About Black Diamond Group
A Global Non-Bank Financial Institution Specialising in Structured Finance, Trade, and Risk Solutions
Our Mission
To provide sophisticated, transparent, and compliant financial structuring, trade finance, and risk mitigation solutions for professional clients navigating complex international transactions. We operate at the intersection of banking, insurance, law, and international commerce—delivering precision, structure, and long-term partnership.
Precision
Rigorous analysis, due diligence, and structuring tailored to each mandate
Compliance
Adherence to AML/CTF, sanctions, and regulatory frameworks across all jurisdictions
Partnership
Long-term relationships built on trust, expertise, and successful execution
Group Structure
Black Diamond Investment Bank Limited (UK)
A UK private limited company and non-bank financial institution. Black Diamond Investment Bank Limited is not authorised or regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) as a deposit-taking bank.
It does not offer retail banking services, current accounts, savings accounts, or FSCS-protected deposits. The company focuses exclusively on structuring, trade finance, and financial-instrument transactions for professional and institutional clients.
Core Activities: Instrument issuance facilitation, monetisation structuring, trade finance advisory, transaction coordination.
Black Diamond Brokers Limited (UK)
A UK company that acts as an Appointed Representative under an FCA-authorised principal firm (Tapoly). Black Diamond Brokers Limited arranges credit insurance, trade credit insurance, surety bonds, and guarantee policies within the regulatory permissions of its authorised principal.
All regulated insurance activities are carried out under the oversight and authorisation of the FCA-regulated principal, ensuring full compliance with UK insurance distribution regulations.
Core Activities: Credit insurance placement, surety bond arrangement, non-performance protection policies.
BDIB Global LLP (UK)
A UK limited liability partnership used as a group services and structuring platform for international mandates. BDIB Global LLP provides advisory, coordination, and transaction structuring support for complex multi-jurisdictional deals.
Core Activities: Transaction advisory, multi-party structuring, coordination with external legal and financial advisors.
Black Diamond Collateral S.L. (Spain)
A Spanish vehicle used to hold and service collateralised and credit-insured positions within the European Union. This entity supports structures requiring EU-domiciled security holders or beneficiaries.
Core Activities: Collateral custody, EU-based security holding, insured portfolio servicing.
Black Diamond GmbH (US Platform)
A US-based vehicle used for US-facing and cross-border structures, subject to applicable US law and regulations. This entity facilitates transactions involving US counterparties, US-law governed instruments, or US dollar settlements.
Core Activities: US transaction facilitation, cross-border structuring, US law compliance.
Leadership
Alexander Ovie Takpi
Director
Alexander Ovie Takpi is one of the Directors of the Black Diamond Group. With over two decades of experience in trade finance, structured finance, and credit insurance, he has built a reputation for designing complex multi-jurisdictional transactions that balance commercial objectives with regulatory compliance and risk management.
Prior to joining Black Diamond, Alexander held senior roles at international banks and trade finance institutions, specialising in SWIFT operations, documentary credit structures, and instrument monetisation. His expertise spans UCP 600, URDG 758, ISP98, and international payment systems, with a particular focus on emerging market trade corridors and insured receivables financing.
Alexander holds professional qualifications in banking, finance, and international trade, and is a recognised speaker on trade finance innovation, credit insurance, and regulatory developments affecting non-bank financial institutions.
Carlos Javier Vez Ballabeni
Director
Carlos Javier Vez Ballabeni is one of the Directors of the Black Diamond Group. With extensive experience in supply chain finance and international trade structuring, Mr. Ballabeni brings deep expertise in complex trade finance instruments and cross-border transaction execution.
Throughout his career, Carlos has structured and overseen numerous transactions involving documentary credits under UCP 600, standby letters of credit governed by ISP98, and bank guarantees compliant with URDG 758. His technical knowledge of international trade rules and payment mechanisms has been instrumental in delivering sophisticated supply chain financing solutions for corporate clients operating in global markets.
Mr. Ballabeni's approach combines rigorous compliance standards with practical commercial execution, ensuring that structured trade finance facilities meet both regulatory requirements and client business objectives.
Your Partners in Structured Finance
Skilled, experienced professionals ready to deliver precision execution and expert guidance
William Carter
Financial Instrument Department
Alistair Morgan
Trade Finance Department
David Harrington
SWIFT Operations Officer
Paul Hamilton
Monetisation Department
Emma Lewis
Receptionist
Rebecca Lawson
Accounts Department
Charlotte Bennet
Legal Department
Our Journey
Foundation
Black Diamond Investment Bank Limited established in the UK to provide specialist structured finance and trade finance services.
Insurance Platform Launch
Black Diamond Brokers Limited launched as an FCA Appointed Representative, enabling credit insurance and surety bond placement.
International Expansion
Establishment of Spanish and US platforms to support EU and North American transaction flows.
Growth & Specialisation
Expansion of monetisation capabilities, SWIFT operations desk, and advisory services. Development of insured receivables and trade-linked finance structures.