MEA Treasurers Podcast

In this eye-opening episode, Khaloud Alhammdi shares her candid perspective on being a woman in a high-stakes treasury role. We explore the skills that matter most, the challenges that still persist, and what true progress in the profession really looks like.00:00 Intro 00:57 Guest Intro02:23 How a Treasury Journey Looks Like05:28 Exiting The Comfort Zone10:11 Banking Treasury vs Corporate Treasury12:07 How to Approach Change16:57 How to Set Your Goals20:41 How to Add Value as a Leader26:24 Technical Skills Women Need in Treasury29:53 Being Resilient Approaching New Tech36:17 What is Next for Women in TreasuryGuest Speaker Name: Khaloud AlhammadiTitle: Director of Treasury at Abu Dhabi PortsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khaloud-alhammadi-09804215/Company Link: http://www.adportsgroup.com/Host Name: Mohamed KortamLinkedIn: 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/meatreasurersInstagram: 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.

Treasury and tax are often treated as separate worlds — but can one thrive without the other?In this episode we unpack how tax knowledge influences treasury operations, strategy, and compliance — and why this understanding is becoming essential for treasurers in today’s global landscape.00:00 Intro00:54 Guest Intro03:54 How a To Learn Treasury on The Job09:38 How to Approach a New Treasury Role13:45 Managing a Project From Both Tax & Treasury Prespectives20:25 How Important is Tax For Treasurers24:06 What's Transfer Pricing & Its Impact on Tax & Treasury32:53 What's Financial Transfer Pricing & How to Manage it?35:22 The New Global Minimum Corporate Tax & It's Impact41:13 The Tax Environment in the GCC45:35 The Evolution of Tax & Treasury Roles With AIGuest Speaker Name: Mark HemmingsTitle: Senior VP Treasury & Tax at KentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markhemmings1/Company Link: http://www.kentplc.com/Host Name: Mohamed KortamLinkedIn: 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/meatreasurersInstagram: 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.

Everyone is talking about stablecoins — but few are asking the real question: Can they be trusted by treasurers and banks?In this episode, we explore the stablecoin landscape in the UAE and wider Middle East — from regulation to adoption.00:00 Intro01:16 Guest Intro02:16 Why Stablecoins Matter?07:02 The Evolution of the Stablecoins Space08:58 How Can Treasurers Accept Stablecoins?13:07 MESA's Mission to Help Treasurers and Bankers18:41 Stablecoins Regulators in the UAE26:12 Banks Involvement With Stablecoins28:25 How Regulations Legitimise Stablecoins for Treasurers and Banks32:18 Central Bank Digital Currencies vs. Stablecoins36:56 Pros and Cons of Digital Currencies41:00 What's Missing for Stablecoins Adoption by Treasurers Guest Speaker Name: Ramy SolimanTitle: Co-Founder Middle East Stablecoin AssociationLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasoliman/Company Link: https://mesaofficial.com/Host Name: Mohamed KortamLinkedIn: 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/meatreasurersInstagram: 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.

Behind every mega-project, there’s a secret source of funding that makes it possible: Export Credit Agencies (ECAs). In this episode, we dive into how ECA financing works, why it matters for corporates and treasurers, and how it can unlock opportunities that traditional financing can’t.00:00 Intro 00:43 What is an ECA?05:28 How it Benefits Overseas Buyers & Projects09:07 Product Financing vs. Project Financing14:00 The Eligibility for ECA Financing22:58 The Benefits of ECA Financing28:03 The Pricing Structure of an ECA Facility38:00 Why Treasurers & Bankers Love ECA Financing39:26 Which Sectors Benefit From ECAs43:54 The Minimum Value of an ECA Facility46:00 Supplier Credit Facility by ECAs. Guest Speaker Name: Graham ScopesTitle: International Export Finance Executive, UKEFLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-scopes-159582/Company Link: https://www.ukexportfinance.gov.uk/Host Name: Mohamed KortamLinkedIn: 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/meatreasurersInstagram: 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 explore what is #Bitcoin and why Corporates and Treasurers need to consider it in their strategy.00:00 Intro 00:11 Guest Intro01:03 The Shift from Traditional Finance To Bitcoin03:04 Bitcoin as an Asset06:20 The Blockchain Network for Bitcoin07:56 Bitcoin vs. Gold14:59 Bitcoin Mobility and Scarcity16:32 Bitcoin Decentralization21:34 Why Can't We Create Another Bitcoin25:07 Why Institutions are Adopting Bitcoin32:11 Bitcoin Utility and Impact on Green Energy36:09 The Different Ways to Get Exposure to Bitcoin43:12 Governance Around Bitcoin Adoption45:50 How to Adopt a Bitcoin Strategy48:04 Reporting & Regulations Around Bitcoin Adoption52:33 How Can Onramp MENA Help Guest Speaker Name: Ralph GebranTitle: Managing Partner at Onramp MENALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralphgebran/Company Link: https://www.onrampmena.com/Host Name: Mohamed KortamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mokortam/ Watch the Episode on:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MEATreasurersFollow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meatreasurersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meatreasurers/

