MUFG today announces the appointment of Raphael Charon as Managing Director, Head of Middle Market Direct Lending, EMEA. This appointment further cements MUFG EMEA's strategic commitment to growing its Financial Institutions (FI) and Leveraged Finance business as part of Global Corporate and Investment Banking (GCIB).

Raphael Charon has over 20 years of experience in Leveraged Finance and Direct Lending, most recently as Head of Direct Lending Origination at Fidelity International Limited. He has also held senior roles at Bank of Ireland, Royal Bank of Scotland and HSBC while based in Paris, France.

Raphael, with support from the wider team, will be responsible for middle market direct lending, including origination, underwriting and portfolio management. Raphael will report into Uel Barclay, Head of Private Equity Sponsor Coverage and Direct Lending for MUFG EMEA.

MUFG EMEA's approach to direct lending focuses on being a solutions provider to private equity sponsor clients and their portfolio companies, leveraging the broader MUFG platform and set of capabilities.

Uel Barclay, Head of Private Equity Sponsor Coverage and Direct Lending, MUFG EMEA, said:

"Raphael's appointment is testament to the investment MUFG is making to support our sponsor relationships. Raphael's extensive experience positions him well to hit the ground running and drive growth within this business area."

Raphael Charon, Head of Direct Lending, MUFG EMEA, said:

"I am pleased to join MUFG to lead the Middle Market Direct Lending team in EMEA and further develop relationships, opportunities and capabilities.

In line with our strategic objectives, I will focus on ensuring we bring the full power of our platform to servicing FI clients and their portfolio companies."