Jan-Willem Sudmann is Head of International Business at Dubai-based Mashreq bank. He moved to the UAE in December 2015. Previously, he worked for 6 years in China running offices in Beijing and Shanghai for Germany’s Commerzbank. Prior to China, he ran the International Business Division for Dresdner Bank in Frankfurt. Sudmann, who is a German and his wife Bridget from New Zealand, have 3 children, two of whom are studying in Auckland, New Zealand, while the youngest is attending school in Dubai.
Who was your biggest influence for learning how to manage money?
My biggest influence in managing money was my mother. My father passed away when I was nine-years-old and my mother included me in financial decisions from an early age. Responsibility for family financial decisions continue still.
How much did you get paid for your first job?
It was 500 Deutsch marks ($250) a month for playing football.
What is your most cherished purchase?
My first own pair of skis.
What is your worst spending decision?
A few regretful investments in European stocks.
What’s the first thing you do after getting paid each month?
Have a lovely dinner with my wife.
Where do you invest your money?
I tend to focus on residential real estate, renewable energy and education.
Do you have a financial plan in place for the future?
We have a balanced (real estate and pension schemes) financial plan established.
Are you spender or saver?
I save money for my investments, while also spending to enjoy some quality time with family and friends
If you won Dh1 million, what would you do with it?
I would buy a ski school.
Your best investment advice in one sentence
Think about your future and invest in assets close to your future plans.
