W&F Issue 2 2018

Wealth & Finance International - Issue 2 2018 5 Phoenix American Financial Services has recently announced their newest client, Virtus Real Estate Capital. On the 14th February, Phoenix American Financial Services announced its new fund services contract with Phoenix American Financial Services. The company will support Virtus with transfer agent and investor services. Virtus will benefit from Phoenix American’s combination of advanced technology, commitment to customer service and long experi- ence with the unique operational requirements of real estate funds. Based in Austin, TX, Virtus is a real estate invest- ment fund manager which is focused exclusively on niche property types, including senior living, medical office, student housing, workforce hous- ing, self-storage, and education assets. With over $3.2 billion dollars of combined acquisition value, Virtus is one of the most experienced investors in its sector, having launched 40 investment vehicles consisting of over 193 assets. Virtus concen- trates on property types whose demand is driven by persistent demographic trends and inuring social need, providing downside mitigation of risk throughout economic cycles. “We are very excited to have Virtus coming on board,” said Andrew Constantin, Senior Vice President, Operations at Phoenix American. “Virtus is part of a trend in alternatives where firms are seeking back office efficiency and cutting edge systems. Investors, financial advisors, and government regulators are expecting cost savings and flexibility more than ever from fund compa- nies. Virtus is a smart and successful investment company that is partnering with a best in class firm in Phoenix American.” With the growing sophistication of alternative real estate funds and the increased regulatory compliance they require, advanced and integrated operational solutions are critical to the success of today’s fund companies. Phoenix American has been developing and refining the most efficient systems and back office processes in alterna- tive investments since its time as a sponsor of equipment leasing funds beginning in 1972. The company’s STAR-XMS transfer agents system, the most advanced in alternative investments, is the result of the Company’s direct experience as a fund sponsor as well as decades of experience as a back office provider to every kind of alternative fund. “In today’s ultra-competitive and ever changing landscape, we are keenly aware of how important it is to provide superior service to our clients,” said Will Strong, COO/CFO at Virtus. “Adding Phoenix American to our team of vendors, will provide us with the robust platform and institutional knowledge it takes to deliver a better product and experience.” A leading FinTech-driven financing company for small and mid-sized businesses, Yalber, has announced the closing of a $20 million senior credit facility to increase its funding capabilities. Yalber Obtains $20 Million Credit Facility In recent news, leading FinTech-driven financing company for both small and mid-sized business- es, Yalber, has announced the closing of a $20 million senior credit facility to increase its funding capabilities. “We are pleased to announce this $20 million credit investment, which increases our funding capabilities and enhances our ability to take ad- vantage of significant market opportunities,” stated Yalber’s CEO, Amir Landsman. “The new facility, from a leading institutional financing partner, is a validation of the strength of our team, our track record of success and the robust platform that Yalber has built.” Since its founding, Yalber has provided more than 5,000 businesses with over $300 million in working capital solutions to grow. Proceeds from the transaction will be used by the company to execute its strategic growth plan, as well as accelerating their ability to provide more small businesses with access to attractive non-bank financing. Mr. Landsman continued, “Small businesses are thriving; representing 99 percent of all U.S businesses, 60 percent of total net job creation and 46 percent of private nonfarm GDP. Yet, bank credit to this important sector of the economy has contracted sharply. It is estimated that the amount of small business loan originations plummeted by more than half during the financial crisis and has seen only a very limited recovery post-crisis, leaving small business loan originations down 40 percent.” When small businesses find it hard to overcome funding issues from traditional sources of capital, Yalber remains committed to helping them ac- complish their goals. Yalber offers small business owners, in a variety of industries across the U.S., the option to fund their businesses for any purpose with up to $500,000. The company’s technol- ogy-enabled platform allows for a streamlined process, with most qualified businesses funded within 24 hours. Mr. Landsman concluded, “The closing of this transaction demonstrates that institutional inves- tors have confidence in our business model and expect to see continued, rapid growth.” Brean Capital served as exclusive financial advisor to the Company on the transaction. The senior credit facility provided by an institutional credit fund focused on specialty finance and related investments. News