Blackfinch Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Swanepoel as Head of Alternative Investment Market (AIM) Investments. This newly created position strengthens Blackfinch’s commitment to investing in smaller businesses and supporting the full lifecycle of UK businesses.
Chris brings over 25 years of investment experience and is a CFA Charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of the UK. Chris’ leadership will be crucial in driving forward Blackfinch’s initiatives to support smaller businesses, which play an important role in the UK economy by supporting community growth, business innovation and market vitality.
Chris began his career at JPMorgan Asset Management, where he joined the structured derivatives team and eventually managed the JPMorgan UK Smaller Companies Fund. In the mid-2000s he moved to Barclays to launch and lead the AIM IHT service. After a period in corporate finance at CIT, Chris moved to Tatton Asset Management where he built, launched and ran the AIM service.
Adding some unique perspectives to his professional career, Chris was drafted into the South African Parachute Battalion for two years, an experience that gave him resilience and a global perspective. Before starting his career in the city, Chris worked for a racing team in Silverstone for several summer seasons, gaining insight and experience from the fast-paced world of Formula 1.
“I am delighted to be joining Blackfinch Group at this crucial time. The company’s commitment to supporting smaller businesses is truly inspiring and I look forward to contributing to their continued success and growth,” said Chris.
Although Blackfinch’s focus is on UK-based smaller companies, these companies often operate globally, reflecting their significant growth potential and international ambitions. Chris’ expertise in AIM investing will contribute to the success of these companies.
Blackfinch Group takes a comprehensive approach to supporting smaller businesses at all stages of their development. From Ventures and EIS to VCT and AIM investments, Blackfinch provides startups with the support they need to achieve listing status and continue their growth journey. This holistic support demonstrates the group’s commitment to supporting the UK’s vibrant startup ecosystem.
