Chris LaBianca and David Nass

It’s never simple to devise a winning formula for investment, especially in a tumultuous year. But UBS found that a focus on industrial and multifamily bolstered a banner year that saw $3.6 billion in originations.

A series of big deals in these surging pandemic-era sectors — including serving as co-lead for the $2.4 billion ILPT acquisition of 98 industrial assets from Monmouth Real Estate, and $384 million in loan financing for a 12-property, 2,700-unit multifamily portfolio — led to strategic success. Half of the firm’s lending focused on the industrial sector. 

And a more responsive business model ultimately helped service its high net worth client base. By expanding its balance sheet and significantly enhancing it, too, with a bridge loan program that offered short- and long-term options, UBS offered the flexibility its repeat clients sought. 

“I’d love to say we’ll do every big deal, but that’s not who we are,” Christopher LaBianca said. “Understand what your institution’s mission is, and align your goals with that, and that’s the key to success.” 

In addition, UBS was the 2021 recipient of the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Commercial/Multifamily Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Award in recognition of expanded hiring and retention efforts, such as UBS’ diversity recruiting partnership with the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities.

“Interesting start to the year,” LaBianca said, with “a lot more activity early on than we had last year, and signs it’ll be difficult given the rate environment. Hopefully we’ll be able to sustain some of that going forward.” —P.S.