Sean Barnes
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive expertise in credit analysis and facility structuring, portfolio monitoring, and risk assessment. Proven track record in private banking and corporate lending, excelling in client relationship management and policy compliance. Adept at covenant monitoring, remediation strategies, and stakeholder engagement. Skilled in wealth management products, lending solutions, collateral valuation, and documentation compliance. Proficient in investment products including bonds, sukuks, and derivatives. Demonstrates strong business development strategies to drive growth and success.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
6058
6058
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Freelance Consultant
Independent Advisory & Investment Projects
Dubai, UAE
2025.03 - 2026.02
- Engaged in short-term projects while managing ongoing market engagement and professional development.
- Conducted advisory and due diligence assignments for private investors and former clients.
- Evaluated debt and equity funding structures.
Senior Vice President - Restructuring & Debt Advisory
Kroll (Duff & Phelps)
Dubai, UAE
2022.09 - 2025.03
- Led restructuring strategies for UAE corporates, focusing on portfolio risks and debt structures.
- Advised on capital structure optimisation and buy/sell-side readiness.
- Conducted financial due diligence and risk assessments across distressed portfolios.
Commercial Debt Portfolio Manager
National Asset Management Agency (NAMA)
Dublin, Ireland
2017.09 - 2022.08
- Managed a €4.2bn real estate debt portfolio (retail, office, residential, hospitality, industrial) as part of the government-established entity during the financial crisis (€70bn assets).
- Delivered €1.8bn recoveries through refinancing, restructuring, and enforcement, achieving an 83% recovery rate.
Project Manager - Financial Services
Accenture Consulting
Dublin, Ireland
2016.06 - 2017.09
- Delivered credit process transformation and target operating model redesigns for banks and insurers within Accenture's Risk & Finance team.
- Supported digitisation of credit workflows, enhancing monitoring and reporting standards.
Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager
Pepper Group
Dublin, Ireland
2014.05 - 2016.06
- Managed a €1.3bn loan portfolio on behalf of institutional investors (Goldman Sachs, CarVal).
- Developed asset management, workout, and collections strategies for performing and nonperforming loans.
Commercial Loan Team Leader
Irish Bank Resolution Corporation
Dublin, Ireland
2011.02 - 2014.04
- Led a €430m portfolio workout during the financial crisis, including restructurings, refinancings, and enforcement.
- Supervised a team of four analysts, ensuring credit files, risk ratings, and approvals were compliant with policy.
Client Relationship Manager - Private Banking
Anglo Irish Bank - Private Banking
Dublin, Ireland
2004.12 - 2011.02
- Managed a €480m AUM HNWI portfolio, structuring tailored borrowing and investment solutions.
- Advised clients on secured lending, collateralised facilities, and covenant monitoring, ensuring credit quality and regulatory compliance.
Education
Masters Degree - Economics
University College Dublin
Dublin, Ireland 2001.01 - 2002.01
Bachelor Degree - Economics
University College Cork
Cork, Ireland 1997.01 - 2001.01
Certificate Real Estate Economics & Finance -
London School of Economics (LSE)
London, UKQualified Financial Adviser (QFA) -
Institute of Bankers
Dublin, Ireland International Wealth Mgmt Level 3 Certification -
CISI
DubaiUAE Financial Rules & Regulations Training - Wealth Management
CISI
DubaiSkills
- Credit analysis and facility structuring
- Portfolio monitoring and risk assessment
- Private banking and corporate lending
- Client relationship management
- Policy compliance and regulatory engagement
- Covenant monitoring and remediation strategies
- Stakeholder engagement and relationship management
- Wealth management products and lending solutions
- Collateral valuation and documentation compliance
- Investment product expertise (bonds, sukuks, derivatives)
- Business development strategies
Languages
English
Native
German
Upper intermediate
Visa Status
Golden Visa holder
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Freelance Consultant
Independent Advisory & Investment Projects
2025.03 - 2026.02
Senior Vice President - Restructuring & Debt Advisory
Kroll (Duff & Phelps)
2022.09 - 2025.03
Commercial Debt Portfolio Manager
National Asset Management Agency (NAMA)
2017.09 - 2022.08
Project Manager - Financial Services
Accenture Consulting
2016.06 - 2017.09
Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager
Pepper Group
2014.05 - 2016.06
Commercial Loan Team Leader
Irish Bank Resolution Corporation
2011.02 - 2014.04
Client Relationship Manager - Private Banking
Anglo Irish Bank - Private Banking
2004.12 - 2011.02
Masters Degree - Economics
University College Dublin
2001.01 - 2002.01
Bachelor Degree - Economics
University College Cork
1997.01 - 2001.01
Certificate Real Estate Economics & Finance -
London School of Economics (LSE)
Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) -
Institute of Bankers
International Wealth Mgmt Level 3 Certification -
CISI
UAE Financial Rules & Regulations Training - Wealth Management
CISI