2017 Women in Professional Services: Karen Ramos of Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank

Name: Karen Ramos

Title: Managing Director, Loan Syndications

Company Name: Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank 

Years in real estate: 22

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of? Real Estate Lenders Association, WX New York Women Executives in Real Estate, and Lambda Alpha International Land Economics Society

How have you navigated obstacles to achieve success in your career? I surround myself with mentors and friends in the industry – whom I trust and have known for many years (either through work or networking). I meet with them regularly for advice, market intelligence, or simply to have fun. I also have a career coach who’s helped me through the years – it’s proven to be a wise investment for me. 

How do you play your strengths to your advantage in your career? I’ve learned early on in my career that EQ (emotional intelligence), credibility/ integrity, and being fair/reasonable are more important qualities than intellectual intelligence alone. I use these qualities daily in dealing with senior management, colleagues, junior staff, as well as internal and external clients.

What trends are you seeing so far this year? Competition in real estate debt capital markets has been fierce over the past 9-12 months (more so than normal), as lenders’ appetite for funded term loan, for quality sponsors and core properties in top MSAs, has increased significantly. CMBS and high-yield debt funds have been aggressively chasing single-asset, large loan transactions (offering much higher proceeds and very competitive pricing).

What do you do for fun? Hang-out with my kids and friends, watch movies, and spend time in the spa.