Question 1

Which mandates fall outside the firm’s practice?

Accepted Answer

The firm advises on sovereign debt, structured trade and receivables, commodities origination and offtake, and defence procurement and programme financing. Outside that scope: retail credit and consumer lending, residential mortgages, cryptocurrency and digital-asset advisory, public-market equity research, and any sub-investment-grade municipal debt outside the sovereign focus. Mandates involving sanctioned individuals, entities or jurisdictions are not accepted.

Question 2

On what basis are defence mandates accepted?

Accepted Answer

A defence or dual-use mandate is accepted only once end-user identification, the applicable export-licence pathway and sanctions diligence are confirmed. Activity runs under the export-control regimes of the relevant jurisdictions, including the UK Export Control Joint Unit, the US Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and EU dual-use rules.

Question 3

Does Hen Street commit balance-sheet capital?

Accepted Answer

The firm operates only as advisor or, in commodities and defence, as a disclosed agent. Where Hen Street acts in a principal or agency capacity, that role is set out in writing before any transactional step.

Question 4

Where does Hen Street work?

Accepted Answer

Practice is focused on African and emerging-market sovereigns and the corporates that trade with them. Core regional coverage spans Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Partners work from London, New York, Washington, Dubai. Mandates are run by the partner who owns them, not by branch.

Counsel, not coverage.

For principals who need access, not introductions.