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Loans
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]  
Loans Loans
Our loans held-for-investment are accounted for at amortized cost and our loans held-for-sale are accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value, unless we have elected the fair value option for either. The following tables summarize our investments in mortgages and loans as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2021Carrying
Value
Face
Amount
Weighted
Average
Coupon (1)
Weighted
Average Life
(“WAL”)
(years)(2)
Loans held-for-investment:
Commercial loans:
First mortgages (3)$12,991,099 $13,067,524 4.6 %1.9
Subordinated mortgages (4)70,771 72,371 9.8 %2.8
Mezzanine loans (3)417,504 415,155 9.4 %1.4
Other17,424 19,029 8.2 %2.1
Total commercial loans13,496,798 13,574,079 
Infrastructure first priority loans (5)2,048,096 2,071,912 4.4 %4.3
Residential loans, fair value option (6)59,225 60,133 6.0 %N/A(7)
Total loans held-for-investment15,604,119 15,706,124 
Loans held-for-sale:
Residential, fair value option (6)2,590,005 2,525,910 4.2 %N/A(7)
Commercial, fair value option 286,795 289,761 4.0 %9.0
Total loans held-for-sale2,876,800 2,815,671 
Total gross loans18,480,919 $18,521,795 
Credit loss allowances:
Commercial loans held-for-investment(46,600)
Infrastructure loans held-for-investment(20,670)
Total allowances(67,270)
Total net loans$18,413,649 
December 31, 2020
Loans held-for-investment:
Commercial loans:
First mortgages (3)$8,931,772 $8,978,373 5.3 %1.5
Subordinated mortgages (4)71,185 72,257 8.8 %2.8
Mezzanine loans (3)620,319 619,352 10.1 %1.6
Other30,284 33,626 8.9 %1.8
Total commercial loans9,653,560 9,703,608 
Infrastructure first priority loans (5)1,420,273 1,439,940 4.4 %4.3
Residential loans, fair value option (6)90,684 86,796 6.0 %N/A(7)
Total loans held-for-investment11,164,517 11,230,344 
Loans held-for-sale:
Residential, fair value option (6)841,963 820,807 6.0 %N/A(7)
Commercial, fair value option90,332 90,789 3.9 %10.0
Infrastructure, lower of cost or fair value (5)120,540 120,900 3.1 %3.2
Total loans held-for-sale1,052,835 1,032,496 
Total gross loans12,217,352 $12,262,840 
Credit loss allowances:
Commercial loans held-for-investment(69,611)
Infrastructure loans held-for-investment(7,833)
Total allowances(77,444)
Total net loans$12,139,908 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(1)Calculated using LIBOR or other applicable index rates as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 for variable rate loans.
(2)Represents the WAL of each respective group of loans as of the respective balance sheet date. The WAL of each individual loan is calculated using amounts and timing of future principal payments, as projected at origination or acquisition.
(3)First mortgages include first mortgage loans and any contiguous mezzanine loan components because as a whole, the expected credit quality of these loans is more similar to that of a first mortgage loan.  The application of this methodology resulted in mezzanine loans with carrying values of $1.4 billion and $877.3 million being classified as first mortgages as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(4)Subordinated mortgages include B-Notes and junior participation in first mortgages where we do not own the senior A-Note or senior participation. If we own both the A-Note and B-Note, we categorize the loan as a first mortgage loan.
(5)During the year ended December 31, 2021, $61.3 million of infrastructure loans held-for-sale were reclassified into loans held-for-investment. During the year ended December 31, 2020, $104.3 million of infrastructure loans held-for-sale were reclassified into loans held-for-investment and $174.6 million of infrastructure loans held-for-investment were reclassified into loans held-for-sale.
(6)During the year ended December 31, 2021, $94.2 million of residential loans held-for-sale were reclassified into loans held-for-investment and $125.4 million of residential loans held-for-investment were reclassified into loans held-for-sale. During the year ended December 31, 2020, $575.3 million of residential loans held-for-investment were reclassified into loans held-for-sale.
