EFA Group is an independent asset manager specializing in private debt strategies, with a focus on real economy businesses.
Established in 2003 in Singapore, the Group now employs over 20 professionals. At EFA Group, we set ourselves apart through our relationship-based approach: our deep understanding and close working ties with our investors and portfolio of borrowers is the cornerstone of our success. By providing solutions and services always based on the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises, we create consistent value and sustainable performance for our investors. We are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under EuroFin Investments Pte Ltd.
financed in 2019
real economy partners spanning Asia, Europe and Middle East, Africa, the Pacific
To bridge the gap between investors seeking stable income and businesses seeking alternative sources of capital
To create meaningful impact on businesses and livelihoods through financing
We make it happen
We work better together
We embrace differences
These factors define our investment philosophy:
Our business operates at the heart of the real economy. A dedicated sectorial focus has leveraged our growth from regional leader to international pacesetter offering best-in-class performance. Thanks to our capable global network, industry expertise and long-term working partnerships, we have access to unique and captive deal flows.
We believe strongly in the importance of aligning our interests with our investors. Primary to that belief is systematic co-investing by our Partners alongside our investors, which demonstrates our conviction in our own solutions.
Financial sustainability and social responsibility go hand-in-hand. We support businesses that prioritize and excel in both.
Francois is Chief Executive Officer and one of three founding partners at EFA Group. He provides leadership for the firm’s strategic plans, as well as creates a vision for its success. He is responsible for charting the overall organizational direction and maintains operational engagement via the firm’s Executive Committee and Investment Committee.
He has over 18 years’ experience in private debt, global trade & commodity finance and asset management. Prior to EFA, he was with Pricewaterhouse Coopers in France. Francois has a Masters in Management from Skema Business School in France and a Master of Business and Administration from the Asian Institute of Technology. He is also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO).
Philippe was formerly the CEO of ING Retail Banking Asia, ING Private Banking and ING Trust. As Head of Asia, he spearheaded the strategic acquisition of a 20% share in Bank of Beijing and a 30% share in TMB in Bangkok.
Prior to this, he was the CEO of ING UK/Barings. He joined ING in 1999 after 20 years with JP Morgan, where he was last Head of Asset Management and Private Banking in Asia.
Executive Director
In his capacity as Chief Operating Officer, Julien provides leadership across the firm for operational controls, reporting procedures and systems to ensure financial strength and operating efficiency.
Julien has over 17 years of experience in management, corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions in France and across Europe. His earlier career included working as a senior associate at a leading French M&A firm. In 2010, he co-founded a technology start-up specializing in digital interactive marketing where he headed the finance, human resources, legal and sales management teams. Prior to joining EFA, he was a financial and strategic consultant where he provided counsel on business development and financial strategies to corporations in various sectors including investment banking, asset management, pharmaceuticals and industrials.
Julien is also an Executive Director of EFA Group. He holds a Specialized Master in Finance from ESCP Europe, Paris and has a degree majoring in Financial Markets from SKEMA European School of Management.
Francois is Chief Executive Officer and one of three founding partners at EFA Group. He provides leadership for the firm’s strategic plans, as well as creates a vision for its success. He is responsible for charting the overall organizational direction and maintains operational engagement via the firm’s Executive Committee and Investment Committee.
He has over 18 years’ experience in private debt, global trade & commodity finance and asset management. Prior to EFA, he was with Pricewaterhouse Coopers in France. Francois has a Masters in Management from Skema Business School in France and a Master of Business and Administration from the Asian Institute of Technology. He is also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO).
In his capacity as Chief Operating Officer, Julien provides leadership across the firm for operational controls, reporting procedures and systems to ensure financial strength and operating efficiency.
Julien has over 17 years of experience in management, corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions in France and across Europe. His earlier career included working as a senior associate at a leading French M&A firm. In 2010, he co-founded a technology start-up specializing in digital interactive marketing where he headed the finance, human resources, legal and sales management teams. Prior to joining EFA, he was a financial and strategic consultant where he provided counsel on business development and financial strategies to corporations in various sectors including investment banking, asset management, pharmaceuticals and industrials.
Julien is also an Executive Director of EFA Group. He holds a Specialized Master in Finance from ESCP Europe, Paris and has a degree majoring in Financial Markets from SKEMA European School of Management.
Kashama heads the Group’s Investment Solutions strategy, responsible for deal origination, structuring and portfolio management.
He has over 17 years of experience in banking and Financial services. Most recently, he worked with leading local banks in Africa, focusing primarily on developing Corporate and SME banking units as well as leading Strategy and Controlling teams. Prior to that, he was a director at UBS, working 10 years in business strategy, wealth management and corporate finance.
Kashama holds a MA in Business Management from the University of Strasbourg in France.
As Head of Compliance, Fahmi is responsible for establishing standards and implementing procedures to ensure that the compliance programs throughout the organization are effective and efficient in identifying, preventing, detecting and correcting non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations. He works closely with other business units to ensure business priorities and compliance requirements are aligned.
Fahmi holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the Singapore Institute of Management University, ICA Advanced Certificate in Regulatory Compliance (Advisory), ICA certifications in Trade Based Money Laundering, Managing Sanctions Risk, and KYC and CDD, and the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) certification from the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists.
Ying Xuan heads the investor services team and leads the client servicing and engagement efforts. Her team is responsible for providing up-to-date information on the Group’s funds and managing communication with investors.
Prior to this, she was overseeing marketing and investor relations for an independent alternative asset management based in Singapore. She has over 8 years of experience in client relations in the banking and asset management sector.
Ying Xuan holds a BA of Commerce majoring in accounting and finance from The University of Sydney.
Eugene oversees the Company’s technical and technological resources and leads and manages the organization’s IT Service Management, Governance, Risk and Compliance, as well as the day-to-day operation.
With more than 20 years in the field, he has experience working in various industries such as business process outsourcing (BPO), supply chain, technology service provider and advertising.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from AMA Computer College in the Philippines.
The United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) Initiative is an international network of investors working together to put the six Principles for Responsible Investment into practice. Its goal is to understand the implications of sustainability for investors and support signatories to incorporate these issues into their investment decision-making and ownership practices. In implementing the Principles, signatories contribute to the development of a more sustainable global financial system.
Founded in 1990, AIMA is the global representative of the hedge fund industry. It comprises over 1,500 firms in more than 50 countries. Members include hedge fund managers, fund of hedge funds managers, prime brokers, legal and accounting firms, investors, fund administrators and independent fund directors. AIMA’s manager members collectively manage more than $1.5 trillion in assets.
AIAM is a non-profit-making organization and a representative body that assists the public and interested parties to foster better understanding of the Independent Asset Manager business model. It sets the necessary Code of Ethics & Best Practice Reference Manual for the best benefits of its members, industry practitioners, clients and regulatory authorities.
The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) is the apex business chamber championing the interests of the Singapore business community in the areas of trade, investment and industrial relations. It represents 24,200 companies, as well as key local and foreign business chambers.
The real economy is concerned with the physical side of dealing with goods, services and resources. This is contrasted to the part of the economy that buys and sells on the financial markets.
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