Headline

Ex - EY I Ex - Evalueserve I Business Consulting I Assistant Director | Business Research & Competitive Intelligence | Assurance Enablement | Market, Regulatory & ESG Intelligence | Big 4 (EY)

About

I bring to the table a strong foundation in business research and insights, where I translate complex data into meaningful intelligence that fuels strategy and sharpens decision-making. My work sits at the intersection of analytical rigor and operational excellence, enabling organizations to anticipate change, adapt quickly, and seize emerging opportunities with confidence. I thrive in shaping competitive intelligence frameworks and leading cross-functional teams that deliver not just research outputs but actionable narratives. Whether it’s designing methodologies, optimizing processes, or building analytical tools, I focus on creating value that aligns seamlessly with corporate objectives while enhancing efficiency across business functions. At heart, I am equally comfortable with big-picture strategy and the operational detail that brings it to life. From managing multi-sector research programs to guiding assurance projects, I ensure that every deliverable speaks to both quality and relevance. My approach is collaborative and empowering, driving high-performance cultures that embrace innovation and continuous learning. I believe in the power of relationships—whether with senior leadership, clients, or global stakeholders—to co-create solutions that are practical, scalable, and sustainable. By connecting insights with execution, I ensure that research is not a static output but a living driver of growth and transformation. If you wish to connect, discuss opportunities, or explore potential collaborations, feel free to reach out at aasif009@gmail.com.

Location

New Delhi

AI stack

n8n

notion

openai

perplexity

Work experience

Business Consultant at SFI Impact Foundation, Mar 2026 - Present · 2 mos, New Delhi, Delhi, India, 1. To study the Indian MSME sector in detail and identify high-impact intervention areas across finance, market access, technology adoption, skills, and regulatory simplification. 2. Design research framework, instruments, and sampling strategy. 3. Organise and support stakeholder consultations, workshops, and expert roundtables 4, Conduct landscape review of existing models

Assistant Director / Manager – Assurance (Markets) at EY, Oct 2012 - Feb 2026 · 13 yrs 5 mos, Gurugram, Haryana, India, • Lead global assurance research and competitive intelligence initiatives supporting EY Partners and senior leadership across the Americas and EMEIA. • Drive audit fee benchmarking and pricing intelligence programs covering 700–900 companies annually, supporting audit pursuits, retentions, and repricing decisions. • Contributed to 10.6% audit fee growth in the US Central region, significantly outperforming Big 4 averages. • Lead regulatory, governance, and ESG intelligence initiatives, including audit rotation rules, accounting frameworks, tax regimes, and sustainability regulations across multiple jurisdictions. • Deliver executive-level market, competitor, and industry intelligence to support strategic decision-making and go-to-market planning. • Manage and mentor cross-border teams across India and Poland, ensuring delivery excellence and stakeholder satisfaction. • Spearheaded Power BI dashboards for audit pricing trends, competitor positioning, and market insights.

Research Lead (Manager) at Evalueserve, Jul 2011 - Oct 2012 · 1 yr 4 mos, Gurugram, Haryana, India, In this role, I spearheaded investment research for a global banking client by steering a diverse team across regions and ensuring that every deliverable was sharp, insightful, and aligned with business priorities. I elevated research standards by embedding advanced database methodologies into daily workflows. I strengthened corporate governance reporting through structured MIS insights that shaped executive decisions. I cultivated talent by coaching analysts, enhancing their performance and expertise. I turned research operations into a trusted engine of intelligence for high-value investment outcomes.

Assistant Manager at Evalueserve, Oct 2010 - Jun 2011 · 9 mos, Here, I delivered rapid, on-demand research that equipped investment banking clients with actionable intelligence under pressing timelines. I refined research outputs through close collaboration, ensuring clarity, precision, and business impact. I mentored analysts, instilling confidence in their ability to handle complex assignments independently. I maximized efficiency by adapting approaches to client expectations without compromising quality. I positioned the research function as a reliable partner in strategic decision-making.

Senior Business Analyst at Evalueserve, Sep 2009 - Oct 2010 · 1 yr 2 mos, In this assignment, I advanced the Knowledge Dissemination Group by creating in-depth industry and company intelligence that fueled both internal and external decision-making. I generated financial reports, profiles, and executive summaries that provided clear perspectives on markets and competitors. I enhanced research accuracy by applying multiple premium databases to extract the most relevant insights. I optimized team operations through fair allocation, performance assessments, and knowledge sharing. I turned routine research into meaningful outputs that guided strategy.

Research Analyst to Senior Analyst at The Smart Cube, Jun 2005 - Jul 2008 · 3 yrs 2 mos, During my stint, I drove strategic research delivery for global clients by constructing detailed company and industry profiles that became the foundation of competitive intelligence. I synthesized insights from premium databases and ensured client-ready outputs with clarity and accuracy. I enhanced team knowledge through training initiatives and ensured consistent quality through rigorous assurance practices. I created customized solutions tailored to client needs, increasing the value of every project delivered. I strengthened collaboration with senior professionals to align insights with strategic business outcomes.

Research Analyst at Smart Analyst (India) Pvt. Ltd., Feb 2005 - Jun 2005 · 5 mos, During my stint, I drove strategic research delivery for global clients by constructing detailed company and industry profiles that became the foundation of competitive intelligence. I synthesized insights from premium databases and ensured client-ready outputs with clarity and accuracy. I enhanced team knowledge through training initiatives and ensured consistent quality through rigorous assurance practices. I created customized solutions tailored to client needs, increasing the value of every project delivered. I strengthened collaboration with senior professionals to align insights with strategic business outcomes.

Education

PGDBM, Finance, Wigan and Leigh College (India)

Bachelors of Commerce, Accounting, Utkal University