Raymond James Launches Leveraged Finance and Debt Advisory Group
Raymond James is expanding its investment banking capabilities with the creation of a dedicated Leveraged Finance & Debt Advisory group, anchored by the hires of Drew Weisman as senior managing director and head of the unit, and Alvin Ng as director.
Based in New York, the newly formed group will advise corporate clients and financial sponsors on a comprehensive suite of leveraged finance solutions, including private debt placements, debt capital markets advisory, Term Loan B facilities, and high-yield bonds. The team will structure debt solutions to support refinancings, recapitalizations, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, and general corporate purposes.
“As financing markets have evolved and the range of capital available to companies and sponsors has grown, clients increasingly need experienced advisors who can help them evaluate and access the right solutions,” said Steve Hufford, senior managing director and head of investment banking at Raymond James.
Weisman joins the firm following a 15-year tenure at Jefferies, where he founded and served as global head of the private debt finance and advisory group, while also leading consumer and retail leveraged finance. During his time at Jefferies, Weisman spent several years in London heading European structuring and origination to build out the firm’s regional sponsor finance business.
Ng also transitions from Jefferies, bringing seven years of experience within its leveraged finance group. At Jefferies, Ng specialized in originating, structuring, and executing leveraged loans, high-yield bonds, and private debt transactions across the consumer, retail, and distribution sectors. His background also includes prior investment banking roles at HSBC and Citigroup.
“Today’s leveraged finance market offers clients a broader and more diverse set of financing alternatives, creating an opportunity to provide more comprehensive advice as they evaluate capital structures and strategic transactions,” said Weisman.