ABOUT

Background & Approach

I work with founders and senior finance leaders to support funding processes that stand up to real credit scrutiny. My role is to support the financing workstream — from structuring considerations and lender positioning through to documented terms and transaction close.

I have spent over 20 years in banking and lending, with the last decade focused on the more technically demanding areas of the debt market. Earlier in my career I worked in secured lending, where outcomes are often influenced by asset cover and loan-to-value ratios. That experience was formative, but it was my move into structured finance that reshaped how I assess transactions.

In structured finance, tangible security is often limited or absent. Lending decisions rely on the quality of analysis: the resilience of the business model, management capability, regulatory and economic context, sponsor dynamics, customer concentration, supplier exposure and transaction complexity. Operating in that environment requires a detailed understanding of how businesses generate and protect cash flow.

"It was my move into structured finance that reshaped how I assess transactions"

"One of the biggest advantages I bring to clients is visibility into how lenders actually operate"

A key part of my perspective comes from understanding how lending institutions operate internally. Many management teams do not see the distinction between relationship management and credit decision-making. Front-line bankers are often commercially focused, while ultimate approval rests with independent credit functions operating under different incentives and constraints.

This can create a disconnect: early enthusiasm during lender engagement, followed by resistance deeper within the credit process. Transactions can stall not because the underlying business lacks merit, but because the structure, positioning or internal lender alignment is insufficient. Credit officers are inherently risk-focused, and how a transaction is framed and assessed internally often carries as much weight as the financial metrics themselves.

I later applied that discipline within the venture debt market, where stable cash flow typically does not exist. In that context, credit judgement depends on understanding long-term growth drivers, market sentiment, ARR quality, net revenue retention and the credibility of potential exit pathways — whether through refinancing, sponsor support or enterprise value.

"I later applied that discipline within the venture debt market"

"My approach is to remove friction"

My approach is to reduce avoidable friction within funding processes. Transactions are prepared in a lender-ready format, with risks identified openly and mitigating factors clearly articulated. This supports efficient internal lender review where the underlying proposition is credible.

Clients often seek support after a decline from their existing bank, sometimes without clear feedback. In many cases, the issue relates to product alignment, sector appetite or internal credit strategy rather than business quality. Access to a broader lender universe and careful positioning can materially change how a transaction is assessed.

Throughout an engagement, I prioritise transparency and process discipline. Early feedback is preferable to prolonged uncertainty, and risks, structural constraints and potential challenges are addressed at the outset. Funding processes are demanding and negotiations can be complex; progress depends on preparation, resilience and structured coordination. The objective is to support transactions that are well-positioned, clearly understood and sustainable.

Professional Experience

Qualifications

Professionally qualified across ACCA, LIBF, CISI and Chartered Banker.

Credentials & Experience

Exposure across venture debt, structured finance, private-equity-backed acquisitions and leveraged growth funding, within structured credit environments.

QUESTIONS?

Most of my clients start with an off-the-record chat. Feel free to get in touch.