New leadership role reflects Mizuho’s long-term strategic commitment to the MEA region
London and Dubai, 14 January – Mizuho EMEA, part of Mizuho Financial Group, one of the world’s largest financial institutions, today announces the appointment of Ahmed Siddiqi as Regional Head of Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB) for the Middle East, Africa, Türkiye and Central Asia Caucasus (MEA) region. The role is newly created as part of Mizuho’s strategic expansion and long-term investment in the region.
A seasoned Corporate & Investment Banking executive with more than 20 years of global experience, Siddiqi has a strong track record in strategic client engagement and the delivery of complex, cross-border capital markets and strategic advisory mandates, working closely with the region’s leading corporates, financial institutions, sovereigns, and sovereign wealth funds.
Mizuho has been active in the MEA region for more than 60 years and is recognised among the leading and most committed global financial institutions serving the region. Since 2015, Mizuho has led over USD800 billion of capital markets and strategic advisory transactions in MEA and has facilitated more than USD130 billion of Asian capital flows into the region over the past five years—underscoring its deep connectivity between Asia and the MEA region.
Siddiqi’s appointment reflects the MEA region’s central role in Mizuho’s global growth strategy and strengthens the firm’s ability to deliver integrated CIB platform while building long-term strategic partnerships across priority markets.
Siddiqi will report locally into Masahiko Ejima, Co-Regional Head of MEA, as well as to Slava Slavinskiy, Head of Banking, EMEA and Asif Godall, Head of Markets, EMEA.
Commenting on the appointment, Matthew Ponsonby, President & CEO of Mizuho International plc and Head of the Corporate & Investment Bank, EMEA, said:
“The Middle East, Africa, Türkiye and Central Asia Caucasus region is a core pillar of Mizuho’s global Corporate & Investment Banking strategy. Ahmed’s appointment to this newly created role reflects both the scale of the opportunity in the region and our commitment to building a fully integrated CIB platform. His deep client relationships, global perspective, and leadership across Banking and Markets will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen connectivity across our franchise and deliver on our growth ambitions.”
Masahiko Ejima, Co-Regional Head of MEA, added:
“Ahmed’s appointment to this newly created role reflects his deep client connectivity, extensive experience, and proven leadership across Mizuho’s MEA franchise. We are confident that, in this role, he will further strengthen our client relationships, enhance cross-regional and cross-product collaboration, and play a pivotal role in delivering Mizuho’s strategic priorities across EMEA.”
In his new role, Siddiqi will lead efforts to further enhance and integrate Mizuho’s Corporate & Investment Banking offering across Global Banking and Markets. This includes deepening on-the-ground advisory capabilities, expanding the firm’s industry and product coverage, and accelerating the delivery of capital markets and complex financial solutions. These initiatives form a corepillar of Mizuho’s ambition to become a Top 10 global CIB House.
ENDS
About Mizuho EMEA
Mizuho EMEA provides corporates and institutions in the region with unparalleled access and expertise in Japan and Asia, and supports clients with their corporate and investment banking, and asset management needs. Headquartered in London and with a strong presence throughout the region, our client base includes leading corporations, financial institutions and state owned entities. Mizuho is deeply committed to serving client needs, enabling our people to flourish, and helping to improve society and communities where we do business.
Mizuho’s presence in EMEA is an integral part of the Japan-based Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. Mizuho Financial Group is one of the largest financial institutions in the world, offering comprehensive financial and strategic services through its subsidiaries. The group has over 900 offices and 60,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and Asia. As of 31 March2025, its total assets were US$2 trillion.