In this episode, we go step by setp, how Treasury Transformation is done, and how it upscales the Treasury department's performance. From implementing a TMS - Treasury Managment System to creating a Treasury SSC - Shared Service Center.00:00 Intro 00:11 Guest Intro01:55 What are the Reasons for Treasury Transformation05:11 What It Was Like Before The Transformation10:10 Building The Business Case for Top Managment15:57 Having a Shared Service Center is The Icing on The Cake18:45 The Prerequisites for Treasury Transformation22:35 Defining The Treasury Policy24:50 Choosing Your Treasury Management System26:55 Summarizing The 3 Main Prerequisities28:39 Resources Required for The Transformation32:01 The 3 Phases of Treasury Transformation34:38 Phase 1 of The Transformation - Prerequisites & Integration39:07 Phase 2 of The Transformation - Transactions & Reporting42:04 Phase 3 of The Transformation - The Shared Service Center46:32 Summarizing The 3 Phases of Treasury Transformation47:47 Facing Challenges During The Transformation53:05 Lessons Learned From The TransformationGuest Speaker Name: Roshun TulkensTitle: Deputy Treasurer at AgilityLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshuntulkens/Company Link: http://www.agility.com/Host Name: Mohamed KortamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mokortam/ Watch the Episode on:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MEATreasurersFollow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meatreasurersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meatreasurers/

In this episode, we explore what is a Blockchain Network and it's potential use cases that would help Treasurers navigate challenges around Payments, KYC, Compliance, Trade Finance and ESG!00:00 Intro02:00 What is The Blockchain Network04:00 Different Types of Blockchain Networks05:33 The Challenge of Adopting Blockchain in Treasury06:54 Blockchain Network is an Open Ledger08:09 What Areas Can Blockchain Help Improve12:17 Payments on The Blockchain Network16:20 Crypto and Stablecoins on The Blockchain Network18:41 Different Providers of Blockchain Solutions in The Market21:25 How to Move Docs Over The Blockchain and What is Tokenization23:10 What is an NFT Non Fungible Token25:32 ESG on The Blockchain Network29:28 Challenges In Rolling Out The Blockchain Solutions31:49 Transparency and Privacy on The Blockchain Network34:13 Blockchain Potential Yet To Be Uncovered35:08 How Can We Start and Who Should Drive The Adoption of BlockchainGuest Speaker Name: Royston Da CostaTitle: Assitant Treasurer at FergusonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/royston-da-costa-4a24826/Company Link: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ferguson-official/about/Host Name: Mohamed KortamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mokortam/ Watch the Episode on:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MEATreasurersFollow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meatreasurersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meatreasurers/

