TXF Dealmakers of the Year 2023: Celebrating excellence

TXF is pleased to share its debut Dealmakers of the Year Awards for 2023. These awards celebrate the achievements of the export finance community’s most active professionals across the year. To be in with a chance to win next year, become a dealmaker today and start tagging.

TXF Intelligence’s proprietary Dealmakers' database collates new deals that are not only submitted by companies but also verified by the individuals that worked on these transactions. This supports our mission to provide reliable and up-to-date information while also showcasing the expertise on offer across the industry.

The Dealmakers of the Year Awards recognise the experience and talent of these professionals as well as their commitment to improving transparency through our deals database.

Shortlists were selected based on the number of deals associated with an individual on TXF Intelligence’s database between Q4 2022 and Q3 2023. Consideration was also given to the size and complexity of the deals themselves.

Export Finance Dealmaker of the Year

Luca Lunari – BNP Paribas

Luca stands out as one of the most significant figures in the world of export finance today, having successfully navigated 24 deals with a total volume exceeding $10 billion across the year. His acumen in deal-making is further highlighted by his status as TXF's all time number one dealmaker, having closed 125 financial transactions since 2013. Some of his most significant deals from the last year include the SACE-backed facilities for Italian utilities and energy-intensive corporates, which arrived to support liquidity in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Outstanding Female Dealmaker – chosen in partnership with WEXIF (Women’s Export & Infrastructure Finance Association)

Francesca Beomonte – UniCredit

Francesca, as UniCredit’s Global Head of Export Finance, has established herself as a key figure in Europe’s financing landscape by leading impactful deals that contribute to progress and innovation. This year she led UniCredit’s involvement in the €1.5 billion Euler Hermes-backed facility for Angola’s Caculo Cabaca hydro-electric project, a vital component of Angola's energy diversification strategy. She and her team also successfully secured a crucial SACE-backed financing package for the Borouge 4 polyolefins complex, set to significantly enhance Borouge’s production capacity.

 Sustainable Finance Champion

Ulrich Schulte Lünzum – Euler Hermes

Ulrich has played a key role in steering significant financing deals that drive sustainable development in the energy sector. His support for the development of Trafigura's US$3 billion loan with Euler Hermes and the $8.5 billion NEOM Green Hydrogen project financing highlight his expertise in supporting major energy projects. Notably, his involvement in the Baltic Power 1200MW Polish Offshore Wind Farm and the eco-friendly Hybar Rebar Steel Mill Project, both pioneering in their use of renewable energy, underscores his commitment to sustainability. These projects demonstrate Ulrich's blend of financial experience and dedication to environmental stewardship. 

DACH Export Finance Dealmaker

Alexander Franke – DZ Bank

This leading banker from the DACH region has made a notable impact with his involvement in pivotal financing deals. Alexander played a key role in arranging two major loans for Trafigura: an $800 million deal and a separate $3 billion transaction, both underwritten by Euler Hermes, to bolster Germany's metal supply and gas diversification. His expertise was also extended to advancing rural electrification in Angola and supporting Egypt's Green Line railway project, underscoring his commitment to sustainable infrastructure.

FEXgen Export Finance Dealmaker – chosen in partnership with the Future of Export Finance chapters

Aldana Caunedo – JP Morgan

A rising star in export finance, Aldana worked on a CESCE-covered loan for the MacIntyre Wind Farm and orchestrated a US Exim-covered loan for SunExpress. Her strategic handling of these deals, particularly in facilitating financing for the world's largest southern hemisphere wind farm, highlights her dedication to advancing renewable energy initiatives.

Register as a dealmaker for free now at txfnews.com for a chance to win at the 2024 edition of the TXF Dealmaker of the Year Awards.