Babar Hussain, Product Manager in Toronto, ON, Canada
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Babar Hussain

Verified Expert  in Product Management

Product Manager

Toronto, ON, Canada

Toptal member since February 2, 2023

Bio

Babar is a PMP-certified professional with 13+ years of experience in leadership roles and project management in commercial lending. He has successfully delivered projects to over 15 clients globally. Babar excels at managing bank operational relationships and ensuring client satisfaction through effective service delivery. He is responsible for delegating tasks, strategic planning, resource management, and team mentoring, ensuring alignment with customer needs.

Project Highlights

Loan IQ at Bank of Montreal (BMO), Canada
Leading the Loan IQ team for its new projects, upgrade, integration, and end-to-end support technically and functionally. I had a leadership role in the project delivery and implementation of new modules coverage of Canada and US region.
Loan IQ at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), UAE
Led the entire Loan IQ team for its implementation, integration, upgrade, and E2E support technically and functionally. Implementation coverage of GCC and Asian markets, mainly structuring, syndication, documentation, and integration of Loan IQ.
Loan IQ at Bangkok Bank (BBL) in Thailand and Hong Kong
Led the Connected Corporate Banking for Loan IQ end-to-end implementation team coverage of Southeast Asian markets, mainly Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Shanghai.

Expertise

  • App Integration
  • Commercial Lending
  • Data Modeling
  • Fintech
  • Loan IQ
  • Product Management
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Strategic Planning

Work Experience

Product Manager and Architect

2019 - PRESENT
Virtusa
  • Led the Loan IQ team for a successful delivery for the Bank of Montreal (BMO).
  • Coordinated meetings for BPA workshops with clients and the product committee, project managers, and functional and technical management to discuss the client requirement specifications, timelines, and scopes.
  • Designed and developed technical and functional specifications and business and solution requirement documents. Coordinated review, presentation, release notes, and deployment documentation with all change management processes and activities.
  • Coached and built new teams and provided training to improve team members' skillsets.
  • Measured and continually monitored key bank partner metrics to ensure performance. Identified opportunities for improvement.
  • Defined technical specs, planning, resourcing, configuring, testing, and monitoring per clients' requirements. Familiarized the team with the customer needs, specs, design targets, development process, design standards, techniques, and tools.
  • Ensured quality delivery and production support for the Syndicated loan business and its integrated products.
  • Liaised with clients and continuous interaction with onshore and offshore teams in different zones, serving as a focal point to communicate and resolve product's core, interface, and integration issues.
  • Provided Loan IQ training to clients, internal and external teams, and channel partners for SDK, implementations and upgrades, API and interface development, base code tables, troubleshooting, deployment approach, data conversion, and data models.
  • Acquired experience in Loan lifecycle for Loan IQ Core modules technically and functionally like customer, deal, facility, outstanding, accruals, payments, fees, circles, approval matrix, tax, batch, system admin, and user profile.

Product Owner and Senior Technical Consultant

2017 - 2019
Finastra
  • Worked as a Syndicated Lending (SME) Loan IQ, project management, consultant, and developer for requirement gathering, analysis, design, development and implementation, and integration for upstream and downstream applications.
  • Led consultant part of Syndicated Lending professional services team coverage for its implementation, up-gradation, loan origination, structuring, syndication, documentation, integration, and SDK development.
  • Took part in Finastra Academy and trained several banks and channel partners for Loan IQ, including Qatar National Bank (QNB), National Australia Bank (NAB), Finastra Evergreen Team, and Infosys.
  • Led and implemented the first Connected Corporate Banking (CCB) for Finastra at Ziraat Bank with Loan IQ, Essense, Opics, and Trade Innovation products.
  • Spearheaded the Loan IQ Finastra PS team and delivery of BBL in Hong Kong and Thailand, Ziraat Bank in Istanbul, Zenith Bank Lagos in Nigeria, ADB Manila in the Philippines, and the National Australia Bank.
  • Participated in the BPA workshop with clients, the product committee, project managers, and functional and technical management to discuss client requirement specifications, timelines, and scopes.
  • Performed SDK development in inquiry APIs, UDF, event management of internal and external validations and actions, scripted API, scripted batch, and scripted notices.
  • Acquired experience in the complete software development lifecycle, including Waterfall and Agile methodology.

