Employee Stories
Abdulla Al Mutaiwei
My career journey in Banking
How did you get to where you are in your career?
It all started in retail banking—where I really got to grips with understanding customers and how banks work from the ground up. After about a year, I realised I was hungry for more. I wanted to dive deeper into how banks operate, especially when it comes to the world of money and financial markets. I was lucky enough to land a role in financial markets, and that’s when things really took off. This is by far the most fulfilling job I’ve had, and I’m constantly learning. The journey has definitely been exciting, and my passion for the financial industry just keeps growing.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
The best advice I’ve been given is, “Nothing has a meaning except the meaning you give it.” It sounds simple, but it’s really helped me stay focused and find purpose in my work, even when things get challenging.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced at work?
One of the challenges I encountered early in my career was navigating the stereotypes and assumptions around my identity as an Emirati in a niche area like financial markets. Since joining Standard Chartered however, I have found an environment where my identity and unique perspective are not only accepted but celebrated. Being part of such an inclusive organization has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to grow and contribute in a supportive atmosphere, for which I am truly grateful.
If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing instead?
If I wasn’t in financial markets, I think I’d be in something equally creative—maybe production management or consultancy. I love the idea of blending creativity with strategy, so those fields definitely appeal to me.
What drew you to banking in the first place?
I’ve always been curious about how money works, but once I got into banking, I realized it’s way more complex than I thought—and that only made me more fascinated. The deeper I got into it, the more committed I became to understanding the whole financial ecosystem.
What’s been your most memorable experience and best part working at Standard Chartered?
For sure it was meeting our Group CEO and the Group MT. Getting the chance to share my story with them was such a highlight—it really reinforced how leadership and connection are valued here at Standard Chartered.
Definitely the product exposure. I’ve gained such a broad understanding of the market, and it’s really helped me deepen my knowledge of financial products.
Any tips for someone looking to join Standard Chartered?
Embrace the journey! Take every opportunity that comes your way and make the most of it.
What’s the best part of your daily routine?
One of my favorite parts of the day besides going home and seeing my two dogs “Ruby & Eva” is my morning commute. I take a scenic route through Zabeel in Dubai, where I often spot peacocks roaming around. It’s such a peaceful sight and always puts me in a great mood to start the day!
Milestone 1
One significant milestone in my career was being part of a working group for one of my previous employers, where we were tasked with creating a digital bank arm for the institution. Our idea was successfully adopted, and implemented, and every time I see the digital branches around the UAE, it brings me immense pride and remains one of my happiest moments to this day.
Milestone 2
Another key milestone was being accepted into the UAE government leadership program “an extremely selective program with low acceptance rate”. This opportunity provided me with valuable insights and skills that have been instrumental in my professional growth.
Milestone 3
Finally, securing my current job in financial markets trading has been a significant achievement. The journey to this position was not easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding, and it continues to challenge and inspire me every day.