MENA – Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc (MUFG),a Japanese bank holding and financial services company, has appointed Wael Al Sharif as Head of Global Corporate and Investment Banking (GCIB) for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) effective from 1st April 2024.
Wael, who previously held the role of Deputy Head GCIB for MENA, will be responsible for overall management and development of the GCIB business in the MENA region.
His appointment is subject to regulatory approvals and will report to Phillip Roberts, head of Global Corporate and Investment Banking, MUFG EMEA and Yohsuke Takahashi, Regional Head for the Middle East.
“I am delighted that Wael is stepping up to take on the role of Head of GCIB in MENA. His experience as Deputy Head and his tenure with MUFG over the past 10 years stands him in excellent stead to keep up momentum and continue to serve our clients in the region,” Philip Roberts commented.
“With Elyas becoming Vice Chair, I have no doubt we will continue to strengthen relationships with our clients and grow our business further.”
Wael succeeds Elyas Al Gaseer who has held the post of Head of GCIB MENA since 2013. Elyas will transition from his current role to become Vice Chair of GCIB MENA and will focus on advising MUFG’s senior clients across the MENA region.
“In partnership with Wael, I expect to see the GCIB MENA region go from strength to strength. I look forward to concentrating my efforts on our important clients around the region and assisting in bringing the best of MUFG to help them with their financing needs,” Elyas Al Gaseer commented.
Commenting on his appointment, Wael Al Sharif said, “I am excited to be taking on this role and to continue working closely with Elyas in his new role. Our team is well-positioned for future growth having supported our clients on a number of notable deals in recent months.
“With our team’s expertise, we can provide local and multinational clients with bespoke financing solutions as well as providing a gateway for corporates in the Middle East to navigate opportunities in Japan and Asia with confidence.”
The MUFG GCIB team recent transactions in the region have included jointly facilitating the provision of a US$2.1 billion bridge facility for AviLease for the acquisition of Standard Chartered’s aviation leasing platform where MUFG acted as underwriter, bookrunner, mandated lead arranger and hedging bank.
Additionally, MUFG MENA delivers Sukuk solutions and ESG-related advisoriy to enable financing solutions unique to this region. Clients – including corporates and financial institutions – are supported by MUFG’s global network, underpinned by a substantial balance sheet and a bespoke approach to financing.
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