Product Manager and Lead Consultant

2017 - 2017
Huxley
  • Worked as a product owner for QNB Loan IQ implementation and led the team for Syndication coverage of Qatar, London, Singapore, India, Paris, the Middle East, South Sudan, and Tunisia markets.
  • Managed and was the single point of contact (SPOC) for Loan IQ implementation, loan origination, structuring, syndication, documentation, and integration of equations with Loan IQ.
  • Acted as a bridge between four companies, including Huxley, Cognizant, Misys, and QNB.
  • Customized the modules, managed implementation, set up a new environment, and configured Loan IQ.
  • Involved in a techno-functional role for requirement gathering, analysis, design, development, implementation, and testing using Unit, Sanity, and SIT, and managing the product throughout the lifecycle.

Senior Executive | Team Member Java

2016 - 2017
UTI Infrastructure Technology And Services
  • Worked as a lead for the Goods and Service Tax (GST) and risk management system for requirement analysis, design, development, and unit testing of GSP.
  • Developed and worked on various GSTN JSON APIs, including B2B, B2BA, B2CL, and B2CLA modules with GST modules like invoice, GSTR1 and GSTR2 registration form preparation, filling, and reconciliation of GSTR1, GSTR2, GSTIN, and ARN.
  • Familiarized the team with the customer needs, specifications, design targets, the development process, design standards, techniques, and tools to support task performance.
  • Acted as a lead for designing and developing modules for import, export, and EGM and IGM of RMS through the ICEGATE channel.
  • Facilitated RMS and ICEGATE gateway to provide e-filing services to the trade and cargo carriers and other clients of the Customs Department, collectively called Trading Partner.
  • Developed various services, including electronic filing of the Bill of Entry import goods declaration, shipping bills, and related electronic messages between customs and trading partners.

Associate Consultant

2014 - 2015
Infosys
  • Performed as a lead and consultant for Loan IQ application support.
  • Led and trained the team for Batch optimization and configuration project, Batch monitoring tools, mail automation tools, projects using Loan IQ data models, and automated tools for configuring, customizing, and monitoring Control-M jobs.
  • Headed and involved in requirement analysis, design, development, and unit testing of enhancements.
  • Customized the modules, implementation, new environment setup, and configuration of Loan IQ.
  • Mentored and trained the new joiners and laterals for Loan IQ.
  • Managed Loan IQ servers and networks for different zones.

Associate Software Engineer

2012 - 2014
Finastra
  • Worked as a software development engineer with Java technology.
  • Designed and developed technical and functional specifications and business-solution requirement documents. Coordinated review, presentation, release notes, and deployment documentation with all change management processes and activities.
  • Analyzed functional and technical cases and issues and provided a resolution and fix within the time frame.
  • Provided Loan IQ training to clients, internal and external teams, and channel partners for SDK. Trained on implementations and upgrade, API and interface development, Cognos and Datanet, deployment approach, data conversion (DCT), and data model.
  • Set up the client's database environment to re-create the reported issues on various platforms.
  • Strengthen my working experience with clients, including Bank of America, Société Générale (Soc.Gen), ING, Westpac, Natixis, Pohjola, HSBC, Morgan Stanley, Groupo Santanders, and IDB.
  • Managed module customization, implementation, new environment setup, and configuration of Loan IQ.
  • Acquired knowledge in Loan IQ installation across all the versions, including 7.1.X, 7.2.X, and 7.3.X.
  • Used Oracle 10g SQL functions and procedures for the database's back-end interaction.
  • Interacted with the clients and onshore team continuously regarding the requirement.

