I am thrilled to announce that the Getting to Know series will be sponsored by TEC Services Group in 2024. TEC Services Group is the leading technology and professional services firm in the credit collections industry offering both leading industry solutions along with unrivaled, unbiased, and experienced support. TEC is now extending its services by offering proven, industry-leading technology solutions alongside of our Professional Services to help Clients feel confident in their technology decisions. Learn more at ww.tecsg.com.
Zack Ali has been setting records and exceeding expectations since he was nine years old. While he hasn’t been in the ARM industry for very long, he is already leaving his mark. Perhaps it’s because he feels the need; the need for speed. Read on to learn more about Zack, his eclectic taste in music, and his appreciation and passion for great rivalries.
Name: S.M. Ali Zain Rizvi alias Zack Ali
Job Title: In-House Counsel
Company: Cedar Holdings International Inc. dba Cedar Financial. Simultaneously, Remote Scouts by Cedar Global Solutions LLC.
Length of time at current company: Nine months at both of the above-mentioned companies.
Length of time in industry: Nine months in the ARM sector of financial industry.
How did you get your start in the industry?
My start in the ARM sector of financial industry was when I joined Cedar Financial last summer. I had prior experience in the financial industry as I had start-ups and software houses that are SaaS providers, as clients, in other sectors of financial industry. ARM industry was a completely new field for me to understand, learn and come to grips with.
What is your career highlight so far?
One of the highlights I would like to mention here is being assigned expansion projects. It requires me to dive into legal, regulatory compliance and operational matters of various jurisdictions. It is indeed a splendid learning opportunity for me, and I get to interact with other professionals and learn from them as well. Gives me a break from the routine tasks too, HAHA!
When or how are you most productive?
I am most productive when I have Pink Floyd, Bee Gees, or Nazia Hassan playing in the background.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I highly admire David Kaminski, Alan Fassonaki, Syntheia Nagel, Leslie Bender, Amir Erez, and Colin Winkler. They have always been a source of learning and understanding for me for navigating through the intricacies and other operational and regulatory aspects of this industry.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Human beings are imperfect. That is their perfection. One thing I consciously do is to forever consider myself a humble student of law who still has to learn everything, and nothing more than that.
What do you like most about this industry?
I really like how there are helpful focus groups, communities and brilliant minded individuals that readily help wherever and whenever required. There are also a great number of sources of education and guidance. Huddles, magazines, and digests help create a collaborative environment keeping everyone connected and well-informed on an array of matters such as litigation updates, incoming legislative bills and their possible ramifications in the industry, and also try to voice concerns of the industry to the legislators.
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What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
In my opinion, the insufficient knowledge of the ARM industry, and the applicable legislations, among the general public is a real problem and is being taken advantage of by some lawyers who seek to profit quickly from collection agencies through their clients (consumers). They misinform these consumers, suggesting they have a valid case under FDCPA or FCRA etc. This lack of awareness requires thorough investigation. Additionally, these frivolous lawsuits often overlook fundamental procedures and grounds for filing a lawsuit, such as filing in the wrong jurisdiction or before a court lacking competent jurisdiction.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t a lawyer, I would’ve pursued my passion for speed and adrenaline either as a professional Formula 1 racing driver or as a fighter jet pilot.
Describe a typical work day.
I try to devote the first 1-1.5 hours to responding to emails and returning phone calls that came in during off-hours, if any. From then on, it is working on my priorities depending on their urgency levels. The final 3-4 hours are mostly spent working on tasks for my quarterly and annual goals. In between all this, I have the internal and external meetings alongside any urgent tasks.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I’m a big fan of Formula One, Le Mans, and soccer. I enjoy reading about iconic matchups like Ford versus Ferrari and Niki Lauda versus James Hunt. I’m always excited to watch battles between teams like Mercedes and Red Bull, or classical derbies like Manchester United versus Liverpool. I’m inspired by legendary victories and feats, such as the Porsche 917, and unforgettable moments like the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final. And of course, I can’t start my day without a good strong cup of coffee!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
It certainly has to be that, firstly, do not receive advice on a topic from individuals who are not qualified to give advice on that topic. Secondly, from my father, to always not only to think but read before advising someone. And thirdly, everybody’s job means it is nobody’s job.
What are you currently reading?
Nowadays, I am reading “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss. My most recent read was “Measure What Matters” by John Doerr that introduced me to the powerful concept of OKRs.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I am the youngest person (at 9 years old) ever to trek on foot all the way to Fairy Meadows, since 2009. This is a beautiful and scenic place, with a complicated and challenging ascent of 6,070 feet, located in the province of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan. It is 10,826 feet above sea level and is a must-visit for those who seek adrenaline-filled outdoor activities.
Who would you like to see answer these questions?
I think that it is about time we heard from the man himself: Mike Gibb!
The Getting to Know series is sponsored by TEC Services Group. TEC Services Group is the leading technology and professional services firm in the credit collections industry offering both leading industry solutions along with unrivaled, unbiased, and experienced support. TEC is now extending its services by offering proven, industry-leading technology solutions alongside of our Professional Services to help Clients feel confident in their technology decisions. Learn more at ww.tecsg.com
