Angel Bernal Robles
Angel Bernal Robles: A Trailblazer in Real Estate and Finance
Angel Bernal Robles’ career is a remarkable journey marked by academic excellence, strategic prowess, and significant contributions to the real estate and finance sectors. From his foundational education to his executive roles and entrepreneurial ventures, Bernal’s professional path is an inspiring tale of dedication and achievement.
Educational Foundation
Angel Bernal Robles’ educational background provided a solid base for his future endeavors. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from ITESM in Mexico City, a leading institution in Mexico. His quest for knowledge didn’t stop there; he went on to obtain an MBA from Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts. This combination of technical and business education equipped him with a versatile skill set that would prove invaluable in his career.
Early Career: McKinsey & Company
Angel Bernal Robles began his career as a business analyst at McKinsey & Company, where he worked from 2001 to 2006. This role was crucial in honing his analytical and strategic skills. At McKinsey, Bernal was involved in diverse projects that required deep analysis and strategic planning, giving him a broad understanding of various business operations.
Risk Management at GE Real Estate
In 2006, Bernal transitioned to GE Real Estate, serving as a Risk Manager until 2008. In this role, he was responsible for underwriting debt and equity transactions in industrial, office, commercial, and residential projects. His meticulous approach to risk assessment and management ensured the successful financing of numerous ventures, further deepening his expertise in real estate finance.
Leadership at LaSalle Investment Management
Angel Bernal Robles’ career took a significant step forward in 2008 when he joined LaSalle Investment Management as Vice President of Acquisitions. He played a pivotal role in investing LaSalle’s first Mexican Fund, focusing on industrial, commercial, and residential development projects. His strategic insights and leadership were instrumental in the fund’s successful deployment and growth, showcasing his ability to navigate the complexities of real estate investment.
Chief Financial Officer at Terrafina
In 2013, he joined Terrafina (BMV: TERRA13), a publicly traded REIT, as Chief Financial Officer. He oversaw all financing, reporting, and administrative functions, significantly enhancing the company’s financial operations and strategic market positioning. His tenure at Terrafina highlighted his capability to manage large-scale financial operations within a publicly traded entity.
Expanding Horizons at MIRA and Beyond
His professional journey continued in 2019 when he became the CFO of MIRA, a mixed-use real estate development company owned by Black Creek Group and Ivanhoe Cambridge. His role at MIRA further demonstrated his expertise in managing complex real estate projects.
In addition to his corporate roles, he also co-founded Cobra Development Fund with his college partner and friend, Federico Cerdas. Cobra Development Fund focuses on developing significant projects in Mexico City, such as Skyhaus, a residential development, and Viveh, a multifamily project. This venture expanded with the establishment of Cobra Development Partners (US Subsidiary) in 2020 and Cobra Carmo in 2021, an asset management collaboration with Roy Salsinha from Carmo Companies.
Legacy and Impact
Angel Bernal Robles’ journey from a business analyst to a high-ranking executive and entrepreneur underscores his versatility and commitment to excellence. His contributions have significantly influenced the companies he has worked with and the real estate landscape in Mexico and beyond. With a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit, Bernal continues to shape and drive growth in the industry.
Angel Bernal Robles’ career is a shining example of how a strong educational foundation, combined with strategic vision and leadership, can lead to significant achievements and influence in the real estate and finance sectors. His journey continues to inspire those looking to make a mark in these fields, demonstrating that dedication and hard work can lead to outstanding success.
Exploring Global Opportunities in REIT Investing
In today’s interconnected world, savvy investors are constantly seeking opportunities to diversify their portfolios beyond domestic markets. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) offer an attractive avenue for international diversification, allowing investors to access real estate assets across the globe. Below, Angel Bernal Robles delves into the potential benefits and challenges of investing in global REITs, shedding light on key considerations for investors looking to expand their horizons.
Understanding Global REITs
Angel Bernal Robles explains that Real Estate Investment Trusts are companies that own, operate, or finance income-generating real estate across a variety of property sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, and retail. By investing in REITs, individuals can gain exposure to real estate assets without the need for direct property ownership.
Global REITs operate similarly to their domestic counterparts but focus on real estate markets outside of the investor’s home country. These international REITs offer a diverse range of investment opportunities, spanning different regions, property types, and economic environments.
Benefits of Investing
- Diversification: One of the primary benefits of investing in global REITs is portfolio diversification. By spreading investments across multiple countries and regions, investors can reduce concentration risk and potentially enhance risk-adjusted returns. Global REITs often exhibit low correlation with domestic equity and fixed-income markets, providing added diversification benefits.
- Access to Growth Markets: Investing in global REITs allows investors to tap into burgeoning real estate markets with strong growth potential. Emerging economies, such as those in Asia and Latin America, offer opportunities for capital appreciation and income generation as urbanization and economic development drive demand for real estate assets.
- Currency Diversification: International REIT investments can serve as a hedge against currency risk, as returns from global REITs are influenced by currency movements. By holding assets denominated in different currencies, investors can mitigate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on their investment returns.
Challenges
- Currency Risk: While currency diversification can be a benefit, it also introduces currency risk. Fluctuations in exchange rates can affect the value of international REIT investments and impact returns when converted back into the investor’s home currency. Investors should carefully consider their tolerance for currency risk and implement hedging strategies when appropriate.
- Regulatory Differences: Investing in global REITs entails navigating diverse regulatory environments, which may vary in terms of transparency, governance standards, and investor protections. Regulatory differences can pose challenges for investors unfamiliar with international markets, requiring thorough due diligence and risk assessment.
- Geopolitical Considerations: Geopolitical factors, such as political instability, trade tensions, and geopolitical conflicts, can impact global REIT investments. Uncertainty surrounding government policies and international relations may introduce volatility and risk into real estate markets, affecting property valuations and investment returns.
Final Thoughts
Angel Bernal Robles explains that Global REIT investing offers a compelling opportunity for investors seeking to diversify their portfolios and access real estate markets worldwide. While international REITs present benefits such as diversification, access to growth markets, and currency diversification, investors should be mindful of challenges such as currency risk, regulatory differences, and geopolitical considerations.
By conducting thorough research, maintaining a long-term perspective, and diversifying across regions and property sectors, investors can harness the potential of global REITs to enhance portfolio resilience and pursue their investment objectives in an increasingly globalized world.
To learn more about Angel Bernal Robles’ professional journey, or to find articles related to international trade, travel, risk management and real estate, follow along at his blog.