Treasury in the Middle East is growing up fast. While it is still a relatively young profession in the region, it is no longer just the preserve of giant multinationals and large, government-owned local businesses. More and more family-owned firms are investing in their own treasury functions as they appreciate the value – and strategic insight – that qualified treasurers can bring.
Not only are treasuries in the Middle East growing in number, they are also becoming more sophisticated at what they do. They are increasingly investing in the latest technology systems and applying recommended best practice to their cash management. And as they become more efficient, they are able to make an ever-greater contribution to the organisations in which they work by freeing up more working capital, reducing financial risk and advising on important regulatory matters.
In this issue of the Middle East Treasurer, we showcase some of the finest treasury talent in the region – the winners and runners-up of the ACT Middle East Deals of the Year Awards. You can find out what they did to earn their accolades by turning to page 9. I hope you feel inspired by their achievements and consider entering the awards yourself when nominations open again.
If it is the prospect of the next generation of treasury professionals that really excites you, then you will want to turn to page 4, where we meet three young treasurers from Mubadala Development Company who are studying for the ACT qualifications. They talk about the role that employers have to play in the qualification process, as well as the ACT’s rising profile in the Middle East.
Elsewhere in this issue, we address some of the big topics that are preoccupying treasurers at present – banks’ know-your-customer requirements (page 14), the prospect of a hike in US interest rates (page 16) and implementing SWIFT (page 24).
I hope we give you plenty to think about as you focus on taking your own treasury to the next level.