In this episode, we explore what a Treasury Management System (TMS) is, how it empowers businesses and Treasurers to optimize their liquidity performance, and what to expect during the onboarding process Discover how leveraging a TMS can help your organization outperform in today’s dynamic financial landscape.00:00 Intro 00:14 Guest Intro and Role in Kyriba03:05 What are The Challenges That The TMS Tackles05:24 Gen AI in TMS07:11 Cash Position Visibility on TMS10:13 Bank Statements Reconciliation on TMS13:05 Kyriba Connectivity in Africa14:29 TMS Key Players in The Market15:59 Doing Payments on TMS18:17 How Kyriba Helped During COVID21:20 How TMS Helps Treasurers Beyond Payments and Cash Position24:48 Kyriba Access to Market Data25:50 The Different Modules on Kyriba27:58 Liquidity Planning on Kyriba30:15 Risk Management on Kyriba32:17 TMS Onboarding Process and Requirements37:07 How Kyriba Helps in Presenting the ROI of TMS39:07 Kyriba Software Security and Compliance Measures40:33 How to Use Consultants to Help with Onboarding43:41 Why Kyriba vs Other TMS PorvidersGuest Speaker Name: Mustafa ShaabanTitle: Head of Customer Success at Kyriba - CEMEALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafashaaban/Company Link: https://www.kyriba.comHost Name: Mohamed KortamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mokortam/ Watch the Episode on:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MEATreasurersFollow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meatreasurersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meatreasurers/

In this episode, we collaborate with The Treasury Career Corner to bring you practical insights into the processes, requirements, and tools a Treasurer needs to navigate international roles across the US, Europe, UK, and the MEA region.00:00 Intro 01:06 The hard fact about moving abroad 04:18 Differences between junior and senior roles 09:14 FX risk knowledge requirements 13:34 Interest rate risk knowledge requirements 14:52 Payment tools and challenges 15:40 Regulations and treasury structures 20:26 TMS and system integration challenges 21:33 Security challenges 23:19 Trade agreements knowledge 24:14 Options to move to MEA 28:11 Latest salary survey results 31:06 Why treasurers look for new opportunities 35:12 Real-life examples of moving abroad 36:52 The right reasons to move 41:03 Checklist for moving abroad 42:44 How to approach recruiters for international rolesGuest Speaker: Mike Richards – CEO, Treasury Career Corner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrtreasury/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/treasury-career-corner/Host: Mohamed Kortam LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mokortam/Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MEATreasurersFollow us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meatreasurers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meatreasurers/

In this episode, we dive into what makes a good corporate treasurer from A to Z.00:00 Intro00:18 Guest Intro03:16 Importance of having a good boss05:22 Mina's shift to academic treasury06:50 Mina's career overview07:52 Why Treasury career?14:52 What to expect starting in Treasury22:52 Building trust with banks35:50 Choosing your banking partner44:30 The competencies of a Senior Treasurer54:21 The importance of certification57:23 What is the AFP?59:17 ClosingGuest: Mina NasifTitle: MD, AFP MEA PartnershipsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minanasifctp/Company: https://www.linkedin.com/school/beaconfintrain/Host: Mohamed KortamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mokortam/🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@MEATreasurers🔗 Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meatreasurersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meatreasurers/

In this episode, we dive into the challenges of banking networks and how stablecoins can help solve them.Chapters:00:00 Intro00:30 Guest Intro02:18 What it is like living in Nigeria05:06 The Bitcoin mining brother06:27 Facebook & Libra Stablecoin10:10 What is Crypto and Digital Assets?12:45 What is wrong with the current banking network?17:30 Practical example: Why the system is failing23:32 The costs of using the current banking network29:58 SWIFT and the problem with banks' communication34:08 What is the blockchain network?42:40 What are Stablecoins?47:17 What are the types of Stablecoins?52:18 Stablecoins vs banking network speed57:24 Stablecoins vs banking network cost1:00:24 Stablecoins vs banking network transparency1:01:26 Stablecoins vs banking network agility1:04:36 Regulations and compliance in Stablecoins1:08:13 Why it’s harder to use Stablecoins for illicit activities1:13:43 Refuting the rumor: Crypto is for criminals1:20:00 Using Stablecoins to screen your customers1:22:17 Where are Stablecoins regulated?1:23:40 Challenges in regulation1:27:36 Banking system failures1:28:57 How should we view Stablecoins?1:31:21 What's Zodia Markets?1:34:32 How to start using Stablecoins – Practical example 11:37:58 Practical example 21:39:05 Zodia Markets future plans1:40:00 Africa challenge1:41:00 Final thoughts & closingGuest Speaker Name: Nick Philpott Title: Co-Founder Zodia Markets LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-philpott/ Company Link: https://zodiamarkets.com/ Host Name: Mohamed KortamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mokortam/ Watch the Episode on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@MEATreasurersFollow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meatreasurersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meatreasurers/