BNP Paribas brings securitisation capabilities to APAC with hire

The local arm of financial services and client solutions firm, BNP Paribas Global Markets, has appointed former Westpac executive director, James Kanaris, as Head of Asset Finance and Securitisation, APAC.

Based in Sydney as of 24 February, Kanaris will head up a team working with clients in Australia, New Zealand and across the Asia Pacific with the backing of the firm’s strong global presence in asset finance and securitisation.

Kanaris will be responsible for developing and implementing structured finance solutions customised to clients, including banks, superannuation funds, credit funds, insurance companies, non-bank financial institutions and other investors and corporations.

Kanaris will report to BNP Paribas’ Simon Masnick, Head of Global Markets Australia and New Zealand, and Mohit Singh, Head of Global Credit APAC.

“As a global bank, BNP Paribas has a unique set of capabilities in asset finance and securitisation, being close partners of some of the world’s biggest credit and asset-backed investors,” Singh said.

Kanaris brings over 20 years of experience in the Australian securitisation industry, having most recently spearheaded the Structured Finance division at Westpac. He has a strong track record of providing tailored structured finance solutions to Australian issuers, including banks and non-bank financial institutions.

Masnick indicated that Kanaris’ appointment was an important step forward in growing the firm’s “global-local strategy” in Australia and New Zealand.

“BNP Paribas has very strong asset finance and securitisation businesses globally and James, with his team, will bring the best of BNP Paribas’ knowledge, insights and expertise to clients in Australia, New Zealand and across APAC.

“In this role as Head of Asset Finance and Securitisation, APAC, James’ extensive expertise will be instrumental in building and strengthening our asset finance and securitisation franchises across Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region

“James will be working closely with our local, regional and global banking and capital markets teams to deliver the best of BNP Paribas to our clients.”