Wael Al Sharif

Wael Al Sharif was appointed Head of Global Corporate and Investment Banking (GCIB) for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at MUFG, effective April 1, 2024. Based in Dubai, he reports to Phillip Roberts, head of GCIB for EMEA, and Yohsuke Takahashi, regional head for the Middle East. Al Sharif brings strategic leadership to MUFG's corporate and investment banking division during a period of significant regional growth.

With a tenure of approximately 10 years at MUFG, Al Sharif previously held the role of Deputy Head GCIB for MENA, where he served between 2014 and 2018. His promotion recognizes his deep understanding of the region's corporate and investment banking landscape. Al Sharif succeeds Elyas Al Gaseer, who held the post since 2013 and transitioned to Vice Chair of GCIB MENA.

Al Sharif holds a degree from The George Washington University, and received a Bachelor of Science from Lebanese American University. Prior to his extensive banking career at MUFG, he held the position of Area General Manager at The Torch Doha.

Under Al Sharif's leadership, MUFG GCIB MENA provides expertise across sectors including project finance, aviation, and debt capital markets, with recent high-profile transactions such as facilitating a $2.1 billion bridge facility for AviLease for the acquisition of Standard Chartered's aviation leasing platform. The team also delivers Sukuk solutions and ESG-related advisory services tailored to the region.

Career History

• Head of Global Corporate and Investment Banking (GCIB) for MENA, MUFG (April 2024–present)
• Deputy Head GCIB for MENA, MUFG (2014–2018)
• Area General Manager, The Torch Doha

What Wael Al Sharif could bring to his role at MUFG GCIB MENA: With a decade of institutional experience at MUFG and previous leadership of the same division, Al Sharif is well-positioned to drive continued momentum in regional corporate and investment banking. His familiarity with MUFG's global platform and track record managing complex transactions positions him to deepen client relationships and expand the bank's market share in MENA's high-growth financing markets, particularly in project finance, structured solutions, and ESG-linked advisory.