
Coordinator
What is the role of a Coordinator in a financial transaction?
The term Coordinator is used across a range of capital markets transactions, including:
- Debt Capital Markets (DCM): bond issuances, convertible bond issuances.
- Equity Capital Markets (ECM): Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), capital increases.
- Structured finance, particularly in acquisition financing and LBO transactions (Leveraged Buyouts).
Large and complex transactions often involve multiple banks working together within a bank syndicate, where each institution plays a defined role — including that of Coordinator.
The Coordinator acts as the lead orchestrator of the transaction, overseeing the entire processfrom structuring to placement (for market operations) or distribution (for structured finance).
As the primary point of contact for the client — whether a corporate, financial institution or investment fund — the Coordinator ensures smooth execution and alignment between all stakeholders.
1. Structuring the transaction
The Coordinator:
- advises the client on the key features of the transaction: type and structure of instruments, target pricing, launch timeline and selection of the banking syndicate.
- prepares documentation and communication materials with legal counsel, auditors and communication advisors;
- manages interactions with regulatory authorities (e.g., AMF in France) for market transactions requiring formal approval.
2. Active role in placement or distribution
- In capital markets, the Coordinator often also acts as Bookrunner, actively participating in the placement of shares or bonds with investors.
- In structured finance, the Coordinator leads the distribution of the financing to other banks or debt funds.
3. Overall coordination of stakeholders
The Coordinator ensures:
- full visibility on the progress of the transaction;
- efficient communication between the various banks in the syndicate;
- timely management of all operational and regulatory milestones.
Examples of transactions where Societe Generale acted as Coordinator
- Backing a record UK investment to spark an electricity superhighway
- Supporting a family-owned agribusiness in its strategy to become a global pharma leader