Latest news with #structuredfinance
Forbes
9 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
How Structured Trade Finance Can Help Address Africa's USD Liquidity Crisis
Meelan Gupta | Global finance & treasury pro w/ 25+ years' experience in Africa, the Middle East, Europe & Asia | GeBBS Healthcare Solutions Many African economies face persistent shortages of foreign exchange (FX), particularly U.S. dollars, which can impair their ability to fund imports, pay off debt and maintain stable macroeconomic conditions. The issue is especially severe in nations reliant on commodity exports or with narrow industrial bases. But an increasingly viable solution is emerging—structured trade finance using standby letter of credit (SBLC)-backed bill discounting. I work as a financial advisor and strategist with deep involvement in cross-border trade and structured finance across emerging markets. I have worked alongside African financial institutions, importers and development partners to design liquidity-enhancing trade finance structures. My experience spans engagements involving SBLCs, particularly for FX-constrained economies. This direct exposure to the operational and regulatory intricacies of African trade flows has informed my advocacy for structured solutions like SBLC-backed bill discounting as pragmatic mechanisms for maintaining macroeconomic stability and ensuring trade continuity. Understanding The FX Crunch Foreign exchange shortages are not new to Africa. Countries like Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya frequently struggle to access dollars, especially during periods of global economic stress (registration required). These shortages are exacerbated by fluctuating commodity prices, limited diversification and capital flight. For example, Nigeria's dollar crisis in 2014 followed a steep drop in global oil prices. More recently, the Covid-19 pandemic caused a $5 billion capital outflow from the continent, intensifying pressure on foreign reserves and curbing trade flows. The impact goes beyond macroeconomic figures—it disrupts sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. In Kenya and Nigeria, crop yields have fallen due to delayed fertilizer imports. In Egypt, textile mills have reduced output due to the unavailability of imported raw materials. These are not isolated incidents—they're systemwide consequences of a fragmented FX ecosystem. A Practical Model: SBLC-Backed Bill Discounting One proven, structured solution is the standby letter of credit-backed bill discounting model. This mechanism combines local bank credit enhancement with international bank liquidity to bridge the FX gap. Here's how it works, based on my experience: • A local firm issues an invoice to its client and presents it to its local bank for discounting. • Instead of paying USD directly, the local bank issues an SBLC to a correspondent bank that gives USD liquidity. • The international bank provides USD liquidity against the SBLC. • This liquidity is then used to pay offshore suppliers, while the local client eventually repays in local currency. This model can be used across industries to fund procurement and meet offshore obligations, without depending on a central bank or informal markets. In my firm's work with clients, we were able to do multiple transactions. Benefits Across The Board For banks, this model helps limit direct FX exposure and can deepen international correspondent relationships. For businesses, it eliminates reliance on central bank allocations or black-market FX premiums, helping improve supply chain continuity and project delivery timelines. For the economy, it can contribute to more stable FX markets, help lower inflationary pressure and promote investor confidence. Why It's Scalable My firm has concluded a deal in Nigeria, but the model is scalable across many African economies. South Africa, Ghana, Kenya and Egypt—with their structured banking systems and active trade links—are well-positioned to adopt similar solutions. The key enablers? Regulatory harmonization, credit guarantee schemes and collaboration between commercial banks and fintech platforms. Technology As An Enabler Digital platforms, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven credit scoring and blockchain-based documentation can further streamline trade finance. By automating invoice validation and tracking FX exposures in real time, these tools can help reduce friction and increase transparency in multicountry deals. Considerations And Caveats For SBLC-Backed Bill Discounting While SBLC-backed bill discounting can ease FX shortages and support trade, it comes with important caveats: SBLC-backed discounting can be a valuable tool but should be used selectively, with strong legal, financial and policy oversight. A Call To Action For Policymakers To support structured trade finance, African governments and regional blocs must: • Standardize trade finance regulations across borders. • Recognize SBLCs and similar instruments as eligible collateral. • Support credit