Kylie Duff Joins Nearwater as Global Risk Retention and Credit Solutions Head

Nearwater Welcomes Kylie Duff as Global Head of Risk Retention

In a significant move geared towards enhancing its capital solutions, Nearwater has announced Kylie Duff as the new Managing Director and Global Head of Risk Retention and Structured Credit Capital Solutions. This strategic appointment underscores the firm's commitment to providing bespoke capital solutions tailored to the needs of its clients, including some of the world's largest banks and asset management firms.

Focus on Innovative Capital Solutions

Duff's expertise will leverage Nearwater's existing leadership in Risk Retention across global securitized products. She will spearhead the initiative to develop a strategic risk-transfer platform aimed at helping bank clients manage their regulatory capital and mitigate concentrated credit exposures. This enhanced capability will not only bolster Nearwater's service offerings but also reinforce its status as a leading partner in capital and asset-based financing solutions.

James Peterson, Managing Partner of Nearwater, emphasized the significance of this addition to the team, highlighting the company's ongoing investments in people and technology. He expressed confidence that Duff’s extensive background in structured finance and her existing relationships within the asset management community will further elevate Nearwater’s market position.

Duff's Impressive Background

Prior to joining Nearwater, Kylie Duff held the position of North American Head of Structured Corporates Capital Markets at Morgan Stanley. In her successful 18-year tenure at the bank, she was instrumental in originating, structuring, and distributing an impressive $180 billion across more than 350 CLO transactions. Her comprehensive experience covering both the U.S. and European ABS, CLO, CMBS, and RMBS markets equips her to navigate the complexities of structured finance, making her an invaluable asset to Nearwater.

Duff articulated her excitement about joining Nearwater, stating, “The firm's commitment to innovation and expertise positions it as a preeminent capital solutions partner to major financial institutions. I'm eager to expand our existing risk retention footprint and explore new, creative solutions for our clients.”

Expanded Responsibilities

In her new role, Duff will be responsible not only for guiding the strategic direction of the risk retention and structured credit businesses but also for overseeing senior client engagements and transaction structuring. She will recruit and lead a specialized team dedicated to the ongoing growth of these platforms.

The appointment of Duff comes on the heels of two other significant hires in Nearwater's Risk Retention Financing Group, including Reggie Fernandez and Kevin Sorgi, who bring substantial experience and expertise in structured finance.

Fernandez, with over 20 years in capital markets, joins Nearwater as Managing Director, while Sorgi will oversee RMBS coverage. Their collective experience will enhance Nearwater's dedication to delivering innovative capital solutions to its clients.

About Nearwater

As a recognized leader in the field, Nearwater focuses on creating innovative, client-driven financing solutions for elite banks, asset managers, sponsors, and originators. By integrating flexible capital structures, market insights, regulatory expertise, and rigorous execution, Nearwater effectively addresses its clients' funding, liquidity, and regulatory requirements. Known for its strategic vision and comprehensive service portfolio, the company's contributions are pivotal in navigating the increasingly intricate capital landscapes of today.

This forward-thinking approach positions Nearwater as a premier choice for firms aiming to enhance their financial strategies through reliable capital solutions.