Project History

Loan IQ at Bank of Montreal (BMO), Canada

Leading the Loan IQ team for its new projects, upgrade, integration, and end-to-end support technically and functionally. I had a leadership role in the project delivery and implementation of new modules coverage of Canada and US region.

DELIVERABLES
• Led the team of Loan IQ for its new projects, new requirements, and enhancements, and resourced the team for its upgrade and development.
• Strategic planning for implementing new functionality with a complete analysis of impact and functionality.
• Enhanced product utilization via new modules and provided training to the business ops, test team, and development team technically and functionally.
• Successful Hamilton project implementation for automation of customer, deal, facility, and outstanding from different source systems APMS and LTS in a very short interval of time.
• Led the tech Improvement projects to improve the performance of existing and legacy interfaces.
• Upgraded the Loan IQ v7.5.14HF12 to v7.6.2.1HF2 to accommodate the regulatory change for IBOR Transition with ARR/RFF and CDOR transition with CORRA.
• Ongoing performance improvement for following downstream and upstream applications.
• Built and was part of a new team as a center of excellence (CEO) team for Loan IQ in Canada and India.

Loan IQ at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), UAE

Led the entire Loan IQ team for its implementation, integration, upgrade, and E2E support technically and functionally. Implementation coverage of GCC and Asian markets, mainly structuring, syndication, documentation, and integration of Loan IQ.

DELIVERABLES
• Had a leadership role and built a new Loan IQ team from scratch for its upgrade and SDK implementation.
• Loan IQ project implementation and management, I acted as a bridge among multiple teams, including business operation, build, test, sales, production support, and configuration.
• Discussion over the Loan IQ implementation strategy, SDK requirement gathering, and designing of products integration with T24 based on lending and agency workflow.
• Led and managed the implementation team for IBOR Transitions, Alternate Reference Rate (ARR), VAT, and Swift 2018 compliance.

I was the head and SPOC for the following interfaces with Loan IQ:
1. Meridian Integration for IMT Messages via MQ and WAS to Swift and FTS
2. RightFax and Email Integration
3. GL Integration Interface with Temenos T24 via Control M
4. ARR rate interface and Rate Processing System (RPS)
5. Holiday Calendar Interface
6. Customer Onboarding Interface
7. Cognos and Datanet Interface
8. Loan IQ Statement and Billing Interface

Loan IQ at Bangkok Bank (BBL) in Thailand and Hong Kong

Led the Connected Corporate Banking for Loan IQ end-to-end implementation team coverage of Southeast Asian markets, mainly Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Shanghai.

I managed Loan IQ implementation, structuring, syndication, documentation, and integration.

DELIVERABLES
• Technical lead and project delivery manager for BPA workshop and TSD documents discussion with BBL, Deloitte, and Finastra
• Led a team of over 5 products in defining the corporate structure and accounting.
• Workshop and discussion over the Loan IQ and its integrated products with end-to-end data flow through DDA and IMT
• Loan IQ upgrade to latest version 7.5.1 with discussion over its implementation strategy, requirement gathering, and designing of other products' integration based on multi-entity

Integrated various products of Finastra as given below:
• DCT for data migration from Legacy System Equation to Loan IQ
• FusionRisk integration, limit exposure, and PDC validation- SDK
• Fusion Banking Essence integration, GL Extracts with Batch and Real Time
• GPP integration, including IMT103, MT202, and MT202c
• Party management for corporate customers
• SSO integration using the FusionSSO platform
• FCC integration as Channel and Portal
• Load Balancer integration
• SSL integration
• Cognos and Datanet integration for crystal reports
• LIBOR change, alternative reference rates, technical implementation

Loan IQ at Ziraat Bank in Istanbul, Turkey

Led the Ziraat Loan IQ First Connected Corporate Banking Solution (CCB) E2E implementation team coverage of European markets for the bank managing Loan IQ implementation, structuring, syndication, documentation, and integration.

