Peapack Private Bank & Trust has appointed Joseph E. Fingerman as Senior Managing Director and President of Commercial Real Estate, a strategic hire that significantly strengthens the bank's commercial lending platform. Fingerman brings over 25 years of experience in commercial real estate financing, with expertise in developing customized mortgage solutions for real estate investors, family offices, and major investment firms. His appointment represents a substantial enhancement to Peapack Private's capabilities in serving the commercial real estate sector, which has become increasingly competitive and specialized in recent years.
Fingerman's extensive background includes over 15 years at Signature Bank, where he served as Managing Group Director and Senior Vice President of the Commercial Real Estate Lending Group. During his tenure, he oversaw the bank's entire commercial real estate portfolio with particular focus on growth in New York and West Coast markets. Most recently, he was President and Managing Director of A&E Real Estate Finance, a boutique private credit platform he established after leaving Signature Bank in 2023. This entrepreneurial experience adds valuable perspective to his role at Peapack Private, particularly in navigating the current commercial real estate landscape.
The executive's professional achievements include multiple appearances on the Power 50 list by Commercial Observer, which recognizes influential figures in the commercial real estate industry. He has also been actively involved in key industry organizations such as the NY Apartment Association and Real Estate Board of New York. These connections and recognition within the industry will likely benefit Peapack Private's market positioning and client acquisition efforts in competitive real estate markets.
Fingerman's expertise spans various property types including retail, offices, multifamily, and mixed-use properties, as well as specialized areas like new construction and note-on-note financing. This comprehensive knowledge base enables him to address diverse client needs across the commercial real estate spectrum. His educational background includes a Master of Business Administration from Dowling College and a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Oneonta, providing both academic foundation and extensive practical experience to his new role.
The appointment is particularly significant given Fingerman's prior relationship with Peapack Private CEO Doug Kennedy and the opportunity to reunite with former colleagues. His strategic vision focuses on providing exceptional depository and lending solutions to the real estate industry, which aligns with Peapack Private's commitment to specialized banking services. Beyond his professional roles, Fingerman serves on several nonprofit boards including the UJA Federation of New York and Suffolk Y JCC, demonstrating community engagement that complements his professional expertise.
This executive hire comes at a time when commercial real estate financing requires sophisticated approaches due to market volatility and changing property valuations. Fingerman's experience in both large institutional settings and boutique platforms positions him well to navigate these challenges. His leadership is expected to enhance Peapack Private's competitive position in commercial real estate lending, particularly in serving high-net-worth clients and institutional investors who require tailored financial solutions for complex real estate transactions.
