The “Rising Stars” awards recognise outstanding individuals with less than 10 years of experience who have made remarkable contributions to the fund finance industry.

Jonathan joined NatWest Group as an analyst in the RBS International Luxembourg branch in 2019 and was quickly promoted to associate level. Here, he supported with the origination, structuring and execution of fund financing transactions, while managing relationships with key sponsor clients.

Jonathan Watson, Associate Director, RBS International, said:

“It is an honour to have been awarded with this industry accolade, which I believe to be one of my greatest achievements of my career to date."

“I would like to give a special thanks to my business leaders, clients and professional partners for their nominations, and for recognising my commitment to supporting clients and the fund finance industry.”

In March 2021, Jonathan moved to Jersey where he continued to work in the bank’s alternative investment funds team. Managing a range of notable transactions, Jonathan oversaw the bank’s first continuation fund financing lend, and first ESG-linked capital call facility.

Jonathan was promoted to Associate Director in September 2023 and now lives and works in Guernsey where he is responsible for originating new-to-bank sponsor clients and delivering the full suite of funds banking and financing solutions. Jonathan also manages a portfolio of mid-market sponsor clients as part of NatWest’s Commercial and Institutional funds offering.