Lenders may be excused from feeling particularly stressed right now. In typical times they have often had to make difficult decisions but now they must also factor in an uncertain economy that is being driven by the virus.

The men and women on the following pages—our choices for this year's lender influencers—were selected based on the criteria we always use for influencers: their proficiency in assessing and underwriting CRE deals. We don't look at numbers or rankings, but instead look for financial savvy and industry knowledge. If anyone can steer a deal through right now, it will be this group.

Individuals

FAISAL ASHRAF Faisal Ashraf, chief executive officer and founder of Lotus Capital, had one single mission when starting the lending firm in 2016 and that was to intermediate capital on behalf of clients. Before launching the company, Faisal was no stranger to holding leadership roles. With 16 years in the industry under his belt, he has held the position of deputy head of real estate finance in Europe and large loan banking group in New York for Credit Suisse. And before founding his own firm, he was managing director and head of capital markets for Cantor Commercial Real Estate. While at Cantor, Faisal structured and closed over $35 billion in debt and equity related products. Today, Faisal is structuring loans between $50 and $300 million on projects ranging from hotel to office to multifamily across the US. Expanding Lotus Capital and its offerings is Faisal's top priority, and is why two years ago he launched a loan sale and distribution business aimed at lenders and investors who want to de-risk and leverage their positions in whole loans, A-notes and mezzanine debt. Notable transactions Faisal has arranged include a $100 million loan to build the first phase of SLS project in Hallandale Beach and a $107 million financing for Tahoe Beach Club via ACORE Capital.