DELIVERABLES
• Technical lead and SPOC for the first CCB project of Finastra with over five products integrated
• Delivered the project on time
• Led the resources for the implementation of Loan IQ for v7.4.6.x on Oracle 12c

Integrated various products of Finastra as given below:
• Fusion Risk integration (EIR -ARC)
• Fusion Banking Essence integration, GL Extracts, using Batch and Real-time
• MPM integration, IMT Swift Messaging 2018
• Party management, onboarding for corporate customers
• Integration using the FusionSSO platform
• SSL integration, Login into LIQ via Secured Socket layer through HTTPS
• SDK API development for integration of LIQ and Essence for insufficient balance
• Installation of business intelligence Cognos 11.x and Datanet release 743 and extraction of reports as per the client's requirements
• Installation, configurations, and integration of IBM MQ and IBM WAS

Loan IQ at Zenith Bank in Lagos, Nigeria

I was the product owner and led the Loan IQ implementation as a technical lead.

Led the Zenith for:
• Implementation of Loan IQ for v7463 on Oracle 12c
• Part of the Loan IQ 7422 implementation team
• Implementation of Loan IQ SSO through Fusion SSO
• Integration of Essence and Trade Innovation with Loan IQ

Loan IQ at Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, Philippines

Led the ADB Loan IQ implementation on Microsoft Azure Cloud team coverage of APAC markets for the bank with the responsibility for Loan structuring, syndication, documentation, and integration.

DELIVERABLES
• Implementation of Loan IQ for v745 on Azure Fusion Fabric Cloud using Database MS SQL Server
• Collaborate with engineering to improve the implementation and configuration of Loan IQ and professional service processes
• Implementation and integration of core software, interfaces, MS SQL database, and web services on the Cloud
• Installation of business intelligence Cognos 11.x and Datanet Release 743
• Conversion of Oracle data into .ixf files and migration to MS SQL server

Loan IQ at National Australia Bank (NAB) in Melbourne, Australia

I was the product owner and tech lead for the Loan IQ upgrade from legacy version 6.x with Smalltalk to the latest v7.x with Java.

DELIVERABLES
• Identify the gaps for conversion from the legacy system Loan IQ 6.x to Loan IQ 7.4.5.x
• Installation and upgradation of IBM Cognos 11.x for Datanet 743 release.
• Designed and developed SDK and scripted notice.
• Good exposure to deploying Loan IQ Patches and Hot Fix (HF) in production and test box.
• Good understanding of the data model through the Loan IQ data dictionary.
• Install and update core software, interfaces, database, and web service.
• Identified and resolved issues related to the activation and implementation of Loan IQ software.
• Provided implementation scheduling, resolutions to technical issues, and general advice as a technical consultant and functional consultant.
• Techno-functional training for business users, testers, and developers.

Loan IQ at ANZ at Melbourne, Australia

I was the product owner and tech lead for the Loan IQ upgrade from v7.3.1.19 to v7.4.2.2. I implemented the SSO integration.

DELIVERABLES
• Implemented the first SSO in Loan IQ in Finastra and integrated it with other products.
• Managed SDK development in Inquiry APIs, UDF, event management of internal and external validations and actions, scripted API, scripted Batch, and scripted notices.
• Acted as a bridge among clients, CS, and Loan IQ Framework developers.
• Organized and managed meetings and continuous interaction with client ANZ, Loan IQ customer support, and the product development team.
• Provided support to on-shore and off-shore teams in techno-functional issues or escalation if necessary.
• Installed environments for the ANZ LIQ v7.4.2.2.
• Upgraded the version of ANZ's Loan IQ 7.3.1.19 to Loan IQ 7.4.4.2HFx.
• Identified and resolved the gaps for conversion from the legacy system Loan IQ.

Loan IQ Finastra Academy Trainer

I was part of Finastra Academy, providing techno-functional end-to-end Loan IQ training to Finastra's clients and channel partners.

