HSBC Strengthens Leadership in MENAT Region with Strategic Appointment

HSBC has appointed Mohammed Fannouch as Co-Head of Capital Markets and Advisory (CMA) for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) region, the bank announced on July 28, 2025. Fannouch, who has been with HSBC since 2008, will co-lead the CMA business alongside Samer Deghaili, who is based in the United Arab Emirates. This leadership structure, with bases in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, aims to enhance HSBC's ability to support clients across the MENAT region.

Fannouch brings over 17 years of investment banking experience in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region. Prior to this appointment, he served as Co-Head of HSBC's investment banking franchise in Saudi Arabia. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce, majoring in Finance (Hons), from the John Molson School of Business, Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.

This appointment aligns with HSBC's strategic focus on strengthening its presence in key Middle Eastern markets. The MENAT region has been experiencing significant economic growth, with HSBC Global Research expecting the region's GDP to reach almost US$4 trillion by the end of 2025. This growth is driven by structural reforms and investment-led economic transformations across the Middle East.

The appointment of Mohammed Fannouch as Co-Head of CMA for the MENAT region underscores HSBC's commitment to strengthening its presence in key Middle Eastern markets. By positioning leadership in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, HSBC aims to better support clients amidst growing opportunities in the region. This move aligns with the bank's broader strategic focus on Asia and the Middle East, as it scales back operations in other regions.

HSBC has been scaling back its worldwide operations as part of a global overhaul started last year, focusing more on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and equity capital market capabilities in Asia and the Middle East. Under this restructuring, the bank began winding down its M&A and some equities businesses in Europe and the Americas.