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.

What’s next for treasurers?

In this episode, we sit down with Annette Spencer, CEO of the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT), as she shares her insights on how treasury professionals can grow, gain recognition, and what it takes to stand out.

From confidence and continuous learning to qualifications, mentorship, and the impact of AI. This episode explores the skills, qualifications, and mindset needed to thrive in the modern treasury profession.

00:00 Intro

00:51 Annette’s Journey

06:56 Treasurers: The Unsung Heroes

12:08 Falling into Treasury

14:06 Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone

19:22 Building Confidence in Treasury

23:13 Understanding ACT Qualifications

24:45 Micro-Credentials

26:27 Subject Specific Certificates

30:28 In-Person Training

31:14 Why Do I Need Qualifications?

34:57 Treasury Mentorship Program

38:39 Becoming an ACT member

44:43 The Impact of AI

51:53 The Middle East Treasury Summit

55:41 Treasury Awards

58:10 Women in Treasury

01:03:23 What’s next for treasurers

01:04:56 Final words

Guest Speaker Name: Annette Spencer

Title: CEO at Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettekspencer/

Company Link: http://www.treasurers.org

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 does it really take to move from finance professional to a CFO?

In this episode, we sit down with Bruno Massera, CFO, to unpack the mindset, skills, and trust required to lead at the highest level of finance.

From AI and coding to trust and communication, this conversation reveals what matters most at the top of finance.

00:00 Intro

00:52 Bruno’s Journey

05:15 FP&A vs Treasury Skills

06:44 How Treasurers Build FP&A Skills

08:58 Explaining Treasury to the Business

11:54 What is “Value Creation”?

13:34 Treasury's role in Value Creation

14:43 Treasury vs Finance: A Mindset Shift

16:20 EBITDA vs. Cash Flow

18:17 Setting Organization's KPIs & Incentives

21:34 How to Position Yourself for the CFO Role

23:32 Translating Treasury to Others

27:17 How to Approach Senior Leaders

31:49 The Skills Every CFO Needs

33:56 Coding & AI in Finance and Treasury

38:34 Why Trust Is the Most Important Skill

43:18 The Importance of Treasury

52:42 Final Advice for Aspiring CFOs

Guest Speaker Name: Bruno Massera

Title: CFO - International Markets at MBRF

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brunomassera/

Company Link: http://mbrf-global-foods-company

Host Name: Mohamed Kortam

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

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.

In this episode we discuss with Jason Spanos, Group Treasurer at AIR, the real meaning of treasury governance. from defining policies and procedures to setting up treasury org. structure and having the right governance in place for an IPO.

00:00 Intro

01:04 Guest Intro

05:04 What is Governance?

08:50 Defining Treasury Org. Structure

13:55 Defining Treasury Policies

17:10 Developing a Treasury Policy

21:07 Policy vs Procedure

22:51 Pre IPO vs. Post IPO Governance

27:00 IPO Control Requirements

29:44 IPO Team Skills Needed

36:29 Pre IPO vs Post IPO Treasury Org. Structure

38:20 What's Segregation of Duties?

43:36 SOX Act & IPO

48:18 Rating Agencies Relationship Management

50:15 Final Advice to Treasury Setting up Governance

Guest Speaker Name: Jason Spanos

Title: Group Treasurer at AIR

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-spanos-fct-cir-5059a61a/Company Link: https://air.global/

Host Name: Mohamed Kortam

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

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.

In this episode we sit down with Patrick Kunz, founder of Pecunia Treasury & Finance and Treasury Masterminds to explore how community, passion, and collaboration can shape your treasury career.

From networking and outreach to building a global community, this episode challenges how treasurers think about growth, competition, and success.

00:00 Intro

01:34 Treasury Masterminds origin story

08:54 Treasurers support treasurers

12:08 How important is networking for treasurers?

15:30 How to DM a treasurer

19:19 Passion is power

22:23 Treasury is collaborative

24:35 How to build a community

31:33 Working together vs Competing

35:31 Last remarks

Guest Speaker Name: Patrick Kunz

Title: Founder at Pecunia Treasury & Finance and Treasury Masterminds

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickkunz82/

Company Link: https://pecuniatf.nl/ | https://treasurymastermind.com/

Host Name: Mohamed Kortam

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

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.

In this episode of we dive in for a deep, practical conversation on how regional corporates manage trapped cash, FX controls, currency volatility, and liquidity risk across African markets.

This episode goes beyond theory. As we share real tools, real decisions, and real trade-offs faced by treasury teams operating in countries with limited FX availability, capital controls, and evolving regulations.

If you’ve ever wondered how treasurers actually operate when money can’t move freely — this episode is your answer.

00:00 Intro

01:05 Guest Intro

03:29 Best Way To Start Business in Africa

05:50 The Difference Between a Branch and a Subsidiary

07:00 Why Treasurers Prefer a Branch vs. a Subsidiary

08:47 Expatriating Onshore Cash from Africa

13:25 Structuring The Commercial Contracts

18:30 Operating in Africa as a Subsidairy / Legal Entity

24:34 Angola Case Scenario

29:09 Margin Adjusment Model

32:28 Banks' Relationship Management in Angola

34:32 Nigeria Case Scenario

35:55 The Importance of Involving Treasurers From Initiation

39:00 The Country Playbook

41:46 Nigeria Case Scenario Continued

47:00 Managing Cash Pooling Structures Effeciently

49:44 Using Interco. Loans to Manage Trapped Cash

52:38 Margin Adjustment Agreement in Nigeria

54:05 Final Thoughts & Advice to Treasurers

Guest Speaker Name: Mohamed Torayah

Title: Regional Treasurer METAP at GE Vernova

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamed-torayah-ctp-b9aa6496/Company Link: https://www.gevernova.com/

Host Name: Mohamed Kortam

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

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.