Infinity Commercial Lending and Siguler Guff have announced a strategic joint venture to create a new commercial real estate (CRE) lending and securitization platform. The partnership aims to provide five-year fixed-rate loans for stabilized commercial properties throughout the United States.
The new platform will focus on financing a range of asset types, including multifamily, retail, and industrial properties. This collaboration combines Infinity's operational expertise in real estate finance with Siguler Guff's extensive global investment network.
Key Takeaways
- Infinity Commercial Lending (ICL) and Siguler Guff have formed a joint venture for commercial real estate lending.
- The platform will offer five-year fixed-rate loans for stabilized properties across the U.S.
- Targeted asset classes include multifamily, retail, and industrial real estate.
- ICL will manage daily operations, including loan origination and asset management, while Siguler Guff will provide institutional capital and market access.
- The partnership aims to offer borrowers predictable financing solutions in a fluctuating interest rate environment.
A New Partnership in Commercial Real Estate Finance
Atlanta-based Infinity Commercial Lending (ICL), an affiliate of Infinity Capital Partners, has formally entered into a joint venture with Siguler Guff, a global private markets investment firm. The primary goal of this collaboration is to launch a dedicated platform for commercial real estate lending and securitization.
This initiative is designed to support the market for stabilized commercial properties by offering reliable financing options. The venture will leverage the distinct strengths of both firms to create a competitive presence in the CRE lending space.
Understanding the Market Need
In an economic climate with shifting interest rates, borrowers often seek stability and predictability in their financing. Five-year fixed-rate loans offer a solution by locking in an interest rate for a medium-term period, protecting property owners from potential rate hikes and allowing for more accurate financial planning.
Strategic Focus on Fixed-Rate Loans
The core offering of the new platform will be five-year fixed-rate loans. This product is specifically tailored for owners of stabilized commercial assets who are looking for predictable, long-term financing. According to the announcement, this addresses a critical need for borrowers navigating the current interest rate environment.
The venture will target a diverse portfolio of property types. Key areas of focus include:
- Multifamily properties: Apartment buildings and other residential rental complexes.
- Retail centers: Shopping centers, strip malls, and single-tenant retail buildings.
- Industrial facilities: Warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing plants.
- Other commercial properties: A range of other stabilized commercial asset classes.
Financing will be available for properties located in primary and secondary markets, with select opportunities considered in tertiary markets. The firms emphasized a commitment to streamlined execution and borrower-friendly terms.
Leadership and Operational Structure
The joint venture will be guided by leaders from both organizations. Ben Easterlin, Managing Director at Infinity Commercial Lending, and Adam Domanico, a Principal at Siguler Guff, will oversee the partnership's strategic direction.
Under the agreement, ICL will function as the day-to-day operating partner. Its responsibilities will include loan origination, structuring financing packages, and performing ongoing asset management. This role capitalizes on ICL's established infrastructure and experience in the CRE finance sector.
Siguler Guff will contribute its deep institutional expertise and provide access to its global investor base. This synergy is expected to expand market opportunities and enhance the platform's ability to fund a significant volume of loans.
"This partnership represents the best of both worlds," said Ben Easterlin. "By combining our team’s extensive experience in CRE finance with Siguler Guff’s resources, knowledge, and reputation, we’re well positioned to deliver innovative lending solutions and scale in today’s market.”
Adam Domanico echoed this sentiment, highlighting ICL's operational strength.
"Their proven operational expertise in commercial real estate finance makes them an ideal partner as we continue to broaden our investment footprint," Domanico stated. He added that the venture will offer "a compelling fixed-rate loan solution with a more flexible structure and higher certainty of execution than market alternatives for stabilized properties.”
Company Profiles and Market Position
Both firms bring significant experience and resources to the new venture, positioning it for a strong entry into the market.
Decades of Combined Experience
The team at Infinity Commercial Lending has overseen approximately $50 billion in CRE loan origination, securitization, and asset management since 2011. Siguler Guff manages approximately $17 billion in assets and has 30 years of experience in private markets.
About Infinity Commercial Lending
ICL is part of Infinity Capital Partners, an alternative investment firm that caters to registered investment advisors (RIAs), family offices, and institutional clients. The firm specializes in tailored financing for commercial real estate and has a long history in structured finance and loan management.
About Siguler Guff
Siguler Guff is a multi-strategy private markets investment firm founded in 1991. With approximately $17 billion in assets under management, the firm invests across various strategies, including opportunistic credit, real estate, and small business credit. Headquartered in New York, Siguler Guff has a global presence with offices in major financial hubs like London, Tokyo, and Singapore.
This joint venture signals a strategic move by both companies to address current demands in the commercial real estate market, combining operational agility with institutional-scale capital to support property owners across the U.S.