Firms To Watch: Banking and finance

Nzame Qokweni and Luyolo Poswa jointly head up the banking and finance practice at Poswa Incorporated, which is adept at assisting banks and financial institutions with a broad range of transactional matters.

Banking and finance in South Africa

Bowmans

Allen Leuta and Ulrike Naumann co-head the banking and finance practice at Bowmans, which continues to handle a high volume of sustainability-linked funding transactions and large-scale restructurings. Cross-border mandates are prominent in the ‘responsive and knowledgeable‘ team’s workload, and the group is well versed in representing borrowers and lenders in complex matters. Naumann is a key contact for debt restructurings, leveraged and mezzanine finance, and preference share funding transactions. Jan Kruger is highly regarded for his solid track record in acting for financial institutions, and Michael Swartland‘s practice takes in BEE funding matters. Jayson George is ‘a phenomenal individual with true grit and poise‘. Pride Jani joined the group in December 2023, and the practice was also bolstered by the arrival of Ryan Nelson and Amanda Jones in January 2025. Deborah Carmichael left the firm in December 2024.

Praxisleiter:

Allen Leuta; Ulrike Naumann


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jan Kruger; Jason Wilkinson; Michael Swartland; Ivan Vorster; Jayson George; Yolande Murphy; Pride Jani; Ryan Nelson; Amanda Jones


Referenzen

‘They dedicate the right resources at the right level of seniority. They communicate and keep us updated the whole time. ’

‘Ulrike Naumann and Ivan Vorster are exceptionally talented individuals who are not only counsel, but trusted advisors to the banking fraternity. They provide exceptional legal advice.’ 

‘Ivan Vorster is young, energetic, thinks outside the box.’

Kernmandanten

Absa Bank Limited


AbInBev, The South African Breweries


African Rainbow Capital


African Rainbow Minerals Limited


AgDevCo Limited


Alexander Forbes Group Holdings Limited


Alexander Forbes Life Limited


ARM Coal Limited


Ashburton Fund Managers Proprietary Limited


Bank of China


Capitec Bank Limited


Caterpillar Financial Services Proprietary Limited


Clindeb


Coca Cola Beverages South Africa Propriety Limited


Development Bank of Southern Africa


Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited


Fairfax Africa Investments Proprietary Limited


FirstRand Bank Limited, Rand Merchant Bank


Future growth Asset Management Proprietary Limited


HSBC Bank plc


Imperial Logistics Limited, Imperial Capital Limited, Imperial South Africa Holdings Proprietary Limited, Imperial South Africa Group Proprietary Limited, Imperial Mobility International B.V., and Imperial Mobility Finance B.V.


Investec Bank Limited


JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. (London Branch)


Nedbank Limited


Netcare Limited


Ninety-One Limited


Old Mutual Alternative Investments Proprietary Limited, Old Mutual Hybrid Equity Fund, Old Mutual Specialised Finance


Orion Mine Finance, Orion Resources Partners


Prescient Investment Management Proprietary Limited


Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited


RMB International (Mauritius) Limited


Sanlam Investment Management Proprietary Limited


Sanlam Life Insurance Limited


Standard Chartered Bank


The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, Stanbic Bank IBTC PLC, Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited


Stanlib Management Proprietary Limited


Tongaat Hulett Limited


Trafigura PTE Limited


Vedanta Resources


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising a large syndicate of banks on the multi-million dollar restructuring of the Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa.
  • Acted as lead counsel to SBSA and RMB (as mandated lead arrangers in a syndicate of banks) in connection with the ZAR14,500,000,0000 refinancing of the Foschini Retail Group Proprietary Limited’s (FRG) existing debt.

ENSafrica

ENSafrica‘s team stands out for its ‘breadth of skills and experience across all aspects of banking and finance matters’. Debt finance work forms the key pillar of the practice, and the group is well known for acting for a solid client base of development finance institutions and international and domestic banks. Practice head Craig Saven is highly regarded for his expertise in advising on cross-border matters and structured trade finance work, and Sean Lederman is reputed for his specialist expertise in aircraft financings. Johann Basson advises lenders and borrowers on acquisition finance and trade finance matters, and Jessica Blumenthal is very experienced in assisting financial services regulatory issues. Deborah Carmichael has an excellent track record in handling instructions relating to corporate and acquisition finance. Alex Taylor‘s workload includes sustainability-linked finance and preference share funding mandates.

