NSFA is a South African-based impact investing and risk management advisory boutique with its roots in the United States of America (USA). NSFA opened its doors to business in Africa in 2014 as the Africa division of National Standard Finance, LLC (www.natstandard.com), a US based Global Sovereign and Infrastructure investor, led by Michael Tichareva as Managing Director & Principal. NSFA, as an affiliate of National Standard Finance, LLC, has sought to design and develop its own solutions that fit well in the African markets whilst leveraging the expertise and brand of the global National Standard Group. 

Following more than 2 years of operating as a division of National Standard Finance, LLC, a separate legal entity was registered in 2017 noting the increased opportunities in Africa that require greater independence and a separate governance structure. NSFA has strong interest in structuring transactions and engaging in impactful investments that improve the way of life in Africa. The African market is unique and has different dynamics that require uniquely structured solutions to meet the growing needs of the continent. 

Risk management, including designing credit enhancement structures, is at the core of business for NSFA. Risks are assessed and mitigated in a collaborative approach through engaging clients and partners to ensure that the final project structure captures the view and minds of all stakeholders involved. This provides a basis for meeting funders’ requirements and credit enhancement providers. NSFA understands these dynamics and has invested time to structure solutions that fit well in the African context and subscribes to impact investing to improve the quality of lives of people in Africa.   

The main business for NSFA is financing, investment and risk management in the following areas

• Affordable Housing and Infrastructure
• Renewable Energy
• Agriculture
• Sustainable Mining
• SME Development
• Human Capital Development

NSFA closed a number of funding transactions since 2015 and is currently working on establishing a Social Housing Private Debt Impact Fund to lead and co-invest with other funding partners in the market to accelerate the creation of subsidized rental stock, create employment and develop upcoming entrepreneurs in the housing development space. This is consistent with NSFA’s impact investing objectives.