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.
Banking and finance in South Africa
Bowmans
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-class‘ Jenni 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 efficient‘ Lionel 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.