John Contino is a distinguished financial expert with over four decades of experience in structured finance, mortgage analysis, and investment advisory. As the founder and principal of Sperlinga Advisory LLC, he has established himself as a leading authority in the structured finance arena, specializing in mortgage-backed securities, mortgage servicing rights (MSRs), and complex financial instruments. Over his career, John has successfully guided institutional clients, including broker-dealers, mortgage REITs, servicers, pension funds, investment advisors, leasing companies, insurance firms, bankruptcy advisors, and U.S. government agencies.

Since founding Sperlinga Advisory LLC in 1988, John has played a critical role in shaping the financial landscape by providing valuation, analysis, and litigation support in structured finance. His ability to assess intricate financial instruments and develop business strategies for clients has made him a sought-after consultant in the industry. His expertise extends to assisting market participants in launching new businesses and navigating the complexities of structured mortgage finance.

In addition to his leadership at Sperlinga Advisory, John took on two significant roles as a portfolio manager at investment firms. From 2004 to 2007, he was a portfolio manager at Structured Portfolio Management, where he created and launched a residential mortgage credit fund (The Zeno Fund). He played an instrumental role in designing the fund’s credit risk framework, developing risk controls, and managing credit-sensitive mortgage securities. Recognizing early signs of market instability, John successfully de-levered the fund in early 2007, ensuring that it was never forced into distress selling. His foresight protected investor capital and led to the fund’s integration into a larger strategy.

Earlier in his career, from 1991 to 1993, John served as a portfolio manager at New Amsterdam Partners, where he managed $120 million in investor equity across two mortgage derivative funds. Under his leadership, both funds achieved 20%+ returns, establishing his reputation as an expert in mortgage-backed securities. Upon the sale of the investment advisor, he returned to lead Sperlinga Advisory.

John’s career began in structured finance at PaineWebber Incorporated, where he was a member of the firm’s seven-person structured finance team responsible for the pricing, structuring, and execution of derivative mortgage products. His early experience also includes roles at Drexel Burnham Lambert and Blyth Eastman Paine Webber, where he played a pivotal role in the construction of dedicated bond portfolios and municipal finance strategies.

Beyond his professional expertise, John is a respected expert witness in high-profile litigation. He has provided expert testimony in major cases involving institutions such as US Bank, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs & Co. and Doubleline Capital (Jeffrey Gundlach). His litigation consulting work has supported critical financial investigations, including cases involving the U.S. Department of Labor, JPM Chase, Credit Suisse, UBS Securities, Citigroup Global Markets, among others. He is an Affiliated Expert with Analysis Group, an economic consulting firm which sits at the intersection of business, economics and law. His ability to articulate complex financial matters in legal settings has made him an invaluable asset in financial litigation.

John is currently an executive at Credit Bridge Corporation, where he continues to provide strategic leadership in mortgage finance. His contributions to the industry extend to his advisory roles with D Capital LLC.

John holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University, where he studied at the prestigious NYS School of Industrial and Labor Relations. His academic background, combined with decades of hands-on experience, has equipped him with unparalleled expertise in financial structuring, risk assessment, and investment strategy design.

Throughout his career, John has built a reputation for leadership, analytical precision, and the ability to raise and prepare companies for investment opportunities. His deep knowledge of the mortgage industry, coupled with his strategic insights, positions him as a valuable asset for organizations seeking to optimize financial performance and navigate complex market dynamics.

As he actively pursues board roles, John is eager to leverage his decades of experience in residential mortgage finance to help businesses grow, innovate, and achieve financial stability. With a commitment to excellence and a track record of success, John Contino is a seasoned financial leader ready to contribute his expertise to organizations seeking strategic guidance in the mortgage and structured finance sectors.

Character: John Contino is a principled and seasoned financial expert with a commitment to excellence and integrity in structured finance.

Knowledge: With over 41 years of experience, he possesses deep expertise in mortgage-backed securities, structured finance, and investment advisory.

Strategic: He has successfully navigated complex financial markets, launched investment funds, and provided critical risk management strategies to protect investor capital.

Communication: As a respected expert witness, he effectively articulates complex financial concepts in legal and advisory settings, making him a valuable resource in a board role, particularly in high-pressure situations.