MEA Treasurers Podcast

What is Next for ACT

What’s next for treasurers? In this episode, we sit down with Annette Spencer, CEO of the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT), as she shares her insights on how treasury professionals can grow, gain recognition, and what it takes to stand out. From confidence and continuous learning to qualifications, mentorship, and the impact of AI. This episode explores the skills, qualifications, and mindset needed to thrive in the modern treasury profession. 00:00 Intro 00:51 Annette’s Journey 06:56 Treasurers: The Unsung Heroes 12:08 Falling into Treasury 14:06 Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone 19:22 Building Confidence in Treasury 23:13 Understanding ACT Qualifications 24:45 Micro-Credentials 26:27 Subject Specific Certificates 30:28 In-Person Training 31:14 Why Do I Need Qualifications? 34:57 Treasury Mentorship Program 38:39 Becoming an ACT member 44:43 The Impact of AI 51:53 The Middle East Treasury Summit 55:41 Treasury Awards 58:10 Women in Treasury 01:03:23 What’s next for treasurers 01:04:56 Final words Guest Speaker Name: Annette Spencer Title: CEO at Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettekspencer/ Company Link: http://www.treasurers.org Host Name: Mohamed Kortam LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mokortam/ Listen to Watch the Episode on: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MEATreasurers/ Subscribe & Stay Updated If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for updates on our latest discussions around the latest in Corporate Treasury for the MEA region. Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meatreasurers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meatreasurers/ A word from our partner: Treasury is changing fast: new risks, new regulations, and new opportunities. So how do you stay ahead? The Association of Corporate Treasurers has been helping professionals globally for nearly 50 years. From qualifications and training to networks, events, and exclusive content, the ACT is where you can grow your skills and connect with a global community of treasury professionals. Become part of a network that gives you a stronger voice and the chance to shape the future of your profession. Visit treasurers.org to find out more.

From a Treasurer to a CFO

What does it really take to move from finance professional to a CFO? In this episode, we sit down with Bruno Massera, CFO, to unpack the mindset, skills, and trust required to lead at the highest level of finance. From AI and coding to trust and communication, this conversation reveals what matters most at the top of finance. 00:00 Intro 00:52 Bruno’s Journey 05:15 FP&A vs Treasury Skills 06:44 How Treasurers Build FP&A Skills 08:58 Explaining Treasury to the Business 11:54 What is “Value Creation”? 13:34 Treasury's role in Value Creation 14:43 Treasury vs Finance: A Mindset Shift 16:20 EBITDA vs. Cash Flow 18:17 Setting Organization's KPIs & Incentives 21:34 How to Position Yourself for the CFO Role 23:32 Translating Treasury to Others 27:17 How to Approach Senior Leaders 31:49 The Skills Every CFO Needs 33:56 Coding & AI in Finance and Treasury 38:34 Why Trust Is the Most Important Skill 43:18 The Importance of Treasury 52:42 Final Advice for Aspiring CFOs Guest Speaker Name: Bruno Massera Title: CFO - International Markets at MBRF LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brunomassera/ Company Link: http://mbrf-global-foods-company Host Name: Mohamed Kortam LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mokortam/ Watch the Episode on: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MEATreasurers/ Subscribe & Stay Updated If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for updates on our latest discussions around the latest in Corporate Treasury for the MEA region. Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meatreasurers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meatreasurers/ A word from our partner: Treasury is changing fast: new risks, new regulations, and new opportunities. So how do you stay ahead? The Association of Corporate Treasurers has been helping professionals globally for nearly 50 years. From qualifications and training to networks, events, and exclusive content, the ACT is where you can grow your skills and connect with a global community of treasury professionals. Become part of a network that gives you a stronger voice and the chance to shape the future of your profession. Visit treasurers.org to find out more.

