In the world of global finance, leadership is not merely about bottom-line outcomes on a balance sheet anymore. It is about understanding individuals, navigating shifting markets, and making choices that merge strategy with empathy. Mohit Gupta, Senior Vice President at Apex Group Ltd, makes that sort of leadership a reality. His path from a small town in India to leading business strategy throughout the Middle East is an inspiring example of what it means to lead with intention, clarity, and impact.
“Growing up in Rampur, India, taught me the value of resilience and empathy,” Mohit reflects.
These early lessons have remained central to his approach, even as he took on major responsibilities at global companies like Samsung Electronics, Mastercard and Western Union. Mohit has diverse industry experience—commodities, electronics, real estate, payments, remittances, and fund administration—and has a strong network and has been a member of BNI, Toastmasters, and the Malt Society of Arabia.
With over 32,000-plus LinkedIn followers and having touched so many lives as a mentor and guide, Mohit is blessed to be in the UAE’s multicultural and cosmopolitan environment. His experience spans more than 20 years and multiple industries, each adding to his ability to lead across cultures and build trust in fast-moving environments.
Shaping Growth at Apex Group
When Mohit joined Apex Group in 2024, he was charged with overseeing sales and business development for the region. His job is far more than targets and figures. He collaborates closely with country teams to ensure that Apex’s overall strengths are matched with the region’s particular requirements and regulations.
“So far, we have won multibillion dollars’ worth of new mandates,” he reports. “We have also established strong relationships with family offices, sovereign wealth funds, hedge funds, and private equity firms.” These relationships, he says, are founded on consistency, strategic clarity, and knowing what clients actually need to grow.
Apex Group’s strength to provide a full suite of services under one umbrella is central to this success. Fund administration, ESG advisory, compliance, and digital solutions are all offered on a single platform. This assists clients with lowering complexity and concentrating on long-term results.
“What sets us apart is our ability to act locally while delivering at a global scale,” he explains. “We understand what is important in the region and tailor our approach accordingly.”
Making Smart Decisions in High-Stakes Situations
In roles that demand fast and high-impact decisions, Mohit believes the key is clarity. “In high-pressure environments, waiting for perfect information can slow progress,” he says. “I make decisions based on what is available, after consulting key people, and stay ready to adapt if needed.”
His experience at Mastercard, where he oversaw cross-border payment business in over 80 countries, shaped him into a leader who takes this stance. There, he managed from issues with compliance to evolving customer needs. Through the experience, he was forced to believe in his instincts, stay close to the facts and always have the bigger picture in sight.
“The most powerful strategy in any business is to lead with purpose and execute with precision.”
Navigating Career Transitions with Confidence
One of the standout moments in Mohit’s career was a transition from real estate to financial services. Going from CEO of Wall Street Property to a regional leadership post at Western Union meant not only a change of knowledge but also of mind.
I needed to re-skill, adapt and accept new degrees of complexity,” he says. Coordinating profit and loss statements, driving digital transformation and introducing new products in over 80 countries required technical know-how and cultural sensitivity. It was an experience that eventually made him a more adaptable and reflective leader.
“It taught me that growth tends to occur beyond your comfort zone,” he adds.
Finding Balance Through Focus and Practice
In senior leadership positions, balance is not doing less. For Mohit, it is doing the most important things. “I schedule my time according to outcomes, not hours,” he explains. He reserves each week for reflection, learning and creative activity. His participation in Toastmasters, where he achieved a Competent Communicator certificate, has given him mental lucidity and articulation.
These habits assist him in remaining stable when handling country portfolios and overseeing large teams. “Leaders must remain sharp, grounded, and receptive to development,” he says.
The Role of Mentorship in His Leadership Journey
Mentorship played a great role in defining Mohit’s leadership values. At a young age in his professional career, he learned from experienced professionals who urged him to think globally and act locally. That guidance has remained with him and impacts how he mentors people even today.
“I work with early-stage entrepreneurs and up-and-coming professionals, particularly within the DIFC startup scene,” he says. “I assist them in creating product strategies, positioning themselves for investor discussions and deal structuring.” Mentorship is a mutual venture for him. It keeps him engaged with fresh ideas and issues, while providing others with access to his experience.
“Mentorship is not a transaction,” he says. “It is a collaborative investment in growth.”
Staying Ahead of Industry Change
The financial industry is changing fast, and Mohit thinks one has to keep ahead of change on a going-concern basis. He goes to industry conferences regularly, tracks global trends in regulation and remains closely connected with compliance and fintech specialists.
“Being ahead of changes such as tokenization, digital assets, ESG regulation and digital identity infrastructures has been imperative at Mastercard and Apex,” he adds. He believes trendspotting is not only a practice, but also a leadership art that keeps the business current and competitive.
“Great leaders don’t just predict the future, they build the systems and teams that shape it.”
Creating Impact that Endures
Despite achieving so many milestones, one of the most valued achievements by Mohit is what he accomplished at Mastercard, spearheading cross-border services. The outcomes involved robust revenue growth and multimillion-dollar alliances. But most important was the broader impact of the work.
“We contributed to expanded financial access, electronic-enabled money transfers, and backed institutions in emerging markets,” he explains. “It was a mix of business contribution and social impact, which is what I attempt to deliver in every role.”
This balance of commercial achievement and positive contribution is a thread throughout his career. It’s an indication of his belief that leaders should be judging success not only in terms of figures, but in the change, they assist in creating.
“Every market, no matter how complex, responds to authenticity and long-term thinking.”
Advice to Upcoming Leaders
When asked for his advice to young professionals seeking to develop their careers in global finance, Mohit responds with candor and certainty.
“Stay curious,” he advises. “Lifelong learners are the best leaders. And learn the basics. Know how business, regulation, and risk interact. Be clear in your communication and take charge before anyone gives you a title.” Most importantly, he points to integrity. “In finance, trust is the most valuable thing you will ever carry,” he says.
A Legacy of Connection and Purpose
When asked how he might summarize his legacy, Mohit provides a brief but compelling sentence. “He built bridges between industries, people and purpose and left every space better than he found it,” he says.
It is a demonstration of a leadership odyssey characterized not only by success, but by values, vision, and an abiding commitment to advancement.
