Hanif Mantiq, CEO, PT Surya Timur Alam Raya Asset Management (“STAR AM”)
The investment world is no longer defined by old playbooks. Today’s market is driven by constant change, digital disruption, and a need for personalized, forward-thinking strategies. Gone are the days when investors relied solely on traditional methods and static models. In an age where technology shapes every decision and clients demand more than just returns, the real challenge is in navigating this ever-shifting landscape with agility, vision, and a deep understanding of evolving needs. This new era calls for leaders who can look beyond spreadsheets—blending data, tech, and human insight to craft bold, tailored solutions that serve clients’ deeper goals. One such visionary leader, who has successfully embraced this dynamic approach, is Hanif Mantiq, the CEO of PT Surya Timur Alam Raya Asset Management (“STAR AM”).
A Journey Driven by Curiosity and Leadership
Not all success stories start with grand ambitions—some begin with curiosity and a willingness to say yes. For Hanif, that moment came in university when he agreed to help a senior with a thesis project. What seemed like a simple task—distributing surveys and managing data—quickly became a turning point. As he dove deeper into the project, he found himself performing descriptive analysis using SPSS and Microsoft Access to manage the acquired questionnaire data. While the compensation he received for his efforts felt rewarding at the time, what really stuck with him was the thrill of figuring things out on his own and realizing how these tools could unlock real-world opportunities. It opened up new opportunities, from organizing campus seminars and sports events to managing music festivals—each experience sharpening his leadership abilities and broadening his horizons.
A turning point came when Hanif received a prestigious scholarship to pursue his Master’s degree, funded by a state-owned insurance company managing Indonesia’s social security funds. This opportunity not only deepened his academic knowledge but also launched him into the heart of the investment world. Upon graduation, Hanif joined the company’s investment team, where he spent nearly seven years focusing primarily on the stock market. But it was his next role at a prominent investment management company in Indonesia that truly shifted his perspective. There, he developed a deeper understanding of how client-centric innovation could drive success.
However, it wasn’t just technical expertise that motivated Hanif. He was inspired by the timeless wisdom and leadership of Warren Buffett, a legendary investor who built a leading investment firm and became one of the wealthiest individuals in America. Known as the ‘Oracle of Omaha,’ Buffett’s disciplined approach, long-term perspective, and values-based leadership left a lasting impression on Hanif. Today, he brings that same mindset to his work: blending data-driven decision-making with a clear purpose to create impactful investment solutions that serve clients and foster trust.
Driving Digital Transformation in Investment Management
After years of honing his expertise in investment management, Hanif’s career took a pivotal turn when a former colleague reached out with an opportunity at STAR AM, a leading investment management company in Indonesia. With a proven track record, Hanif joined STAR AM as Chief Marketing Officer, aiming to grow the company’s assets under management and position it as a key player in the industry. In just a year and a half, his efforts paid off, leading to his appointment as CEO by the company’s shareholders, with a clear mandate: to drive the company’s digital transformation. What made the CEO role particularly compelling for Hanif was the forward-thinking vision shared by the company’s shareholders. They were deeply committed to embracing digital innovation, not just in marketing investment products but also in streamlining operations. This visionary support gave Hanif the green light to lead with confidence.
One of his standout initiatives was forging a partnership with one of Indonesia’s largest digital wallets, opening the door to an expansive new customer base and enabling STAR AM to offer mutual funds to a wider audience. Hanif was drawn to this challenge because of the strong alignment between his own vision and the company’s commitment to digital progress. The push for digitalization required significant investment in infrastructure—data storage, cybersecurity, and IT talent—but Hanif saw this as a necessary step toward building a more resilient, customer-focused future. His vision for STAR AM was clear: to build a forward-thinking organization ready to embrace the digital age and deliver tailored investment solutions for the modern investor. “I viewed the CEO role as an opportunity to elevate STAR AM to new heights, strengthen its market position, drive product and service innovation, and build a truly client-centric organization,” shares Hanif.
Turning Adversity into Strength
Every leader has a defining moment that tests their resolve—and for Hanif, it came in the form of the 2008 global financial crisis. At the time, he was managing assets worth tens of trillions of Rupiah at a state-owned insurance company when the Indonesian Composite Stock Price Index (Jakarta Composite Index/JCI) plummeted by over 50%, causing portfolios to swing dramatically from potential gains to significant unrealized losses. The impact of this crisis was profound, with the potential losses reaching staggering amounts, threatening both the company’s stability and the confidence of its stakeholders. But, rather than allowing the crisis to derail his career, Hanif embraced it as a powerful learning experience. “Through this adversity, I learned invaluable lessons, including the importance of trust and patience, recognizing that markets will eventually recover, even if it takes time,” Hanif recalls. The crisis also drove him to further explore risk management principles, helping him become more cautious and informed in his decision-making.
