Downing LLP appoints new investment director

By Bridging Loan Directory 19th January 2023

Downing LLP has announced the appointment of Bruno Lobo as an Investment Director within the Property Finance Team.

Bruno will be bringing his expertise to expand Downing’s focus on the ‘build to rent’ sector, which will involve deploying institutional capital to fund residential projects.

Bruno joins Downing from S+A Capital, where he was a co-founder and managing partner.

Bruno began his career in New York as an associate in Brookfield Asset Management’s global real estate group, before becoming a founding director of Avenida Capital, focused on urban development projects in key Latin American markets.

He was then the director of real estate at AECOM Capital in London. Bruno holds a PhD from Columbia University in New York and is a member of Living Concepts Council in Europe of the Urban Land Institute.

Downing has onboarded Bruno to develop its focus on the ‘build to rent’ sector, which will involve deploying institutional capital to fund residential projects specifically to deliver high-quality residential rental stock.

This news comes as Downing’s Property Finance team has passed £300 million in commitments since inception. This growth was delivered without any loss of capital or interest to date, despite tough market conditions.

Bruno Lobo, Investment Director, Downing LLP:

“I’m delighted to be joining Downing’s property finance division. It’s clear that the team is performing at a high level, as demonstrated by the significant milestones achieved this year.

I look forward to bringing my expertise to build an investment strategy that will be an attractive proposition for institutional investors and local partners – while contributing to create successful places and anchor communities.”

Parik Chandra, Partner, Downing LLP:

“Expanding our capability into the ‘build to rent’ sector is an important step in our growth journey and logical given our wider property finance activities and funding we provide to ‘build to sell’ developers.

Bruno’s experience will be vital for making this a success – it’s great to have someone of his calibre on board.”