Safdar Raza

Profile Summary

Safdar has over 20 years of experience in the financial sector, and has spent over a decade in GCC, advising government/government-related entities, and blue-chip corporates, on landmark and pathfinder transactions.

Safdar has advised on buy-side, sell-side, strategic commercial and procurement advisory across power, utilities, renewable energy, seaports, airports, schools, hospitals, toll roads, petrochemicals, metals and mining sectors, with a capital value exceeding USD 50 billion.

While Safdar has a broad range of experience, he has spent the last 8 years playing a crucial part in delivery of major privatization and PPP initiatives in KSA, having advised Saudi Aramco, Saudi Electricity Company, other subsidiaries of the KSA Public Investment Fund, and the KSA government.

Given his experience on pathfinder and landmark transactions acting as commercial and strategic advisor for procurer entities, Safdar has developed a track record in successfully supporting clients in navigating internal strategic decision-making, external stakeholder alignment, and successful execution in the market. He has significant visibility on private sector appetite and bankability considerations, and relationships with lenders, investors and procurer entities.

Experience Snapshot

• Lead PPP Financial & Commercial Advisor for Saudi Aramco’s Zuluf water treatment plant, and the Jazan Air Separation Unit, and the 3rd party Cogen Power Plants (KSA)

• Lead PPP Financial & Commercial Advisor for Saudi Power Procurement Company across SPPC PPP Program.

• Transaction advisory support role across several PPP deals – Abu Dhabi Investment Office – UAE

• Lead PPP Financial & Commercial Advisor (forming part of the transaction advisory team) for the MOE & TBC Schools PPP Wave 1 & 2 (KSA)

• Lead PPP Financial & Commercial Advisor (forming part of the transaction advisory team) for King Faisal Specialist Hospital PPP program which includes a large Managed Equipment Services (MES) deal and a large staff accommodation PPP project.

• Lead PPP Financial Advisor for KSA Ministry of Health PPP program (Confidential)

• Strategic Financial Advisor to Saudi Electricity Company on existing and new-build/procured 3rd party procurements (including renewable energy deals) 2015-2021

• Lead Financial Advisor for Saudi Aramco on 3rd party procurement of greenfield and brownfield cogeneration powerplants

• Lead Financial Advisor for Saudi Aramco on 3rd party procurement of largest single stage air-separation unit in the world