Finance & Operations Seminar 2025: turning insight into action

This year’s Finance & Operations Seminar brought together almost 100 participants in Amsterdam on 28 October to explore how data and technology are reshaping decision-making in non-listed real estate. Under the theme ‘The power of data: turning insight into action’, the sessions examined how digital tools, standardisation, and innovation are transforming financial operations across the industry. John Ravoisin (PwC) once again served as moderator. Here are highlights from each session:

• Constantin Sorlescu (INREV) opened the day by highlighting how technology and standardisation continue to drive efficiency and transparency across the investment lifecycle. The finance function is not just about managing numbers – it's an enabler of value, connecting data to strategic decisions.
• In the keynote presentation, Dennis Mulder, former CTO at Microsoft and Co-Founder and CTO of Full Circle IT, offered a glimpse into the future of technology in investment decision-making. He discussed how AI and predictive analytics are empowering investors to move from reactive to proactive strategies.
• A panel of CFOs – Beata Jarmolkowicz (UBS Asset Management), Colin Throssell (NREP), and Sandra Mallozzi (BC Partners), shared insights on leveraging data and technology to strengthen reporting, improve risk management, and support strategic decision-making.
• In a lively conversation, John Fahey (CBRE IM) and Bryce Kovacs (iQuant Solutions) discussed the implementation of the INREV SDDS, addressing the balance between standardisation and flexibility, and how greater industry adoption of SDDS benefits both investors and managers.

The theme of turning data into action continued during interactive round table discussions, where participants shared practical examples of how data integration and automation are improving processes across their organisations.

• After lunch, Pascal Brayeur (BNP Paribas REIM) presented on the evolution of NAV and valuations, touching on the increasingly influential role of the INREV NAV as a basis for pricing NAV.
• In another panel discussion moderated by Constantin Sorlescu, Elly Baker (Nuveen Real Estate), Thomas Kallenbrunnen (GARBE), and John O’Driscoll (AXA IM Alts). discussed good governance practices for operational real estate, risk allocation, and the importance of aligning reporting and valuation frameworks within investment platforms.
• Sandrine Amsili (Ardian) closed the programme with a market update on real estate debt trends, noting how evolving financing structures and interest rate dynamics are shaping the market outlook and influence debt fund strategies.

We extend our thanks to all speakers, panellists, and participants for their contributions. Don’t forget to check the INREV event calendar for upcoming events.

You can download the seminar presentations below.