(7)Residential loans have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 29.4 years and 27.9 years as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
As of December 31, 2021, our variable rate loans held-for-investment were as follows (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2021Carrying
Value
Weighted-average
Spread Above Index
Commercial loans$13,190,863 4.1 %
Infrastructure loans2,048,096 3.8 %
Total variable rate loans held-for-investment$15,238,959 4.1 %
Credit Loss Allowances
As discussed in Note 2, we do not have a history of realized credit losses on our HFI loans and HTM securities, so we have subscribed to third party database services to provide us with industry losses for both commercial real estate and infrastructure loans. Using these losses as a benchmark, we determine expected credit losses for our loans and securities on a collective basis within our commercial real estate and infrastructure portfolios.
For our commercial loans, we utilize a loan loss model that is widely used among banks and commercial mortgage REITs and is marketed by a leading CMBS data analytics provider. It employs logistic regression to forecast expected losses at the loan level based on a commercial real estate loan securitization database that contains activity dating back to 1998. We provide specific loan-level inputs which include loan-to-stabilized-value (“LTV”) and debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) metrics, as well as principal balances, property type, location, coupon, origination year, term, subordination, expected repayment dates and future fundings. We also select from a group of independent five-year macroeconomic forecasts included in the model that are updated regularly based on current economic trends. We categorize the results by LTV range, which we consider the most significant indicator of credit quality for our commercial loans, as set forth in the credit quality indicator table below. A lower LTV ratio typically indicates a lower credit loss risk.
The macroeconomic forecasts do not differentiate among property types or asset classes. Instead, these forecasts reference general macroeconomic growth factors which apply broadly across all assets. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a more negative impact on certain property types, principally retail and hospitality, which were initially impacted by lockdowns and partial reopenings and reduced consumer travel. The office sector has also been adversely affected due to the increase in remote working arrangements. The broad macroeconomic forecasts do not account for such differentiation. Accordingly, we have selected a more adverse macroeconomic recovery forecast related to these property types in determining our credit loss allowance.
For our infrastructure loans, we utilize a database of historical infrastructure loan performance that is shared among a consortium of banks and other lenders and compiled by a major bond credit rating agency. The database is representative of industry-wide project finance activity dating back to 1983. We derive historical loss rates from the database filtered by industry, sub-industry, term and construction status for each of our infrastructure loans. Those historical loss rates reflect global economic cycles over a long period of time as well as average recovery rates. We categorize the results between the power and oil and gas industries, which we consider the most significant indicator of credit quality for our infrastructure loans, as set forth in the credit quality indicator table below.
As discussed in Note 2, we use a discounted cash flow or collateral value approach, rather than the industry loan loss approach described above, to determine credit loss allowances for any credit deteriorated loans.
We regularly evaluate the extent and impact of any credit deterioration associated with the performance and/or value of the underlying collateral, as well as the financial and operating capability of the borrower. Specifically, the collateral’s operating results and any cash reserves are analyzed and used to assess (i) whether cash flow from operations is sufficient to cover the debt service requirements currently and into the future, (ii) the ability of the borrower to refinance the loan and/or (iii) the collateral’s liquidation value. We also evaluate the financial wherewithal of any loan guarantors as well as the borrower’s competency in managing and operating the collateral. In addition, we consider the overall economic environment, real estate or industry sector, and geographic sub-market in which the borrower operates. Such analyses are completed and reviewed by asset management and finance personnel who utilize various data sources, including (i) periodic financial data such as property operating statements, occupancy, tenant profile, rental rates, operating expenses, the borrower’s exit plan, and capitalization and discount rates, (ii) site inspections and (iii) current credit spreads and discussions with market participants.
