Mariam Kara-Ali
Ash,Guildford
Summary
Private Banking professional with 14+ years’ experience managing and co-leading UHNW/HNW client relationships. Currently partnering on a portfolio of 47 UHNW clients, contributing to significant revenue growth (from $300K to $11MM) through client acquisition, strategic engagement, and delivery of tailored investment and lending solutions. Strong track record in building trusted client relationships, driving net new money, and operating within FCA-regulated environments. Committed to leveraging skills for continued success in the financial sector.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work history
Vice President – Senior Associate Banker
Citi Private Bank
Canary Wharf, London
2018.09 - Current
- Partner with a Senior Private Banker to co-manage a portfolio of 47 UHNW clients, contributing to revenue growth from $300K to $11MM through client acquisition and relationship deepening
- Played a pivotal role in executing a £160MM UK student housing CRE transaction, securing a £15MM syndicate tranche at CPB and supporting a subsequent $125MM facility.
- Act as a key point of contact for clients, managing day-to-day relationship needs and delivering tailored solutions across investments, lending, and wealth structuring
- Drive client engagement and retention through regular interaction (UK, Geneva, Lebanon), strengthening long-term relationships
- Collaborate with product specialists and internal stakeholders to deliver holistic wealth solutions aligned to client objectives
- Led client onboarding processes, ensuring compliance with KYC and enhanced due diligence requirements.
- Identify and execute cross-selling opportunities, increasing client wallet share across Private Bank and Markets platforms.
- Mentor junior team members, supporting development and performance
Relationship Officer
Citi Consumer Bank
Canary Wharf , UK
2015.06 - 2018.09
- Managed a portfolio of 500+ HNW clients, achieving monthly targets of two new clients and $300K net funding through proactive business generation and networking.
- Built strong client relationships to improve retention and satisfaction.
- Generated new business through networking, referrals, and proactive client engagement.
- Oversaw KYC and Enhanced Due Diligence, supporting complex onboarding processes.
- Trained new joiners on processes, products, and systems, contributing to team development and knowledge sharing.
High Net Worth Relationship Manager
Santander
Guildford, Surrey
2012.10 - 2015.06
- Managed £100MM+ HNW client portfolio, recognized as Top Performer (H1/H2 2013) for 95% sales target achievement.
- Increased assets by £3.2MM and liabilities by £3.5MM in H1: whilst mentoring new RMs and enhanced client experience.
- Mentored junior relationship managers and supported team development initiatives.
- Collaborated with corporate banking teams to enhance client offerings and identify new opportunities.
Personal Banker
Santander
Guildford, London
2011.06 - 2012.10
- Consistently exceeded sales targets, recognized as a top-performing banking advisor.
- Delivered tailored solutions, earning CEO appraisal for excellent customer service.
- Resolved complex banking queries with professional demeanour and expertise.
- Supported clients with lending, account management, and product recommendations
- Renewed contracts promptly to maintain high-value client bases.
- Promoted digital banking services to improve customer experience and efficiency
- Gathered feedback from customers, implementing necessary improvements in service offerings.
Savings Specialist
Santander
Guildford, Surrey
2010.11 - 2011.06
- Delivered savings and investment targets, contributing to overall branch performance.
- Recognised for generating referrals to financial planning teams.
- Provided tailored advice to improve client outcomes.
Customer Service Advisor
Santander
Guildford, Surrey
2009.02 - 2010.11
- Awarded Top Customer Service Advisor nationally and recognised as a leading investment referrer.
- Processed transactions efficiently while identifying sales opportunities
- Resolved customer queries and complaints to enhance retention and satisfaction
Education
Investment Advice Diploma (Level 4) - In Progress
CISI
UKMiFID II -
Financial Conduct Authority
UKBA - Banking and Finance -
Lebanese International University
LebanonSkills
Client & Portfolio Management
UHNW/HNW Relationships AUM Growth Client Retention Cross-Border Clients
Revenue & Business Development
Net New Money Lending & Investment Solutions Cross-Selling Client Acquisition
Technical & Regulatory Expertise
FCA Compliance KYC / Enhanced Due Diligence PEP/SPF Clients Wealth Structuring
Stakeholder & Leadership Skills
Client Engagement Internal Collaboration Mentorship Strategic Execution
Languages
English
Fluent
Arabic
Fluent
Affiliations
- Endurance Sports • Travel • Philanthropy (Raised £4,000 for Cancer Research UK through a 400km cycling challenge (Vietnam to Cambodia, 2023)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Vice President – Senior Associate Banker
Citi Private Bank
2018.09 - Current
Relationship Officer
Citi Consumer Bank
2015.06 - 2018.09
High Net Worth Relationship Manager
Santander
2012.10 - 2015.06
Personal Banker
Santander
2011.06 - 2012.10
Savings Specialist
Santander
2010.11 - 2011.06
Customer Service Advisor
Santander
2009.02 - 2010.11
Investment Advice Diploma (Level 4) - In Progress
CISI
MiFID II -
Financial Conduct Authority
BA - Banking and Finance -
Lebanese International University