Mizuho has hired Saad Latif as head of trade finance for the Middle East and Africa, bolstering the team further after the June appointment of former Barclays executive Ravi Sivasubramanian.
Dubai-based Latif joins Mizuho after nearly four years as head of structured trade finance and supply chain finance at Gulf International Bank, a Bahrain-based role.
He was previously vice-president for global trade and supply chain finance for SMBC in Australia, and has held roles at American Express, Citi, Barclays and Standard Chartered in a 20-year career.
Latif reports to Sivasubramanian, brought in by Mizuho as head of trade finance for the Emea region in June. Sivasubramanian spent the previous 13 years at Barclays across numerous trade and working capital roles, most recently as global head of structuring, execution and syndications.
Latif brings “a wealth of global experience” to the role, Sivasubramanian says.
“Since my appointment this summer, we have continued to strengthen our team and expand our physical presence across Europe and the Middle East – ultimately enabling us to better support our clients with trade finance solutions globally, tailored to their regional needs,” he tells GTR.
Latif adds he is “thrilled to drive growth and innovation in this important region, leveraging Mizuho’s trade finance capabilities, delivering exceptional value to clients, and solidifying our position as a key trade partner”.
