SMBC Group is proud to announce the appointment of Iman Abdel Khalek as Managing Director and Head of Client Coverage for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) region. This strategic appointment, effective August 2025, reflects SMBC’s dedication to strengthening its leadership team with visionary professionals who bring deep industry expertise and a proven track record of success.
Iman Abdel Khalek joins SMBC with an illustrious career spanning over 25 years in global banking and capital markets. Most recently, she served as Head of CEEMEA Debt Capital Markets at Citi from April 2024 to August 2025. In this role, Iman was instrumental in leading high-impact transactions and fostering robust relationships with a diverse portfolio of clients, including sovereign entities, corporations, and financial institutions across the Middle East and emerging markets.
Before her tenure as Head of CEEMEA Debt Capital Markets, Iman held the position of Co-Head of CEEMEA Debt Capital Markets from June 2021 to April 2024. Her earlier role as Head of MENA Debt Capital Markets at Citigroup from October 2015 to June 2021 further solidified her reputation as a leader in the financial sector. Throughout her career, Iman has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in a wide array of financial products, including loans, bonds, securitization, acquisition finance, project finance, Sukuk financings, and hedging products. Her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and deliver innovative solutions has earned her recognition as a trusted advisor and a driving force in the industry.
Iman’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as SMBC seeks to expand its footprint and enhance its client coverage strategy in the META region. Her deep market knowledge, coupled with her extensive network of clients, positions her as a key asset in advancing SMBC’s mission to provide world-class financial services. Iman’s leadership will be instrumental in reinforcing SMBC’s commitment to growth, innovation, and client-centric solutions in these dynamic and rapidly evolving markets.