The significant credit quality indicators for our loans measured at amortized cost, which excludes loans held-for-sale, were as follows as of December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
Term Loans
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
Revolving Loans
Amortized Cost
Total
Total
Amortized
Cost Basis
Credit
Loss
Allowance
As of December 31, 202120212020201920182017Prior
Commercial loans:
Credit quality indicator:
LTV < 60%$2,270,678 $778,838 $1,294,515 $534,351 $639,455 $313,089 $— $5,830,926 $11,831 
LTV 60% - 70%3,766,294 248,021 1,127,493 571,726 — 82,329 — 5,795,863 21,502 
LTV > 70%737,069 273,417 379,452 395,793 — 61,929 — 1,847,660 8,342 
Credit deteriorated— — — — — 4,925 — 4,925 4,925 
Defeased and other— — — — — 17,424 — 17,424 — 
Total commercial$6,774,041 $1,300,276 $2,801,460 $1,501,870 $639,455 $479,696 $— $13,496,798 $46,600 
Infrastructure loans:
Credit quality indicator:
Power$211,788 $82,103 $228,634 $427,794 $120,348 $235,177 $8,529 $1,314,373 $4,705 
Oil and gas297,588 15,442 241,866 97,471 45,068 — 1,903 699,338 5,844 
Credit deteriorated— — — — — 34,385 — 34,385 10,121 
Total infrastructure$509,376 $97,545 $470,500 $525,265 $165,416 $269,562 $10,432 $2,048,096 $20,670 
Residential loans held-for-investment, fair value option59,225 — 
Loans held-for-sale2,876,800 — 
Total gross loans$18,480,919 $67,270 

Non-Credit Deteriorated Loans
As of December 31, 2021, we had the following loans with a combined amortized cost basis of $456.5 million that were 90 days or greater past due at December 31, 2021: (i) a $199.1 million senior loan on a retail and entertainment project in New Jersey, of which $7.3 million was converted into equity interests (see Note 9); (ii) a $219.8 million senior loan on an office building in California; (iii) a $9.2 million loan on a hospitality asset in New York that our Investing and Servicing Segment acquired as nonperforming in October 2021; and (iv) $28.4 million of residential loans. Loans on nonaccrual as of December 31, 2021 include (i) above and a $32.7 million mezzanine loan secured by an office building in Texas. We also own a participating interest in the senior mortgage loan which was current as of December 31, 2021. None of these loans are considered credit deteriorated as we presently expect to recover all amounts due.
Credit Deteriorated Loans
As of December 31, 2021, we had the following loans with a combined amortized cost basis of $39.3 million which were deemed credit deteriorated and are on nonaccrual status: (i) a $34.4 million senior loan participation secured by a natural gas-fired power plant in Massachusetts, for which we recorded a credit loss allowance of $10.1 million in 2021 based on our share of the estimated fair value of the asset and for which interest collections were current as of December 31, 2021; and (ii) a $4.9 million subordinated loan secured by a department store in Chicago.
Foreclosures
In April 2021, we foreclosed on certain credit deteriorated loans related to a residential conversion project located in New York City, which resulted in our obtaining physical possession of the underlying collateral. The net carrying value of the loans related to this project totaled $100.5 million and consisted of: (i) a first mortgage and mezzanine loan with a net carrying value of $71.5 million, for which we consolidated the underlying property collateral in October 2020 when we obtained control over certain pledged equity interests of the borrower; and (ii) a first mortgage loan with a net carrying value of $29.0 million that was not subject to the pledged equity interests and thus continued to be reflected as a loan on our consolidated balance sheet until the April 2021 foreclosure. See Note 7 for further detail.
The following tables present the activity in our credit loss allowance for funded loans and unfunded commitments (amounts in thousands):
Funded Commitments Credit Loss Allowance
Loans Held-for-InvestmentTotal
Funded Loans
Year Ended December 31, 2021
CommercialInfrastructure
Credit loss allowance at December 31, 2020$69,611 $7,833 $77,444 
Credit loss (reversal) provision, net(7,947)12,580 4,633 
Charge-offs(14,807)(1)— (14,807)
Recoveries— — — 
Transfers(257)257 — 
Credit loss allowance at December 31, 2021$46,600 $20,670 $67,270 
Unfunded Commitments Credit Loss Allowance (2)
Loans Held-for-Investment
Year Ended December 31, 2021
CommercialInfrastructureTotal
Credit loss allowance at December 31, 2020$5,258 $812 $6,070 
Credit loss provision (reversal), net1,434 (667)767 
Credit loss allowance at December 31, 2021$6,692 $145 $6,837 
Memo: Unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2021 (3)
$2,236,598 $15,430 $2,252,028 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(1)Relates to a $7.8 million unsecured promissory note deemed uncollectible in connection with a residential conversion project located in New York City and a $7.0 million subordinated mortgage note deemed uncollectible in connection with a vacant department store in the Chicago area. Both notes were previously considered credit deteriorated and were fully reserved at or prior to write-off.
(2)Included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
(3)Represents amounts expected to be funded (see Note 23).
