Pradyut Pratap and Usman Akram Steer Morgan Stanley's MENA Investment Banking

Morgan Stanley has announced the appointment of Pradyut Pratap and Usman Akram as the new Co-Heads for its MENA Investment Banking operations. Both have been with the firm for 17 years, previously serving as managing directors. Pratap has worked in the MENA region since joining Morgan Stanley in 2007, while Akram transitioned to the Dubai office in 2018, after starting in London, to lead M&A in MENA. Their appointment underscores Morgan Stanley's focus on expanding its presence in the Middle East, as evidenced by the recent opening of its Abu Dhabi office and establishment of regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia. According to existing MENA co-heads, policy shifts and regulatory reforms in the region are expected to significantly impact transaction volumes and value by 2025.