Askari Financial
Askari Financial, frequently referred to as Askari Financial Services, is a holding company based in the city of Bailymena. The company, along with the eponymous Askari family that are its owners, has its roots in distant Akkodia. Originally, the Askaris were a successful dynasty of warriors; while they maintained their martial traditions, they traded warfare and conquest for mercantilism, executed with a similar degree of ruthlessness. One of the Askari ancestors decided to seek employ for his family and their men as guards for the trade caravans that went from Akkodia into other countries. This allowed them to gather intelligence on the trade routes, which they exploited by clandestinely raiding traders and caravans from opposing merchant guilds, thus making the Askari-guarded guilds more successful.
Ultimately, the Askaris grew powerful enough to buy out the guilds that they were guarding, consolidating their power over a significant portion trade in Akkodia. Rather than trying to take on the whole of the continent, the Askaris began expanding their influence northward, across the Axis and into Hyperborea. It was slow, but along the way were opportunities to expand -- from trade to manufacture of trade goods, and from there to materials and commodities. Still, the eventual goal was to acquire and maintain reasonable control over the entire trade route, establishing a presence at multiple points across the continents from which they could oversee their endeavors.
The Askaris arrived in Bailymena and realized the potential that existed there. While risky, the family had grown quite savvy at the dance of business. They took full advantage of public perceptions, playing the role of the somewhat naive yet wealthy foreigners, using it to open doors and build bridges into the circles of the wealthy and powerful, all the while scouting out the best places for them to entrench themselves.
The Askaris began to establish a reputation as investors and advisors. They made investments into enterprises both profitable and philanthropic. The development of the BUSTER went on in large part to sizable investments from Askari Financial, as did the upkeep and expansion of the hydro-thaumo-electric infrastructure. While Bailymena’s geography is responsible for the Steam that gives it part of its nickname, the Steel in no small part came from Askari mines, on board Askari ships.
Today, Askari Financial is a pillar of the city. The company outright owns several major businesses in Bailymena, and is a minor holder in dozens more. The Askaris themselves, while not actual members of the nobility, are at least as notable and powerful. The name appears throughout the city, from the ownership rolls or stockholder lists of organizations, businesses, and foundations, to endowments and donations for civic establishments. The family maintains a constant presence in Bailymena; while members will travel to Akkodia on occasion, a permanent residence is in the city, allowing them to continue to exert influence over business, society, and life within the City of Steel and Steam.
Type
Corporation, Financial
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