Executive Director, Head of MENA, Real Estate Finance

Senior role within the Real Estate Finance team with the purpose of originating and executing Real Estate Finance transactions for CIB clients of the Bank and to support the real estate transactions of wider  globally. Develop strategic relationships with banks and real estate professionals to identify  that are aligned to FAB’s client and credit appetite. Work closely with the Corporate and Financial Institutions coverage teams and product teams of FAB.

To act as a centre of excellence for Real Estate financing in the Bank. To ensure an environment and culture of origination and creative thinking and solutions are fostered at all times

Work closely with all departments of the Bank to ensure deal opportunities are activated and communication is harmonised.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The role encompasses, enhancing the bank's capabilities in the real estate finance covering all forms of RE finance structures in addition to identifying opportunities for equity origination and deal placement. This will involve:

• Meeting clients/sponsors.
• Originating, structuring and executing new deals along with the coverage & credit team.
• Thoroughly review the existing CRE loan book and identify opportunities to secure existing loans business through a combination of refinance and restructuring.
• Build a platform for growth to support new business initiatives across the FAB footprint.
• Working with other market leaders on transactions and further enhancing FAB’s international profile.
• Taking the lead in pricing discussions with clients.
• Working on internal reporting, MIS requirements and support the Head of  strategic initiatives.
• Help contribute to the GCF budget in addition to being alive to opportunities in our GM, Agency & DCM businesses.
• The person will be responsible for building assets and achieving budget via P&L both on a shadow income (hedging income) perspective for deals bookedand a hard cash basis for underwriting skim, structuring & participation fees.

Budgets and Plans:

• Contribute to the preparation of the sub-departmental budget and monitor the section’s cost ratio and 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 (IBG, FIG, Corporate Banking, New Client Acquisition) in order to maximise product development & revenue generation opportunities.
• Develop service level targets and manage the coordination of the section with other departments to meet service expectations.
• Implement departmental policies, systems, and procedure so that all relevant procedural/ legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality and cost-effective service.

MIS and Reports:

Supervise and provide inputs in the preparation of timely and accurate sub-departmental statements and reports (esp. the Underwriting & Sales Report) to meet FAB’s and departmental requirements, policies, and standards.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Knowledge & Experience:

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in managing and facilitating real estate loans business in a banking environment.
• In-depth knowledge of the Real Estate sector, and FAB’s products and business strategies.
• Deep understanding and working knowledge of international real estate debt markets and syndicated loan & debt capital market.

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to understand financing structures based on the current & expected market conditions.
• Ability to multi-task with strong credit, structuring and LMA documentation, expertise required.
• Strong negotiating skills and ability to exercise good judgment which balances needs of client, investors and FAB.
• Solid understanding of accounting and financial statements.
• Ability to work under pressure and adjust quickly to changing priorities.
• Ability to build and develop strategic relationships.