Arif Naqvi: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Arif Naqvi’s Profile Summary

Company	Ponzi Scheme
Position	Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Abraaj Group
Source of wealth	Management and performance fees from The Abraaj Group's investment activities, personal investments in various sectors
Also known as	Philanthropist, advocate for impact investing, speaker at global economic forums.
Age	65
Education	London School of Economics – Bachelor's degree in Economics
Citizenship	Pakistan, Saint Kitts and Nevis
Residence	London, United Kingdom
Family	Married with children
Website, Social Media	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arif_Naqvi

Arif Naqvi’s biography

Arif Masood Naqvi, born on July 13, 1960, in Karachi, Pakistan, is a Pakistani-Kittitian businessman known for founding The Abraaj Group in 2002, a private equity firm that became a leading investor in emerging markets. Under his leadership, Abraaj managed assets exceeding $14 billion, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, energy, and infrastructure across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Naqvi was celebrated for promoting impact investing, aiming to generate financial returns alongside social benefits. However, in 2018, Abraaj faced allegations of mismanaging investor funds, leading to its liquidation. In 2019, Naqvi was arrested in the UK on charges of fraud and misappropriation of funds, with the United States seeking his extradition. He has consistently denied these allegations. In January 2022, the Dubai Financial Services Authority fined him $135.6 million for his role in the firm's collapse. As of 2024, Naqvi's legal battles continue, and his case remains a significant example of corporate governance challenges in emerging markets

How did Arif Naqvi make money?

Arif Naqvi makes money in the following areas:

Management and performance fees from The Abraaj Group's investment activities, personal investments in various sectors
What is Arif Naqvi net worth?

As of 2025, there is no publicly available and reliable information regarding Arif Naqvi’s net worth.

What is Arif Naqvi also known as?

Arif Naqvi has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and healthcare initiatives across emerging markets. He has been a vocal advocate for impact investing, emphasizing the importance of generating financial returns while achieving positive social outcomes. Naqvi has also participated in various global economic forums, sharing insights on sustainable development and the role of private equity in fostering growth in developing regions.

Prominent achievements of Arif Naqvi

Recognized as a leading figure in private equity within emerging markets, instrumental in managing The Abraaj Group's assets exceeding $14 billion, awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) by the Government of Pakistan for his contributions to the field of finance and investment.

What are Arif Naqvi’s key insights?

Arif Naqvi has emphasized the integration of financial success with social impact, advocating for investments that not only yield returns but also contribute positively to society. He believes in the potential of emerging markets and the importance of ethical governance and transparency in business operations. Naqvi has also highlighted the role of private equity in driving sustainable development and addressing global challenges through strategic investments.

Arif Naqvi’s personal life

Arif Naqvi is married to his wife, with whom he has two sons and a daughter. The family has maintained a relatively private life, with limited public information available about their personal affairs.

Useful insights

Top 3 Financial Pyramid Schemes

As an expert at Traders Union, I can’t stress enough how critical it is to thoroughly research any financial opportunity before you invest. Taking a few extra steps in verifying the legitimacy of a platform or broker can save you from falling victim to scams.

Bernie Madoff

His $65 billion Ponzi scheme ran for decades, fooling banks, pension funds, and celebrities alike. He used new deposits to pay old investors, maintaining the illusion of steady returns.
Allen Stanford

Promised high yields through offshore “certificates of deposit,” but in reality, siphoned $7 billion from clients in what the SEC called a classic Ponzi structure.
Tom Petters

Forged documents to attract billions in fake consumer electronics deals. Investors believed they were financing orders for retailers like Costco and Best Buy.

One clear principle emerges from these cases: If returns are steady, unusually high, and come with little transparency—be extremely cautious. Real investments always include risk and regulatory oversight.