enhancement and FX guarantee mechanisms through development finance institutions. A Call To Action For Finance Professionals Africa's FX shortage is a corporate challenge—and a major opportunity for finance professionals. Here's how you can respond: SBLC-backed discounting is a tool to help drive returns and resilience. Finance professionals can lead the charge in bridging Africa's liquidity gap while opening new markets and mitigating global risk. Final Thoughts Africa's FX liquidity challenges won't disappear overnight—but structured trade finance offers a road map to greater resilience. SBLC-backed bill discounting is one such tool that can potentially help stabilize trade flows, empower businesses and restore investor faith. For finance professionals, this is the moment to step in—not just as financiers, but as enablers of stability and growth in one of the world's most dynamic yet underserved markets. The information provided here is not investment, tax or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation. Forbes Finance Council is an invitation-only organization for executives in successful accounting, financial planning and wealth management firms. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HB Capital Expands Structured CRE Finance Team through Merger with Geoffrey Harris
PHOENIX, July 22, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HB Capital ( a national capital-advisory firm specializing in commercial-real-estate financing, today announced that Geoffrey Harris and his team have joined the company. The move broadens HB Capital's structured-finance capabilities and accelerates its growth across U.S. markets. Geoffrey Harris becomes Executive Managing Director and Partner after 26 years in mortgage banking, debt-and-equity structuring, and capital-markets advisory, most recently leading Tower Capital's nationwide placement platform. Over his career he has closed more than 2,400 transactions totaling $14+ billion and is a perennial top originator in the NNN, multi-tenant retail, office, and industrial sectors. His deep lender network will strengthen HB Capital's relationships with banks, life companies, debt funds, agencies, and private lenders. "We are thrilled to welcome Geoffrey and his exceptional team," said Hannah Hammond, Founder and CEO of HB Capital. "Their track record and values align perfectly with our mission to fund the visions of developers and investors with precision, speed, and integrity." New Team Members Alex Chenarides, Sr. Managing Director – Originator with 25 years and $3 billion in closings across all asset classes. Adam Folz, Sr. Managing Director – Specialist in structured financing for multifamily, office, industrial, and retail repositioning. Tanner Johnson, Managing Director – Debt-and-equity advisor with $500 million in completed transactions. Erik Dickerson, Associate Director, Capital Markets – Analyst who has worked on $100 million in originations since 2024. Joe Carlson, Director – Strategist focused on multifamily and commercial equity solutions. Monica Pendergast, Sr. Transaction Manager – Closing and servicing specialist with 25 years' experience. About HB Capital HB Capital is a mission-driven commercial-real-estate capital-advisory firm dedicated to being the most trusted partner in funding the visions of real estate investors across the U.S. The company delivers debt and equity solutions for every stage of the investment lifecycle, supported by deep market intelligence, cutting-edge AI technology, and an expansive lender network. Founder and CEO Hannah Hammond earned a Full Ride Scholarship to Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, and graduated summa cum laude in three years. She closed her first CRE deal at 18 as a broker, and began to build her own portfolio. Her leadership philosophy—"Freedom Beyond Fortune"—combines rigorous continuous improvement with people-first values to empower clients, team members, and communities to reach their highest potential, and to create not only generational wealth, but true generational freedom. View source version on Contacts Hannah Hammond | 602-759-0834 | Hello@ Erreur lors de la récupération des données Connectez-vous pour accéder à votre portefeuille Erreur lors de la récupération des données
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Winston & Strawn Expands Structured Finance Practice with Addition of Partner Aaron Benjamin