Praxisleiter:

Craig Saven


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Anina Boshoff; Sean Lederman; Jessica Blumenthal; Johann Basson; Deborah Carmichael; Alex Taylor; Thuba Shange


Referenzen

‘The ENS team are an exceptional legal team that consistently delivered outstanding results. They skillfully drafted legal documents, even on some highly complex and challenging deals practically and with precision and clarity. Their collaborative approach is remarkable. The team’s efficiency in delivering well-structured, comprehensive documentation was impressive, making the entire experience seamless. I highly recommend their services for anyone seeking a legal team that combines expertise, collaboration, and top-notch efficiency.’

‘I have had the pleasure of working with Jessica Blumenthal – an exceptional professional individual who stands out in her field. She has a deep level of expertise and insight, especially when handling intricate and challenging structures.’

‘Super specialist with vast experience in restructuring distressed debt. Few firms have the depth of knowledge and the reach of solutions like the ENS banking and finance team. ’

Kernmandanten

Investec Bank Limited


International Finance Corporation


Proparco


Rand Merchant Bank


Sasol Financing USA LLC


Sasol Financing International Limited


AEL Assets Holding Proprietary Limited


Alston Elliot Limited


Ginger Bidco Limited


Inflexion Private Equity Partners LLP


Webber Wentzel

At Webber Wentzel, the banking and finance team has solid experience in advising on debt capital markets matters, which are a core area of strength for Lindi Marais. The group is also well-versed in handling debt finance mandates for banks and development finance institutions. Marais co-heads the practice with Khurshid Fazel, who is sought after by borrowers and lenders to advise on acquisition financing, restructuring and leveraged finance work. Preference share funding transactions are prominent in Kathy Shepherd‘s workload, and Rashaad Carrim brings expertise in advising on transactions in the mining sector.

Praxisleiter:

Khurshid Fazel; Lindi Marais


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Kathy Shepherd; Rashaad Carrim; Tahera Casim; Natasha Pather; Faatimah Jaffer; Janine Lamb; Dawid de Villiers


Referenzen

‘The depth of knowledge and expertise within the team is absolutely fantastic. They have a team filled with top notch banking lawyers who are able to advise on all aspects of a transaction. You are assured of an expert in any field of law when dealing with this team.’

‘Kathy Shepherd, Rashaad Carrim and Janine Lamb are stand out lawyers. They have gone over and above when assisting us on complex transactions. Their dedication and expert knowledge has been invaluable.’

Kathy Shepherd is an industry expert and definitely a lawyer of choice on complex commercial transactions. Her depth of knowledge is beyond measure.’

Kernmandanten

The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited


Nedbank Limited


FirstRand Bank Limited


UK Climate Investments (UKCI) and Norfund


The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited and Absa Bank Limited


Sea Harvest Corporation


Premier Group Limited


Entersekt International Limited


Spartan Truck Hire Proprietary Limited


Alterra Capital Partners


Nimble Group Proprietary Limited


Community Investment Ventures Holdings


CapitalWorks Investment Partners (Pty) Ltd


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised a consortium of lenders on a ZAR2,500,000,000 loan to Pele Green Energy Proprietary Limited (PGE) for the construction of renewable energy plants.
  • Acted as lender counsel to RMB in relation to two inter-connected funding transactions.
  • Acting as borrower counsel to the Maziv Group regarding a ZAR 25 billion loan to the client for expanding its business.

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr

Led by Mashudu Mphafudi , the banking and finance practice at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr has an excellent track record in assisting state-owned enterprises and prominent banks with cross-border transactions, often involving equity and debt capital markets matters; Ludwig Smith has particular expertise in the latter area. Mbali Khumalo is well versed in representing borrowers, investment banks, issuers and development finance institutions in a broad range of transactions. Kuda Chimedza‘s practice takes in project and corporate finance matters, and Michael Bailey brings experience in advising on private equity transactions. Jess Reid left the firm to take up an in-house position in July 2024.

