FRP Real Estate Advisory has appointed Ralph El Achkar as associate director.
El Achkar, who has 18 years of banking experience and spent the last seven years lending against UK real estate, previously held roles at National Bank of Kuwait and at Al Rayan Bank.
At FRP, he will focus on delivering intuitive funding solutions for clients and brings with him a deep understanding of residential portfolios, government-let blocks, single and multi-let offices, hotels, serviced apartments and student accommodation.
El Achkar said: “What drew me to FRP is the breadth – a full spectrum of advisory and an enviable pool of funders – which means a structure can be built around the asset and the client’s strategy rather than around a single product. Deal making is still a relationship business and this is a team with the reputation and the reach to back that up.”
Andrew Robinson, partner at FRP Real Estate Advisory, added: “Ralph has spent his career on the other side of the table, and latterly on both sides of the balance sheet – originating deals, then structuring how they were funded and distributed. That gives him a clear read on how lenders think and what makes a case credible. Investment is where we are seeing the most movement, particularly outside London, and his arrival strengthens our ability to act on it for clients.”
