FUSION
People. News. Information.
IQBAL HAER
VOLUME 18, ISSUE 2
2021
A passion for finance
Group Publisher Sanjay Agnihotri Editor Ramya Ramanathan rramanathan@metroland.com Editorial Design Safi Nomani Sr. Ad Manager Ricky (Kawaljit) Bajaj rbajaj@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8170 Assistant Manager Laura Jackman ljackman@metroland.com General Inquiries: info@canadianimmigrant.ca Circulation/Distribution Inquiries: ljackman@metroland.com ISSN 1910-4146 Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher
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By Ramya Ramanathan
I
qbal Haer is the Branch Manager of the BMO University and College branch in downtown Toronto. With over 15 years of experience in the retail banking services sector, he is committed to advising and guiding clients to achieve their financial goals. He came to Canada four decades ago as a young child and has built a successful career in banking. He was a speaker at the 2020 Canadian Immigrant Virtual Fairs.
Tell us about yourself
In 1972, I left India with my mother and my siblings and moved to British Columbia, Canada. Growing up, I would attend kindergarten in the morning and would focus on learning English in the afternoons. As I became more fluent and confident with my English, I was able to communicate with the children in my class and build memorable friendships.
clients. I am committed to growing and learning both personally and professionally, and regularly explore online courses, both offered internally at BMO and externally, that will help improve my skills. On a personal level, like many Canadians, I am focused on achieving financial independence to allow me to retire between the ages of 50-55. Of course, to What led you to choose a career in banking? My passion for learning and self-development, achieve this goal, there are many small goals I need to combined with my experience as a BMO co-op student focus on – such as investment goals and exploring a while studying accounting at Kwantlen College has secondary income stream beyond my pension. really been the catalyst to my career. Starting my first day as a co-op student at BMO, What financial advice would you like to leaders jumped in and began coaching me right away share? 1. It’s important to build your savings and an on all there is to learn about retail banking – such as investments, loans, and customer service. I quickly emergency fund now to ensure you are financially learned that working in banking aligned with my prepared to cover any unplanned expenses. 2. Learn about investing your money. It will help you passions and I too wanted to be a financial expert focused on helping clients reach their financial goals. achieve your short, medium- and long-term Even to this day, the greatest satisfaction and pride I financial goals. 3. Borrowing money isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you have for my job is to see the financial progress of my manage it carefully. It will help you build credit clients and watch them achieve their goals. for larger borrowing needs you may need like buying a home. How has COVID impacted what you do? Since the beginning of the pandemic our priority has been to help and be there for our clients, communities What is your advice to immigrants and and colleagues through these challenging times. newcomers? Network, network, network. It’s important to build Although COVID has altered how we interact with clients, my role as a branch manager has remained your network to help you connect both professionally unchanged. I’ve remained focused on supporting and personally. Also, take advantage of various resources and customers, whether virtually or in person. In response to the pandemic, and to help limit the products, specifically designed with newcomers to spread of COVID-19, BMO has introduced new digital Canada in mind, to help you navigate your journey in options for virtual appointments and e-signatures Canada. Most importantly, remember that the financial for signing documents to help serve the needs of our advisor at your bank is one of your most trusted clients in an efficient and timely manner. relationships and should be treated as equally important as your relationship with your doctor or What are your future plans? The financial industry is constantly evolving, dentist. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, it’s important and that means financial professionals like myself you understand and are comfortable with the decisions need to evolve with it to meet the changing needs of you make.
CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 2 | 2021
