Pradyut Pratap and Usman Akram Appointed as Co-Heads of MENA Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley
People | Feb 05, 2025 | Zawya
Morgan Stanley has announced the appointment of Pradyut Pratap and Usman Akram as Co-Heads of its MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Investment Banking division. Both appointees have over 17 years of experience with Morgan Stanley, having previously served as managing directors. Pratap has focused on the MENA region throughout his tenure, while Akram has held responsibilities both in London and Dubai, where he has led the M&A practice since 2018. This leadership change is part of Morgan Stanley's strategic expansion within the MENA region, following the opening of a new office in Abu Dhabi and the establishment of regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia. The bank is optimistic about the region's growth potential, expecting a significant increase in transaction volume and value by 2025 due to anticipated policy shifts and regulatory reforms. Both Pratap and Akram will report to Massimiliano Ruggieri, the head of investment banking for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Sectors
- Investment Banking
- Financial Services
- Mergers and Acquisitions
Geography
- MENA – The primary focus of the article is on the Middle East and North Africa region where the appointments and business expansion are taking place.
- United Arab Emirates – The UAE, specifically Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a critical hub for Morgan Stanley’s regional expansion and leadership activities.
- Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia is highlighted as the location for Morgan Stanley’s regional headquarters, emphasizing its role in the company's MENA strategy.
Industry
- Investment Banking – The article discusses leadership appointments within the investment banking division of Morgan Stanley, focusing on their MENA operations.
- Financial Services – Morgan Stanley is expanding its presence and operations across the Middle East North Africa region, showcasing its growing focus on providing financial services in the area.
- Mergers and Acquisitions – There is a focus on Morgan Stanley's M&A practice, especially with Usman Akram's role in leading this area for the MENA region.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan Stanley | Company | Investment Bank | A leading global investment bank and financial services company expanding its operations in the MENA region. |
| Pradyut Pratap | Co-Head of MENA Investment Banking | Person | Newly appointed Co-Head of MENA Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley with 17 years of experience at the bank. |
| Usman Akram | Co-Head of MENA Investment Banking | Person | Newly appointed Co-Head of MENA Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley, responsible for leading the M&A practice in the MENA region. |
| Massimiliano Ruggieri | Head of Investment Banking for EMEA | Person | The superior to whom the newly appointed co-heads will report. |
| Patrick Delivanis | Regional Co-Head | Person | One of the regional co-heads supporting Morgan Stanley's MENA growth projections. |
| Abdulaziz Alajaji | Regional Co-Head | Person | One of the regional co-heads anticipating MENA’s economic growth. |