Executive Director, Head of MENA, Real Estate Finance

Job Summary

As an Executive Director Real Estate Finance, you will originate and execute real estate finance transactions for diverse clients, primarily in the UAE, GCC, and Turkey. Your focus is on deal origination, structuring, and execution, while also supporting the wider REF team's real estate transactions. You will act as a center of excellence, fostering a culture of creative thinking and talent development. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with various coverage and product teams within the bank.

Key Responsibilities

• Originate and execute real estate finance transactions for diverse clients, including IB&M, WBG, and PCG.
• Build strategic relationships with banks and real estate professionals to identify REF opportunities aligned with FAB's client and credit appetite.
• Act as a center of excellence for real estate financing, fostering an environment of creative thinking and solutions.
• Optimize and develop REF team talent, providing international experience to junior members.
• Provide senior leadership and strategic input to client and product development, innovating and ideating market-leading strategies.
• Work closely with all bank departments to activate deal opportunities and harmonize communication.
• Review the existing CRE loan book and secure existing loans business through refinancing and restructuring.
• Build a platform for growth to support new business initiatives across FAB's footprint.
• Collaborate with market leaders on transactions to enhance FAB's international profile.

Requirements / Qualifications 

• 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 strategies.
• Deep understanding and working knowledge of international real estate debt markets and syndicated loans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to understand financing structures based on market conditions.
• Multi-tasking skills with strong credit, structuring, and LMA documentation expertise.
• Solid negotiating skills and good judgment to balance client, investor, and FAB needs.
• Understanding of accounting and financial statements.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.