Biography: Banking

Ludwig Smith is a director and national practice head of our finance and banking practice. Ludwig is a member of the Law Society of the Northern Provinces. He advises clients on typical banking and finance transactions in which banks make funding available to their clients. Ludwig also advises clients on the formation of investment vehicles and advises banks and mining companies on tax issues. His clients include Old Mutual, Standard bank to name a few. He was involved in the formation of the Housing Impact Fund South Africa, a private equity and debt fund, whose committed capital is 9,150 billion rand and formed South Africa's first collateralised bond obligation fund (known as Kiwane).

Ludwig received his BCom, LLB and HDip (company law) from the University of the Witwatersrand. He was admitted as an attorney in 1982.

The International Who's Who of Banking Lawyers 2011 and The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers 2011 selected Ludwig as being among the world's leading banking lawyers. Chambers Global 2010 ranks Ludwig in the top tier Band 1. Chambers comments: "Ludwig Smith wins solid praise for his excellent work, which encompasses banking and finance and tax matters". Best Lawyers International 2011 South Africa listed Ludwig as a "best lawyer" in banking and finance.