What role does a treasurer play in a major M&A deal? And why is it so important for treasury to be involved in strategic decision-making?

In this episode, we sit down with Nader Aboushadi to explore the role of the strategic treasurer through the lens of a major M&A deal. From governance, due diligence anddeal structuring to debt and equity restructuring, risk management and bank relationships, Nader shares his perspective on why treasury needs to be at theheart of the conversation.

Whether you're a corporate treasurer, treasury professional or looking to take a more strategic role within your organisation, this episode offers practical insights into treasury's role in M&A and beyond.

00:00 Introduction

00:52 Nader’s Journey

02:05 Becoming a Strategic Treasurer

06:00 Putting Treasury in the Driver’s Seat

10:00 Skills Every Strategic Treasurer Needs

13:20 The Strategic Decision Behind the Wood Deal

18:56 Why Governance Matters in M&A

20:16 Deal Structuring & Due Diligence

23:12 Equity Restructuring

24:36 Debt Restructuring

26:22 Why Bank Relationships Matter in M&A

30:20 How Sidara Earned the Banks’ Trust

32:00 Managing Risk During an M&A Deal

36:12 Treasury’s Role in Achieving M&A Synergies

37:20 Creating Synergies Across Banking Partners

40:50 Planning for Life After the M&A Deal

43:18 The Importance of the Energy Sector

46:54 Final Thoughts & Advice

Guest Speaker

Name: Nader Aboushadi

Title: Group Chief Treasurer at Sidara

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nader-aboushadi

Company Link: https://www.sidaracollaborative.com

Host Name: Mohamed Kortam

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mokortam/ Listen to

Watch the Episode on:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MEATreasurers/

Subscribe & Stay Updated If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for updates on our latest discussions around the latest in Corporate Treasury for the MEA region.

Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meatreasurers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meatreasurers/

A word from our partner:

Treasury is changing fast: new risks, new regulations, and new opportunities.

So how do you stay ahead?

The Association of Corporate Treasurers has been helping professionals globally for nearly 50 years.

From qualifications and training to networks, events, and exclusive content, the ACT is where you can grow your skills and connect with a global community of treasury professionals.

Become part of a network that gives you a stronger voice and the chance to shape the future of your profession.

Visit treasurers.org to find out more.

What makes a strong corporate treasury department? And what can treasurers learn from a banker's perspective?

In this episode, we sit down with Semih Ozkan, Executive Director, Head of Corporate Payments Sales, Middle East & North Africa at JPMorgan, to explore the key pillars of a successful treasury function. Semih shares his perspective on setting up a treasury centre in the region, the challenges that can weaken a treasury function, and his advice for treasurers looking to build and develop their teams.

Whether you're a corporate treasurer, treasury professional or simply interested in the future of treasury across the Middle East, this episode offers practical insights from a banking perspective.

00:00 Intro

01:01 Meet Semih Ozkan

01:41 What Makes a Strong Corporate Treasury?

04:32 Pillar 1: The Power of Visibility

07:02 Pillar 2: Getting Controls Right

09:22 Pillar 3: Optimising Treasury

11:08 The Right Governance

12:45 What Makes a Treasury Function Weak?

16:25 Building an Agile Treasury Framework

19:51 Technology Transforming Treasury Payments

22:17 The Middle East Is Becoming a Treasury Hub

27:14 Setting Up a Treasury Centre in the Middle East

29:21 A Banker's Advice to Treasurers

31:54 Final words

Guest Speaker

Name: Semih Ozkan

Title: Executive Director, Head of Corporate Payments Sales, Middle East & North Africa at JPMorganChase

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/semih-ozkan-886a6238/

Company Link: https://www.jpmorganchase.com

Host Name: Mohamed Kortam

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mokortam/ Listen to

Watch the Episode on:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MEATreasurers/

Subscribe & Stay Updated If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for updates on our latest discussions around the latest in Corporate Treasury for the MEA region.

Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meatreasurers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meatreasurers/

A word from our partner:

Treasury is changing fast: new risks, new regulations, and new opportunities.

So how do you stay ahead?

The Association of Corporate Treasurers has been helping professionals globally for nearly 50 years.

From qualifications and training to networks, events, and exclusive content, the ACT is where you can grow your skills and connect with a global community of treasury professionals.

Become part of a network that gives you a stronger voice and the chance to shape the future of your profession.

Visit treasurers.org to find out more.

What separates a good award submission from a winning one?

In this episode, we sit down with Laura Ford and Andrew McMichael to explore how the ACT Treasury Awards work - from eligibility and nominations to judging and standout submissions. We discuss what judges are really looking for, the common mistakes applicants make, and how treasury professionals can give themselves the best chance of success.

Learn more about the ACT Middle East Treasury Awards and submit your nomination before 24 August: https://www.treasurers.org/events/conferences/middle-east-treasury-awards-2026

Whether you're applying for an individual award or nominating a team, this episode will help you understand exactly what makes a standout submission.

00:00⁠ Intro

⁠01:40⁠ Meet the Guests

⁠04:32⁠ How the ACT Awards Began

⁠06:51⁠ Understanding the Award Categories

⁠10:29⁠ Who Is Eligible to Apply?

⁠13:40⁠ The Application Process Explained

⁠17:38⁠ Inside the Judging Process

⁠22:32⁠ What Makes an Entry Easy to Judge?

⁠25:41⁠ What Makes a Submission Stand Out?

⁠29:20⁠ Examples of Winning Entries

⁠34:46⁠ Who Can Submit a Nomination?

⁠38:16⁠ Individual Award Applications

⁠43:43⁠ Common Submission Mistakes

⁠45:52⁠ Eligible Countries and Regions

⁠47:08⁠ Final Advice for Applicants

Guest Speakers

Name: Laura Ford

Title: Treasury Director at Majid Al Futtaim

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ford-55906bb/

Company Link: https://www.majidalfuttaim.com

Name: Andrew McMichael

Title: Group Treasurer at Agility

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-mcmichael-093b8811/

Company Link: https://agility.com/

Host Name: Mohamed Kortam

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mokortam/ Listen to

Watch the Episode on:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MEATreasurers/

Subscribe & Stay Updated If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for updates on our latest discussions around the latest in Corporate Treasury for the MEA region.

Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meatreasurers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meatreasurers/

A word from our partner:

Treasury is changing fast: new risks, new regulations, and new opportunities.

So how do you stay ahead?

The Association of Corporate Treasurers has been helping professionals globally for nearly 50 years.

From qualifications and training to networks, events, and exclusive content, the ACT is where you can grow your skills and connect with a global community of treasury professionals.

Become part of a network that gives you a stronger voice and the chance to shape the future of your profession.

Visit treasurers.org to find out more.