Jonathan (“Jon”) Norton is an experienced banker and investor with over four decades of international financial services expertise spanning corporate banking, structured finance, asset-based lending, project finance, export finance, and alternative investments. He has advised clients ranging from SMEs to FTSE 100 companies, consistently delivering strategic financing solutions across complex and high-leverage environments.
He served as Head of Corporates at Commerzbank AG London, where he led a €7bn corporate portfolio and managed approximately 40 professionals across relationship management, trade finance, and middle office teams. During his tenure, he helped reposition the corporate banking division from a traditional lender model to a trusted advisor platform, delivering integrated solutions across bonds, derivatives, equity-linked instruments, and syndicated loans. He also arranged complex financing transactions including demerger debt, public-private partnership structures, and export credit agency-backed aircraft financing.
He subsequently served as Director, Structured Finance at Wells Fargo Capital Finance (UK) Ltd, formerly Burdale Financial. There, he led new business origination and execution of asset-based lending transactions, frequently supporting mid-market companies in high-leverage, stressed, or turnaround situations. His experience includes arranging facilities up to £350m and structuring innovative cross-border ABL solutions. He also sat on the leadership team and management committee, contributing to product development and corporate strategy.
He currently serves as Managing Director at Crestline Investors, an institutional alternative investment manager with over $18bn in assets under management. In this capacity, he originates private credit and special opportunities investments, advises portfolio company boards, supports governance frameworks, and contributes to business development initiatives across the European platform.
In parallel with his investment activities, Mr. Norton is active in higher education and executive training. He lectures on Strategic Management and Global Investments, covering global capital markets, private equity and debt, and ESG considerations. He also delivers professional development programs on private equity, venture capital, debt markets, and M&A due diligence.
Mr. Norton holds an MBA from Cranfield School of Management, a BSc (Hons) in Physics from Imperial College London, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an Accredited Member of the Institute of Turnaround and has served on advisory boards and professional committees within the banking and finance sector.
EXPERTISE
Corporate & Structured Finance Leadership
Asset-Based Lending & Special Situations
Private Credit & Alternative Investments
Strategic Advisory & Governance
EDUCATION
LIBF
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education
Cranfield School of Management
MBA
Imperial College, London
BSc Hons, Physics
WORK HISTORY
SEDA Experts
Managing Director
2026-Current
Crestline Investors, Inc.
Managing Director
2019-Current
London Institute of Banking & Finance Lecturer
2019-Current
BPP Professional Development
2019-Current
Fordham University of New York, London Campus
Lecturer
2020-2024
The Quartz Partnership Ltd
Board Advisor
2019-2022
Wells Fargo Capital Finance (UK) Ltd
Director, Structured Finance
2005-2019
Commerzbank AG London Branch
Head of Corporates
1997-2005
Banque Paribas
Executive
1994-1997
Westpac Banking Corporation
Senior Manager
1985-1994
Hill Samuel & Co
Manager
1982-1985
Rolls-Royce PLC
Graduate trainee
1981-1982
Corporate & Structured Finance Expert Witness
Contact
Jonathan (“Jon”) Norton
1185 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
+1 646-626-4555


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