VP/Principal, Originations, Aquarian Real Estate Partners
About Aquarian
Aquarian Holdings ("Aquarian") is a diversified global holding company with a strategic portfolio of insurance and asset management solutions.
Aquarian Insurance Holdings acquires and operates insurance companies with a focus on life and annuity underwriting, deploying strategies to grow balance sheet profitability by writing new insurance/reinsurance, improving investment income, and optimizing operations. After launching in 2017, Aquarian finalized its first investment in 2018 in Investors Heritage, a regional life insurer domiciled in Kentucky that focuses on pre-need policies. Working closely with management, Aquarian helped the company grow with expanded product offerings and distribution channels, building on its 60-year track record of exceptional client service.
Aquarian continued to deepen its expertise and grow its existing offerings in insurance and reinsurance through its acquisitions of Hudson Life and Annuity Company in 2021 and Somerset Re in 2022.
Aquarian Investments complements the insurance operations , combining best practices from the world’s leading financial services firms with its own distinct strategy, approach, and organizational culture. Aquarian has continued to expand into alternative assets and private credit through the launches of Aquarian Liquid Credit, Aquarian Strategic Opportunities, Aquarian Private Credit, and Aquarian Real Estate Partners.
Aquarian has since grown its business to approximately $25.8 billion in AUM, with 40 investment professionals, multiple funds, and insurance and reinsurance companies, all committed to providing meaningful investment opportunities to millions of people.
In November 2025, Aquarian announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement under which an affiliate will acquire Brighthouse Financial in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $4.1 billion. Brighthouse is one of the largest providers of annuities and life insurance in the U.S., with approximately $208 billion of AUM. Following the anticipated close of the transaction in 2026, Brighthouse Financial will operate as a standalone entity within the Aquarian portfolio.
Role Summary
Aquarian Real Estate Partners is seeking a Vice President / Principal to join its investment team in New York, responsible for leading the origination efforts for commercial real estate credit across all product types (construction, bridge, permanent financing, etc.). The Vice President / Principal will leverage deep sponsor and intermediary relationships who can independently source, structure, and close high-quality real estate investments at scale. The position will report directly to the Head of Real Estate and will have influence over strategy, capital deployment, and platform growth.
This position is onsite 5 days a week at our New York City office.
Key Responsibilities:
Build, establish and manage relationships with key sponsors and intermediary relationships generating high‑quality new investment origination
Source, evaluate and screen attractive investment opportunities that align with AREP’s investment criteria
Co-lead and manage new investment process in concert with the investment deal team
Structure transactions and negotiate key terms directly with sponsors and other intermediaries
Oversee all facets of transaction execution and drive to closing
Qualifications:
7–10+ years of relevant real estate credit origination or principal lending experience; focus on construction, bridge, and permanent financing – CMBS origination/lending experience a plus but not required
Substantial relationship network spanning across top-tier sponsors, borrowers, and brokers
Significant underwriting, structuring and general deal execution experience with a demonstrated ability to independently drive processes from origination through closing
Strong communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to work closely with sponsors and other intermediaries
Proven modeling and analytical proficiency
Ability to structure and negotiate legal documentation including term sheets, loan agreements and broader credit documentation
Aquarian is an equal opportunity employer. Aquarian is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience and unique perspectives. Aquarian does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, mental or physical handicap or disability, age, citizenship status, alienage, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other criteria prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law. Aquarian makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.