Variant Investments Strengthens Team with Christopher Neill as Head of Institutional Sales

Variant Investments Welcomes Christopher Neill as Head of Institutional Sales

Variant Investments, LLC, a recognized name in the alternative credit investment sector, proudly announces the strategic appointment of Christopher Neill as the new Head of Institutional Sales. This move comes amid the firm’s ongoing efforts to expand its footprint in the institutional investment market, where they manage nearly $3 billion in assets.

Christopher Neill brings to Variant a robust portfolio of experience spanning over 25 years in institutional sales, business development, and building client relationships across various platforms, including institutions, intermediaries, and high-net-worth families. As he steps into this pivotal role, Neill will report directly to Ryan Warren, Director of Investor Relations, who expressed confidence in Neill's track record and expertise. According to Warren, "We believe Variant's asset-based lending evergreen solutions, focused on differentiated and alternative credit strategies, align perfectly with the needs of institutional asset owners. Chris has demonstrated significant success in developing and nurturing institutional relationships, and we are thrilled to have him leading this essential facet of our operations."

Before joining Variant, Neill held the position of Head of Institutional Relationships at Aptus Capital Advisors. In this role, he successfully introduced a hedged equity solution in an active ETF format to a diverse group of over 100 institutions. This experience, coupled with his past roles—including Director of Institutional Sales at Jensen Investment Management, Head of Institutional Relationships at Thomas White International, and Senior Portfolio Strategist at Thornburg Investment Management—has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both sales and investment management.

Neill’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from Barry University's Andreas School of Business and an MBA from Columbia University. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), a designation that underscores his commitment to investment excellence.

Variant Investments’ unique investment approach targets uncorrelated income-generating assets in specialized private asset-based lending markets. Their flagship fund, the Variant Alternative Income Fund (NICHX), has over $2.8 billion in assets and focuses on investments in specialty finance, litigation finance, royalties, and other niche income-generating opportunities that are typically overlooked by mainstream investors. Additionally, the Variant Impact Fund (IMPCX), with more than $90 million in assets, aims to provide significant current income while also prioritizing investment ventures that foster financial inclusion, equitable growth, and responsible consumption—principles aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In November 2024, Variant launched its newest investment vehicle, the Variant Alternative Lending Fund. This innovative strategy provides both U.S. and international investors with access to a varied portfolio of income-generating assets, primarily through senior secured credit facilities. An early commitment of $36 million from a prominent investment adviser illustrates confidence in this new fund’s potential.

Established in 2017 and based in Portland, Oregon, Variant Investments has positioned itself as a rapidly growing alternative credit manager. Its strategies emphasize private investments that generate income without being tethered to mainstream market performance. The firm continues to offer its services through closed-end interval and tender-offer funds. For more information about Variant Investments and their offerings, visit www.variantinvestments.com.

As an insightful addition to the team and with a proven track record, Christopher Neill’s leadership is expected to significantly bolster Variant’s capabilities in the burgeoning institutional market, paving the way for potential growth and success in the years to come.