The new face of the Central Bank of Lebanon: Could "Kreim Saeed" be the key to solving the economic crisis?

The Lebanese government announced on Thursday, March 27, the appointment of Karim Saeed as the new governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon, following a crucial vote by the Cabinet at a sensitive time for the Lebanese economy. Saeed, with a strong background in banking and financial policies, is considered one of Lebanon's prominent economic figures. He studied law at Harvard University and has been associated with several prominent economic initiatives, such as the "Harvard Plan" launched to address the economic crisis in Lebanon, supported by funding from Growthgate Capital, where Saeed serves as a founding partner. The company has a strong reputation in alternative asset management, with significant investments in private companies across the Gulf, the Middle East, and North Africa. In addition to his investment experience, Saeed has a successful career in banking laws, being a member of the New York Bar Association since 1989. He has held various leadership positions, including General Manager of Investment Banking Services at HSBC Middle East from 2000 to 2006, where he led major privatization operations. He also founded and became a managing partner at Growthgate Equity Partners in the UAE, specializing in alternative asset management. He was also a board member of Emirates Lebanon Bank. Through his diverse experiences, Saeed contributed to shaping privatization laws in Lebanon, working alongside legislators and government ministries to develop laws that support investors and protect public interests. He played a significant role in structuring securities issuances for privatized entities, in collaboration with finance ministries and central banks in the Gulf and Jordan. With his appointment to this important position, Saeed is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing the economic challenges facing Lebanon, benefiting from his deep expertise in both the public and private sectors.