Congratulations to all of the incredible recipients of the 2025 Fund Finance Association Industry Awards, including Cadwalader's own Leah Edelboim!
See the below 2025 Award recipients:
Julian Black Lifetime Contribution to the Industry Award
Mary Touchstone, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Mary Touchstone, a retired partner from Simpson Thacher, has been a driving force in the fund finance industry. As former Head of the Fund Finance Practice, she helped establish Simpson Thacher as a global leader, representing sponsors of private equity, real estate, energy, and other investment funds in some of the market's largest and most complex financings.
Dee Dee Sklar Women in Fund Finance Award
Leah Edelboim, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
Leah Edelboim, a Fund Finance Partner at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the Dee Dee Sklar Women in Fund Finance Award. A leader in her field, Leah combines legal excellence with a steadfast commitment to mentoring and advancing women.
Diversity in Fund Finance Award
Christie Loong, NatWest Markets
Since joining NatWest Markets as a Vice President in the Fund Finance team, Christie Loong has excelled in the role and quickly become a leader in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the fund finance industry.
NextGen Member of the Year Award
Joel Buckett, Deutsche Bank
As an emerging leader in Fund Finance, Joel Buckett has made a significant impact to the industry through his dedication to mentorship, industry engagement, and knowledge-sharing. Joel has contributed to the FFA through organizing NextGen and charity events.
Annual Contribution to the Industry Award
Will Canty – Collins, The Carlyle Group
Will is responsible for Fund Financing across Carlyle’s Global Private Equity platform. Previously, Will was a member of Credit Suisse’s Fund Financing team focussing on NAV and Subscription Financing, he started his career at Natwest.
Greg Fayvilevich, Fitch Ratings
Greg Fayvilevich is a Managing Director and Global Head of Fitch Ratings’ Fund and Asset Management group, leading a team of 60 analysts covering Fund Finance, private equity securitizations, and various investment vehicles.
Makiko Harunari, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Makiko Harunari has played a pivotal role in shaping the Fund Finance landscape in Asia, demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to industry growth. As Deputy Chair of the FFA Asia Pacific Executive Committee, she has been instrumental in bridging market practices from the U.S. and Europe into Asia.
Adam Zotkow, Goldman Sachs
Adam is the driving force behind Goldman Sachs’ Fund Finance business, turning it into a market leader in recent years. Through his vision and deep industry expertise, he has expanded GS’s presence in capital call facilities, NAV lending, and asset-backed loans.