The 2025 Real Estate Finance Conference, hosted by the Commercial Real Estate Finance Council (CREFC), was a landmark event that brought together over 2,200 registered attendees from more than 400 institutions across the commercial real estate finance (CRE) industry. The conference, held at the iconic Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami, Florida, on January 14–15, 2025, provided invaluable networking opportunities, educational sessions, and thought-provoking discussions that have become the hallmark of CREFC’s annual gathering.
This year’s conference successfully delivered on its promise to offer attendees a deep dive into the latest market trends, industry challenges, and emerging investment opportunities in commercial real estate finance. The event’s robust agenda, featuring a mix of panel discussions, forums, and networking sessions, enabled professionals from all sectors of the industry, including lenders, investors, servicers, lawyers, accountants, and asset managers, to share their perspectives and best practices, fostering collaboration and learning across the CRE ecosystem.
A Snapshot of the Event CREFC 2025
Over the course of two days, participants had the chance to attend numerous in-depth sessions that covered a range of topics essential to the current landscape of CRE finance. These sessions highlighted how different industry players work together to bring complex projects to life, while also addressing emerging risks, regulatory changes, and opportunities within the market.
With its diverse programming, the conference was designed to meet the needs of both newcomers and seasoned professionals. Whether it was understanding how different stakeholders work together in real estate financing, exploring emerging asset classes, or navigating the evolving insurance landscape, CREFC ensured that every attendee walked away with actionable insights to apply to their day-to-day work.
Key Highlights from the 2025 Real Estate Finance Conference
Cogs in the Wheel of CRE Financing: A Young Professionals’ Session
The conference kicked off with an exciting Young Professionals (YP) session, "Cogs in the Wheel of CRE Financing." This highly interactive session focused on the collaborative nature of CRE financing and provided a platform for up-and-coming industry professionals to engage with seasoned experts. Featuring panelists from sectors like legal, servicing, accounting, origination, and asset management, the session aimed to give attendees a comprehensive understanding of how various roles contribute to successfully closing a deal.
Real-world examples illustrated the complex processes and relationships required to complete a project, from initial structuring to final closing. This session was particularly beneficial for those new to the industry, helping them grasp the intricate web of responsibilities and stakeholders involved in CRE financing.
Legislative and Regulatory Update: Insights from CREFC’s Advocacy Efforts
A standout session at the conference was the Legislative & Regulatory Update, moderated by Richard Jones, Principal at Jackstay Ventures LLC. Sairah Burki, Managing Director and Head of Regulatory Affairs at CREFC, and David McCarthy, Managing Director and Head of Legislative Affairs at CREFC, shared critical insights into the legislative and regulatory changes that are shaping the future of commercial real estate finance. The session offered attendees a comprehensive overview of current and upcoming regulations, as well as how CREFC is advocating for policies that promote liquidity, transparency, and efficiency in the market.
The conversation highlighted the growing importance of sustainability and climate risk in the regulatory framework, with panelists discussing how changes in policy could affect both financing and investment strategies. With climate risk becoming an increasingly important factor, the update gave professionals valuable insights on how they could adapt their strategies to stay ahead of potential regulatory shifts.
Investment-Grade Bondholders Forum: Trends in CMBS and Bond Markets
Another key session, the Investment-Grade (IG) Bondholders Forum, brought together experts in the bond markets to discuss trends, risks, and opportunities in the CMBS and IG bond space. The session, which was closed to media, provided an in-depth look at CMBS allocations, relative value analysis, and the flow of information between servicers, trustees, and investors.
Led by Rajesh Bansal, Co-Founder and President of Quiq Capital, and featuring speakers from Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., DoubleLine Capital, and Webster Bank, this session offered a nuanced view of the investment-grade bond market and its impact on the broader CRE financing landscape. Panelists discussed the shifting dynamics of the CMBS market, how to navigate challenges in asset allocation, and the opportunities for bondholders in a rapidly changing market.
Potpourri: Lending on Alternative CRE Asset Classes
With traditional property types stabilizing, the conference also turned its attention to alternative asset classes that are gaining momentum in the market. The Potpourri: Lending on Alternative CRE Asset Classes session explored emerging sectors such as data centers, life sciences, self-storage, and senior housing. Panelists discussed the risks and benefits of investing in these sectors, offering valuable insights on how investors can navigate these relatively new markets.
Moderated by Darrell Wheeler, Head of CMBS Research at Moody’s Ratings, the session featured industry leaders like Zachary Dickens from Extra Space Storage Inc., Paige Ela from Dwight Mortgage Trust, and Bonnie Neuman from Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP. The panel discussed how to best approach lending in these sectors, analyzing both the opportunities and challenges these asset types present for equity and debt investors.
Networking Opportunities: Building Connections in a Dynamic Industry
As always, one of the defining features of the conference was the abundant networking opportunities. Participants had the chance to engage in discussions with industry peers during nightly receptions and informal networking sessions. These interactions proved invaluable for forging new relationships, strengthening existing connections, and sharing insights into the CRE finance landscape.
One of the most anticipated moments of the conference was the Networking Reception held at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, where attendees could unwind after a day of intense programming. The event fostered a lively atmosphere, providing an ideal setting for professionals from all sectors of the industry to exchange ideas, collaborate, and discuss the latest trends in CRE finance.
Conclusion: A Successful Gathering for the CRE Finance Industry
The 2025 Real Estate Finance Conference was a resounding success that highlighted the critical role CREFC plays in shaping the future of the commercial real estate finance industry. With over 2,200 attendees and representatives from more than 400 institutions, the conference successfully brought together a diverse group of professionals, offering them valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector.
From legislative updates to discussions on alternative asset classes and emerging investment opportunities, the conference covered a wide range of topics that are pivotal for CRE professionals looking to stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving market. CREFC continues to be an essential resource for the industry, advocating for policies that support liquidity, transparency, and efficiency, while also providing education and networking opportunities that help professionals thrive.
The 2025 Real Estate Finance Conference not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also reaffirmed the importance of collaboration within the CRE finance ecosystem. With the event's strong focus on education, networking, and industry advocacy, it has set the stage for an exciting year ahead in commercial real estate finance.
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