Ameer Hassan: From fintech growth to global leadership

What led you to choose the Cambridge MBA? 

My decision to pursue the Cambridge MBA grew naturally from my professional journey and a genuine desire to deepen my understanding of global business in a practical, immersive way. Over the last few years working in the financial services industry, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with diverse cross-functional teams, which sparked a deeper curiosity to understand the multifaceted nature of global businesses, both from an academic lens and through practical exposure. I sought a programme that transcends traditional classroom theory-one that emphasizes real-world application, hands-on projects such as the Cambridge Venture Project and Global Consulting Project and fosters learning through diversity. 

The Cambridge MBA stood out as the natural choice because of its distinctive combination of rigorous academics, practical consulting opportunities and an international cohort representing varied industries and cultures. This diversity reflects the complexity of today’s business world and is crucial for gaining a well-rounded perspective. More importantly, Cambridge’s culture is centered around a strong collaborative mindset, encouraging teamwork, open exchange of ideas and support, which aligns perfectly with my belief that business success depends on collective effort. 

By being part of Cambridge’s vibrant, global community, I look forward to not only deepening my knowledge and skills but also enhancing my global network, building lasting connections that will enable me to navigate and lead across different markets and sectors. This synergy between academic excellence, practical learning, diversity and collaboration is what truly motivated me to choose the Cambridge MBA. 

What has been your biggest career accomplishment so far? 

My biggest career accomplishment so far has been my contribution at Rupeek Fintech (currently one of the largest asset-backed lending platforms in India) during its initial years, a critical period marked by capital scarcity and market uncertainties. During this challenging phase, I focused on building and scaling strategic partnerships that were vital to the company’s early growth and sustainability. These efforts had a significant impact, helping to expand our customer base and diversify revenue streams at a time when resources were limited. 

My contributions played a key role in strengthening the company’s foundation and accelerating its journey to achieving profitability for the first time. Navigating through this period required agility, creativity and a strong focus on execution under pressure, qualities that I have developed and take pride in. Being part of Rupeek’s formative years and helping drive its success has been a deeply rewarding and defining milestone in my career. 

How do you feel about receiving your scholarship? 

I am deeply honoured and genuinely humbled to receive the Cambridge MBA Dean’s Scholarship for Outstanding Academic Achievement. This award is a meaningful recognition not only of my academic journey but also of the values and potential I bring to the Cambridge Judge Business School community. It motivates me even more to uphold the high standards of excellence, leadership and impact that this scholarship represents. 

The financial support this scholarship provides offers significant relief from the considerable costs associated with the MBA, allowing me to concentrate fully on my career development, immersive learning and expanding my network without the added financial pressure. This peace of mind enhances my ability to seize the diverse opportunities Cambridge offers, both inside and outside the classroom. 

Beyond the financial aspect, this scholarship reinforces my commitment to contribute actively to the vibrant and diverse Cambridge MBA community, as an ambassador for the program and a collaborative member of my cohort. This scholarship not only validates my past efforts but also inspires me to fully embrace every opportunity Cambridge offers, to learn deeply, lead effectively and contribute meaningfully to my cohort and the broader community. 

What do you hope to gain from the MBA over the next year?

Over the next year, I aspire to develop a comprehensive and relevant skill set that will enable me to become a well-rounded and impactful leader in today’s dynamic business environment. The Cambridge MBA’s emphasis on experiential learning and real-world problem solving will equip me with practical tools and frameworks that I can immediately apply across various business functions such as finance, strategy and operations. I am particularly eager to build a strong foundation in these cross-functional domains, enabling me to approach complex challenges with a holistic perspective. 

Moreover, the collaborative and inclusive culture at Cambridge presents a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse cohort of talented professionals from around the world. Learning alongside individuals from varied geographies and backgrounds will broaden my understanding of different markets, cultures and leadership styles, enriching my global outlook. This international network, combined with case-based and hands-on projects, will foster the exchange of ideas, encourage innovative thinking and help me grow both personally and professionally. Ultimately, I aim to emerge from the Cambridge MBA journey not only with enhanced skills and knowledge but also with lifelong connections and the confidence to lead effectively in a global business landscape. 

What does Cambridge mean to you? 

Cambridge, to me, represents much more than a prestigious institution, it embodies a vibrant and diverse community that stretches far beyond the Business School. It is a place where people from every corner of the world come together, bringing with them expertise across disciplines, deep cultural insights and a wealth of life experiences. This mosaic of perspectives creates a truly unique environment, one where intellectual curiosity, cultural exchange and collaborative spirit seamlessly converge. 

What excites me most is the opportunity to connect not only with talented peers at Judge but also with scholars, innovators and changemakers across the wider Cambridge ecosystem, scientists, entrepreneurs, policy leaders and artists alike. The shared commitment to pushing boundaries and learning from one another makes Cambridge fertile ground for ideas that transcend traditional silos. 

Cambridge encourages stepping outside comfort zones, nurturing resilience and leadership while fostering friendships and collaborations that last a lifetime. At its core lies a community built on inclusivity, mutual support and shared purpose, where belonging is felt from the very first day. To me, Cambridge is not just a place to learn, but a place to grow alongside a global network of individuals dedicated to shaping a better future. 

Something few people know about you…

I am a passionate runner and I completed various marathon events back in India and aspire to complete the world marathon majors in the upcoming years. I am a football fan as well, a die-hard Brazilian fan and a Liverpool supporter.