Carlos Reyes is a man who has seen the world through the lens of finance, investment, and human connection. With over three decades of experience, he has worked across 75 countries, helping businesses and governments access capital and drive growth. From Wall Street to the mountains of Nepal, his journey has been one of both professional success and personal discovery. In a conversation with Banking News, Reyes shared his insights on the global investment landscape, the rising opportunities in Dubai, and the lessons life has taught him along the way.

From Mexico to Global Finance

“I’m originally from Mexico,” Reyes began. “I lived in the United States for many years and was part of the Morgan Stanley team. That experience taught me how global finance operates at the highest level.”

After years in the corporate world, Reyes decided to start his own venture in financial advisory and project funding. Today, his firm provides funding through both direct investment and financial instruments such as standby letters of credit (SBLCs). “We fund projects in any country, in any sector, and in any amount,” he said. “We help businesses and governments turn their plans into action.”

His career has taken him from Mexico to the U.S., Europe, Asia, and now the Middle East. “I lived in Italy, Turkey, and now Dubai,” he said. “Each place gave me a unique perspective on how people think about money, opportunity, and growth. I’ve visited 75 countries, and every one of them has taught me something about resilience and ambition.”

A Spiritual Connection with Nepal

Among his travels, Nepal holds a special place in Reyes’ heart. “Nepal is the most beautiful part of the planet,” he said with emotion. “I’ve been there three times, and one of the most incredible experiences of my life was trekking to Everest Base Camp. Fourteen days of walking and pushing your limits it’s not just physical, it’s spiritual.”

Reyes compares that experience to running a business. “In life and in business, we all have our own Mount Everest to climb,” he explained. “The summit only lasts 15 minutes, but the climb when you fall, get tired, and keep going that’s where you find meaning. The journey is what makes success worthwhile.”

He plans to return to Nepal in April 2026 to relive that experience. “I’m going back to do it again,” he said. “Nepal gives me peace and inspiration. Every time I visit, I come back with a clearer vision.”

Dubai: The World’s New Investment Frontier

When the topic turned to Dubai, Reyes’ enthusiasm was unmistakable. “The best of Dubai is yet to come,” he said confidently. “The UAE is entering a golden era. Big corporations like Google and NASDAQ are setting up here. The city is becoming one of the most important business hubs in the world.”

He emphasized Dubai’s unique environment for investors. “Doing business here is easy,” he said. “Getting residency, setting up a company, finding partners it’s all very smooth. Dubai has built an ecosystem that truly supports growth.”

What impresses Reyes most is the UAE’s multicultural makeup. “Ninety percent of the UAE’s population comes from outside,” he said. “No empire in history the Greeks, Romans, Ottomans ever achieved that level of global integration. Here, you meet people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Europe, Latin America, Africa it’s a global melting pot. That’s the beauty of this place.”

The Window of Opportunity

While Reyes believes Dubai will continue to thrive, he also thinks that the current openness won’t last forever. “Today, the UAE has around 11 million people. In 20 years, it might be 30 million,” he predicted. “When that happens, immigration might tighten, taxes could increase, and corporate policies could change. It’s natural as an economy matures.”

That’s why, in his view, now is the best time to invest. “The next 20 years are going to define Dubai’s future,” he said. “Right now, everything is in motion. The government is encouraging innovation and digital transformation. If you get in early, you’ll grow with the city.”

Reyes compares Dubai’s present moment to the early days of major global financial hubs. “It reminds me of New York in the 1950s or Singapore in the 1980s,” he said. “There’s energy, optimism, and ambition everywhere you go. Dubai is being built in real-time by people who believe in possibilities.”

A Global Perspective on Investment

Reyes’ approach to investment is shaped by experience and a belief in long-term thinking. “I never limit myself to one market or one sector,” he said. “Opportunities are everywhere energy, infrastructure, technology, healthcare. What matters is finding value where others don’t.”

He’s particularly drawn to projects that combine profitability with purpose. “Money should do more than multiply,” he said. “When you invest in something that makes a positive impact something sustainable you’re not just building wealth, you’re building a legacy.”

His company also works with financial instruments that facilitate cross-border investments. “We use instruments like SBLCs, bank guarantees, and structured project finance to make global funding easier,” he said. “We’re connecting capital from investors in one part of the world to projects that need it in another.”

Lessons from a Lifetime in Finance

After 30 years in finance, Reyes has seen cycles of boom and bust, but he believes one thing never changes: trust. “Numbers matter, but relationships matter more,” he said. “You can have the best business plan, but without trust, it won’t go anywhere.”

He recalled several deals that failed because of poor communication or lack of transparency. “Sometimes, billion-dollar deals collapse because people don’t trust each other,” he said. “And sometimes, small partnerships grow into global companies because they’re built on honesty and respect.”

His time working in different cultures has also shaped his leadership style. “When you live in different countries, you learn to adapt,” he said. “You learn to listen. You realize that while systems are different, ambition is the same everywhere. Everyone wants to build something meaningful.”

The Future of Global Investment

Looking ahead, Reyes sees technology as a major force shaping the investment world. “Artificial intelligence, digital banking, blockchain all these tools are changing how we move money and assess risk,” he said. “But even as the systems evolve, the fundamentals stay the same. You have to identify value, manage risk, and stay patient.”

He believes that investors who combine financial knowledge with a human touch will lead the next era of growth. “Technology can process data, but it can’t replace human judgment,” he said. “That’s why emotional intelligence is as important as financial intelligence.”

Advice for the Next Generation

For young entrepreneurs and investors looking to enter the UAE market, Reyes has clear advice: take action. “Don’t wait for the perfect time it doesn’t exist,” he said. “The best time to start is now. Dubai rewards those who act, who innovate, and who have the courage to try.”

He encourages young professionals to think globally. “Don’t limit your vision to one country or one idea. The world is interconnected. If you can think internationally and build strong partnerships, success will follow.”

A Life Beyond Business

Despite his achievements, Reyes remains grounded. His passion for travel, exploration, and human connection continues to drive him. “I see business as a journey,” he said. “Every challenge teaches you something new. Every success, no matter how small, is a step closer to your own Everest.”

As he prepares for his next adventure in Nepal, Reyes reflected on what truly matters. “At the end of the day, success is not just about how much money you make,” he said. “It’s about how many lives you touch, how many people you inspire. The summit is temporary, but the climb that’s where life happens.”

“Enjoy the climb,” he said with a smile. “The summit is short, but the journey that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”