Mohd Faris: Man With The Plan

An ASW Client Spotlight awardee, Mohd Faris from ASW Malaysia has proven himself to be an invaluable asset to the team and to our client partner as a detail-oriented paraplanner. Learn about his biggest influence, how he overcomes challenges, and the Malaysian cultural trait you should know about.

1. Hi! Please introduce yourself. What is your role and what are your responsibilities at ASW? How long have you been with the company?

Hello! My name is Faris, and I’m currently working as a Paraplanner here at ASW. I’ve been with the company for over 3 years, supporting our client, Altus Financial. My main responsibilities involve assisting financial advisers by researching, analysing, and preparing compliant financial advice documents.

2. What was your career path before ASW, and what influenced you to join the company?

Before joining ASW, I worked as a Paraplanner for about 3 years at my previous firm. I’ve always had a strong interest in financial planning, and I was introduced to the opportunity at ASW by a former colleague. They spoke highly of the work environment and the chance to grow professionally while working with international clients and that really motivated me to join.

3. Congratulations on being one of ASW’s Client Spotlight awardees! How do you maintain such high standards of work and client service?

Thank you! I always aim to deliver high quality work by paying close attention to detail and making sure everything is accurate and compliant. I also welcome feedback and see it as a chance to keep improving. Continuous learning is important to me as I try to stay updated with any changes in the industry so I can keep adding value to the client.

4. In your line of work, what challenges do you usually encounter, and how do you overcome them?

A big challenge in my job is making sure all the financial plans are accurate and comply with regulatory requirements, while still getting them done on time. To manage this, I stay organised and use specialised financial software to work efficiently without compromising quality. I also keep my knowledge regularly updated to ensure everything I prepare is current and compliant.

5. What’s one thing you appreciate most about working in a cross-cultural environment?

I’m learning different ways of working and communicating. Working with people from another culture has helped me become more flexible and open-minded. It’s also improved my communication skills, especially when it comes to being clear and professional in everything I deliver.

6. What project are you most proud of in your current role?

I wouldn’t say there’s one specific project I’m most proud of, but one achievement that stands out was how well our team handled the end of financial year (EOFY) period. It was a very busy time with a high volume of advice documents, but we managed to stay on track and maintain the quality of our work. I also supported some newer team members during this time, which made the experience even more rewarding.

7. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I’m more of a homebody. I enjoy listening to music to relax and unwind. Spending quality time with my family at home is very important to me, as it helps me recharge and stay grounded.

8. Who has been the biggest influence in your life, personally or professionally, and why?

While I believe personal determination plays a big part in my growth, I wouldn’t have come this far without the support and encouragement from my family. They’ve been my foundation, motivating me to keep learning and improving both personally and professionally.

9. What part of Malaysian culture would you like more people to know about?

I’d love for more people to know about Malaysia’s diverse cultural harmony. Our country is unique because people from different backgrounds (Malay, Chinese, Indian, and others) live and celebrate together peacefully. This mix of cultures also makes Malaysian food incredibly delicious and varied, with so many unique flavours and dishes to try.

10. What advice would you give to fellow professionals who want to work with international clients?

Stay open-minded and adaptable. Being flexible and understanding different ways of working helps build strong relationships and deliver great results. After all, ASW is all about “creating the world’s most talented international family.”