About

Provided by Bowmans

We have experience across the spectrum of finance matters from bank finance to project finance, debt capital markets and restructuring. We handle many of the largest and most complex financings, debt restructurings and work-outs and are often involved in the development of sophisticated financial products.

We specialise in complex domestic and cross-border finance transactions and have extensive knowledge of leveraged and acquisition finance, structured finance, capital markets, project and real estate finance, derivatives, securitisation, preference share finance, subordinated debt and insolvency and restructuring.

Our expertise extends to bilateral and syndicated loans, guarantee and security issues and regulatory matters including the establishment of banks and the carrying on of lending and investment banking activities within sub-Saharan Africa.

Our depth of expertise enables us to provide advice across the entire capital structure of a transaction (from working capital facilities to hedging; equity financing to mezzanine debt).

Some of our lawyers are admitted as solicitors in England and Wales allowing us to provide seamless advice on English law governed financings in the region.

We act for corporate borrowers; corporate, commercial and investment banks and other financial institutions; trust companies and funds; and State-owned entities, regulatory bodies and governments. In recent times, we have also acted for insolvency and business rescue practitioners.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Banking & Finance - South Africa

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Bowmans is a well-known law firm that undertakes a wide range of financial mandates incorporating acquisition and leveraged finance, corporate loan agreements and debt restructurings, as well as offering regulatory advice. Its diverse expertise includes sector-specific knowledge of the mining and real estate industries. The group represents a broad range of banking and financial clients across Africa, and has experience featuring in complex deals involving numerous parties.

Work Highlights

Provided by Bowmans

  • Bowmans assisted Transnet with its entry into a syndicated loan facility.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Kirsten Kern
2
Kirsten Kern
2
Band 2

Kirsten Kern is a well-reputed lawyer who offers solid expertise is handling regulatory mandates for financial services providers. She is particularly well placed to assist fintech clients.

Kirsten Kern is a very smart, excellent and knowledgeable lawyer. She takes the time to understand the issue at hand in order to provide solid advice.

Ulrike Naumann
2
Ulrike Naumann
Head of Banking & Finance
2
Band 2
Johannesburg-based Ulrike Naumann advises a number of South Africa's major banking institutions on financing and refinancing transactions. She demonstrates particular expertise in debt restructurings and syndicated loans.

Ulrike Naumann is exceptionally knowledgeable and is the most technically expert lawyer I have worked with. She provides technically and commercially excellent advice.

Jan Kruger
3
Jan Kruger
3
Band 3
Based in Cape Town, Jan Kruger is sought out by financial institutions and investment funds for his counsel on preference share transactions, acquisition financing, restructuring mandates and sustainability-linked funding.

He meets all of our expectations regarding knowledge of the business and industry, as well as service, commerciality and complexity.

Jan Kruger is a pleasure to work with. He and his team have always delivered an excellent service.

Ryan Nelson
3
Ryan Nelson
3
Band 3

Ryan Nelson advises on a wide range of financing transactions, most notably including syndicated loans, revolving credit facilities and secured loans. He joined Bowmans in January 2025.

Ryan Nelson is a technical expert, and is commercially minded and proactive.

He is very practical and pragmatic.

Jason Wilkinson
4
Jason Wilkinson
4
Band 4

Jason Wilkinson has an extensive international and domestic finance practice. He offers particularly notable experience in areas such as cross-border financing and refinancing.

Jason Wilkinson is a very practical lawyer. He is very quick and commits to plans.

Mark Kyle
4
Mark Kyle
4
Band 4
Operating from the firm's Durban office, Mark Kyle is sought out for his significant experience acting on matters including debt restructurings, acquisition finance and preference share financings.
Amanda Jones
U
Amanda Jones
U
Up and Coming

Amanda Jones advises lenders on syndicated lending transactions. She also has experience assisting borrowers with financing mandates. She joined Bowmans in January 2025.

Ranked Lawyers at
Bowmans

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

South Africa

Banking & Finance

Ulrike Naumann
2
Ulrike Naumann
Head of Banking & Finance
2
Band 2
Jan Kruger
3
Jan Kruger
3
Band 3
Ryan Nelson
3
Ryan Nelson
3
Band 3
Jason Wilkinson
4
Jason Wilkinson
4
Band 4
Mark Kyle
4
Mark Kyle
4
Band 4
Amanda Jones
U
Amanda Jones
U
Up and Coming
Banking & Finance: Regulatory

Kirsten Kern
2
Kirsten Kern
2
Band 2

Members

Provided by Bowmans

Casper van Heerden

Jason Wilkinson

Michael Swartland

Ulrike Naumann

Ulrike Naumann

Head of Department

Zwide Mhlongo

Clients

Provided by Bowmans

Absa Bank

First Rand Bank Limited

HSBC Bank plc

Harith

Helios Credit Partners

Investec Asset Management

Kleoss Capital

Nedbank Limited

Old Mutual Specialised Finance Proprietary Limited

Rand Merchant Bank Limited

Royal Bafokeng Platinum

South African Airways

Standard Bank of South Africa

Steinhoff (Pty) Limited

Industries

Provided by Bowmans

Aerospace & Defence

Banks

Chemicals

Commercial and Professional Services

Construction & Materials

Consumer Product Manufacturing

Education

Energy

Financial Services

Food & Drink Producers

Government

Healthcare

Insurance

Mining & Metals

Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences

Real Estate Finance

Retail

Telecommunications

Transportation