Praxisleiter:

Mashudu Mphafudi


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ludwig Smith; Mbali Khumalo; Kuda Chimedza; Michael Bailey


Referenzen

‘The team is knowledgeable and consistently delivers in accordance with agreed timelines.’

‘Mashudu Mphafadi is knowledgeable and a good problem solver.’

Michael Bailey is knowledgeable, has excellent communication skills and meets deadlines.’

Kernmandanten

City of Cape Town


Nedbank


Exxaro Resources


Doornhoek


Dzimuzwo Energy Projects


Windworks Holdings


Education Investment Impact Fund Of South Africa (EduFund)


Creation Capital Investments


First Energy Capital


Scientia Capital


Capitec Bank


AltVest Capital


Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc

The banking and finance team at Norton Rose Fulbright has a solid track record in handling refinancing, acquisition finance, sustainability-linked loans, and preference share funding work. Practice head Jackie Midlane ‘brings a huge depth of experience in banking and finance in the renewable energy sector‘, and Raghemah Hendricks is a key contact for real estate finance mandates. Desiree Reddy is well-versed in financial regulatory issues and central bank digital currencies, and Steve Chemaly has expertise in assisting with leveraged debt restructurings and commodity finance matters. Corporate and mezzanine finance are core areas of strength for Izak Lessing, and Olivia Radford assists borrowers, commercial banks, and development finance institutions with domestic and cross-border transactions.

Praxisleiter:

Jackie Midlane


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Raghemah Hendricks; Desiree Reddy; Steve Chemaly; Izak Lessing; Nicole Mc Millan; Ntokozo Ngubane; Olivia Radford


Referenzen

‘Thorough knowledge, excellent responsiveness, and close co-operation with colleagues where appropriate.’

‘The team has a fantastic combination of skills, experience and passion.’

‘Jackie Midlane brings a huge depth of experience in banking and finance in the renewable energy sector.’

Kernmandanten

Absa Bank Limited


Bank of China Johannesburg Branch


Barak Fund SPC Limited


Barclays Bank Plc


Citibank N.A.


Columbus Stainless (Pty) Ltd


Community Investment Management LLC


Ecobank


Enel Green Power


Eskom Pension Fund


FirstRand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division)


Futuregrowth Asset Management Proprietary Limited


Globeleq


Industrial Development Corporation


Infinity Power


International Finance Corporation


Investec Asset Management Proprietary Limited


Kholo Capital Fund Managers Proprietary Limited


Metropolitan Life Limited (MML)


MUFG Bank, Ltd


Namune Crane Systems Proprietary Limited


Nedbank Limited


OPEC Fund


PPC Limited


Prescient Investment Management Limited


Proparco


Rand Merchant Bank Limited


Revego Africa Energy Fund


RTI International


SACCAWU National Provident Fund


Société Générale


TBI Strategic Partners Proprietary Limited (TBI)


The Development Bank of Southern Africa


The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised the Development Finance Institute Canada Inc. on providing a USD 100,000,000 loan to FirstRand Bank Limited (FirstRand) for supporting green finance transactions.
  • Acted as lead counsel to The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (acting through its corporate and investment banking division) and Masheqbank as joint initial mandated lead arrangers, bookrunners and global coordinators, in relation to a USD255 million loan provided to the Development Bank of Southern Africa Limited.
  • Advised the London brand of Nedbank Limited on the EUR15,000,000 financing of Polish asset manager EPP Retail Powerpark Olsztyn SP. ZO.O (EPP).

Werksmans Attorneys

At Werksmans Attorneys, the banking and finance team stands out for its ‘exceptional depth of knowledge and experience in structured finance, with a particular focus on debt capital markets and securitisations‘. Department head Elliott Wood acts for borrowers and major financial institutions, and has particular expertise in advising on bilateral and syndicated funding structures. Debt capital markets work is a core area of strength for Richard Roothman, and the ‘world-classJenni Darling ‘operates efficiently, is always available and her delivery is exceptional‘. Lynsey Watson has experience in representing banks in multi-jurisdictional transactions, while Clarisa Laltha assists with preference share transactions. James Wewege provides support on debt and preference share funding matters.