Provided training to the following clients and channel partners:

• Qatar National Bank (QNB) in Doha, State of Qatar
• National Australia Bank (NAB) in Melbourne, Australia
• Finastra Evergreen Team in Manila, Philippines
• Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, Philippines
• Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) in Melbourne, Australia
• Infosys Technologies in Bangalore, India
• First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Loan IQ at Qatar National Bank (QNB) in Doha, State of Qatar

Worked as a product owner and lead for Loan IQ implementation at QNB Loan Syndication team coverage of Qatar, London, Singapore, India, Paris, Middle East, South Sudan, and Tunisia markets.

DELIVERABLES
• Involved in a techno-functional role for requirement gathering, analysis, design, development and implementation, testing, and managing the product throughout the lifecycle.
• Designed analysis and solutions for change requests.
• Managed modules customization, implementation, new environment setup, and configuration of Loan IQ.
• Prepared FRD and took sign-off for further implementation and integration in the bank environment.
• Back end used Oracle 10g PL/SQL to interact with the database.
• Reported and fixed the various functional bugs and gaps identified during the Sanity and SIT testing.
• Acquired hands-on experience on the Loan IQ application server, Jack Rabbit configurations, Apache Tomcat, and the web server.
• Good exposure to deploying Misys Loan IQ Hot fix (HF) in production and test box.
• Acquired knowledge to identify the gaps for conversion from legacy system to Loan IQ.
• Reviewed and documented detailed business and functional requirements, test cases, and user guides.
• Good understanding of the management of servers and networks of Loan IQ for different zones, mainly Qatar, Singapore, London, India, and the Middle East.
• Provided Ttchno-functional training to QNB business users and testers.

Goods an d Service Tax | GST Portal

Led and trained the team for the GST Ecosystem management.

GST Portal is a common platform allowing taxpayers to choose third-party apps, providing all user interfaces and convenience via desktops, mobiles, iPads, and handhelds.

DELIVERABLES
• Led requirement analysis, design, development, and unit testing of GSP.
• Familiarized the team with the customer needs, specifications, design targets, development process, design standards, techniques, and tools to support task performance.
• Customized modules, including GSTR1& 1A, GSTR2& 2A, and GSTR3 and implemented and configured GSP.
• Worked on many GSTN JSON APIs, such as B2B, B2BA, B2CL, and B2CLA modules.
• Debugged code and prepared flow charts explaining the process involved for specific functionality within each product module.
• Reported and fixed various bugs and gaps identified during the analysis.
• Acquired good knowledge of GST modules like Invoice, registration, GSTR1, and GSTR2 form preparation and filling, reconciliation of GSTR1 and GSTR2, GSTIN, and ARN.
• Gained a vast understanding of SGST, CGST, and IGST, system admin, profiles, and app functions.
• Reviewed and documented detailed business requirements, test cases, and user guides.
• Got a good understanding of the GSTN RESTful web services and the GST dataflow events.

Risk Management System (RMS)

Led and facilitated the compliant trade segregating the transactions requiring deeper scrutiny by customs officers.

DELIVERABLES
• Designed and developed modules for import, export, and EGM and IGM of RMS through the ICEGATE channel.
• Led continuous interaction with the data of three systems, such as ICES, ICEGATE, and RMS of Indian custom automation of the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) of the revenue department under the Ministry of Finance in India.
• Analyzed and scrutinized various RMS Corridors for Bill of Entry and Shipping Bills.
• Facilitated RMS and ICEGATE Gateway to provide e-filing services to the trade and cargo carriers and other clients of the Customs Department, collectively called Trading Partner.
• Developed many services, including electronic filing of the import goods declaration Bill of Entry, shipping bills, and related electronic messages between customs and trading partners using communication facilities.
• Validation and scanning of sensitive data for Customs EDI partners like importers and exporters, air custodians and sea, banks, and Risk Based Inspection (RBI), including Forex and Remittance data.
• Automated the Custom House internally for a comprehensive, paperless, fully automated customs clearance system that makes the functioning of Customs clearance transparent and efficient.

