skills and innovation in network and security consulting. He is one of the few professionals worldwide to hold both the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) and Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) certifications, achievements that less than 500 experts globally have attained.
Ahmed has worked with high-profile clients, including Fortune 500 companies such as Tesco International, Shell Global, and ABB. Reflecting on his achievement, Ahmed said, “I am humbled and honored. I dedicate this award to Arshad Nadeem for inspiring us all, and to my spouse, parents, team, and the other high achievers being recognized today.” He also highlighted the significance of his work, noting that his expertise has contributed to securing key institutions like Transport for London and the British Houses of Parliament.