Praxisleiter:

Elliott Wood


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Richard Roothman; Jenni Darling; Lynsey Watson; Astrid Berman; Lureshan Naidoo; James Wewege; Clarisa Laltha; Zoë Austen


Referenzen

‘A pragmatic approach and decades of experience.’

‘Richard Roothman is extremely dependable, easy to work with, and highly experienced in various areas of banking and finance.’

‘The team is exceptional. They provide exceptional advice that always leads to amazing outcomes.’

White & Case LLP

Led by the ‘extremely efficientLionel Shawe, White & Case LLP‘s practice has an excellent reputation for its strength in debt finance and capital markets work. The group has a solid track record in assisting international and domestic financial institutions and banks with sustainability-linked credit facilities, revolving credit facilities, sovereign guaranteed financing and credit derivatives matters. Lindani Mthembu is a key practitioner for cross-border transactions and often acts for mining, real estate, telecoms, and retail entities. Alex Cullinan specialises in handling syndicated lending mandates and restructurings, while Sibusiso Zungu is versed in commodity finance.

Praxisleiter:

Lionel Shawe


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Lindani Mthembu; Sibusiso Zungu; Alex Cullinan; Sboniso Cibane; Elaine Langa


Referenzen

‘The team is efficient and solution orientated.’

‘I have worked with Lindani Mthembu on difficult transactions. He has been calm and stood his ground without losing his cool. He disarmed arguments using his wealth of knowledge that he has amassed over the years.’

‘Lionel Shawe and Alex Cullinan were extremely efficient.’

Kernmandanten

National Treasury of the Republic of South Africa


Standard Bank Group Limited


International Finance Corporation


MTN Group


Absa Bank Limited


African Development Bank


Citibank


Development Bank of Southern Africa


Eskom


Rand Merchant Bank


Goldman Sachs


Telkom SOC


Nedbank


Thungela Resources


Vox Telecommunications


Highbridge Fund Managers


Whitebox Advisor


CMS South Africa

Riza Moosa heads CMS South Africa’s banking and finance team, which advises clients in the infrastructure and financial services sectors on high-value refinancing, development finance, and project finance mandates. Andre van den Berg has extensive experience in handling acquisition, leverage and syndicated financings, asset financing, and real estate financing matters. Karabo Kanapi is active on corporate finance mandates and multi-jurisdictional transactional work.

Praxisleiter:

Riza Moosa


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Andre van den Berg; Karabo Kanapi


Referenzen

‘I found the CMS South Africa banking team to be great at working closely with the clients to better understand their needs and providing customised legal advice solutions that enable efficient and speedy resolutions of the matters at hand.’

‘The whole team did a great job. Andre van den Berg was very responsive and provided concise, on point advice that saved us time and ensured that we dealt our matters speedily. Riza Moosa provided sound advice and successfully led the tough negotiations.’

Kernmandanten

Sithega GP Proprietary Limited


Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited


JUMO World Holdings Limited


JUMI World Uganda Limited


New GX


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised JUMO Uganda, JUMO World Holdings Ltd, and Stanbic on a structured finance transaction, as part of which Stanbic, as senior lender, provided a loan facility to JUMO Uganda.

DLA Piper

Under the leadership of Jackie Pennington and Nick Grootes, DLA Piper Advisory Services (pty) Ltd‘s team is adept at advising on a wide spectrum of banking and finance matters. Pennington is a key contact for borrower and lender clients, and regularly advises on domestic and cross-border financing transactions, while Grootes is well-versed in acting for major South African banks. Nick Goldberg is experienced in handling preference share funding and asset and leveraged financings, while Bridget King is sought after for her expertise in repo and derivatives transactions. Pride Jani left the firm in December 2023, and Jamie Macdonald left the firm for an in-house role in October 2024.

Praxisleiter:

Jackie Pennington; Nick Grootes


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Bridget King; Nick Goldberg


Referenzen

‘Jackie Pennington and Nick Goldberg are extremely practical and commercial.’

‘Nick Goldberg is exceptional. He is practical and pragmatic in his approach.’

Kernmandanten

Nedbank


Citibank N.A.


Digital Edge Limited


EOH Holdings Limited


Investeringsfonden forUdviklingslande


NOA Group Holdings


SolarAfrica Energy


Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised the EOH Group on a ZAR 2 billion debt refinancing.