Pervaiz Panjwani has spent 30 years at Citi but by no means could you describe him as being in one place for his entire career. Working in five different countries across a number of businesses within the bank, Panjwani has carved a stellar reputation for himself throughout Europe.
Known as much for his leadership of various business units as his innovative vision, Panjwani is currently managing director and head of custody and funds services for EMEA at Citi.
He was previously a country manager for Luxembourg and head of investor services for the country, and has been able to combine a European perspective to the UK market in his current role.
His involvement in the combining of Citi’s custody and fund units, along with his influence on highly-regarded initiatives such as Proximity and Velocity Clarity also earnt Panjwani the Global Custodian Industry Person of the Year award in 2018. Even being nominated as one of four candidates in the shortlist is seen as an achievement so it speaks volumes that Panjwani’s peers voted him the eventual winner.
During an interview on receiving the award, Panjwani was both humble and thankful of the industry recognition and the opportunities Citi had given him in building businesses and products out.
Describing the highlights, he noted: “The ability to operate within Citi at the country-head level, combined with the ability to transform and grow the business once you keep that position. You’re responsible for the franchise, the clients, the shareholders and the staff, so to lift that franchise up and drive the business forward working with the market and the regulators, that was a great feeling.
“Secondly, working with the business leaders in London once I came back, driving the consolidation of our funds and custody business and following trends in the market and then execute on our strategy. These highlights have allowed us to prosper.”
Panjwani has been a critical part of Citi’s strategy to invest in the right areas of the business, whether it’s been data, ETFs, transfer agency or middle-office and this focus has paid dividends for the bank during his tenure. Global Custodian, among other organisations, have recognised Citi’s innovative work in recent years, alongside Panjwani and global head of custody and fund services, Sanjiv Sawhney.