The Banker Perspective

What makes a strong corporate treasury department? And what can treasurers learn from a banker's perspective? In this episode, we sit down with Semih Ozkan, Executive Director, Head of Corporate Payments Sales, Middle East & North Africa at JPMorgan, to explore the key pillars of a successful treasury function. Semih shares his perspective on setting up a treasury centre in the region, the challenges that can weaken a treasury function, and his advice for treasurers looking to build and develop their teams. Whether you're a corporate treasurer, treasury professional or simply interested in the future of treasury across the Middle East, this episode offers practical insights from a banking perspective. 00:00 Intro 01:01 Meet Semih Ozkan 01:41 What Makes a Strong Corporate Treasury? 04:32 Pillar 1: The Power of Visibility 07:02 Pillar 2: Getting Controls Right 09:22 Pillar 3: Optimising Treasury 11:08 The Right Governance 12:45 What Makes a Treasury Function Weak? 16:25 Building an Agile Treasury Framework 19:51 Technology Transforming Treasury Payments 22:17 The Middle East Is Becoming a Treasury Hub 27:14 Setting Up a Treasury Centre in the Middle East 29:21 A Banker's Advice to Treasurers 31:54 Final words Guest Speaker Name: Semih Ozkan Title: Executive Director, Head of Corporate Payments Sales, Middle East & North Africa at JPMorganChase LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/semih-ozkan-886a6238/ Company Link: https://www.jpmorganchase.com 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.