MUFG has announced the appointment of Atakan Akkaya as head of commodity and structured trade finance for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea) region.

He replaces Jean-Marie Le Fouest, who has retired from the bank after leading commodity and structured trade finance for 10 years.

Based in London, Akkaya will retain his previous responsibilities as head of commodity finance, in addition to overseeing structured trade finance.

Akkaya has spent the last 13 years with MUFG in various senior commodities financing roles.

Prior to MUFG, for over 20 years, he held various senior banking positions globally, including in Amsterdam and London.

Along with his role at MUFG, Akkaya also sits on the board of directors at Komgo, a trade finance software provider.

Speaking on his appointment, Akkaya says: “I’m extremely privileged to be taking over from Jean-Marie. We are looking to continue our previous success by ensuring that we are positioned to meet clients’ evolving needs in commodities and trade finance.

“Our long-term approach to client relationships coupled with our industry focus and structuring expertise will continue to differentiate us when providing our clients with a range of traditional and bespoke commodity and structured finance solutions.”

MUFG Emea’s commodity and structured trade finance business provides services in capital financing and structured solutions to traders and corporates across the commodity value chain.