Jonathan First

Jonathan First, Head of Syndication Finance – Development Bank of Southern Africa.
Qualified as solicitor in South Africa and then spent 18 years in investment banking in Johannesburg, Toronto and the City of London. 
Represented the Canadian Banks on the Brazil, Argentina and Mexico debt restructuring committees during the 1980s South American debt crises. 
Originated several debt syndications for South African private and SOE enterprises post the 1994 elections when South Africa could once again access the Debt Capital Markets.
Currently working with the DBSA’s origination teams to arrange, structure and distribute funding for large infrastructure projects in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa in the sectors of water, energy, ICT and transport/logistics.