In "Money Man: Tales of a Wandering Banker," Hiren Singharay invites readers on an enthralling odyssey through the corridors of international finance and the vibrant tapestry of global cultures. Born in a modest village in West Bengal, India, Hiren embarks on a remarkable career that spans over four decades, beginning with his entry into the State Bank of India in 1972 and evolving into high-stakes roles at prestigious institutions like Continental Illinois Bank, Citibank, and Standard Chartered Bank. This memoir is not merely a chronicle of boardrooms and balance sheets; it's a vivid mosaic of human stories, serendipitous encounters, and profound insights gleaned from traversing more than eighty countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond.
Hirens narrative unfolds with the charm of a seasoned storyteller, blending professional triumphs with personal reflections. From his first awkward job interview in Kolkata to navigating the cutthroat world of syndicated loans in London's financial district, he reveals the inner workings of banking during pivotal eras-from the advent of email and PCs in the 1980s to the seismic shifts post-1998 Citibank merger. Readers will relish tales of ingenuity, like outsmarting expense policies in opulent lunches at Covent Garden or dodging speed traps on Belgian motorways in a high-powered Jaguar. Yet, beneath the glamour of jet-setting lies a deeper exploration of identity, belonging, and the human condition. Hiren grapples with themes of roots and displacement, pondering whether one's origin or current path defines them, as illustrated in poignant moments like debating national allegiance at a cricket World Cup in Johannesburg.
Cultural vignettes paint a rich portrait of a cosmopolitan age: tax-evading Germans in shabby disguises queuing at Luxembourg banks, Belgian "Bond Express" trains ferrying coupon collectors, and heartfelt reunions between wartime foes in Frankfurt's wine festivals. Hiren's keen eye captures the absurdities and beauties of cross-cultural interactions- from discretionary acts of kindness at The Ritz and Lord's Cricket Ground to liberating bureaucratic gestures in German immigration offices. These stories underscore a timeless truth: "There are no strangers in the world; only friends you are yet to meet."
Dedicated to his children, this book is a testament to a life unbound by borders, where business acumen meets wanderlust. As a self-published gem from the UK, it appeals to armchair travelers, finance enthusiasts, and anyone inspired by tales of resilience and discovery. Hiren's voice-witty, introspective, and unpretentious-reminds us that amid the flux of global commerce, it's the people and places that endure. Perfect for fans of memoirs like "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight or "Vagabonding" by Rolf Potts, "Money Man" is a celebration of curiosity, adaptability, and the endless wonder of the world. Whether you're a banker reflecting on the evolution of the industry or a dreamer plotting your next adventure, this book promises to enrich your perspective on life's grand journey.