Governance in Treasury

In this episode we discuss with Jason Spanos, Group Treasurer at AIR, the real meaning of treasury governance. from defining policies and procedures to setting up treasury org. structure and having the right governance in place for an IPO. 00:00 Intro 01:04 Guest Intro 05:04 What is Governance? 08:50 Defining Treasury Org. Structure 13:55 Defining Treasury Policies 17:10 Developing a Treasury Policy 21:07 Policy vs Procedure 22:51 Pre IPO vs. Post IPO Governance 27:00 IPO Control Requirements 29:44 IPO Team Skills Needed 36:29 Pre IPO vs Post IPO Treasury Org. Structure 38:20 What's Segregation of Duties? 43:36 SOX Act & IPO 48:18 Rating Agencies Relationship Management 50:15 Final Advice to Treasury Setting up Governance Guest Speaker Name: Jason Spanos Title: Group Treasurer at AIR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-spanos-fct-cir-5059a61a/Company Link: https://air.global/ Host Name: Mohamed Kortam LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mokortam/ Watch the Episode on: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MEATreasurers/ Subscribe & Stay Updated If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for updates on our latest discussions around the latest in Corporate Treasury for the MEA region. Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meatreasurers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meatreasurers/ A word from our partner: Treasury is changing fast: new risks, new regulations, and new opportunities. So how do you stay ahead? The Association of Corporate Treasurers has been helping professionals globally for nearly 50 years. From qualifications and training to networks, events, and exclusive content, the ACT is where you can grow your skills and connect with a global community of treasury professionals. Become part of a network that gives you a stronger voice and the chance to shape the future of your profession. Visit treasurers.org to find out more.

Treasury Community

In this episode we sit down with Patrick Kunz, founder of Pecunia Treasury & Finance and Treasury Masterminds to explore how community, passion, and collaboration can shape your treasury career. From networking and outreach to building a global community, this episode challenges how treasurers think about growth, competition, and success. 00:00 Intro 01:34 Treasury Masterminds origin story 08:54 Treasurers support treasurers 12:08 How important is networking for treasurers? 15:30 How to DM a treasurer 19:19 Passion is power 22:23 Treasury is collaborative 24:35 How to build a community 31:33 Working together vs Competing 35:31 Last remarks Guest Speaker Name: Patrick Kunz Title: Founder at Pecunia Treasury & Finance and Treasury Masterminds LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickkunz82/ Company Link: https://pecuniatf.nl/ | https://treasurymastermind.com/ Host Name: Mohamed Kortam LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mokortam/ Watch the Episode on: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MEATreasurers/ Subscribe & Stay Updated If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for updates on our latest discussions around the latest in Corporate Treasury for the MEA region. Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meatreasurers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meatreasurers/ A word from our partner: Treasury is changing fast: new risks, new regulations, and new opportunities. So how do you stay ahead? The Association of Corporate Treasurers has been helping professionals globally for nearly 50 years. From qualifications and training to networks, events, and exclusive content, the ACT is where you can grow your skills and connect with a global community of treasury professionals. Become part of a network that gives you a stronger voice and the chance to shape the future of your profession. Visit treasurers.org to find out more.

Africa Trapped Cash [ARABIC EPISODE]

In this episode of we dive in for a deep, practical conversation on how regional corporates manage trapped cash, FX controls, currency volatility, and liquidity risk across African markets. This episode goes beyond theory. As we share real tools, real decisions, and real trade-offs faced by treasury teams operating in countries with limited FX availability, capital controls, and evolving regulations. If you’ve ever wondered how treasurers actually operate when money can’t move freely — this episode is your answer. 00:00 Intro 01:05 Guest Intro 03:29 Best Way To Start Business in Africa 05:50 The Difference Between a Branch and a Subsidiary 07:00 Why Treasurers Prefer a Branch vs. a Subsidiary 08:47 Expatriating Onshore Cash from Africa 13:25 Structuring The Commercial Contracts 18:30 Operating in Africa as a Subsidairy / Legal Entity 24:34 Angola Case Scenario 29:09 Margin Adjusment Model 32:28 Banks' Relationship Management in Angola 34:32 Nigeria Case Scenario 35:55 The Importance of Involving Treasurers From Initiation 39:00 The Country Playbook 41:46 Nigeria Case Scenario Continued 47:00 Managing Cash Pooling Structures Effeciently 49:44 Using Interco. Loans to Manage Trapped Cash 52:38 Margin Adjustment Agreement in Nigeria 54:05 Final Thoughts & Advice to Treasurers Guest Speaker Name: Mohamed Torayah Title: Regional Treasurer METAP at GE Vernova LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamed-torayah-ctp-b9aa6496/Company Link: https://www.gevernova.com/ Host Name: Mohamed Kortam LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mokortam/ Watch the Episode on: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MEATreasurers/ Subscribe & Stay Updated If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for updates on our latest discussions around the latest in Corporate Treasury for the MEA region. Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meatreasurers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meatreasurers/ A word from our partner: Treasury is changing fast: new risks, new regulations, and new opportunities. So how do you stay ahead? The Association of Corporate Treasurers has been helping professionals globally for nearly 50 years. From qualifications and training to networks, events, and exclusive content, the ACT is where you can grow your skills and connect with a global community of treasury professionals. Become part of a network that gives you a stronger voice and the chance to shape the future of your profession. Visit treasurers.org to find out more.