Collaboration in Focus: Highlights from the CREFC Servicer/Investor Roundtable
February 10, 2026
CREFC’s President and CEO Lisa Pendergast recently hosted the trade association’s latest industry roundtable, bringing together Master and Special Servicers with Bond Investors to foster dialogue and build consensus across the commercial real estate finance landscape.
The gathering featured a robust lineup of industry leaders.
- Servicers were represented by firms including Berkadia, CW Capital, K-Star, KeyBank, LNR Partners, Midland, Situs, and Trimont.
- Bond Investors in attendance included representatives from Alliance Bernstein, DWS, Ellington, JP Morgan, Lord Abbett, MetLife, Prime Finance, Torchlight, and Webster Bank.
Common Ground and Constructive Dialogue
The evening’s discussion was characterized by a spirit of collaboration. Participants moved beyond individual interests to identify shared challenges and potential solutions for the broader market.
What they're saying: "The discussion at the table left me believing that we have more in common than we do in conflict," noted Adam Smith, Director at DWS Group and Chair of the CREFC Investment Grade Bondholders Forum. "I found it very worthwhile to identify shared pain points and agree they should be addressed."
Key Discussion Points
The conversation spanned high-level market trends and specific operational improvements, including:
- Macro Market Outlook: The current status and future trajectory of the Conduit, SASB, and CRE CLO sectors.
- Operational Enhancements: Improving the reporting processes for property releases.
- Technical Resolutions: Streamlining non-recoverable determinations to ensure market clarity.
Dana Jo Martino, SVP – Managing Director, Asset Management Servicing at Berkadia and co-Chair of the CREFC Servicer Forum, emphasized the value of these face-to-face interactions, stating:
"Our roundtable proved that when we combine diverse expertise with candid conversation, real solutions emerge," she said. "The meeting was both collaborative and highly productive, reinforcing the value of working together to address the challenges ahead."
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