Private real estate lender Mera Investment Management has appointed Raj Bath as director of portfolio management, capital and reporting.

A chartered accountant who trained at Dixon Wilson, Bath (pictured) brings over 15 years of experience in real estate finance, most notably at Topland, where he was instrumental in establishing the lender’s debt division in 2012. During his time at Topland, Bath developed financial models, reporting frameworks and internal processes while managing a significant loan book. It was there that he worked alongside Edward Matthews, now chief executive of Mera.

In his new role at Mera, Bath will take direct responsibility for the firm’s loan and asset management as well as reporting. He is expected to work closely with the origination and underwriting teams as the lender looks to build out its platform and institutionalise its processes.

“The opportunity to be involved in shaping a lender with the kind of vision and ambition for growth that Mera has is extremely exciting,” said Bath.

“Considering the relatively early stage the business is at, the structure and funding firepower that is already in place is an excellent indicator of its future in real estate lending.”

Mera, which launched last year with backing from a family office and a range of institutional and international private investors, has made clear its intent to grow throughout 2025. The lender focuses on the financing of prime commercial, residential and alternative real estate assets in London, the Home Counties and across selected regional cities and growth locations in England and Wales.

Matthews said the firm was ramping up both lending activity and operational capabilities, adding that the creation of the portfolio manager role was a natural next step.

“The level of experience and financial modelling skillset that Raj adds to the team is genuinely exciting and is exactly who we need to continue our strategic growth,” he said.