Alternative lender Investec has appointed Jane Niles as head of real estate offshore, within its corporate and family office team in the Channel Islands, as it looks to capitalise on the continued appeal of real estate investment opportunities in both the UK and offshore.

Jane Niles

Jane Niles

In her new role, Niles, who joined Investec in 2016, will report into Mark Bladon, head of real estate and Brendan Stewart, managing director of Investec Bank in the Channel Islands.

Overseeing a 15 strong team of experienced real estate and corporate lenders based within Guernsey and Jersey, Niles will leverage her and her team’s in-depth knowledge of offshore structures to facilitate access for Investec’s global client base to its entire suite of lending, banking and wealth management services, with a focus on real estate finance solutions.

Said Bladon: 'Our offshore real estate business is a key part of our strategy in bringing offshore facilities to our entire real estate client base. Jane brings a wealth of experience providing a high touch and personalised service to clients with complex requirements and, along with her team, will be crucial in aligning the business to offer one holistic capability in the real estate space.'

Investec Bank Channel Islands has provided senior development and investment real estate finance into the Channel Islands and the UK, both in the commercial and residential sectors via its offshore team. This includes a recently completed £90 mln senior development financing provided for a commercial and residential development in Camden, London, for which Investec provided senior debt and arranged a syndicate of international banks in supporting its client.

Commented Niles: 'Our expertise is in understanding the complexities of offshore structures behind family offices and trusts in our global real estate client base and appreciating a requirement to navigate them efficiently in supporting them in achieving their goals. Aligning our global real estate proposition means we can use our wealth of experience to support our global family office, offshore funds and trust clients.'

Niles was previously head of corporate and family office, Guernsey at Investec Bank Channel Islands, where she focused on real estate lending for family office clients who are structured via offshore trusts. She joined Investec from an international banking career based in Hong Kong and London.