Lafayette Square Appoints Chris Shakal as Managing Director of Finance

New York, April 1, 2021 – Lafayette Square, an impact-driven, minority-owned investment platform, announced today that it has tapped Christopher Shakal to be Managing Director, Finance. Before joining Lafayette Square, Mr. Shakal was the Chief Financial Officer at TPRVCapital and played a critical role in the legal and compliance functions as the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer in the early stages on the firm’s operations.

Mr. Shakal has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, with a proficiency in building, innovating, and managing operational infrastructures. His expertise includes accounting, operations, risk, and compliance for both new and emerging asset managers, as well as sell-side trading desks. Throughout his career, he has served as the most senior finance professional for several credit and multi-strategy asset management businesses, including holding roles as both Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer.

"Chris's deep financial services background and compliance experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow our firm and make impact-driven investments," said Damien Dwin, Founder & CEO of Lafayette Square. "His extensive industry knowledge is crucial to the development and future of Lafayette Square, and we're very proud to welcome him to the team."

Earlier in his career, Mr. Shakal spent several years in the product control group at Deutsche Bank, where he was responsible for the non-investment functions of the interest rate derivatives, fixed income prime brokerage, and the U.S. energy trading desks. He began his career at KPMG, where he spent several years as an auditor. 

Mr. Shakal has served on the Finance committee of the SYMA association, which focuses on the betterment of the lives and educational standards of the Syrian and Lebanese community. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) from Pace University with a concentration in Public Accounting and is a New York State Certified Public Accountant.

"I'm pleased to be joining a firm that aims to have an outsized impact on local communities through making investments on behalf of its limited partners," said Mr. Shakal. "Lafayette Square's model is unique in aiming to promote social inclusion while striving to generate risk-adjusted returns for clients. It's exciting to be able to consider myself a part of such an innovative platform and team."

Mr. Shakal's appointment builds on several senior hires Lafayette Square has announced over the past few months, including naming John Klim as Head of Mid-Atlantic Origination, and David Kraut and Ileana Stone as Managing Directors. The firm currently has a team of 34 professionals with an average of about 15 years of experience.

About Lafayette Square

Lafayette Square Holding Company, LLC (“Lafayette Square” or the “Firm”) is an impact-driven, minority-owned investment platform. Founded by Damien Dwin in 2020, the Firm confronts critical societal challenges with capital and services in three core areas: housing, jobs, and financial inclusion. For more information about Lafayette Square, please visit lafayettesquare.com

Media Contact:
Shree Dhond/Zach Kouwe
Dukas Linden Public Relations
646-722-6531
lafayettesquare@dlpr.com

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