Director, Loan Origination and Structuring - Real Estate

Role Overview

Director, Loan Origination and Structuring – Real Estate at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).

Role Purpose

Lead the origination and execution of Real Estate Finance transactions for WBG, IB, FIG and PCG clients, and support real estate transactions across the global REF team. Provide in-depth analysis, risk assessment, financial modelling, industry trends analysis, due diligence, and document review. Develop strategic relationships with banks and real estate professionals to identify REF opportunities aligned to FAB's client and credit appetite, and work closely with coverage and product teams to deliver FAB's full suite of products.

Key Responsibilities

Bank Capabilities and Deal Execution

• Enhance the bank's capabilities in real estate finance across all forms of RE finance structures.
• Identify opportunities for equity origination and deal placement.
• Meet with clients and sponsors alongside other Senior members of REF team.
• Support team in originating, structuring, and executing new deals in coordination with coverage and credit teams.
• Review the existing CRE loan book across the Bank and identify opportunities to secure existing loans business through refinance and restructuring.

Internal Reporting and Strategic Initiatives

• Work on internal reporting and MIS requirements.
• Support the senior team within REF in strategic initiatives.
• Contribute on a no target basis to REF team budget.
• Alert to cross-sell opportunities in GM, Agency, and DCM businesses.

Budget and Performance Management

• Contribute to the preparation of the sub-departmental budget.
• Monitor the section's cost ratio.
• Make the Head of Real Estate Finance aware of performance gaps with suggestions to rectify and improve performance.

Internal Collaboration

• Maintain strong internal relations and collaborate with Coverage partners (Investment Banking, FIG, Wholesale Banking) to maximize product development and revenue generation opportunities.
• Develop service level targets.
• Manage coordination of the Team with other departments to meet service expectations.

Policies, Systems, and Compliance

• Implement departmental policies, systems, and procedures to ensure all relevant procedural and legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering quality and cost-effective service.
• Supervise and provide inputs in the preparation of timely and accurate sub-departmental statements and reports to meet FAB's and departmental requirements, policies, and standards.
• Work with Credit and Risk teams in ensuring efficient tracking and monitoring of total real estate exposure to ensure compliance with UAE CB guidelines.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum undergraduate degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related discipline.
• 5–10 years of experience in managing and facilitating real estate loans business in a banking environment.
• Working knowledge of, and interest in learning, the dynamic Commercial Real Estate sector and FAB's products and business strategies.
• Conversant in different asset classes of real estate, primarily hospitality, office, retail, and residential.
• Good understanding and working knowledge of international real estate debt markets and syndicated loan and debt capital markets.

Skills & Competencies

Communication and Relationship Building

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good inter-personal skills.
• Ability to build and develop strategic relationships.

Technical and Financial Expertise

• Ability to understand financing structures based on current and expected market conditions.
• Strong financial modelling and PowerPoint skills.
• Solid understanding of accounting and financial statements.
• Strong credit, structuring, and LMA documentation expertise.
• Solid credit and structuring knowledge.

Interpersonal and Professional Competencies

• Strong negotiating skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, balancing the needs of clients, investors, and FAB.
• Ability to multi-task effectively.
• Ability to work under pressure and adjust quickly to changing priorities.