Whether you plan to work with investment banks in South Africa or need investment banking in Africa information, conducting research is essential to the success and bottom-line of your business. Understanding the purpose, services and history of African investment firms before money is transferred or investing operations commence is imperative for the wellbeing of your business. The Internet is a useful tool for this endeavor, providing free and easily accessible information and resources.

To ensure your business is an informed investment banking client, consider the following before working with investment banks in Africa:

1. Be cognizant of the mission and purpose of African investment banks.

2. Be aware of the services generally offered by African investment banking firms.

3. Be knowledgeable about the transaction and client history of any investor bank in Africa.

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Understand the function and aspirations of investment banking firms in Africa

Take a look at the 'about' sections on South Africa investment banks' websites, for example, to gain an increased comprehension of how and why these establishments exist. Acquiring such information will provide you with enough illustrative background knowledge to make informed and complete decisions. Recognizing the purpose and intent of investment banks in Africa will ensure that you are working with these institutions for the right reasons.

I recommend: Read a description of UBS South Africa, explaining its investment bank operations. Learn about RMB and its investment activities in Africa.

Understand the types of services you should expect from an African investment bank

Take advantage of the 'service' sections on Africa investment banking websites to gain a better understanding of what offerings are the norm and what may be more specialized or uncommon. This will ensure informed decision-making capabilities for your business and allow you to choose the investment bank that is appropriate for your professional needs. You may also ascertain pricing and quotes from this information.

I recommend: Take a look at the banking services offered by the Commercial Bank of South Africa, an investment bank. South Africa businesses and investors can also explore the services of the Standard Bank of South Africa.

Understand the transaction and client history of African investment banking companies

Take the time to peruse past transaction sponsorships and client profiles on African investment firms' websites to firmly grasp a bank's history and competence. Your business will be able to deduce a lot from the transaction record of an investment bank, including whether or not a specific bank is suitable. You will also better understand where your business or company fits into the mix by studying client profiles.

I recommend: Browse sponsored transactions history carried out by Kestrel Capital. View the investment banking South Africa client profile provided by Investec.

Investment banks in Africa make investing in emerging African business markets easy. Africa investment banks put your money to work buying, selling, trading and issuing stock to strengthen your business presence and portfolio.

African investment banking firms help business owners expand into new countries and business ventures. A wise investment with Africa investment banks means growing into untapped areas of Africa with new products, services and employment opportunities within African communities.

Investment banks in Africa know how to put money to work for businesses, helping entrepreneurs plan for future growth and great income potential. Along with working hard for the money, Africa investment banks help make financial success in emerging markets a reality.

In today’s global marketplace, it’s important to have the right investment banking team on your side. The financial success of your business in Africa depends on a healthy relationship with trustworthy investment banking in Africa. Investment banks in Africa will:

1. Get your business into new and expanding African markets.

2. Diversify your company portfolio for a more strategic financial plan.

3. Establish long-term relationships with investment banking firms in Africa.

4. Build your business presence over time through Africa investment banking companies.

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Work with investment banking firms in Africa for mergers with existing companies

Investment banks specialize in bringing the right businesses together to strengthen sales and increase locations. Investment banks in Africa have the inside track on what type of businesses needs emerging communities have.

I recommend: Standard Bank Africa and Nedbank offer a full range of merger services and other investment banking tools for corporate clients.

Use an investor bank in Africa that specializes in acquisitions

When it's time to expand, often an acquisition of a smaller company that does what you do in the location you need is the best business option. Investment banks in South Africa and other large metropolitan areas specialize in acquisitions.

I recommend: Use Umbono Capital Partners or Investec Corporate Finance for investment banking and acquisitions.

Use an African investment bank that offers divestiture services for focused business growth

As companies grow and change, specific focus on certain business areas means it's time to sell off components and invest more time and resources into what you do well. African investment banks with divestiture expertise help get the job done.

I recommend: South Africa based ABSA Bank and First Rand Integrated Financial Services offer full service investment banking to business clients throughout Africa.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you can't establish a good working relationship with your investment banking team, keep looking. African investment banking firms need to know their clients well to provide the best possible service and client satisfaction.
• •  Getting the most out of your African investment bank means developing a long term relationship. Getting to know your representative well means better service for you and your business over time.

The investment banks in Africa are growing at a rapid pace but there is still a major gap between Africa and the US and Europe. With this expansion come growing pains in the investment banking industry. However, this doesn't mean there isn't opportunity. You simply need to do more homework prior to making any deposit in an investment bank in Africa. A great place to begin this research is with the investment banks in Africa key terms. While these terms alone won't make you an industry expert, they provide an excellent knowledge base.

