Alvarez & Marsal strengthens M&A team in UAE with Uthman Al-Basri
Alvarez & Marsal has strengthened its M&A team in the United Arab Emirates with the hire of Uthman Al-Basri.
Appointed a Managing Director in Abu Dhabi, Al-Basri brings over 15 years of experience advising clients on landmark transactions, including the creation of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), Saudi National Bank (SNB), and Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB).
Al-Basri has also led cross-border acquisitions in Turkey, North Africa, and Central Asia, as well as major insurance M&A transactions in Saudi Arabia.
Specializing in financial services, his expertise spans buy-side and sell-side financial due diligence, vendor diligence, sale and purchase agreement support, and capital markets readiness.
Al-Basri joins Alvarez & Marsal from KPMG, where he was a Partner in its Transaction Services practice. Before that, he led financial services M&A engagements at fellow Big Four firm Deloitte.
Commenting on his move, Al-Basri said: “The Gulf Cooperation Council is home to some of the world’s most active financial services markets, with increasing complexity across banking, insurance, asset management, and fintech transactions. Alvarez & Marsal’s integrated model, built on deep functional and industry expertise, is a natural fit for purpose for meeting the market’s current and future M&A demands.”
For Alvarez & Marsal, a New York-headquartered consulting firm with over 10,000 people worldwide, the appointment continues the expansion of its Transaction Advisory Group, which has around 1,200 professionals in 45 offices worldwide.
Paul Aversano, Managing Director and Global Leader of the Transaction Advisory Group, commented: “The appointment of Uthman demonstrates our continued commitment to listen intently to the market – one that calls for expanding our capabilities and local footprint in key economic hubs, all with the lens to help our clients further unlock cross-border deal value while mitigating risk in an increasing complex market.”
Ali Anwar, Managing Director and Middle East Leader of the practice, added: “The Middle East remains one of the world’s most dynamic investment destinations, fueled by sustained economic growth, ambitious diversification agendas, and a fast-evolving regulatory landscape. Uthman’s appointment reinforces our commitment to expanding Alvarez & Marsal’s senior-led presence in the region, ensuring we are at the forefront of advising clients on complex, high-profile transactions.”
