Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance (NASDAQ:REFI) is a mortgage real estate investment trust (REIT) that specializes in originating, acquiring and managing commercial real estate debt throughout major markets in the United States. The company seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns by investing primarily in floating-rate mortgage loans secured by high-quality office, multifamily, industrial and retail properties. Its business model emphasizes loan origination and portfolio diversification to capture interest rate spreads and credit income over the life of each investment.
The portfolio encompasses senior mortgage loans, mezzanine debt and joint venture equity investments, with an emphasis on first-mortgage loan positions in gateway and primary secondary markets such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston and Washington, D.C. In addition to direct lending, Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance may acquire loan pools, participate in whole-loan purchases and engage in securitization transactions. The company’s underwriting process combines market research with detailed property and sponsor due diligence, supported by ongoing asset monitoring and risk management protocols.
Since its initial public offering in 2013, Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance has built a disciplined lending platform through an externally managed structure. Investment management services are provided by Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Capital LLC, an affiliated manager that draws on over two decades of commercial real estate finance experience. The external adviser oversees loan structuring, borrower selection and portfolio compliance, while seeking to balance yield generation against downside protection across various economic cycles.
Governance is guided by an independent board of directors with deep backgrounds in real estate investment, capital markets and risk oversight. The senior leadership team and advisory committee include seasoned professionals in underwriting, asset management and structured finance, each responsible for implementing the company’s strategies and maintaining robust controls. With this foundation, Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance continues to pursue opportunities to expand its loan portfolio in key U.S. markets while delivering reliable income to shareholders.