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 07, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Winston & Strawn LLP announced today that Aaron Benjamin has joined the firm's Transactions Department as a partner in the Charlotte and New York offices and a member of the Structured Finance Practice. Aaron represents many of the largest U.S. and foreign banks in commercial real estate warehouse lending deals. The commercial real estate warehouse lending business has grown explosively in recent years in conjunction with the burgeoning growth of the private credit industry. Aaron is recognized as a market leader in bank-side representation in pooled lending transactions backed by commercial real estate loans and in structured repurchase transactions backed by asset-backed securities, including residential and commercial mortgage backed securities, CRE CLO bonds and commercial bank loan and middle market CLO bonds. Aaron is licensed to practice in New York. "Winston's structured finance group is widely recognized as an industry leader with experience across a wide range of asset classes. I look forward to joining this exciting team and adding value to my bank clients in New York and Charlotte, across the country, and internationally," said Aaron. "Winston is a go-to firm for clients dealing with complex financing structures and capital markets innovation, and the Charlotte market plays an important role in this work," said Danielle Williams, Charlotte office managing partner. "Aaron is well positioned to help us grow the Charlotte office and support the firm's global platform in structured finance." "Aaron's commercial real estate and specialty repurchase transactions experience will intersect well with our residential and commercial real estate, banking, and finance groups. His specialty lending work for banks and other large financial institutions will be beneficial to expanding our structured finance practice in New York, Charlotte, and abroad," said Tim Kincaid and Brad Vaiana, Transactions Department co-chairs. Winston is an international law firm with 14 offices in North America, South America, and Europe. More information about the firm is available at View source version on Contacts Michael Goodwinmgoodwin@ 646-502-3595 Sneha Satishssatish@ 646-502-3556 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
07-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Winston & Strawn Expands Structured Finance Practice with Addition of Partner Aaron Benjamin
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 7, 2025-- Winston & Strawn LLP announced today that Aaron Benjamin has joined the firm's Transactions Department as a partner in the Charlotte and New York offices and a member of the Structured Finance Practice. Aaron represents many of the largest U.S. and foreign banks in commercial real estate warehouse lending deals. The commercial real estate warehouse lending business has grown explosively in recent years in conjunction with the burgeoning growth of the private credit industry. Aaron is recognized as a market leader in bank-side representation in pooled lending transactions backed by commercial real estate loans and in structured repurchase transactions backed by asset-backed securities, including residential and commercial mortgage backed securities, CRE CLO bonds and commercial bank loan and middle market CLO bonds. Aaron is licensed to practice in New York. 'Winston's structured finance group is widely recognized as an industry leader with experience across a wide range of asset classes. I look forward to joining this exciting team and adding value to my bank clients in New York and Charlotte, across the country, and internationally,' said Aaron. 'Winston is a go-to firm for clients dealing with complex financing structures and capital markets innovation, and the Charlotte market plays an important role in this work,' said Danielle Williams, Charlotte office managing partner. 'Aaron is well positioned to help us grow the Charlotte office and support the firm's global platform in structured finance.' 'Aaron's commercial real estate and specialty repurchase transactions experience will intersect well with our residential and commercial real estate, banking, and finance groups. His specialty lending work for banks and other large financial institutions will be beneficial to expanding our structured finance practice in New York, Charlotte, and abroad,' said Tim Kincaid and Brad Vaiana, Transactions Department co-chairs. Winston is an international law firm with 14 offices in North America, South America, and Europe. More information about the firm is available at View source version on CONTACT: Michael Goodwin [email protected] 646-502-3595Sneha Satish [email protected] 646-502-3556 KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA NORTH CAROLINA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LEGAL SOURCE: Winston & Strawn LLP Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 07/07/2025 12:30 PM/DISC: 07/07/2025 12:30 PM
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Wells Fargo hires for EMEA real estate team: IFR
Wells Fargo has hired James Hawkins in its commercial real estate team for Europe, Middle East and Africa to lead its capital markets efforts, including focusing on structured finance. He is based in London and reports to Nicola Free, head of CRE for EMEA. Hawkins joined from Standard Chartered, where he was in its global credit markets team for almost two years, according to his profile on LinkedIn. He previously spent 11 years at Barclays, including in securitised product solutions and real estate, his profile showed. Source: IFR
