"Maria is an extremely seasoned real estate finance leader in the New York metro area. She has over 20 years of experience in all stages of lending and asset management. Her experience, reputation, and deep, longstanding relationships with area clients will be immediately accretive to our business," says David Mazujian, managing director and president of ING Real Estate's US financing platform.

Before taking on this position, Kastanis was a senior vice president and team leader for Bank of America's Real Estate Banking Group. While there she oversaw a portfolio that included construction loans, mezzanine debt, value-add and redevelopment financing.

Kastanis worked for Fleet, prior to its merger with Bank of America. In her capacity there she was in charge of forming partnerships with prominent real estate families and overseeing investment activity in the outer boroughs of New York City. And before that she was employed at Bank of New York.

ING Real Estate globally focuses on development, financing and investment management, holding a portfolio of more than $120 billion. A part of ING Group, the real estate arm has offices in 21 countries.