John C. Griffin is a distinguished finance executive with over 35 years of extensive experience in accounting, finance, treasury, tax, strategic planning, and risk management. Renowned for his expertise in corporate governance and risk mitigation, John has developed an impressive portfolio in complex real estate property management and investment transactions, including loan servicing and administration.

From August 2014 to April 2023, John served as the Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director of Investment Management at Cantor Fitzgerald, where he played a crucial role in the firm’s Commercial Real Estate Investment Management division. In this capacity, he managed financial operations across various investment vehicles, including non-exchanged listed Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)-managed funds, SEC-regulated private-equity funds, and Opportunity Zone funds. John was responsible for the oversight of intricate loan portfolios, including mortgage, preferred equity, and mezzanine loans. His leadership was pivotal in ensuring the timely and accurate monthly accounting close, maintaining the firm’s General Ledger, and preparing essential regulatory filings such as 8Ks, 10Qs, and 10Ks for publicly held REITs.

John’s contributions extended beyond mere compliance; he was instrumental in designing and implementing accounting and financial operational control infrastructures for the division. Collaborating closely with senior management and business leaders, he established robust process management policies and procedures that significantly enhanced the division’s operational efficiency. His role involved managing relationships with joint venture operating partners and third-party service providers, including external auditors, tax advisors, property managers, lenders, and fund administrators. This breadth of experience has equipped him with a nuanced understanding of complex transactions and the associated legal documentation.

Prior to his role at Cantor Fitzgerald, John held the position of Chief Financial Officer at Ranieri Real Estate Partners from May 2012 to August 2014. There, he managed the financial control, accounting, treasury, and HR functions for a diversified commercial real estate fund management and private equity firm, overseeing assets that peaked at over $500 million. His responsibilities included preparing quarterly financial statements for multiple legal entities, fund investor reporting, regulatory filings with the SEC and FINRA, and daily cash management.

John’s early career included significant consulting roles, such as at Citibank, where he served as a Senior Consultant in Corporate Treasury Management and Liquidity Reporting. He also held key leadership positions at Deutsche Bank from 1999 to 2011, where he was the Chief Administrative Officer for the Commercial Real Estate Group. In this role, he was instrumental in building a globally recognized investment banking business, preparing and maintaining strategic plans, and managing P&L reporting for a team of 360 employees.

John’s educational background is equally impressive. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, Banking, and Finance from Cornell University, where he also co-captained the lacrosse team to NCAA Division 1 championships in 1976 and 1977 and was recognized as an All-American. In 2011, he completed a Certificate in Management and Leadership from the Mendoza School of Business at the University of Notre Dame.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John has been an active contributor to the finance and real estate sectors. He has served on the boards of SEC-registered REITs, including Cantor Fitzgerald Income Trust, Inc., and Rodin Income Trust, Inc., until early 2023. His commitment to professional excellence is evident in his proactive engagement with industry organizations and participation in seminars and training workshops, where he shares his insights on financial operations and risk management.

John’s dedication to his profession is complemented by his diverse interest outside of work, including charitable funding raising for the local school system, volunteering as an assistant high school lacrosse coach and animal preservation efforts. He is known for his meticulous approach to problem-solving and his adventurous spirit, which he brings to his leadership style. Residing in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, John C. Griffin continues to drive strategic financial initiatives that enhance organizational performance, shaping the future of the finance and real estate industries.

Character: John C. Griffin is a dedicated and principled leader who exemplifies integrity and professionalism in all his endeavors, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence in financial operations and risk management.

Knowledge: With over 35 years of comprehensive experience, John possesses extensive expertise in key areas such as accounting, treasury, tax, corporate governance, and complex real estate transactions, enabling him to navigate intricate financial landscapes with confidence.

Strategic: In his role as CFO at Cantor Fitzgerald, John successfully implemented robust financial controls and strategic planning initiatives that not only enhanced operational efficiency but also ensured compliance with regulatory standards, contributing significantly to the firm’s overall growth and stability.

Communication: John actively shares his wealth of knowledge and insights through participation in industry seminars, training workshops, and professional organizations, demonstrating his commitment to fostering a collaborative environment and promoting continuous learning within the finance and real estate sectors.