Spearheaded by Nick Grootes, the banking and finance team at DLA Piper routinely advises banks, development funders, and large corporates across South Africa. Grootes focuses on acquisition financing, corporate lending, real estate finance, and debt restructurings. Jackie Pennington advises lenders and borrowers on local and cross-border financing, including secured, leveraged, and syndicated loans, while At van der Merwe advises on a diverse range of financing transactions. Byron Bromham and Malachizokok Mpolokeng are further key contributors. In January 2026, Melusi Dlamini joined from Norton Rose Fulbright 's London office, bolstering the finance and projects practices.
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Key clients
- International Finance Corporation
- FirstRand Bank Limited
- Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
- Phatisa Fund Managers 2 Limited
- Paladin Energy Ltd
- SolarAfrica Energy
- Absa Bank Limited
- Rain Group Holdings Proprietary Limited
- Titan Premier Investments Proprietary Limited
- Solevo Suisse SA
- Investec Bank Limited
- Nedbank Limited
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Nick Groots
Other key lawyers
Jackie Pennington; At van der Merwe; Byron Bromham; Malachizokok Mpolokeng; Melusi Dlamini