Loan Portfolio Activity
The activity in our loan portfolio was as follows (amounts in thousands):
Held-for-Investment Loans
Year Ended December 31, 2021
CommercialInfrastructureResidentialHeld-for-Sale LoansTotal Loans
Balance at December 31, 2020$9,583,949 $1,412,440 $90,684 $1,052,835 $12,139,908 
Acquisitions/originations/additional funding7,822,441 817,104 — 5,351,034 13,990,579 
Capitalized interest (1)112,178 — 4,308 2,650 119,136 
Basis of loans sold (2)(307,454)(12,678)— (3,856,736)(4,176,868)
Loan maturities/principal repayments(3,508,969)(304,878)(31,251)(352,711)(4,197,809)
Discount accretion/premium amortization52,416 5,028 — 504 57,948 
Changes in fair value— — 1,186 67,864 69,050 
Foreign currency translation gain/(loss), net(71,419)(711)— — (72,130)
Credit loss reversal (provision), net7,947 (12,580)— — (4,633)
Loan foreclosure and conversion to equity interest(36,308)— — — (36,308)(3)
Transfer to/from other asset classifications or between segments(204,583)123,701 (5,702)611,360 524,776 (4)
Balance at December 31, 2021$13,450,198 $2,027,426 $59,225 $2,876,800 $18,413,649 
Held-for-Investment Loans
Year Ended December 31, 2020
CommercialInfrastructureResidentialHeld-for-Sale LoansTotal Loans
Balance at December 31, 2019$8,517,054 $1,397,448 $671,572 $884,150 $11,470,224 
Cumulative effect of ASC 326 effective January 1, 2020(10,112)(10,328)— — (20,440)
Acquisitions/originations/additional funding2,753,782 278,694 100,720 2,204,203 5,337,399 
Capitalized interest (1)143,818 195 — — 144,013 
Basis of loans sold (2)(443,793)— (604)(2,862,606)(3,307,003)
Loan maturities/principal repayments(1,398,991)(189,288)(90,273)(142,644)(1,821,196)
Discount accretion/premium amortization39,642 2,447 — 110 42,199 
Changes in fair value— — (15,382)148,506 133,124 
Foreign currency translation gain/(loss), net102,748 1,096 — (1,291)102,553 
Credit loss (provision) reversal, net(48,711)2,495 — 125 (46,091)
Transfer to/from other asset classifications(71,488)(5)(70,319)(575,349)822,282 (6)105,126 
Balance at December 31, 2020$9,583,949 $1,412,440 $90,684 $1,052,835 $12,139,908 

Loans Transferred As Secured Borrowings
Held-for-Investment Loans
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Commercial InfrastructureResidentialHeld-for-Sale LoansTotal Loans
Balance at December 31, 2018
$7,075,577 $1,456,779$$1,187,552$74,346 $9,794,254 
Acquisitions/originations/additional funding
4,161,584  902,053 394,697 3,636,380— 9,094,714 
Capitalized interest (1)
110,632  — — — 110,632 
Basis of loans sold (2)
(743,425) — (106)(3,567,859)— (4,311,390)
Loan maturities/principal repayments
(2,172,068) (832,998)(62,704)(162,376)(74,692)(3,304,838)
Discount accretion/premium amortization
30,128  2,072 — 2,841346 35,387 
Changes in fair value
—  — (1,314)72,915— 71,601 
Foreign currency translation gain/(loss), net38,050  — — 2,105— 40,155 
Credit loss provision, net
(2,616) (3,314)— (1,196)— (7,126)
Loan foreclosures
(27,303)— — — (27,303)
Transfer to/from other asset classifications
46,495 (127,144)340,999 (286,212)— (25,862)
 Balance at December 31, 2019
$8,517,054$1,397,448$671,572$884,150$$11,470,224
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(1)Represents accrued interest income on loans whose terms do not require current payment of interest.
(2)See Note 13 for additional disclosure on these transactions.
(3)Includes (i) a $29.0 million credit deteriorated loan related to a residential conversion project which was foreclosed in April 2021 and (ii) $7.3 million of a commercial loan that was converted to equity interests in March 2021 (see Note 9) pursuant to a consensual transfer under pre-existing equity pledges of additional collateral, both as described above.
(4)Net transfers represent residential loans transferred from VIE assets upon redemption of three consolidated RMBS trusts.
(5)Represents the net carrying value of credit deteriorated first mortgage and contiguous mezzanine loans related to a residential conversion project located in New York City that was eliminated as a result of consolidating the net assets of the borrower entities upon exercising control over their pledged equity interests in October 2020.
(6)Includes $176.6 million of residential loans transferred from VIE assets upon redemption of a consolidated RMBS trust.