MKI Global Partners Launches Emerging Markets Practice with Focus on Latin America

MKI Global Partners is expanding its advisory footprint into emerging markets with a specific focus on Latin America. By appointing Alex Alencar to lead the new practice, the firm aims to bridge the gap between institutional investors and complex financial opportunities across Brazil and the wider region, signaling a strategic shift toward high-growth jurisdictions.

What was announced

MKI Global Partners has established a dedicated emerging markets practice, initially focusing on the Latin American region. The new division is led by Alex Alencar, who joins the firm as Managing Director. Alencar, a Brazilian national based in London, brings over 30 years of experience in international financial markets, including previous senior roles at global investment banks. He has a track record of working with institutional investors, hedge funds, and corporations across Latin America and other emerging economies.

The practice is designed to provide dual-track support: assisting MKI’s existing international clients in identifying and executing opportunities within Latin America, while simultaneously helping regional investors and corporations navigate complex situations in international markets. Alencar will work alongside MKI’s corporate and regional teams to combine localized market intelligence with the firm’s established advisory expertise.

This move follows a period of international expansion for the firm, which recently included the opening of an office in Washington, D.C. MKI has also been active in managing mandates for private equity firms and listed companies across the United Kingdom, North America, and continental Europe. The establishment of the emerging markets practice represents a formalization of the firm's capabilities in regions outside its traditional Western hubs.

"We are delighted to welcome Alex to MKI. His experience and judgement will be invaluable as we continue to grow. His appointment strengthens our ability to support clients across the globe, now including Latin America and other emerging markets."

Mark Kelly

The companies involved

MKI Global Partners is an independent advisory firm that specializes in providing strategic counsel for complex corporate and financial situations. The firm positions itself as a specialist partner for private equity firms and listed companies, offering expertise that spans the UK, North America, and Europe. MKI’s model relies on a senior-led approach, often competing with larger investment banks by offering conflict-free, independent advice on high-stakes mandates.

The firm is associated with R&R Global Partners, another entity in the global advisory and investment landscape. MKI has recently focused on scaling its international presence, moving beyond its core markets to address the needs of clients in increasingly interconnected global financial centers. By recruiting senior talent with deep jurisdictional experience, such as Alencar’s background in the Brazilian and broader Latin American markets, the firm is building a bridge between traditional financial hubs like London and Washington, D.C., and the emerging economies of the Southern Hemisphere. This expansion reflects a broader strategy to serve clients in markets where local knowledge is essential for navigating regulatory and financial complexity.

What this means

The launch of a dedicated Latin American practice by an independent boutique highlights a significant shift in the advisory market. As large-scale investment banks often consolidate their emerging market operations during periods of global volatility, specialized firms are finding room to capture market share by offering localized expertise. The appointment of a 30-year veteran from the banking sector suggests that senior talent is increasingly moving toward independent platforms to escape the constraints of larger institutions. This creates a more competitive landscape for cross-border M&A and restructuring, as regional players in Latin America seek advisors who understand both local regulatory nuances and international capital requirements.