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European Investment Bank in Africa

The European Investment Bank in Africa is a private banking institution that works largely behind the scenes to invest in Africa. The European Investment Bank in Africa is establishing a strong relationship with investment banks in Africa and the governments around the continent.

I recommend: Review the European Investment Bank in Africa explanation available at the Bank Information Center.

Standard Bank Group

The Standard Bank Group is the largest bank in South Africa and operates in 17 countries on the continent and 16 outside of Africa.

I recommend: Examine the history and goals of the Standard Bank Group for further details.

Nedbank

Nedbank is one of the leading investment banks in Africa. Among its goals is promoting the economic prosperity of Africa, be it through direct investment or through a cooperative effort with state-owned institutions.

I recommend: Evaluate the corporate banking division synopsis for Nedbank for more information.

Investec

Investec is an investment bank that operates in Africa, England and Australia as well as other locales. Investec's origin began in South Africa in 1974, and expanded from there to become one of the largest investment banks in the region.

I recommend: Assess the primer on the history and goals of Investec for more explanation.

UBS

UBS is one of the few truly international investment banks with a strong presence in Africa. UBS groups Africa, Europe and the Middle East into one geographical investment banking division.

I recommend: Study the global presence of the UBS investment bank.

Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs)

A Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI) is a term designated for lenders that don't operate the same as investment banks or depository institutions. These entities often purport themselves as regulated entities but in reality, there's no oversight. Be sure to ask any investment in Africa for the banking license, prior to making a deposit.

I recommend: Read the Non-Banking Financial Institution definition for further details on the topic.

Investment banking in Africa can be tricky because there are no uniform laws and rules for Africa's 47 countries. Investment banks in Africa do not share even share the same languages. Keep in mind, not all African countries use English, the poorer countries can suffer from corruption and there are small, arcane laws and regulations that could trip you up.

African investment banking firms have variables specific to each country, it is suggested that you also use banking and legal experts from a particular country to work with you. An investor bank in Africa can look good on paper. Bear in mind:

1. Only some investment banks in Africa laws and regulations are conducive to investment banking.

2. Some investment banks in Africa laws and regulations can look good on paper but in action are not so.

3. Remember to check with US embassies who have a working knowledge about how the laws and regulations are carried out.

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Consider that transparency in African investment banks is not the whole picture

Gabon is one of the wealthiest African countries due to foreign investment and its natural resources. Investment banking laws and regulations provide incentives such as free zones, expropriation with compensation and no restrictions as to to what to invest in.

I recommend: Gabon investment banking rules and regulations conform to the Central African Economic and Monetary Community. Investment banks are overseen by the Central Bank of Gabon and the Ministry of Finance. The US State Department warns that though the laws and regulations here are transparent, they are influenced by outside factors such as lack of accountability and preferential treatment for non-US investors.

Consider investment banks in Africa with high marks from the US

Mauritius's investment banks represent some of the more sophisticated African investment banking companies. The Central Bank of Mauritius has strong risk management laws inspiring investor confidence. Other advantages are no exchange control or withholding taxes for non-residents. Mauritius has double tax treaties and low taxes. The protection of investors is strongly regulated in this country of Africa investment banking.

I recommend: Invest Mauritius gives the legislation for investment banking in Africa. The Central Bank of Mauritius guidelines and compliance for investment banks can be found on the left side of the screen. The US State Department gives Mauritius high marks in its 2008 investment climate statement.

Look to other African investment banks with rules and regulations conducive to investing

Gambia is an English-speaking African country which in 2001 implemented the free zones act, an act designed to attract and retain foreign investing. In the same year it created an investment promotion act. These acts were created to give guarantees to investors and incentives for investment banking firms in Africa.

I recommend: Gambia is described as an investment banking haven. There are no restrictions as to how or where investors may invest. Gambia's Central Bank governs by the laws and regulations set out here. Invest in Gambia supplies more information on investment banking rules and regulations, including copies of the two banking acts from 2001.

Look at conditions affecting investment banks in South Africa

South African investment banks have investment banking regulations similar to those in Australia and Canada. There are few restrictions on the extent of foreign investment and all business sectors are open for investment. The South African government and banking community have tamped down on corruption. However, there is a high crime rate which has dampened investment interest.

I recommend: The Department of Trade and Industry of South Africa lists the laws and regulations concerning South African investment banking, along with a pdf file written for interested investors. Bloomberg.com's analysis of South African investment laws and regulations says they need improvement.