Peapack Private Bank & Trust Appoints Joseph E. Fingerman to Lead Commercial Real Estate Division

Peapack Private Bank & Trust has appointed Joseph E. Fingerman as Senior Managing Director and President of Commercial Real Estate, a strategic move that substantially enhances the institution's commercial lending platform. This appointment matters because it positions the bank to capitalize on Fingerman's extensive expertise in commercial real estate financing, which spans over 25 years and includes developing customized mortgage solutions for real estate investors, family offices, and major investment firms. The implications are significant for the bank's growth trajectory and competitive positioning in the commercial real estate lending market.

Fingerman's 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 expanding operations in New York and West Coast markets. This experience is crucial because it provides Peapack Private with leadership that has successfully managed large-scale commercial real estate portfolios and understands regional market dynamics. The appointment signals the bank's commitment to strengthening its presence in key geographic markets through experienced leadership.

Most recently, Fingerman 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 is important because it demonstrates his ability to build financial platforms from the ground up, suggesting he can develop innovative lending solutions at Peapack Private. Throughout his career, he has developed specialized expertise in lending across various property types including retail, offices, multifamily, and mixed-use properties, as well as new construction and note-on-note financing. This diverse experience matters because it enables the bank to offer comprehensive financing solutions across the commercial real estate spectrum.

Fingerman's professional recognition includes multiple appearances on the Power 50 list by Commercial Observer, which highlights his standing as an influential figure in the industry. His active involvement in organizations such as the NY Apartment Association and Real Estate Board of New York provides valuable industry connections and insights. Additionally, his service on nonprofit boards including the UJA Federation of New York and Suffolk Y JCC demonstrates community engagement that aligns with the bank's values. These aspects are important because they bring both industry credibility and community relationships to the bank's commercial real estate division.

The executive expressed enthusiasm about joining Peapack Private, citing his prior relationship with 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. With a Master of Business Administration from Dowling College and a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Oneonta, Fingerman brings both academic credentials and extensive practical experience to his new role. This appointment is significant because it represents a strategic investment in leadership talent that can drive growth in Peapack Private's commercial real estate lending business, potentially increasing market share and enhancing service offerings to clients in this sector.