Manager, Project Finance, Deal Advisory

Описание

Walter Colebatch : Curriculum Vitae page 1
Walter John COLEBATCH
https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-colebatch

Telephone (UK) +44 77 6993 6438
(RU) +7 925 192 4510

Email walter@colebatch.com
Date of Birth 30.07.1969

Citizenships British, Australian
Residency / Work Permit Russia

Global Finance Exec ➙ M&A ➙ Multinational Investments ➙ International Business Development
An international finance executive with a proven history of successfully planning and leading challenging /
key strategic business development projects and businesses. Background in major international banks,
factoring and trade finance, financial markets, financial startups, investment funds and other financial service
and private equity providers resulting in a very broad cross section of experience in the financial area. Broad
international experience across several continents. Prior to senior management roles, has a decade of
financial markets experience in trading, sales and structuring. Emerging markets experience in Asia and
Eastern Europe. Very high academic achiever. From being a regular contributor in books on adventure travel
to senior management and fundraising in global financial circles, my appetite for new and dynamic
challenges has led me to enjoy tremendous success in many areas. I see the bigger picture—whether in
pursuit of world records, championing cross-cultural travel through an ambitious nonprofit, or attracting
global investments as a fintech entrepreneur.

Core Skills: Business Management: Risk Assessment and Management: Strategy Development: Startup
Management: Senior Level Relationship Management: Exceptional Communications Skills: Rational Decision
Maker: Business Policy Development: Business Financial Strategies; Contract Negotiator: Strategic Business
Planning and Development: Financial Structure Planner: Recruiting, Team Building and Development:
Global Experience:

Selected Achievements:
► Transformed a business idea from a Russian businessman and made it internationally investable, creating
structures, policies and procedures as CEO of the startup, then attracting, negotiating and delivering half a
billion dollars in investment and senior finance to the business from global investors at trade finance fintech
Stenn International.
► Rebuilt the financial structure of a small Russian factoring business to be able to attract scalable
investment from a global investor at Interfactor.
► Created, built and led the London and North American team for FX risk management and structuring,
turning the London team into a bigger profit centre than the home franchise market in Australia at National
Australia Bank.
► Built all new relationships in Russia for Standard Chartered Bank from the ground up including the
strategic trading relationship with Central Bank of Russia.
► Formed, led, and arranged funding for a team of 3 (alongside a professional mountaineer and a former
commando) that envisioned, planned and executed a commercially sponsored project that attained a world
altitude record for motorcycles.


Professional Experience:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (2019 – Current)
The Blacktower Group – Moscow
I develop investment and funding solutions for ambitious growth companies, and identify investment
opportunities and expansion targets for global financial investors and multi-national corporates.

Walter Colebatch : Curriculum Vitae page 2
► My scope includes identifying acquisition targets, identifying appropriate investors from a global
network of financial contacts, performing due diligence based on economic forecasts, geo-political
insights, asset valuation, operational framework, assessment of risk, growth potential, and ease of
integration.
► I conduct exhaustive data audits and competitive/market analyses to inform final recommendations.
► I restructure internal organizational structures and processes to meet global investment standards.
► I facilitate mergers, acquisitions and consolidations, partnering with senior leadership teams to
structure, negotiate, finance, and finalize agreements.
► I subsequently spearhead integrations to combine organizations and streamline operations.
► Recent projects include a large scale cross-border agriculture joint venture involving middle eastern
investors, initial international fundraising for a cutting edge new technology energy company, and equity
financing for both commercial and residential property developments.


ADVISOR to INVESTMENT DIRECTORS (2018 – 2019)
Russian Direct Investment Fund – Moscow
I partnered with the Investment Directors to guide global financial strategies, introducing new financial
partners, fostering and managing relationships with existing key partners, in a key Investment Relations role.
► My role pertained to investment proposals and opportunities, due diligence, and promoting best
practices.
► I shaped investment relationships to maximize their utility to the funds objectives
► I attracted foreign capital to strategic private equity investments.
► Achievements included attracting one of the largest blue chip foreign investors in the world to the Fund’s
projects and also attracting Asia’s largest Private Equity fund.


S (2014 – 2018)
Stenn International Ltd – London
Stenn began as a Fintech start-up based in London, financing global receivables originating from Asian
s border trade finance. Stenn has featured
in the FT, WSJ, Bloomberg and many trade finance publications. I steered this global fintech from its
founding through dramatic growth, attaining premier status as a provider of trade finance and cross border
factoring between emerging and developed markets.
► My purview included building and financing multibillion-dollar asset books and attracting global attention
and investments.
► During my tenure and under my leadership, we secured $75M investment from Crayhill Capital
Management LP, an NY-based asset management firm and tied up an additional $300M in funding from
leading European banks.
► We also effected a merger with Cross Border Funding, LLC, a Los Angeles trade finance brokerage and
advisory group.
► Under my leadership, we ushered in the expansion of Stenn’s market footprint into the U.S. and
established a global presence, with new offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and China.
► Further responsibilities included hiring and direction of new senior officers, including CFO, overall
responsibility for over 45 staff, growth strategy, budgeting, regulatory and compliance, and acting as primary
spokesperson and “face” of Stenn to the media.


4)
Interfactor – Moscow
Interfactor was an international receivable finance firm specialising in receivables originating in China to
Russian buyers.
I took over and expanded the funding relationship the firm had with its international investment partner. I
provided the strategic direction and interpersonal skills to spearhead this expansion. Additionally, I oversaw

Walter Colebatch : Curriculum Vitae page 3
risk, credit, due diligence activities, compliance, and financial analysis to ensure appropriateness for the
Singapore based investor.
► I maintained understanding of client industries, business cycles, and market influencers.
► I prepared investment agreements and investor collateral.
► My tenure resulted in the expansion and diversification of institutional funding from the investor from
$5M to $40M in 2 years.


COMMITTEE of ADVISORS (2011 – present)
The Ted Simon Foundation
I serve on the committee of advisors. I relay insights to guide this organization promoting international
adventure and cultural engagement. We provide a platform to encourage travelers to share insights and
observations, captured in a wide range of media. Additionally, I supported the dissemination of advice,
contacts, and assistance to travelers.


DIRECTOR (2005 – 2010)
Standard Chartered Bank – London
I oversaw strategic trading relationships for this international banking group. I developed new business on a
global scale with a strong focus on Russia, taking Russian client business from zero to tens of billions of
dollars annually. I established and then expanded a relationship with a key strategic target client, the Central
Bank of Russia.


ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
► Director - Commerzbank (London)
► Head of FX Solutions Group, Europe and North America – National Australia Bank (London)
► Trader and Structurer – National Australia Bank (Melbourne)



Education

Queensland University of Technology
► Bachelor of Business (International Business / Banking and Finance majors)
► Graduated with Distinction.
► Awarded membership of the Golden Key National Honour Society (academic excellence)

Brisbane State High School
► Senior Certificate
► Australian Mathematics Competition – Prize Winner 4 out of 5 years
► Tertiary Entrance Score: 990 (990 highest possible score)


Additional Information


► Commercial Pilots Licence
► Speaks English (native), Russian (basic but studying now), Dutch (conversational)