Our People
Darren Isaacs CA(SA) – CEO
Darren has more than 10 years in Accounting, Project Management and Consulting experience in an array of sectors from Financial Services to Information Technology. Darren’s unique experience, a hybrid of Technology, Audit and Financial Services has enabled him to communicate and consult on a vast array of environments and situations to a broad audience from technology developers to project stakeholders. Prior to joining Makosi, Darren was a Manager in the Financial Services division of PricewaterhouseCoopers. Darren was tasked with setting up operations for Makosi in the United States and the United Kingdom and has been responsible for the strategic vision, development and implementation for the Makosi Group since 2005. Darren was recently profiled as an SAP Success Story. Darren is a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, and APMG, the governing body for various global Project Management certifications. He lives in New York City.
David Madden – Director, Financial Markets
David has 17 years of Operations experience at some of the largest Asia-Pac, European and U.S. financial services firms, the most recent ten years of which have been in Derivatives. His unique expertise has been gained ‘on the ground’, running critical projects and consulting across a diverse set of products and environments. Well-respected for his ability to share a wealth of product/process knowledge, he prides himself on developing mutually rewarding relationships with clients, ensuring they receive their desired results. David enjoys cycling and competing in triathlons, whilst in winter he prefers spending time in Utah’s mountains on his snowboard.
Jonathon Bransdon – VP, Financial Markets
Jonathon draws on half a decade’s experience in OTC Derivatives, balancing specialization in Credit Derivatives with experience within Equity and Rates. Having worked in a number of countries (Australia, India and the USA), and different organizations, Jonathon has extensive industry experience as well as understanding of different business support models and corporate cultures. Building on his experience, Jonathon brings to bear a proactive, analytical approach, typically approaching projects at a tactical and strategic level. He holds a degree in Economics with Majors in Finance and Economics from Australia’s Sydney University.
Greg Maslov – VP, Project Management
A Chartered Accountant and former Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Greg has been seconded all around the world for intense audit busy seasons and was integral in the formation of Makosi Accounting Resources, a specialized accounting resource division of Makosi Inc. Greg’s experience includes audit and advisory roles in investment banks, broker dealers, hedge funds and asset managers. He has also been responsible for providing various technical accounting opinions on derivative structures in terms of IFRS during his tenure in public practice and has lectured part-time to accounting university students in South Africa. Greg is a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, and APMG, the governing body for various global Project Management certifications.
Adam Wiseman – VP, Financial Markets
With over 10 years experience within Derivative Operations, Adam has worked at top tier broker/dealer firms worldwide, including Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch, Credit Suisse and Barclays Capital. Exposure to an array of diverse roles ranging from Traders Assistant and Business Analyst to Structured Transactions support, has contributed to his vast expertise. Excellent product and process knowledge within Credit, Rates and Equity Derivatives, has distinguished him as an outstanding performer throughout his career. Adam exudes an abundance of energy and enthusiasm, continuing to deliver results and provide exceptional service to our clients.
Anthony Smyth – VP, Project Management
With over 15 years experience building systems for a variety of firms in the Financial Services industry Anthony combines the skills of a Business/Technical Analyst with that of a Project Manager. Originally from Ireland Tony moved to the US in the mid 90’s upon successful completion of a graduate degree from UCDs Smurfit Business School. After accepting a position on the NatWest Graduate program Tony moved to Bankers Trust when NatWest wound down its US operations. Over the course of a year at Bankers Trust Tony successfully automated his job and was promoted to Front Office reporting directly to the US head of Asset Management. With Deutsche Bank’s Acquisition of Bankers Trust Tony moved into the burgeoning IT industry training as a Technical Analyst with a focus on the Financial Services Industry. Over the subsequent years Tony has worked on a variety of projects for companies such as; Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Lewtan Technologies, Deutsche Bank and Barclays Capital.
James Fraser – VP, Talent Acquisition
James has over seven years experience in the Financial Services industry in both the United States and the UK, including operational experience at several leading investment banking institutions. Prior to working within investment banking, James facilitated the entire seasonal resourcing process for several major audit firms in the UK. James has worked in the Equity Derivatives arena, gaining significant experience with the full portfolio of equity products, the related industry conventions and best practices. Holding an Honors degree in Finance, James has more recently assumed the role as Resource Manager for Makosi, championing the mission to connect Makosi with the industry’s top professionals in Financial Markets, Project Management and Audit.
