Joined Previse, an AI-focused fintech in early supplier payments, at the Series A stage, initially to build out and lead capital markets funding. Secured over US$200 million in debt commitments from banks and credit investors. My role evolved to lead partnerships more broadly, with a focus on banks. Led the execution of the first AI-driven supply chain finance program financed by a top-tier commercial bank (HSBC). Other key relationships managed include Mastercard and Beat Syndicate 4242 of Lloyd's of London (insurance). Member of the risk committee.

Founded Dfin, a boutique corporate finance firm, together with Chris Ellis. Primarily focused on the diamond sector, which I had previously covered as a banker. Represented companies in distressed situations involving bank debt (ranging between US$10 million to US$200 million) and also provided general financial advisory services. Wrote the business plan and originated equity and debt commitments for a startup diamond inventory lending platform.

Advisor to the founders of Nivoda (diamond B2B platform, then a seed-stage startup), primarily on financial and trading infrastructure.

Led the New York leg of a newly-established global banking team covering the diamond sector. Grew loan assets to US$1 billion (from zero) within 3 years and became the market-leading diamond sector bank in North America. I was given additional responsibility in 2012 for Africa coverage - overall managed a team of 7 across 3 locations (New York, South Africa, Botswana) and client revenues of US$25 million per annum. Lead Banker for the following notable transactions: Harry Winston Inc. US$ 300 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility - August 2012 (Mandated Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner); Hearts On Fire Company US$ 150 million sale to Chow Tai Fook Jewellery – September 2014 (M&A Co-advisor). Executed credit facilities for clients globally (New York, London, Hong Kong, India, Africa) and cross-sold products including capital markets, FX/commodity hedging products, precious metals loans and cash management.

Product coverage of the Americas region, with focus on Latin America. Assigned specific responsibility for Standard Chartered Trade Services Corporation, the Bank's trading company that specializes in structured transactional trade finance.

Managed a portfolio of corporate clients, principally subsidiaries of European and North American multinationals, and also middle market/commodity traders, with coverage across the Middle East and Africa. Major product need was trade finance, both documentary as well as open account supply chain finance, to support clients’ trade flows to/from Dubai with other regions, principally Africa and Asia. Led the project to develop the Bank’s strategy for corporate clients from the new branch in the financial free zone of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Completed the Bank’s Wholesale Banking graduate program, including rotations with Global Client Coverage Bankers, Transaction Banking-Trade Finance and Business Planning for the Regional Head of Corporate Banking Europe. Included six months attachment to the Uganda office as part of the graduate program. Heavily involved in closing the landmark USD 25 million financing of Uganda Telecom’s GSM network expansion; also directly managed relationships with several local middle market clients.

Sabbatical position to co-ordinate the activities of AIESEC (the international not-for-profit, student-managed, youth exchange organisation) at national level. Spent one year in Venezuela and one year in the UK.

Undertook market research study in preparation for the company’s entry into new European markets.