Datuk Zainal Izlan holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics (dual concentration in Accounting & Finance) from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder. He has over 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry. He began his career with Citibank before joining MIDF Amanah Asset Management. Just before joining the SC, Datuk Zainal Izlan was the Chief Executive Officer of i-VCAP Management, an Islamic fund management firm based in Malaysia.