KKR Real Estate Finance Trust (NYSE:KREF) Inc. is a publicly traded real estate finance company that seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns by originating, acquiring and managing a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate debt investments. As a real estate investment trust (REIT) listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the company focuses on senior secured loans, subordinate financings, mortgage-backed securities and other bespoke financing solutions across the capital structure. Its investment strategy emphasizes floating-rate structures to capture interest rate spread and mitigate duration risk in changing market environments.
The trust’s portfolio spans a broad range of property types, including office, industrial, retail, multifamily and hospitality assets. Transactions are typically secured by high-quality real estate collateral and are structured with conservative loan-to-value ratios to preserve capital. By providing flexible financing solutions—ranging from term loans and bridge loans to preferred equity—the company aims to support sponsors and owners in achieving both near-term liquidity and long-term value creation across cyclical real estate markets.
Although its primary investment focus is on the United States, KKR Real Estate Finance Trust benefits from the global reach and resources of its external manager, an affiliate of KKR & Co. Inc. Through this partnership, the trust leverages deep market insights, a robust origination platform and an extensive network of broker, sponsor and operator relationships. The affiliation enables access to proprietary deal flow and collaborative risk management, underpinned by KKR’s disciplined credit research and structuring capabilities.
Since its formation in 2018, the company has been overseen by a board of directors and advised by seasoned real estate credit professionals within KKR’s real estate platform. This leadership team combines decades of experience in underwriting, executing and managing complex commercial real estate transactions. With a focus on alignment of interests and rigorous governance, KKR Real Estate Finance Trust continues to pursue income-oriented returns while maintaining a prudent approach to capital preservation.
