If you thought being green was limited to your diet and recycling habits, think again! Hanifa Azri (Professional Legal Skills, 2013) is helping to forge the way in ‘alternative self-sustainable green financial systems’ with her search engine Regall11, and we caught up with her to find out all about it.
Can you tell me about your time at City?
After successful completion of my LLB, I undertook the Bar Professional Training Course at City. It was a great experience for me. I met lots of special people throughout the year; I remember Veronica (Ronnie) Lachkovic, who was always around to support us and my favourite lecturer. I mainly enjoyed the advocacy classes and maritime law which is directly linked to some of the projects I am working on today.
What happened after you graduated?
I undertook training in common law and decided to move into the corporate field. I worked in several international law firms (Skadden Arps, and Cleary Gottlieb), mainly on dispute resolution and financial sanctions related matters. I then worked in financial institutions advising on the regulatory and compliance process (The Bank of New York Mellon, HSBC and Europe Arab Bank).
What is Regall11?
Regal 11 is a search engine based on artificial intelligence for financial institutions. Linking Eastern and Western regulations by principles into one. Compliance is at the heart of financial institutions; allowing continuous training and all related tailored mandatory documentation. It helps emerging countries grasp the international regulatory framework, compete in all markets and lead the way toward international regulatory innovation.
How did Regal11 come about?
I was working in a small international bank that used to be a family-owned business with strong leadership. Like most financial services, they were in need of the right technology in order to be more efficient. Whilst we were implementing several regulations at the same time, I brainstormed with a few colleagues and the following week I had created the visual model of what Regal11 is today.
The main idea of HG2 (a green trading platform) was finalised when I met with Fabrizio Francone, Vice-Chairman of Regal 38i83, who was also working on a similar platform. We then started working on the Regal 11 prototype; our regulatory search engine with the help of several astute developers. HG2, OIII3 BANK and Flyup (an accelerator for emerging countries) came later and as part of the new green financial system we have been implementing.
What has been the most rewarding experience?
Meeting unique souls every day, and seeing our dream unfolding. New learning experiences happening continuously and the enjoyment of leading a team of people who share your vision. The prototype of Regal 11 going live was a major event and setting foot in Dubai, UAE is a fabulous achievement. Starting the implementation of OIII3 Bank is also very exciting.
Can you give us a short overview of platforms you just mentioned?
OIII3 BANK ( the first green virtual banking platform): OIII3 BANK is an alternative honest and transparent banking system running alongside the current financial stream based in London, the UAE, and leading the way to green blockchain expansion. Offering real trading opportunities to all emerging countries by the use of a simplified Regulatory Framework. Promoting emerging countries’ leadership in Green Circular Economy.
HG2: HG2 is a green trading platform using human time and influence online as a commodity. It will allow countries to comply with the international mandatory obligation toward being green equities.
FLYUP: FLYUP provides funding to green start-ups from emerging countries through OIII3 funds. For example, a new virtual schooling system to benefit vocational training for children who think outside the box and fulfilling educational rights all over the world through our virtual portal.
What has been the biggest challenge with regards to your setting up Regal 11?
People are often reluctant to accept new ideas and we were not really taken seriously when we talked about having an alternative self-sustainable green financial system using blockchain or virtual schooling systems. Today people see that we were right and that we have the correct vision for the well-being of our planet.
Why is a self-sustainable system a big deal?
We are all witnessing the end of capitalism and it needs to be replaced by a more equitable economic system, an alternative system where the actions of individuals and businesses benefit themselves and the society in a more sustainable and equitable manner. A self-sustainable system will allow all of its participants to use their banking power self-consciously by contributing to a more ethical banking system.
The system will allow all participants to be more aware of their banking rights through the usage of self-regulated and transparent tech tools.
It will allow decentralisation of the banking system, providing fairer wealth distribution. It will contribute to the preservation of our planet ecosystem through the promotion of a green circular economy, which is essential to humanity.
Do you have any advice for anyone looking to follow in your footsteps?
Follow your heart and your dreams, they are tied to each other for the better.