Murtaza Askari

Senior Corporate & Institutional Banking professional with over 25 years' experience across the UK, EMEA and the GCC, covering multinational corporates, financial institutions and sovereign / quasi-sovereign clients. Track record of owning senior client relationships end-to-end — from origination and coverage through to structuring, negotiation and execution — across both lending and transaction banking. Combines syndicated and bilateral lending expertise with transaction banking delivery across payments, liquidity, trade finance and working capital, consistently growing share of wallet through cross-selling into existing relationships.

Engages directly with CFOs, Treasurers and institutional decision-makers on complex, cross-border mandates, with client coverage spanning the UK and Western Europe, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Previously held senior business leadership roles with full P&L accountability across GCC markets, running Corporate & Investment Banking businesses end-to-end, including credit, operational and regulatory risk oversight. Uses AI tools daily to support client-facing work — drafting correspondence and meeting materials, market research, meeting preparation, and reviewing lengthy credit and legal documentation.

VP, Institutional Client Group, EMEA – Banking, Capital Markets & Advisory (BCMA) at Citigroup Global Markets (2022-06 – 2026-05)

• Covered a portfolio of multinational corporate and institutional clients, including financial institutions and public-sector aligned entities across the UK and Western Europe — with particular focus on Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH) — and responsibility for origination and execution across lending and transaction banking.
• Played a leadership role in building and developing team capability across transaction banking, partnering closely with coverage, product and credit colleagues to align origination and delivery with client requirements.
• Structured and executed syndicated and bilateral lending mandates for cross-border clients, working closely with product and credit teams throughout execution.
• Managed the end-to-end transaction lifecycle for syndicated and bilateral lending mandates — from origination and structuring through credit approval, documentation and execution — for cross-border clients.
• Built out transaction banking revenue through payments, liquidity, trade finance and working capital solutions, growing share of wallet within existing client relationships.
• Engaged directly with clients on strategic liquidity and working capital requirements, providing senior-level input alongside product specialists.
• Acted as the primary point of contact between clients and Citi's internal teams, ensuring a coordinated approach across complex cross-border relationships, from initial mandate through to post-execution relationship management.

Manager, Relationships – Commercial Banking at Al Rayan Bank PLC (2020-06 – 2022-06)

• Managed and grew a portfolio of commercial and UHNW clients through the pandemic period, tailoring lending and financing solutions to individual circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Originated and executed corporate lending transactions, improving portfolio quality and client profitability alongside growth.
• Maintained senior client relationships over the medium term, several of which led to repeat and referral business.
• Cross-sold transaction banking products into the lending relationship, lifting share of wallet across the portfolio.

Consulting Specialist, Relationship Management – Corporate Banking & Finance Advisory at Halkin Investments LLP (2019-07 – 2020-03)

• Advised corporates, family offices and UHNW clients on structured financing and investment strategies across EMEA and Asia.
• Originated and executed bilateral and syndicated financing transactions across multiple sectors.
• Led negotiations between borrowers, lenders and financial stakeholders.

Head of Business, International Banking – Corporate & Investment Banking Group at Habib Bank Ltd. (HBL International) (2014-01 – 2018-06)

• Led the Corporate & Investment Banking business with full P&L accountability, driving client acquisition, portfolio expansion and overall business performance.
• Held large-scale client portfolios across corporates, financial institutions and sovereign-linked entities, growing the cross-border book year on year.
• Delivered lending, trade finance and structured financing solutions directly to corporate and institutional clients.
• Held senior accountability for credit, operational and regulatory risk across the business, ensuring compliance with internal and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Set banking strategy across the GCC, Africa and other emerging markets.
• Built and led teams across corporate banking, trade finance and branch operations.

Head of Investment Services – Corporate & Investment Banking Group at Mashreqbank PSC (2008-07 – 2014-01)

• Led a team managing syndicated loan exposures across sovereign entities, financial institutions and large corporates.
• Oversaw a significant lending portfolio in which the bank held mandated lead arranger and facility agent roles.
• Negotiated complex loan documentation, restructurings and amendments, working closely with borrowers, co-lenders and legal counsel to reach agreement in sensitive situations.
• Supported origination and execution of large-scale syndicated financing across infrastructure and real estate.
• Diversified credit exposure across the portfolio through cross-selling and disciplined origination.

Manager, Syndicated Global Loans at Barclays Bank Plc (2007-04 – 2008-07)

Credit Risk at Habib Bank AG Zurich (2003-08 – 2007-03)

Assessed and monitored credit risk across a portfolio of corporate and institutional exposures, supporting lending decisions in line with regulatory and internal risk frameworks.

Vanguard Group of Investment Companies (1997-11 – 1998-06)

MSc in International Banking and Finance – London Metropolitan University (2007-12)