Ali Surmawala
Karachi
Summary
Results-driven Finance & Compliance Professional with 14 years of experience in financial operations, regulatory compliance, risk management, and capital market operations. Proven expertise in investment settlements, corporate governance, and tax compliance, ensuring adherence to various regulations and SECP requirements. Skilled in financial reporting, reconciliation, and process optimization to enhance operational efficiency. Detail-oriented and analytical Corporate Actions Specialist excelling in managing corporate events, securities processing, and shareholder communications. Expertise lies in handling dividends, mergers, acquisitions, stock splits, and other corporate actions with precision and compliance. Possesses strong knowledge of financial markets, regulatory requirements, and operational risk management. Adept at working with custodians, depositories, and investment managers to ensure seamless execution of corporate actions.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
4021
4021
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Assistant Manager, Operations & Customer Support
Central Depository Company of Pakistan (CDC)
Karachi, Sindh
07.2023 - Current
- Ensure compliance with Corporate Laws, Tax Laws, and SECP Regulations
- Review Scheme of Arrangements with regards to Merger/De-Merger of various companies
- Ensure all eIPO activities
- Oversee functions relating to administration of Corporate Actions in light with Central Depositories Act’ 97 and CDC Regulations such as: Notice of General Meeting, Book Closure, Dividend, Right Issue, New Issue
- Preparation of monthly MIS of Corporate Action activities to represent Management
- Manage shareholder relations, including issuing notices, handling grievances, and ensuring compliance with listing regulations
- Liaise with regulatory bodies (SBP, SECP, Stock Exchange etc.) for compliance matters
- Collaborate with IT and operations teams to enhance automation and efficiency in corporate action processing
- Manage and process corporate actions such as dividends, stock splits, mergers, acquisitions, and rights issues
Assistant Manager, Trustee & Custodial Services
Central Depository Company of Pakistan (CDC)
11.2014 - 06.2023
- Ensure compliance with Corporate Laws, Tax Laws, and NBFC Regulations, minimizing regulatory breaches and improving audit ratings
- Review trust deeds, technical documents, and operational activities for Asset/REIT Management Companies
- Conduct compliance audits to assess adherence to statutory guidelines, SOPs, and internal policies
- Oversee money market and equity settlements, ensuring timely execution of transactions
- Assist in preparing financial reports, including trustee reports for half-yearly, quarterly, and annual accounts
- Manage corporate actions for collective schemes & discretionary portfolio clients
- Supervise bank reconciliations, tax return filings, and security deposit verifications for multiple funds
- Evaluate marketing budgets, rental invoices, and REIT MIS to ensure financial transparency
Assistant Manager, Finance & Operations
Lucky Commodities Private Limited (Subsidiary of Lucky Cement Ltd.)
05.2013 - 11.2014
- Prepared and analyzed financial statements, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance
- Managed accounts payable/receivable, reducing overdue payments by 15%
- Handled sales tax and income tax filings, achieving a 100% compliance rate
- Assisted in procurement of coal vessels, managing LCs and related documentation
- Maintained bank reconciliations, inventory records, and customer ledgers
- Conducted costing for imported vessels, optimizing operational costs
Accounts Assistant
Ismail Industries Limited
12.2010 - 08.2012
- Maintained export debtor accounts, ensuring proper recording of transactions
- Processed freight expenses, exchange gains/losses, and export rebates
- Handled employee loan schedules, gratuity, bonus, and leave encashment records
- Conducted physical stock takes and managed reconciliation of depot cash flows
- Ensured accurate tax calculations for rental properties and transport expenses
Audit Trainee
Muhammad Farooq & Co. (Chartered Accountants)
04.2010 - 11.2010
- Assisted in external audits of major clients across various industries
- Gained practical knowledge of IFRS, ISA, and financial reporting standards
- Conducted audit planning, risk assessments, and compliance checks
- Performed physical stock counts, fixed asset verifications, and financial testing
- Major Clients: Nabiqasim Industries, Surge Laboratories, Eastern Trade & Distribution, Efroze Chemical Industries, Bari Textile Mills, Canampak Date Industries
Education
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants -
Bachelor of Commerce - undefined
University of Karachi
Higher Secondary Certificate - undefined
College of Emerging Technologies
Secondary School Certificate -
Lycee Bahadurabad School
Skills
- Corporate Actions Processing
- Custody & Depository Operations
- Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
- Risk Management & Reconciliation
- Company Law & Secretarial Practices
- Client & Stakeholder Communication
- Drafting Policies & Legal Documentation
- Financial Reporting & Analysis
Interestsandextracurricularactivities
- Sports Enthusiast: Cricket & Football
- Board Games: Competitive Scrabble Player
- Finance & Investments: Passionate about fintech and investment strategies
Timeline
Assistant Manager, Operations & Customer Support
Central Depository Company of Pakistan (CDC)
07.2023 - Current
Assistant Manager, Trustee & Custodial Services
Central Depository Company of Pakistan (CDC)
11.2014 - 06.2023
Assistant Manager, Finance & Operations
Lucky Commodities Private Limited (Subsidiary of Lucky Cement Ltd.)
05.2013 - 11.2014
Accounts Assistant
Ismail Industries Limited
12.2010 - 08.2012
Audit Trainee
Muhammad Farooq & Co. (Chartered Accountants)
04.2010 - 11.2010
Bachelor of Commerce - undefined
University of Karachi
Higher Secondary Certificate - undefined
College of Emerging Technologies
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants -
Secondary School Certificate -
Lycee Bahadurabad School
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