Michel Arcouche Email & Phone Number

Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq

Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq

Diorite Business Advisors is an EU advisory firm specialized in Iraq. Although the Iraqi market is viewed as highly challenging, it is considered one of the most lucrative and exciting markets to target due to its size and growth potential especially in light the large infrastructure projects envisioned in the coming years.Diorite strives to support companies interested in venturing into the Iraqi market by understanding the dynamics of the market, raising debt and equity, adopting winning strategies, identifying potential local partners, and supporting in the establishment process. Diorite also provides advisory services to incumbent banks looking to turnaround their business models and adopt breakthrough strategies in addition to regional and international banks planning to establish a presence in Iraq. Diorite has valuable insights about the Iraqi market because of its presence on the ground and years of experience in Iraq along with the established wide network within the business community, banks, and other key stakeholders. We understand the culture in Iraq, the way business in conducted, and the dynamics of the country.• Optimized business models of companies in different industries and enhanced their cash flow engine.• Enhanced start-ups financial management and accounting practices improving their bankability and investment readiness.• Conducted customized live training sessions in Accounting and Finance in Arabic and English.• Prepared equity and debt stories clients operating in different industries in Iraq.• Advised on facility structuring and debt raising strategies in the MENA region.• Developed restructuring strategies and digital banking transformation plans for several banks in Iraq.• Evaluated investment opportunities in real estate, telecommunications, and hospitality in EMENA.• Developed Excel based accounting systems, financial projections model, and project finance models.

Iraq

• Acquired in-depth understanding of the banking industry dynamics in the region.• Participated in the establishment of the bank and gained significant experience in all aspects of Banking.• Established the Corporate Department including review of policies and procedures, recruitment and training, strategy development, system requirements.• Managed daily business, reviewed credit files, priced facilities maximising the bank's returns based on RAROC model, and led the Corporate Team efficiently producing high quality credit files in a timely manner with a satisfactory portfolio risk rating - 90% approval rate.• Voting member of the Credit Committee.• Closed mega deals and successfully negotiated their business and legal terms.• Worked closely with local lawyers and international law firm on different large transactions.• Ensured high level of compliance.• Advised clients on best debt structure ensuring interests of all parties are aligned.• Developed innovative products that meet the Iraqi market needs.• Gained excellent experience in Trade Finance instruments and worked on complicated structures.• Established an excellent network with all stakeholders in Iraq, Lebanon, the MENA region, and Europe including clients and industry leaders.• Achieved excellent profitability for the bank with negligible NPLs. The bank was ranked in top 3 among foreign bank branches operating in Iraq within 3 years.• Solved problems and mitigated risks related to the high uncertainty in the economic, political, and business environment showing high resilience of the corporate strategy adopted during crisis times in Lebanon and in the region including COVID 19. In 2020, the bank’s return on equity exceeded 15%.• Prepared yearly business plan and budget exceeding expectations.• Participated in the pre-acquisition due diligence and acquisition process as member of the lead management team ensuring all requirements are met and smooth transition after cut-off date.

Paris Area, France

• Developed new relationships for the bank and studied files in different industries for large corporate and large family businesses operating in different regions including Europe, Middle East and North Africa.

Damascus, Syria

• Evaluated the feasibility of a broad range of green field and already existing businesses and investments.• Prepared credit appraisal files including project finance and syndications with required collateral for different industries such as cement, steel, tourism, retail, shipping, ports, manufacturing, oil & gas, trade.• Analysed financial statements and developed financial models to project cash flows in different industries.• Managed syndications in different roles including MLA, facility agent, account bank, etc.• Liaised with clients and analysed their credit needs using tools such as Moody’s Risk Rating System.• Established excellent relationships with a wide network within the business community in MENA.• Managed the portfolio in crisis time under pressure and negotiated different rescheduling deals.• Managed the team responsible for the corporate portfolio and business development. • Reviewed the corporate portfolio performance and built portfolio projection models for the annual budget.• Managed the development of the 3 years corporate business plan and presented it to top management.• Achieved a full grade in the 1-month core credit course and cash flow modelling developed by Citi Bank.• Attended a 4-days Project Finance for PPP course by Euromoney in Istanbul (October 2010).

Doha, Qatar

• Evaluated and analyzed investment opportunities in Qatar including financials modeling and strategy.• Advised companies on registration and operation within Qatar Financial Center.• Participated in developing a blueprint for setting up a stock exchange in the Middle East.

Damascus, Syria

• Analyzed the requirements of different departments for a Student Information System and implemented it.• Managed a team of 5 including allocating projects, defining scopes, and setting deadlines.

Mba, Business

MBA Thesis: Branding Syrian Tourism - a Strategic Framework Thesis with Distinction, Graduated with Merit

Graduate Certificate, Alternative Investments, 94%

Bachelor, Computer Science

Activities and Societies: Member of the Syrian Cultural Club and Kick-boxing varsity Dean’s Honors List

Baccalaureate, Scientific

Scientific French Baccalaureate, mention Assez Bien, highest grade in Math for the year 1999