Naeem Aslam

Naeem Aslam has built an international career in financial markets since graduating from Leeds University Business School in 2007. He is currently Chief Investment Officer at Zaye Capital Markets, where he leads investment strategy, asset allocation, risk management and portfolio management. Alongside his role, Naeem is a regular columnist for Nasdaq and CNN, sharing analysis and commentary on global financial markets with an international audience.

Reflecting on his career, Naeem credits his time at Leeds with helping him develop the knowledge, confidence and professional network that prepared him for a career in one of the world's most competitive industries.

"I imagine there are very few people who wake up every morning and genuinely love what they do. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to say that I do. Wall Street always fascinated me and I had every confidence that I would build a career in financial markets. During my time at Leeds, I made the most of every opportunity by attending careers events, building my professional network and learning from inspiring academics. One of my defining memories of the Business School was spending time with my professors, particularly Martin Carter, who always challenged my ideas and encouraged me to think differently.

I graduated during one of the most challenging periods in modern financial history, when the global financial crisis made the job market extremely competitive. Fortunately, my hard work paid off and I secured my first role as a Senior Client Portfolio Executive. I continued to develop my expertise by completing professional qualifications and progressing through a number of senior investment and market analysis roles, leading to my current position as Chief Investment Officer at Zaye Capital Markets.

Financial markets are constantly evolving, which is one of the things I enjoy most about my career. Every day brings new challenges, requiring strategic thinking, careful analysis and informed decision-making. Alongside my role, I regularly provide market commentary and analysis on global economic and financial trends for international media organisations, including Nasdaq and CNN.

One of the highlights of my career was receiving the Young Irish Broker Award in 2010 during the height of the financial crisis. It was a proud moment and reinforced the importance of continually challenging myself and striving to improve.

Looking back, Leeds University Business School gave me much more than an academic qualification. It provided the knowledge, confidence and international perspective that helped shape my career, and the networking opportunities and support I received continue to influence my professional journey today.”