10 On The Weekend is a weekly (-ish) feature in IMI, the concept of which is simple: Each time, we ask the same ten questions of a different IMI Pro, letting readers get to know the interviewee on a more personal and informal level than they might during the ordinary course of business.
Our guest this week is Ali Bayat, CEO at Nila Global
How do you spend your weekends?
I usually split my weekends between staying active and spending quality time with the people closest to me. I play padel regularly, which helps me reset both physically and mentally, and I make a point of dedicating time to family and close friends.
For me, weekends are about balance; recharging, meaningful conversations, and maintaining the relationships that matter most.
What are your top three business goals this year?
My top three business goals this year focus on long-term value and impact.
First, to create deeper, more strategic value for my clients by helping them make future-proof decisions around global mobility, investment, and lifestyle planning, with quality of life at the core.
Second, I aim to expand my role as an educator and advisor, guiding individuals and families to view migration, citizenship, and longevity as interconnected life strategies rather than one-off transactions.
Third, I aim to develop scalable platforms and partnerships that integrate global mobility with wellness, preventive health, and longevity-focused solutions, enabling this holistic approach to reach a broader audience without compromising trust or quality.
What’s your biggest business concern right now?
The growing level of global uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions, regulatory shifts, and economic volatility is my primary concern.
These dynamics directly impact cross-border mobility, investment planning, and long-term decision-making for individuals and families.
My focus is on helping clients navigate this complexity with clarity, resilience, and well-structured contingency strategies, rather than reacting to short-term political or market noise.
Which book is on your nightstand right now?
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia.
How and when did you first get into the investment migration industry?
I entered the industry 22 years ago, starting with a part-time role at a Canadian immigration law firm. That early exposure gave me a practical understanding of migration law, client realities, and cross-border planning.
It laid the foundation for the work I do today in global mobility and investment migration.
What was your proudest moment as a service provider?
My proudest moments are when the trust of my clients extends to the next generation, when their children not only continue working with me but also recommend me to their own friends and networks. This reflects lasting credibility, deep trust, and long-term impact.
Which investment migration market development has surprised you the most in the last year?
The rapid increase in the number of players entering the citizenship-by-investment space has been the most surprising development.
The market has become more crowded, with new advisors, intermediaries, and programs emerging, which has raised both competition and the importance of credibility, regulation, and long-term value for clients.
If you could go ten years back in time, what business decision would you change?
I genuinely value the path I’ve taken and wouldn’t change the journey itself. However, if I could adjust one thing, it would be to be more deliberate about trust; taking more time to assess partnerships and relationships before fully committing.
That awareness comes with experience and has ultimately strengthened how I operate today.
What investment migration industry personality do you most admire?
I admire professionals in the industry who prioritize integrity, long-term thinking, and client education over short-term transactions.
Those who help shape standards, promote transparency, and contribute to the maturity of the investment migration industry as a whole have earned my respect more than any single individual.
If all goes according to plan, what will you be doing five years from now?
I see myself building and leading a lifestyle-driven community for global citizens; one that goes beyond migration and investment to include wellness, education, meaningful connections, and long-term quality of life.
The goal is to create an ecosystem where globally mobile individuals and families can thrive, not just relocate.
