Meet Rookaya Ahmed, Futuregrowth’s legal eagle

Rookaya’s anthem: “Ain't no mountain high enough” (Marvin Gaye)

Rookaya Ahmed joined Futuregrowth as Head of the Legal function in May 2022 from the Old Mutual Investment Group, where she had spent 10 years. Prior to that she practiced at two leading law firms, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr and Bowmans, specialising in competition law. Rookaya remains the internal competition law expert for the Old Mutual Group. She brings 20 years of legal experience to Futuregrowth, where she oversees all legal transactional requirements for both the Investment team and Operations, and is a member of the Futuregrowth Executive Committee.

What is the role of the legal function at Futuregrowth?

The role of this function is to be the primary legal resource in the company, providing advice, guidance and support across the organisation on all legal aspects. Most times this extends to other spheres for general guidance, assisting where required.

How does this differ from the compliance function?

The difference is not one based in a view, but in fact. The Compliance function tracks and monitors an entity’s compliance with legal, regulatory and policy requirements, while internal legal counsel is primarily in charge of legal drafting, vetting, and negotiating on behalf of an organisation. They are likely two sides of the same coin. While Compliance monitors what we are not doing that could get us into hot water, Legal will ensure that our liability is limited should those eventualities occur.

In her own words...

How do you feel about your job?

"I feel rather positively about my role at Futuregrowth. The ability to contribute integrity, decisiveness and candour to the system is incredibly rewarding."

How do you fit into the ecosystem at Futuregrowth?

"I see myself as an integral gatekeeper of Futuregrowth, both for the protection of our reputation and investments, and ensuring that our fiduciary duties towards our clients are upheld."

How do you contribute to Futuregrowth’s recipe for success?

"By being available and present for any Futuregrowth employee to connect with, mentoring and coaching juniors, helping them place things into perspective, while bolstering their sense of purpose. If we demonstrate that we value others, they will more likely walk a path of success with us."

Do you have a guilty obsession outside of work?

"I have an unhealthy obsession with bags and shoes. I have no desire to remedy it."