The boss of a private bank has told of his sadness that the business is pulling out of the island.
Mohammed Jafri said: ‘I’ve enjoyed every second of living and working in the Isle of Man. It’s such a nice place.’
Mr Jafri is vice president of Habib European Bank which has surrendered its licence with the Financial Services Authority.
Mr Jafri and three other people worked for the bank which is based in a prominent spot in the finance sector in Athol Street, Douglas.
The private bank has operated as a wholly owned subsidiary in the island since 1982.
Mr Jafri revealed customers were first informed of the impending closure last November.
The island bank itself will finally close for good nextmonth (September).
Mr Jafri stressed all deposits have been returned to the bank’s private clients and nobody has lost any money.
The private bank will be contining its operations in the UK, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Mr Jafri has himself been with the bank in the island for 24 years. He told Business News that the Athol Street company Estera would be looking after the bank’s affairs after it finally leaves.
Mr Jafri, 65, said he and his wife Yasmin have put their house in Tromode up for sale and he is looking to possibly leaving the island in October to retire to his home country of Pakistan where relatives still live.
Mr Jafri and his wife have three grown-up children who enjoyed being educated in the island. He said the family has enjoyed being part of the island community and friendships had also been forged with fellow muslims who attended Friday prayers at the mosque in Douglas.
Mr Jafri said he was proud of having his own Manx passport and has loved exploring the island. ‘I think I now know every lane and corner in the island which is a such a nice place,’ he said.
He stressed the bank was leaving on good terms. He said there had not been many local accounts and most customers were from off the island.
It is understood the three other permanent members of staff, have accepted redundancy terms.
Mr Jafri hopes he would not lose touch with his friends in the island and one day they might return for a holiday.