Mon - Fri 24/7          Trading Desk: +961 1 379159    Online Trading: +961 1 995992
info@afc.com.lb
Mon - Fri 24/7          Trading Desk: +961 1 379159    Online Trading: +961 1 995992
info@afc.com.lb

Who We Are

Established in 1974, Arab Finance Corporation (AFC) is the first financial institution registered in Lebanon. Operating under the regulation of the Central Bank of Lebanon, AFC provides tailor-made solutions in global financial markets, asset management and financial and strategic advisory to private and institutional clients.

When the founders of AFC formed the company in 1974, they aimed to promote and develop capital markets activities in the Middle East. The mission was to position the institution as one of the first bridges between the Arab and international financial markets, allowing regional investors, both private and institutional, access to international capital markets, and channeling international funds into the Middle East.

On Time
Service.

A Team of
Professionals.

Analyze Your
Business.

WHO WE ARE

Half a century of professional experience

Since then, this will to innovate has stayed at the core of everything we do. Over the years, AFC has managed the highest number of securities offerings among any Lebanese bank or financial firm, being involved in numerous transactions with major sovereign and corporate names. More recently, we have been the first Lebanese company to offer proprietary online trading solutions to its clients, and plan to actively participate in the regional growth of this promising sector.

Meet Our Senior Management

Michel Wazir
Chairman – General Manager

Michel is the Chairman – General Manager at AFC. He has over 15 years of experience in private banking asset management. He started his banking career with Bankmed Suisse in 2006; in a short period of time, he was managing a portfolio of around $100 million for high net worth individuals in MENA and Switzerland. In 2014, he joined MED Securities. In 2018 as Director, he established for Capital EE in Lebanon, a Swiss-licensed financial entity in Geneva “Tree Capital SA” & arranged for its acquisition by investors. In 2019, he partnered in the acquisition of Banque de Credit National where he served as Head of Wealth Management until 2021. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Lebanese American University & certifications in Asset Management and Global Securities AML from IFGP Switzerland & CISI London.

Emile Mehanna, MSc, CMT
Chief Executive Officer

Emile is the Chief Executive Officer of AFC, boasting over 10 years of robust experience in trading, advisory, and portfolio management. With a keen analytical acumen and meticulous attention to detail, Emile brings extensive expertise in trading strategies, portfolio management techniques, research methodologies, risk mitigation strategies, and compliance regulations to his role. During his tenure at AFC, Emile has spearheaded the successful launch of key initiatives including the Research department, Discretionary Portfolio Management, and Online Trading services, demonstrating his proactive leadership and innovative vision.

Prior to assuming his current position, Emile honed his skills and knowledge in esteemed financial institutions in France, enriching his understanding of global financial markets. Emile is a distinguished Chartered Market Technician, holding multiple certifications in capital markets and financial disciplines. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the American University of Beirut, complemented by a Master’s Degree in International Finance from Skema Business School, France. Emile’s blend of academic excellence and hands-on experience positions him as a dynamic leader capable of navigating the complexities of the financial landscape with agility and insight.

Corporate Governance

Corporate Governance

Arab Finance Corporation is operated under Corporate Governance guidelines designed to maximize long-term shareholder value, and driven by the Board’s principal responsibility to act in good faith, ethics and within a set of values and standards that preserve the shareholders’ rights. 

The Board of Directors

AFC is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of 4 members elected by the General Assembly of shareholders for a term of 3 years. The Board of Directors consists of qualified members with appropriate skills, experience, competencies and personal qualities, including professionalism and personal integrity to operate effectively the business.

Board Structure and Qualifications

The Board of Directors currently consists of four Directors distributed between executives and non-executives at the Corporation. Directors proceed in a way they consider, in good faith, would promote success to AFC for the benefit of the shareholders in compliance with the regulatory requirements and standards.

Directors owe a duty of loyalty and integrity to AFC; they act with due skill, care and diligence in managing the business. AFC directors participate in all Board meetings and meetings of Committees on which they serve, and spend sufficient time to prepare for meetings. AFC directors will not put themselves in a position where their interest conflicts or may be perceived to conflict with those of the Corporation.

Organization and Functioning of the Board

The responsibility of the Board of Directors is to ensure strategic direction, management supervision and adequate control of the corporation. AFC’s Board of Directors is accountable for the following activities.

– Maintenance of periodical update for the organizational rules, by-laws, and other similar documents setting out the organization, rights, responsibilities and key activities.
– Enforcing the implementation of laws, regulations and ethical standards based on the Central Bank and the Code of Money & Credit guidelines.
– Ensuring that management maintains a system of internal control which provides assurance of effective and efficient operations, internal financial controls and compliance with rules and regulations.
– Endorse the Charters for various Committees at the Corporation and monitoring and assessing their performance.
– Perform periodic self-assessment to determine whether the Corporation’s various Committees are operating effectively.

Oversight of Senior Management

AFC’s Board monitors regularly the senior’s management actions and ensures consistency with the Corporation’s strategy, policies approved by the board, including risk tolerance. It ensures regularly and continuously that:

– The Corporation’s organizational structure facilitates effective decision making and good governance.
– The review of policies and controls, with the participation of the Senior Management and the Internal Control functions in order to determine areas needing improvement.

Committees

Arab Finance Corporation has established specific Committees to increase efficiency and allow deeper focus in specific areas. Each Committee has a charter that sets out its mandate, scope and working procedures. Committees maintain appropriate records of deliberations and decisions, being support documents that will help in the assessment by the supervisor of the effectiveness of these Committees.