Banking and Birdies Mahbubur Rahman Excels in Both Arenas
Md. Mahbubur Rahman, a seasoned banker and passionate golfer, has been with City bank PLC for over twelve years, currently serving as the additional managing director and CFO. Since 2006, he has been a member of Kurmitola Golf Club, balancing his demanding banking career with his love for golf. Golf is not only his primary physical activity but also a source of stress relief, allowing him to maintain peak performance in his professional life. A proud father of three, with two children who also share his passion for golf, Rahman exemplifies the integration of personal passion with professional excellence. His youngest son, Arib, is an accomplished golfer with multiple trophies to his name. Rahman’s dedication to both his career and his sport highlights the synergy between strategic planning in golf and decision-making in banking. Join us as we delve into his journey, insights, and the profound impact of golf on his life and career.
Could you tell us something about you and your banking journey?
This is Md. Mahbubur Rahman. I’m a member of Kurmitola Golf Club and have been playing golf since 2006. Golf is one of my passions. Besides golf, I’m a banker. Currently, I work for City Bank PLC as an additional managing director and CFO. I’ve been with City Bank for more than twelve years. Golf is part of my daily routine; I play early in the morning before heading to the office. It serves as my main physical activity and helps me relieve stress. In the banking industry, there’s a lot of work pressure, and golf helps me manage that stress. I have a family with three kids and a wife. Two of my children also play golf, particularly my youngest son Arib, who has become an excellent golfer with a handicap lower than mine. He has won eight trophies, four of them last year. I’m immensely proud of him. My daughter is also a good athlete, excelling in basketball and golf. That’s a brief introduction about me and my family.
When did you start golfing and who introduced you to the game?
I started golfing in 2006. One of my seniors, Tipu bhai, who is also a chartered accountant like me, introduced me to the game. He’s now in Australia, continuing his passion for golf there.
Golf is often considered a game of strategy and precision. Can you discuss how these attributes translate to your role in banking, particularly in decision-making and risk management?
Golf requires precision, strategy, and planning, similar to our professional lives. Every day on the golf course presents a new situation, much like our professional environment. We constantly adjust our plans and strategies. In both golf and banking, it’s crucial to think comprehensively, considering the surrounding factors, stakeholders, resources, and the impact of our actions. Golf teaches us to practice regularly, plan meticulously, assess situations accurately, and execute effectively. These lessons are directly applicable to decision-making and risk management in banking.
What is the best thing about golf?
The best thing about golf is the benefit it brings to the environment. Golf courses are beautiful, green spaces that provide a habitat for birds and wildlife, especially in urban areas like Dhaka where such spaces are rare. Golf is also a great exercise, contrary to the misconception that it isn’t. It involves a lot of walking and movement, providing a full-body workout. Additionally, golf develops character through its emphasis on ethics and self-regulation. It’s a holistic activity that benefits individuals and society.
What is your golfing routine?
I play golf three to four days a week. I’m fortunate to live near a golf course, allowing me to play frequently. On weekends, I usually play both days and sometimes go to the golf course two or three times. Despite work pressure, I make sure to play or practice at least three to four days a week.
Networking is an essential aspect of both banking and golf. Can you share how your involvement in golfing has helped you build relationships and further your career in banking?
Golf is excellent for networking. It brings together players, often successful professionals, fostering strong connections. On the golf course, I meet senior professionals with strong backgrounds, which is beneficial for my career in banking. Playing golf allows me to mix with quality people and discuss banking solutions in a relaxed setting. As a banker at City Bank, it also serves as a platform to act as a brand ambassador, furthering the bank’s reputation within the golfing community.”
What is the best memory you have related to golf?
One of my best memories is winning the President’s Cup at Kurmitola Golf Club last year. It’s considered the most prestigious golf tournament for amateurs, and after many years of playing and winning various trophies, this success was particularly special to me.
How do you handle competition in the banking industry, and what strategies do you employ to stay ahead in a competitive market?
Our bank is a leader in the market, known for its innovative solutions. We excel in credit card retail banking, corporate banking, and SME sectors, offering services like women banking and Islamic banking. Our strategy focuses on continuous innovation and quality improvement. This approach ensures we maintain our leading position in the market.
Apart from you, is there anybody from your family who is interested in playing golf?
Yes, my daughter and son play golf. My youngest son Arib is an excellent golfer with a lower handicap than mine. He has won eight trophies, four of them last year. It gives me immense pleasure to see him excel. I aim to play with them at least once a week, despite my busy schedule. It’s wonderful to share this passion with them.
How will you influence others to play golf?
Whenever I have the opportunity, I promote golf, especially to young people. I discuss its benefits and encourage regular participation. I’m keen on developing the golfing culture in our country and support the Bangladesh Professional Golf Association and professional golfers in any way I can.
Lastly, can you share a specific experience or lesson from your golfing endeavors that you’ve applied to your banking career, and how it has contributed to your success?
Golf has provided many benefits, including maintaining physical fitness, which is crucial for a demanding career like banking. Golf has taught me the importance of continuous quality improvement, strategic planning, and execution. These lessons are directly applicable to my work. Moreover, golf has helped me build valuable relationships, meeting many of our bank’s valued customers on the course. This helps maintain good communication and provides a unique way to address their banking needs.
