Two former investment bankers from JPMorgan Chase & Co and Citigroup have started a boutique advisory firm in Dubai.
Trussbridge Group announced the launch of a new, independent financial services firm – Trussbridge Advisory (DIFC) Limited which will primarily be targeting the underserved mid-market sector in the Middle East.
The firm will offer independent and dedicated investment banking advice and execution to regional corporates, investors and family businesses and will be managed by two veteran investment bankers, Samer Katerji and Rody Yared.
Through its presence in North America, will also act as a bridge facilitating cross-border investments and business joint ventures, a statement said.
With a core focus on clients in the Gulf Cooperation Council and Levant, Trussbridge will provide a complete range of financial advisory services such as mergers & acquisitions, capital markets advisory and long-term strategic corporate finance advisory.
Katerji has over 17 years of experience in investment banking in the Middle East. Prior to Trussbridge, he led the Financial Institutions and Financial Sponsors advisory practice for Citigroup Global Markets Limited in the Middle East and played a key role in the development of the franchise in the region.
Katerji has also held key positions at Shuaa Capital in Dubai, PrimeCorp Finance and Middle East Capital Group, in Beirut.
Yared Yared was responsible for growing JPMorgan’s investment banking business in Abu Dhabi from 2010 to 2014. He also managed JPMorgan’s equity capital markets business in the MENA region, and was one of the founding members that established the bank’s investment banking franchise in the region in 2007.
Katerji, co-managing director, said: “We believe there is a fundamental change in the views and requirements of clients in this region. Many clients have told us that they are increasingly seeking closer, longer-term relationships with their advisors that are not solely based on one-off transactions or financings. We, therefore, felt it was necessary to go back to the basics of investment banking in order to provide a more objective and independent alternative advisory offering.”
Yared, also co-managing director, added: “The Middle East can be a unique region in terms of its investment banking advisory needs. Many private businesses are seeking advice for their next phase of strategic development including expansion in new markets. This requires the right balance between world class investment banking capabilities, market access and a deep understanding of the regional landscape and client relationships.”
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