Bringing focus and intensity to all endeavours, whether they be charitable work or banking

Glasgow–born Azeem Ibrahim, Chairman of the European Commerce and Mercantile Bank, celebrated his birthday by making his debut on the Sunday Times Scots 100 Rich List at number 78. With an estimated wealth of £52 million, this confirms his position as one of the wealthiest young Muslims in the UK.

Ibrahim has an exceptional track record in bringing strategic thinking to his dealings in international commerce and has a proven ability in understanding the dynamics of the international financial world. His wealth began in 2004 when he established his own insurance corporation after noticing he was paying over the odds for maritime insurance.

Today, his company is a leading ecommerce facility selling online shipping, maritime, transport and logistical insurance to and from anywhere in the world and has a market valuation of over US $9m. Ibrahim’s entrepreneurial gift also came to the fore when he set up the European Commerce and Mercantile Bank (ECM Bank) with offices in Sweden and the Emirates Towers in Dubai.

Of his appearance on the Scots 100 Rich List, Ibrahim said, “Such recognition is a nice birthday present, but I would stress that my companies would not have grown to the extent they have without the dedication of my hard-working staff and confidence of my shareholders.”

However, these days much of Ibrahim’s time is now devoted to charity projects such as a unique water purification project for the south of Sudan. He has shunned publicity until now, but realises he cannot stay hidden for long as he wants to raise his profile for the charity to which he now dedicates much of his time. ‘The Benevolence Fund’ specialises in sponsoring high-achieving Bosnian students to undertake postgraduate education in Europe in order that they can take their newly acquired skills and knowledge back to help their communities. For this, Ibrahim has obtained corporate sponsorship that will build an endowment, thus making the project self sufficient.

“It is about creating the kind of environment for that country’s future leaders in academia, politics and business,” said Azeem

“That country has enjoyed an uneasy peace for the last few years, but it needs a new generation of leaders to help ensure that it has a long-term peaceful future.”