MUFG EMEA today announces the appointment of Rishi Nihalani as Managing Director, Head of Infrastructure, Structured Finance, for EMEA. Rishi's remit will span infrastructure and living sectors financing, alongside his existing advisory, ratings and modelling responsibilities.

MUFG's EMEA Infrastructure team, a core part of MUFG's industry-leading global structured finance business, is an award-winning provider of project and debt finance solutions. The business arranges funding for complex infrastructure projects across digital, transportation, social, environmental services and living sectors. As part of its growth ambitions, MUFG will be expanding the franchise with approximately six new hires expected in the coming months, including several Managing Director-level appointments.

Rishi's appointment follows Robert Bartlett (Head of Infrastructure) and Mauro Pensa's (Deputy Head of Infrastructure) decision to retire after 40 years of service within the banking sector. During their time at MUFG, Rob and Mauro have built the franchise to become a market-leading business that has successfully adapted and grown as the sector and client base has evolved. Rob and Mauro will gradually pass responsibilities over to Rishi over the coming months, ensuring consistency and continuity of the transition.

Rishi will report into Phillip Hall, Head of Structured Finance, EMEA.

Phillip Hall, Head of Structured Finance, EMEA, MUFG, said:

“Rishi's appointment reflects both the strength of our existing infrastructure franchise and our ambitions to evolve and grow. We see notable opportunities to use our knowledge, experience and balance sheet as the infrastructure finance business develops on the back of client demand for financing expertise across new sectors and structures. We are in growth mode and will be investing in our platform through a number of senior hires over the coming months. Rishi will play a key role in broadening our capabilities, deepening client coverage and capturing opportunities across the infrastructure and living sectors throughout EMEA."

Rishi Nihalani, Head of Infrastructure, Advisory, Ratings and Modelling, Structured Finance, EMEA, said:

“I am delighted to take on this expanded role at such an exciting time for MUFG's Infrastructure business. Building on the strong foundations established by Rob, Mauro and the wider team, our focus will be on continuing to evolve the platform, investing in talent and capabilities, and delivering innovative financing solutions that help our clients navigate a rapidly changing infrastructure landscape."

MUFG maintains a strong league table position within structured finance and was named Bank of the Year by PFI for 2025.