UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Triumphs in CREFC Real Estate Debt Competition

Celebrating Excellence in Real Estate Finance

The 4th Annual CREFC Real Estate Debt Case Competition, held in New York City, concluded with the University of North Carolina's Kenan-Flagler Business School claiming first place. This exciting competition brought together undergraduate and graduate students from ten of the nation’s leading real estate programs, all vying for a total prize pool of $45,000.

The event, organized by the CRE Finance Council (CREFC)—a key player in the nearly $6 trillion commercial and multifamily real estate finance industry—sought to highlight and encourage student engagement in commercial real estate finance. Participation was by invitation only, showcasing the elite talent among the nation’s top universities.

The competitive landscape included prominent institutions such as Columbia University, Cornell University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, among others. Each participating team utilized a detailed case study to analyze a commercial real estate lending decision grounded in an actual market transaction. The students were given one week to prepare an in-depth analysis and present their findings to a distinguished panel of judges composed of senior industry professionals.

Outstanding Performances in a Challenging Setting
The final standings of the competition illustrated the high caliber of each team's presentation and analysis:
1. First Place: UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
2. Second Place: University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Business
3. Third Place: Cornell University

Lisa Pendergast, President and CEO of CREFC, expressed her gratitude towards participants and judges alike, emphasizing the competition's role in cultivating future experts in commercial real estate finance. "This event not only highlights the commitment and skill of the competing students but also presents invaluable insights from seasoned professionals in the real estate sector,” she stated.

Additionally, Pendergast thanked Ares Management LLC for their collaboration in shaping the case study that formed the foundation of the competition. Their expertise was instrumental in providing a challenging yet realistic scenario for the competitors to tackle.

Nurturing Future Professionals
By supporting events like the CREFC Real Estate Debt Case Competition, CREFC aims to foster educational initiatives that create networking opportunities and meaningful experiences for students and young professionals aspiring to enter the real estate finance field. This initiative plays a crucial part in promoting the significance of commercial real estate finance across top-tier educational institutions.

As this competition continues to grow in prestige and participation, it serves as a catalyst for students to dive deeper into the complexities of commercial real estate finance, ensuring that the industry nurtures well-prepared future leaders.

For more details about the Real Estate Debt Case Competition or to learn about the CREFC Young Professionals Network, interested parties can reach out to Danielle Nathan for further assistance.

About the CRE Finance Council (CREFC)
CREFC represents the nearly $6 trillion commercial real estate finance industry, encompassing around 400 member companies and 19,000 individuals across various sectors including lending, investment, and servicing. The association has been a steadfast advocate for liquidity and transparency in the commercial real estate markets for over three decades, playing a pivotal role in establishing market standards and fostering education for participants.

In conclusion, the success of UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School in this prestigious competition not only marks a significant achievement for the institution but underscores the importance of supporting educational programs within the real estate finance sector.