Led by industry-specialized experts, the group delivers trusted advice and tailored solutions across 12 verticals--helping clients grow, access capital, and navigate what's ahead

HICKSVILLE, N.Y., July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Flagstar Bank, N.A., (the "Bank") a subsidiary of Flagstar Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FLG) (the "Company"), today announced a significant expansion of its Specialized Industries Group, a major milestone in its long-term growth and transformation strategy. This group comprises 12 distinct industry verticals, each focused on serving the debt finance and banking needs of a specific sector.

The Specialized Industries Group, led by Adam Feit, EVP and Head of Specialized Industries & Capital Markets, plays a key role in Flagstar's growth strategy and is a core part of the Commercial & Private Banking organization led by Rich Raffetto. It reflects a shift toward deeper industry expertise, long-term value creation, and a more relationship-driven approach to client service. Flagstar's Specialized Industries Group drives scalable, sector-specific growth by partnering with sponsors and public and private companies. The group delivers strategic guidance, capital access, and product support, with industry teams tailoring solutions to each client's business model, financial profile, and market conditions.

"We're at an inflection point in our evolution, actively taking steps to further build on our momentum and position ourselves as the leading regional bank we're on track to become," said Feit. "This launch reflects our belief that clients don't just want capital--they want a partner who understands the challenges and opportunities of their industry as well as they do. The Specialized Industries Group is built on that recognition. It's about showing up with insights, relevance, experience, and a relationship-first mindset that helps our clients move forward with confidence and the tools and capital they need to succeed."

Within the 12 industry verticals of the Specialized Industries Group, seven recently launched sectors represent key areas of growth for the Bank.

   1. Subscription Finance: Led by Dan KochDan brings over 20 years of 
      experience in private capital and fund finance, with a focus on 
      subscription lending solutions for private equity, venture capital, and 
      real asset managers. Prior to joining Flagstar, Dan held senior roles at 
      First Republic Bank and JP Morgan Chase, where he built and scaled fund 
      finance platforms and advised top-tier sponsors on complex capital needs. 
      At First Republic, he led efforts that shaped the bank's approach to 
      sponsor finance. His expertise spans fund formation, capital raising, and 
      financing structures tailored to evolving market demand.The Subscription 
      Finance team combines expertise in private capital markets with a 
      strategic, relationship-first approach. What sets this group apart is its 
      ability to deliver flexible structures and responsive 
      execution--providing sponsors with a partner who understands the fund 
      lifecycle and the evolving demands of institutional capital. 
 
   2. Technology, Media & Communications $(TMC)$: Led by David SozioDave brings 
      over 25 years of experience in the Technology, Media & Communications 
      industry and more than 35 years in corporate and investment banking. He 
      has advised clients across the capital structure, delivering insights and 
      structuring tailored solutions to support growth, strategic initiatives, 
      and value creation. Prior to Flagstar, Dave spent 14 years at Regions 
      Bank, where he founded and led the TMC banking practice within the 
      Corporate and Investment Bank. He previously held leadership positions at 
      Wachovia Securities (now Wells Fargo), focusing on capital markets and 
      leveraged finance, serving as lead arranger and underwriter for 
      syndicated bank and fixed income financing in the technology sector.The 
      Technology, Media & Communications team brings deep expertise across the 
      full TMC ecosystem--including software, tech-enabled services, financial 
      and payments technology, media, and communications. Clients range from 
      public and sponsor-backed firms to founder-led private companies. The 
      team builds long-term relationships, helping clients navigate industry 
      challenges and seize growth opportunities as a trusted strategic partner. 
 
   3. Entertainment: Led by Crockett WoodruffCrockett brings over 20 years of 
      experience in entertainment finance, with a strong track record 
      supporting content creators, rights holders, and digital platforms. Prior 
      to joining Flagstar, he spent more than 20 years at City National Bank, 
      leading a team within the Entertainment Division, where he structured 
      complex credit solutions and advised clients across the entertainment 
      industry.The Entertainment team supports companies in film, TV, music, 
      live events, and related ventures with financing and guidance tailored to 
      their unique business cycles. Led by experienced industry experts, the 
      team delivers solutions aligned with content development, monetization, 
      and growth. Its strength lies in deep sector knowledge and a 
      relationship-driven approach that helps clients bring content to life and 
      maximize value. 
 
