DFG Investment Advisers Appoints Rehan Virani Chief Executive Officer

Expands Leadership Team with Promotions of Kashyap Arora to Co-Chief Investment Officer, Selma Cilka to Co-Chief Risk Officer, and Alex Nerguizian to Co-Head of Business Development

DFG Investment Advisers, Inc. (“DFG”), a leading alternative credit investment manager, today announced that Rehan Virani has joined the firm as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Virani will oversee management of the firm, spearhead strategic fundraising initiatives and develop tailored investment solutions that align investors’ interests with DFG’s core competencies in structured and corporate credit. Mr. Virani most recently served as Head of Business Development for private debt for the Americas and Asia at Partners Group.

In connection with Mr. Virani’s joining the firm, DFG is expanding its leadership team with the promotions of Kashyap Arora to Co-Chief Investment Officer, Selma Cilka to Co-Chief Risk Officer, and Alex Nerguizian to Co-Head of Business Development. Mr. Arora, Ms. Cilka, and Mr. Nerguizian have honed their careers at DFG for over ten years, and have worked closely alongside the firm’s founders, Volkan Kurtas, Moritz Hilf, and Kimito Iwamoto, and Chairman, Philip Darivoff.

Mr. Kurtas, DFG’s Founder and Chief Investment Officer, said, “Rehan and I have known each other since 2007 and share a mutual respect that has endured multiple credit cycles. I am confident that his more than 20 years of experience serving in credit investment, strategy, and fundraising roles, exemplary work ethic, and commitment to collaboration will greatly benefit our firm and our investors.”

Mr. Virani commented, “DFG is well-recognized for its deep roots in structured and corporate credit. The firm has maintained its position at the forefront of the evolution of these asset classes by building a dynamic and energetic team of professionals, developing proprietary technology and risk management systems, and fostering transparency with investors. I am excited to partner with DFG’s talented team to embark on the next phase of the firm’s brand and further embrace the firm’s culture of forging long-term strategic partnerships with investors.”

Mr. Arora added, “The current environment has presented a catalyst for differentiation amongst structured credit investors. We have built a strong foundation based on our prudent and disciplined investment philosophy. I look forward to continuing to work hand-in-hand with Volkan, and now Rehan, whom I have known and respected for over a decade, to bring creative solutions to both our investments and our investors.”

Mr. Kurtas concluded, “DFG would not be in the strong position it is today without the passion, energy and longtime contributions of our partners, Kashyap, Selma, and Alex. Since inception, they have been integral to our firm’s essence as a next generation investment manager focused keenly on structured and corporate credit. Their well-deserved promotions are a natural next step to ensure the firm is best positioned for continuity, growth and success well into the future.”

Rehan Virani Biography

Mr. Virani brings more than two decades of relevant advisory, investing and capital formation experience to DFG. Prior to Partners Group, he was Head of Credit Product Development and Business Development at Bardin Hill Investment Partners. Previously, he served as Director of Business Development and Structured Credit Portfolio Manager at Napier Park Global Capital. Before that, Mr. Virani worked in securitized products at leading investment banks, beginning his career in Credit Suisse’s structured credit products division. Mr. Virani holds a bachelor's degree in Economics with Honors from Georgetown University.

About DFG Investment Advisers, Inc.

Founded in 2006, DFG is a leading New York-based alternative credit investment management firm. The firm is majority employee-owned and manages approximately $7.2 billion in structured and corporate credit assets including CLO management as of October 2020. The firm serves institutional investors including pensions, family offices and insurance companies globally. For more information, please visit www.dfgia.com.

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Amanda Klein/Sam Fisher
Gasthalter & Co.
(212) 257-4170