Loan IQ at Wespac in Sydney, Australia

Led the team and supported the Westpac syndication team coverage of Australia, Singapore, and New York markets for the bank with responsibility for Loan IQ production support, loan origination, structuring, syndication, and documentation.

DELIVERABLES
• Involved in requirement analysis, design, development, and unit testing of enhancements.
• Design the analysis and solution for change requests.
• Managed module customization, implementation, new environment setup, and configuration of Loan IQ.
• Worked on various Loan IQ XML APIs and API functions.
• Used Oracle 10g SQL to interact with the database.
• Reported and fixed the various functional bugs and gaps identified during the analysis.
• Gained an excellent knowledge of Batch, Intra-day and Daily, its configuration, system admin, and user profile.
• Acquired knowledge to identify the gaps for conversion from legacy system to Loan IQ.
• Reviewed and documented detailed business requirements, test cases, and user guides.
• Gained working experience with tools like Jira, Remedy management tool, and Tortoise SVN repository.
• Developed a good understanding of the Loan IQ Data Model and its VLS, TLS, and WBC schemas, as well as management of servers and networks of Loan IQ for different zones.
• Mentored and trained the new joiners and laterals for Loan IQ.

Loan IQ at Finastra (Previously Misys) Product Development

Worked on Loan IQ modules, designing and developing technical and functional specifications and business requirement documents. Coordinated reviews, presentations, release notes, and deployment documentation with all change management processes.

DELIVERABLES
• Involved in requirement analysis, design, development, and unit testing of enhancements.
• Analyzed functional and technical issues and provided a resolution and fix within the time frame.
• Held continuous interaction with clients and the onshore team regarding requirements.
• Used Oracle 10g SQL functions and procedures to interact with a database.
• Customized modules, implementation, new environment setup, and configuration of Loan IQ.
• Obtained working knowledge in Loan IQ installation across all versions 7.1.X, 7.2.X, and 7.3.X.
• Debugged code and prepared flow charts explaining the process involved for specific functionality within each product module.
• Gained experience with Quality Centre and Jira Tortoise SVN Repository.
• Involved in WebEx sessions with the client team to resolve the environment and functional issues.
• Acquired working experience with clients, including Bank of America, Soc.Gen, ING, Westpac, Natixis, Pohjola, HSBC, Morgan Stanley, Groupo Santanders, and IDB.
• Managed modules customization, implementation, new environment setup, and configuration of Loan IQ.

Education

2021 - 2023

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Fintech

BITS Pilani - Pilani, Rajasthan, India

2008 - 2012

Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology

VIT University, Vellore - Tamilnadu, India

Certifications

AUGUST 2024 - PRESENT

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Institute (PMI)

MAY 2021 - PRESENT

AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials Day

AWS Training and Certification

MARCH 2019 - PRESENT

Finastra Certified Associate | Loan IQ

Finastra

Skills

Tools

Jira, IBM Cognos, Cognos Analytics 11

Paradigms

Agile Project Management, API Architecture, Testing, Functional Analysis, Agile, Scrum

Platforms

Oracle Database

Industry Expertise

Import/Export, Taxation

Other

Product Management, Fintech, Strategic Planning, Commercial Lending, Syndication, Planning, Loan IQ, App Integration, Business Analysis, Business Consulting, Resourcing, Data Modeling, Project Management Professional (PMP), Data Structures, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Quantitative Analysis, Organizational Management, Programming, People Management, Cloud, Implementation, Software Implementation, Commercial Banking, Data Migration, Single Sign-on (SSO), APIs, Azure Cloud Services, SDKs, Financial Software, Employee Training, Corporate Strategy, Structured Finance, Equation, Corporate Structure, Architecture, BRD, GST, ICEGATE, Channels, GST Ecosystem, Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), Tax Systems, Finance, Company Screening, India, App Support, Project Support, Development, IT Operations Management (ITOM), Java, SQL, Oracle, IBM Db2, Microsoft SQL Server, Batch, IBOR Transitions (ARR), Upgrades, Process Management, Business

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