GFI’s Managing Director and founder has over 40 years’ experience of investment banking in Global, Emerging and Frontier Markets. He has been involved in Africa's Debt Capital Markets and has structured over $ 18 billion in deals in local and international markets. He pioneered several new debt transactions. He has experience of debt restructurings, distressed debt advisory and refinancing, as well as corporate, project and trade finance, and M&A transactions. Promoting Sustainable, Economic, Social, Governance principles in all relationships and transactions.A proven leader, financier, and board director with a successful record of transforming and growing businesses. Particular strengths in strategy, customer service, marketing, performance improvement and culture change, people management, coaching skills, and stakeholders - shareholders, staff, clients, central banks, government supervisors and regulatory bodies, Auditors and Rating Agencies. Strong executive presence, proactive, open, and approachable, and capable of blending big-picture viewpoints with tactical considerations to inspire, build trust, and achieve record growth. Chaired boards and committees: ALCO; Audit & Risk; Business Development; Governance; Funding, IT Development; and Strategy committees as an executive and NED. Thorough understanding ofgovernance and compliance.Successfully built and implemented strategies, business development, new products SME/Micro financing and successfully restructured and turned around banks, banking groups, NBFI’s and corporate entities. Proven capabilities in motivating and managing teams of multi-skilled people from different cultural backgrounds.Managed bank cross border exposures exceeding US$ 3bn and treasury trading desks (daily turnover circa US$ 825m), forecasting cash flows and allocating investments to meet liquidity using excellent analytical skills. Chairman of an NBFI focused on providing development finance for the previously disadvantaged.NED of a Paris based real estate development and advisory firm focused on affordable housing.Mail address: chris@gfiuk.netWeb: www.gfiuk.net