The Rising Stars awards spotlight outstanding individuals with less than 10 years of experience who have made significant contributions to the fund finance industry.

The awards celebrate nominees’ professional achievements – including outstanding client service, innovative products and services, diversity and inclusion efforts, career development, mentoring and network building. 

Mr Watson joined NatWest Group as an analyst in the RBS International Luxembourg branch in 2019 and was quickly promoted to associate level. 

In March 2021, he moved to Jersey where he continued to work in RBS International’s alternative investment funds team. He oversaw the bank’s first continuation fund financing lend and first ESG-linked capital call facility. 

Mr Watson was promoted to Associate Director in September 2023 and is now based in Guernsey. 

He is responsible for originating new-to-bank sponsor clients and delivering the full suite of funds banking and financing solutions. Mr Watson also manages a portfolio of mid-market sponsor clients. 

Mr Watson said: “It is an honour to have been awarded with this industry accolade, which I believe to be one of my greatest achievements of my career to date. 

“I would like to give a special thanks to my business leaders, clients and professional partners for their nominations, and for recognising my commitment to supporting clients and the fund finance industry.”