Embracing a Holistic, Client-Centric Approach
For Hanif, strong client relationships aren’t just a priority—they’re the bedrock of a sustainable asset management business. At STAR AM, this philosophy is brought to life through five key pillars: deep understanding, transparent and proactive communication, consistent performance, product and service innovation, and a value-added focus that goes far beyond portfolio management. The dedicated team at STAR AM takes time to truly get to know every client—their needs, investment objectives, and risk tolerance—before offering any solution. This thoughtful, client-centric approach naturally paves the way for more personalized strategies, tailored to deliver value where it matters most. But understanding alone isn’t enough. Hanif ensures that transparent and proactive communication remains a core pillar of the firm’s operations—clients are regularly updated, and investment strategies are clearly explained, even when markets become unpredictable.
Beyond this, STAR AM remains committed to delivering competitive results that align with client expectations. But Hanif knows that in a fast-evolving industry, performance must be coupled with innovation. Thus, STAR AM continuously evolves its product and service offerings to reflect changing market dynamics. More than just delivering returns, the firm also places equal emphasis on educating clients and empowering them with market insights, ensuring they feel informed and confident in every step of their financial journey. “To expand our reach, we leverage digital technology innovations to connect with a broader customer base, forge strategic partnerships, and develop compelling offerings for new market segments, all without compromising the quality of our service and our client-centric approach,” explains Hanif.
Leadership Grounded in Strong Principles
At the heart of Hanif’s leadership lies a clear set of principles that not only guide his decisions but also shape STAR AM’s culture. One of the cornerstones of his leadership is a strong commitment to sustainability. As Hanif puts it, “We emphasize achieving a high level of excellence in all our endeavors, consistently striving for superior quality and focusing on sustainable practices and positive business impact, with integrity as our primary guide.” He understands that success isn’t a solo pursuit—it thrives on collaboration. Thus, at STAR AM, he nurtures a culture of teamwork, where colleagues and stakeholders feel empowered, supported, and united by a shared mission. Recognizing the industry’s ever-evolving nature, Hanif encourages agility—welcoming change, promoting innovation, and supporting organizational flexibility through initiatives like talent mobility and holacracy.
Yet perhaps the most defining aspect of his leadership is resilience. For Hanif, growth isn’t just about wins—it’s about learning from setbacks and emerging stronger. Whether facing market turbulence or internal challenges, his steady focus on resilience helps STAR AM stay grounded and future-ready. To embed these values deeply into the organization, Hanif leads by example. He communicates these principles consistently, aligns every strategic move with them, and approaches ethical dilemmas with transparency and care. “I firmly believe that a strong corporate culture grounded in clear values serves as our compass in navigating the dynamics of the industry,” he adds.
Shaping the Future of Investment in Indonesia
Looking ahead, Hanif envisions a bold future for STAR AM — one where the firm becomes Indonesia’s number one and most trusted investment manager, empowering clients to reach their financial goals. But his vision extends beyond financial success. He aims to play a pivotal role in elevating financial literacy across Indonesia, ensuring that all Indonesians have the tools to make informed financial decisions. “I envision STAR AM playing a significant role in enhancing financial literacy among the Indonesian populace, facilitating access to investment products through digital innovation, and championing responsible investment practices encompassing governance, social, and environmental considerations,” he shares.
Guiding the Next Generation of Leaders
To those stepping into the world of business and leadership, Hanif offers timeless and practical wisdom: “Find your passion. Build something you genuinely believe in. Passion will fuel you through challenging times.”
He encourages entrepreneurs to embrace innovation through well-calculated risks and focus on crafting solutions rather than dwelling on problems. He also emphasizes the importance of building a solid team, where mutual support and shared vision are key to achieving success. Finally, Hanif urges future leaders to keep learning, adapt to change, prioritize integrity, and make a positive impact. “Remember that true success is not solely measured by financial gains but also by the positive contributions you make to society and the environment,” he concludes, leaving a powerful reminder of the deeper purpose behind true leadership.