   4. Sports: Led by Amit MahajanAmit brings over 27 years of experience in 
      sports, infrastructure finance, and capital markets, specializing in 
      financing solutions for professional sports leagues, teams, owners, 
      stadiums, arenas, entertainment districts, and related businesses. Prior 
      to Flagstar, he held leadership roles at City National Bank, U.S. Bank, 
      and Bank of America, advising clients on capital structuring and growth 
      strategies within the sports infrastructure industry.The Sports Banking & 
      Advisory team specializes in the evolving economics of leagues, teams, 
      venues, and entertainment districts, focusing on media rights and 
      dedicated revenue streams. Led by industry veterans, they provide capital 
      solutions and strategic advice tailored to the unique needs of the sports 
      sector. Clients benefit from flexible financing, long-term value creation, 
      and personalized relationships with bankers who understand the 
      complexities of the sports ecosystem. 
 
   5. Power & Renewables: Led by Jerry WellsJerry has over 15 years of 
      experience in power and renewable energy finance, with expertise in 
      structuring capital solutions for clean energy projects and 
      infrastructure. Prior to joining Flagstar, Jerry held leadership roles at 
      City National Bank, Regions Equipment Finance, and Bank of America, 
      advising clients on financing strategies that support sustainable growth 
      in the energy sector.The Power & Renewables team specializes in project 
      financing for U.S. energy infrastructure, with a primary focus on 
      renewable assets such as solar and battery storage, while also supporting 
      natural gas power generation and LNG liquefaction. Leveraging deep 
      industry knowledge and structuring expertise, the team serves as a 
      trusted advisor to help clients successfully raise capital. Financing 
      solutions include construction and term loans, tax credit, and tax bridge 
      loans as well as corporate level facilities. 
 
   6. Oil & Gas: Led by Michael DombroskiMichael brings over 20 years of 
      experience in oil and gas finance, specializing in providing capital 
      solutions and strategic advisory to upstream, midstream, and downstream 
      energy companies. Before joining Flagstar, Mike held senior roles at 
      CrossFirst Bank, LegacyTexas Bank, and OneWest Bank, supporting clients 
      through complex transactions and industry challenges.The Oil & Gas team 
      offers tailored financial solutions that help clients adapt to evolving 
      market dynamics while optimizing operational efficiency. Its key 
      differentiator lies in a deep understanding of the sector's challenges 
      and opportunities, enabling strategic support that drives resilience and 
      value. 
 
   7. Insurance: Led by David AlbanesiWith 30 years of experience, David leads 
      Flagstar's insurance partnerships, providing tailored financial solutions 
      that drive growth. He oversees new business, portfolio management, and 
      revenue generation, playing a key role in the company's insurance sector 
      expansion. Previously, he spent over 15 years at U.S. Bank as Head of 
      Insurance Banking and held senior roles at Bank of America, advising on 
      complex lending and industry challenges.The Insurance Banking team offers 
      customized financing and strategic guidance to insurance firms, focusing 
      on risk management, capital optimization, and growth. Led by industry 
      experts, the group leverages deep sector knowledge and a 
      relationship-driven approach to help clients navigate challenges and 
      maximize performance. 

Additional active verticals within the Specialized Industries Group include Sponsor Finance, Lender Finance, Franchise Finance, Healthcare Finance, and Asset-Based Lending $(ABL)$. Each vertical is led by seasoned experts with deep industry knowledge and strong market relationships. This structure enables Flagstar to deliver tailored solutions, focused capital deployment, and long-term partnerships aligned with sector-specific needs and opportunities.

Flagstar Financial, Inc.

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July 09, 2025 08:30 ET (12:30 GMT)