THOMAS BERKES
Capital Markets & Structured Finance Executive
Houston
Summary
Corporate Finance executive with over 25 years of experience across capital markets, corporate finance, structured finance, and project finance in the US, Europe, and Latin America. Executed $30B+ in landmark transactions spanning bonds, loans, project bonds, and ECA/multilateral financing, with a strong focus on energy and infrastructure. Proven track record of leading high-performing teams, building capital strategies, and closing complex multi-tranche financing. Trusted advisor to CFOs, Treasurers, and Boards in developing innovative and bankable financing solutions.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
1
1
Language
Work History
Managing Partner
Wealth Alchemists
11.2021 - Current
- Leading the Brazilian franchise of a corporate finance boutique focused on M&A, debt and equity fundraising, and project advisory of $1 billion or more. Advising clients on renewable energy, infrastructure, and corporate finance.
Board Advisor
Beelieve Group
08.2023 - 08.2025
- Board advisor to a digital marketing franchise, with a focus on financial strategy/growth funding.
Co-Founder / Board Member
STEP 4 Business
01.2022 - 08.2025
- Co-founded an open-finance digital marketplace for SMEs in Europe/Brazil, serving as holdco board member and country manager for Brazil, driving business expansion and strategic partnerships.
- Exit to Azimut Group concluded in 2H25
Structured Trade Finance Advisor
Comexport
12.2021 - 01.2023
- Provided advisory in international strutcured trade finance solutions for infra/renewable projects for Brazil’s largest capital goods trading company.
Head of Structured Trade & Export Finance
Banco Santander S.A.
08.2012 - 12.2021
- Built and led Brazil’s #1 structured trade finance franchise, totaling over $10 billion in transactions. Delivered over 10x revenue growth (35% CAGR) by diversifying the portfolio across structured trade finance and ECA/MLA financing. Executed multiple landmark structured/project finance transactions across energy, infrastructure, and corporations.
Head of LatAm – Export & Agency Finance
Banco Santander S.A.
11.2010 - 08.2012
- Led $3bln+ MLA/ECA-backed financings origination across Latin America, managing key relationships with ECAs, multilaterals, and large corporate clients.
Head of Large Corporate Banking
Santander UK Plc
02.2009 - 11.2010
- Managed team with $2 bln+ portfolio in debt facilities, services for large UK corporates, optimizing liquidity and capital structures.
Senior Associate – Debt Capital Markets
Banco Santander S.A.
12.2003 - 02.2009
- Structured $5B+ in bond issuances, securitizations, syndicated and acquisition finance for corporates across the Americas.
Education
Master of Science - Finance
London Business School
United Kingdom06-2011
Master of Science - Business Administration
Fundação Getúlio Vargas
Brazil 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
Escola Politécnica, University of São Paulo
Brazil 05.2001 -
Skills
Capital Markets & Structured Finance
Certification
CFA - Level 1
Volunteering
Carajas Scouts Group - Brazil
Company on Stage - Houston, TX
Timeline
Board Advisor
Beelieve Group
08.2023 - 08.2025
Co-Founder / Board Member
STEP 4 Business
01.2022 - 08.2025
Structured Trade Finance Advisor
Comexport
12.2021 - 01.2023
Managing Partner
Wealth Alchemists
11.2021 - Current
Head of Structured Trade & Export Finance
Banco Santander S.A.
08.2012 - 12.2021
Head of LatAm – Export & Agency Finance
Banco Santander S.A.
11.2010 - 08.2012
CFA - Level 1
06-2009
Head of Large Corporate Banking
Santander UK Plc
02.2009 - 11.2010
Senior Associate – Debt Capital Markets
Banco Santander S.A.
12.2003 - 02.2009
Master of Science - Business Administration
Fundação Getúlio Vargas
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
Escola Politécnica, University of São Paulo
05.2001 -
Master of Science - Finance
London Business School
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