WHAT WE DO
Senior strategic advisory in the field of Export Finance
Large scale export and investment projects have become more complex to finance in a changing world. Whilst there are various financial tools available, Export Credit Agencies and Multilateral Banks have shown their ability to adapt themselves and become more relevant to support the needs of the export finance ecosystem.
Our high-end advisory boutique is focused on bringing strategic value through bespoke independent advice on optimizing financing solutions for officially supported export and investment transactions and on assisting Export Credit Agencies and Multilateral Development Banks in the development of strategies and products.
WHO WE ARE
Two former Global Heads. One boutique.
No other independent advisory boutique in ECA and multilateral-backed finance is founded by two former Global Heads of Export Finance operating together at this level of seniority and combined institutional depth.
That is our starting point and our differentiator.
CO-FOUNDER
André Gazal
André has 38 years of banking experience in Corporate and Investment banking in Canada, the US and Europe.
With deep experience in leading complex projects across several sectors and asset classes globally, André has strong leadership and interpersonal skills, working with clients around the globe and managing a multicultural team of over 60 professionals located in 20 countries.
He joined the investment bank of Barclays in New York in 1997 as Regional Head of Trade and Export Finance before joining Credit Agricole in New York in 2005 and moving to Paris in 2012 to take over as global head of the Export Finance franchise.
Under Andre's leadership, CACIB became a perennial leader in the ECA business, with top positioning in the league tables and being named the best export Finance bank 7 years in a row in TXF surveys and in 2024 and 2025 by Global Finance..
With numerous accolades for Deals of the Year in various sectors, with ESG, defense, infrastructure , transportation and energy focus, André has developed extensive relationships with ECAs and clients at a senior level.
André acted as president of the French Banking Federation Export Finance committee from 2017 to 2024 and was an active member of the ICC Export Finance Committee. He also served for 7 years on the board of the bank's covered bond vehicle, Credit Agricole Public Sector Société de Crédit Foncier.
André holds an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management in the US and a BSc from Portsmouth University in England.
CO-FOUNDER
Michiel De Vries
Michiel has over 30 years of banking experience, including more than 25 years in the Export Finance industry.
Throughout his career, Michiel has developed extensive relationships with clients and ECAs at a senior level. He brings particular depth in multi-ECA, multi-lender structures and the institutional and geopolitical dynamics that shape complex, officially supported transactions where strategic coordination matters.
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Michiel began his career in 1991, holding various roles across ING Bank before transitioning to a long-standing career in Export Finance in Amsterdam. In 2005, he relocated to Frankfurt, where he successfully built ING's German SEF franchise.
From November 2016 to September 2024, he served as ING's Global Head of Structured Export Finance, responsible for leading a global team of export finance professionals across multiple locations. Under his leadership, the team consistently ranked in the top of the global industry league tables, with a strong emphasis on ESG-focused transactions.
Currently, Michiel is a member of the Supervisory Board of AKA Export & Trade Bank and acts as Advisory Board Member of Acre Impact Capital. Additionally,. He served for 6 years as an advisory member to the German Export Credit Insurance governing and approval committee "IMA", and as a member of the ICC Export Finance Committee.
Michiel holds an MBA from the University of Amsterdam and recently completed the International Directors Program in Corporate Governance at INSEAD.
OUR APPROACH
We engage where complexity demands senior judgment
Borrowers & Sovereign Counterparties
You are facing an investment programme that requires financing across multiple jurisdictions and/or institutions. You need an independent advisor who understands the ECA and multilateral landscape, and who can guide you from financing architecture through to financial close.
Exporters, Contractors & Investors
Your project operates in a complex, politically sensitive or strategically important environment where ECA and multilateral support is central to the financing. You need a senior advisor with direct relationships across the ecosystem who can position your transaction effectively and coordinate lenders and ECAs at the highest level.
ECAs & Multilateral Institutions
You are navigating strategic questions around product development, institutional positioning or the assessment of complex transactions. We bring independent senior judgment drawn from decades of experience on the other side of the table, as former Global Heads who have worked with ECAs across more than 25 countries.
WHY CHOOSE US
What sets us apart?
01.
Senior-Level Credibility
Former Global Head experience with C-level and Board access across Borrowers, Exporters, Contractors, ECAs, Banks, Multilaterals and Ministries.
02.
Understanding of Institutional and Geopolitical Dynamics
Deep, experience-based understanding of policy frameworks, institutional constraints, and the geopolitical considerations that shape individual transactions.
03.
True Independence
No balance sheet, no distribution agenda, no placement incentives. Our advice is driven solely by what is optimal for the financing structure.
04.
Execution-Tested Experience
Proven track record structuring complex transactions in complex markets across a broad range of jurisdictions, with a pragmatic and solution-driven approach.
05.
Strategic Focus
Focus on strategic objectives, be it stakeholder alignment, strategic positioning or optimal financing structure in complex and challenging environments.