Cohort Capital has expanded its senior team with the addition of Dipen Patel (pictured) as chief commercial officer, Eli Korman as chief risk officer, and Victoria Edwards as a consultant.
Patel joins from Catalina Re, where he executed over £1.7bn of senior and mezzanine corporate real estate opportunities.
Korman comes from TAB, where he served as chief investment officer and played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s loan book.
Edwards leaves Forsters LLP, where she was a partner and head of the banking team.
Patel will assist with the firm’s commercial strategy and origination across the UK and continental Europe, while Korman will guide the firm’s risk management and credit decisions.
In addition, Edwards will provide expertise on real estate finance deals.
Matt Thame, co-founder and CEO at Cohort Capital, said: “Dipen, Eli, and Victoria embody the experience and leadership we value, each bringing an impressive track record and deep expertise.
“Following another strong year, this is an optimum time to invest in our team and enhance our capabilities.
“We are thrilled to welcome all three to the team and are excited to see their impact as we prepare for another highly successful year.”
Patel added: “Cohort Capital has already established itself at the forefront of the alternative real estate lending market and I am eager to support and be a part of the firm through the next phase of its expansion.
“Working with the wider team, I will focus on leveraging our strengths to propel sustainable growth.
“The firm has already achieved huge success, and I look forward to seeing how much further we can go.”
Korman said: “After years of refining my expertise in property development, investment, and credit, I am excited to join Cohort Capital to guide the firm through its next stage of growth.
“Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of working on more than 400 property and loan transactions whilst driving significant portfolio expansion.
“I look forward to applying this experience to help Cohort solidify its leading position in the bridging finance market.”
Edwards added: “The changing tax landscape and banks retrenching further from real estate debt markets both make this is an exciting time for Cohort to expand and explore new opportunities.
“In particular, the changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) may encourage investors to lean on bridging finance in order to facilitate quick completions.
“Cohort has a particularly compelling offering and its reputation as an agile and reliable funding partner drew me to join the team.
“I look forward to leveraging my experience to support borrowers exploring finance secured against a variety of prime real estate assets.”
