Robert Riesen
Head of Sponsor Finance Underwriting
Professional Overview
Robert Riesen is the Head of Sponsor Finance Underwriting at Live Oak Bank, where he oversees the underwriting and credit analysis process for the bank's sponsor finance portfolio. With over 9 years of experience in the banking and finance industry, Robert has developed deep expertise in commercial lending, portfolio management, and business development.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Head of Sponsor Finance Underwriting at Live Oak Bank, Robert is responsible for leading a team of analysts and underwriters in evaluating credit opportunities, structuring financing solutions, and managing ongoing relationships with private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies. In this role, he has been instrumental in driving growth within the sponsor finance division, contributing to a 25% year-over-year increase in new business originations.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Robert held various positions within the sponsor finance and life sciences banking teams at Live Oak Bank and Square 1 Bank. As a Vice President and Assistant Vice President at Live Oak, he played a key role in expanding the bank's sponsor finance capabilities, developing tailored financing solutions for private equity-backed companies across diverse industries. Earlier in his career, Robert served as a Life Sciences Client Manager and Senior Portfolio Analyst at Square 1 Bank, where he gained valuable experience in credit risk assessment and portfolio monitoring.
Academic Background
Robert holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated with honors and was recognized for his academic excellence.
Areas of Expertise
- Commercial lending and credit analysis
- Sponsor and private equity financing
- Portfolio management and risk assessment
- Financial modeling and cash flow analysis
- Business development and client relationship management
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Robert has demonstrated a track record of driving growth and delivering exceptional results for his clients and employers. At Live Oak Bank, he has been instrumental in establishing the bank as a leading provider of sponsor finance solutions, leveraging his deep industry insights and strong relationships with private equity firms to source and structure complex financing transactions. Robert's contributions have been recognized by his peers and industry partners, earning him a reputation as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert in the sponsor finance space.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, proven leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to client success, Robert Riesen is poised to continue driving innovation and growth within the sponsor finance industry. As the Head of Sponsor Finance Underwriting at Live Oak Bank, he is well-positioned to leverage his expertise to support the strategic objectives of the bank and its private equity clients.
