AAM Insurance Investment Management and Affinius Capital, two leaders in their respective industries, have formed a strategic partnership to provide Commercial Real Estate (CRE) lending strategies to insurance companies. This collaboration combines AAM’s extensive knowledge of insurance investment needs with Affinius Capital’s specialized expertise in real estate investment management, creating a robust solution for the evolving investment landscape.
AAM Insurance, known for its asset management services tailored to the insurance industry, has always focused on delivering customized, value-added strategies for its insurance company clients. With the addition of Affinius Capital’s expertise, AAM expands its offerings, providing a broader spectrum of portfolio management solutions that cater to the unique investment goals of the insurance sector.
“At AAM Insurance, our primary goal has always been to partner closely with insurance companies, understanding their objectives, and providing strategies that align with their long-term financial needs,” said John Schaefer, CEO of AAM Insurance. “With Affinius Capital’s storied history in commercial real estate investing, including its origins as the real estate investment arm of USAA, this partnership is a natural fit. Together, we can enhance the solutions we offer to our clients.”
The partnership brings together AAM Insurance’s deep understanding of insurance companies’ requirements with Affinius Capital’s expertise in CRE investment management. Affinius Capital has built a strong track record in originating, underwriting, and managing real estate investments. Its comprehensive approach to CRE investing enables the firm to deliver high-quality portfolio management strategies for institutional clients, particularly insurance companies. Affinius Capital has over four decades of experience in the CRE industry, making it a highly trusted partner for insurance investors.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with AAM,” said Michael Lavipour, Head of Lending at Affinius Capital. “We share a commitment to delivering innovative investment solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients. AAM’s long-standing reputation and deep understanding of the insurance market, combined with Affinius Capital’s expertise in commercial real estate, will allow us to offer even more comprehensive and effective strategies to clients.”
Incorporating Affinius Capital’s strengths into AAM’s investment platform will create a unique offering for insurance companies. AAM Insurance ’s expertise in crafting investment strategies that optimize risk-adjusted returns now includes access to Affinius Capital’s advanced CRE origination, underwriting, and portfolio management capabilities.
Tim Senechalle, CFA, Chief Investment Officer of AAM, highlighted the benefits of the partnership, stating, “Affinius Capital’s extensive experience in CRE investing will bolster our capabilities, helping us develop and execute portfolio management strategies that align with our clients’ long-term goals. This partnership will enable us to better serve insurance investors seeking to diversify and strengthen their portfolios.”
The collaboration is expected to have a significant impact on AAM’s ability to design solutions that are not only tailored to meet the needs of its insurance clients but also able to take advantage of the evolving commercial real estate market. The depth of Affinius Capital’s experience in CRE will help ensure that these solutions remain competitive and highly effective.
Alex Rapoport, Senior Portfolio Manager at Affinius Capital, emphasized the strategic benefits of the partnership, stating, “By combining our CRE expertise with AAM’s deep understanding of the insurance industry, we are in a position to deliver comprehensive and strategically designed solutions to the insurance market.”
AAM Insurance Investment Management, founded in 1982 and headquartered in Chicago, has built a strong reputation over the years as a provider of customized investment solutions to insurance clients. As of December 31, 2024, AAM manages $24 billion in assets, with a focus on optimizing risk-adjusted returns and helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals.
Affinius Capital, with over $64 billion in gross assets under management, brings more than 40 years of experience in the real estate investment industry. Affinius Capital operates a diversified portfolio across North America and Europe and offers both equity and credit solutions to institutional clients globally. Known for its expertise in managing complex, large-scale real estate investments, Affinius Capital is well-positioned to offer innovative and effective solutions to AAM’s clients.
This strategic alliance between AAM Insurance Investment Management and Affinius Capital marks a major step forward in providing sophisticated investment strategies to the insurance sector. The combination of AAM’s insurance investment expertise and Affinius Capital’s real estate investment prowess is set to deliver significant value to insurance companies looking to enhance their portfolios and navigate the dynamic landscape of commercial real estate investing.
Together, AAM and Affinius Capital are poised to drive innovation in the insurance investment space, offering tailored CRE solutions that will support long-term growth and success for their clients.
