CREFC Europe is the trade association for the commercial real estate (CRE) finance industry in Europe. Its mission is to promote transparent, liquid and sustainable CRE debt markets for the benefit of its members, the wider industry and ultimately the UK and European economies as a whole.

In addition to becoming a CREFCE member, Fortwell Capital is sponsoring the association’s signature autumn conference to be held in the City of London on 14-15 November. The keynote speaker is Kamal Ahmed, economics editor of BBC News.

Dan Smith, executive director and head of structured finance at Fortwell Capital, will appear as one of the event’s three co-chairs. He will lead a panel discussion on the subject of: “Borrowers & Lenders: sounding-out Brexit – what do lenders really want in the new paradigm?”.

Colin Sanders, Fortwell Capital’s chief executive officer, said: “We are staunch supporters of trade associations and consider them to be a force of strength for the real estate industry. CREFCE boasts amongst its expanding membership some of the most high profile and respected names in the sector. Deciding to add our name was not a difficult decision to make.”

He added: “We’re delighted that Dan Smith will be representing Fortwell at the Autumn Conference. His chairmanship of what will doubtless be a very lively panel discussion is to be anticipated with some relish.”

Peter Cosmetatos, chief executive of CREFC Europe, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Fortwell Capital to CREFC Europe’s membership and the firm’s expertise and experience will play a crucial role in helping us to continue to promote and inform policy around CRE finance. The role of alternative lenders continues to grow in significance around Europe and it is important that we as a sector do everything possible to support a vibrant and diverse market place for real estate debt.”