Global Excellence 2020

102 Acquisition International - Global Excellence 2020 Acquisition International - Issue 7 2020 41 Feb20107 Setting A Sterling Standard Leveraging its deep experience in the real estate and financial services industries, Sterling Global Financial (“Sterling”) is an alternative asset management firm that manages investment funds with a focus on real estate. Acquisition International has recognised the exceptional work of Sterling and has awarded it the title of Most Outstanding Alternative Asset Management Firm – 2020. To find out more about Sterling and its work, we examined why it was so worthy a winner. Company: Sterling Global Financial Contact: Karyn Phuong, VP Investor Relations Website: www.sterlinggloballtd.com Email: [email protected] Sterling Global Financial is one of the most prominent global alternative asset management firms focused on real estate. The company provides a range of financial services which includes investment management, real estate development, trust services, and banking services. Today, with over $9B in assets under management and administration, the firm is recognized as a leader for real estate focused investment offerings. The team at Sterling is unique. Each member of the Sterling team contributes to its success by bringing a wealth of experience in their respective spheres of expertise. The ability to attract talented professionals globally is evident by the successful performance of the investment offerings. Having extensive real estate market knowledge and strong relationships ensures that only the most favourable loans and equity projects are placed in investment portfolios. Sterling’s unique ability to quickly analyze financing requests and deliver on its commitments results in it being a lender of choice amongst some of the world’s leading real estate developers. As an equity partner, the firm contributes capital in addition to development and local market expertise. Sterling manages several private debt and private equity portfolios. The private debt portfolio preserves capital while providing for a consistent stream of income. Since 2012 its flagship debt fund, Sterling Mortgage Income Fund (“SMIF”) has provided investors with an annualized net return in excess of 13%*. SMIF consists of a portfolio of mortgages secured by real estate ranging from commercial to residential. Liens are primarily first and the portfolio’s risk is conservative, as evidenced by a loan to value ratio of only 55%. Each mortgage that is underwritten is done so with the knowledge that multiple exit strategies exist to ensure safety of principal. The portfolio is diversified globally with exposure to North America, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. Investors appreciate that they can participate in a yield instrument that is uncorrelated with public markets. Mortgages in the portfolio are typically floating rate with a floor, resulting in an investment portfolio that is less sensitive to changes in interest rates versus traditional corporate bonds. The addition of SMIF to a traditional portfolio will typically reduce overall volatility, while providing for an attractive yield. The private equity portfolios take an opportunistic, value-added approach to provide investors with a favourable risk-adjusted return. The equity funds seek to benefit from access to fundamentally sound real estate, including development opportunities that are financially challenged in markets where Sterling has both extensive real estate experience and existing platforms. Leveraging relationships with developers, real estate private equity firms, private investors, entrepreneurs and financial institutions, Sterling identifies opportunities and, upon acquisition, provides value-add initiatives to maximize total returns. The success of Sterling is the culmination of an exceptional record in real estate and investment experience spanning five decades. Sterling’s success in providing investors with reliable and attractive performance has earned it the title of Most Outstanding Alternative Asset Management Firm – 2020. As more investors seek unique opportunities uncorrelated with public markets, Sterling is poised to offer investors the most attractive risk-adjusted returns. * Returns for SMIF are for Cl A shareholders and portfolio metrics are as of June 30, 2020 “Sterling’s unique ability to quickly analyze financing requests and deliver on its commitments results in it being a lender of choice amongst some of the world’s leading real estate developers.” Most Outstanding Alternative Asset Management Firm - 2020