Published by Wanda Rich
Posted on February 28, 2025
As the financial landscape evolves, private equity and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are becoming increasingly attractive to investors seeking higher yields and superior returns. At the forefront of this transformation is Unnamalai Ramanathan, a distinguished Fund Controller in the private equity sector, whose expertise extends beyond traditional financial oversight to redefining operational strategies and risk management.
The Evolving Role of Private Equity
Private equity has long been seen as a vehicle for high returns, but the modern industry is shifting beyond just financial performance. With assets under management projected to surpass $15 trillion by 2025, firms are now focusing on preferred returns, excess distribution of cash, and operational efficiency alongside profit generation.
As a Fund Controller, Unnamalai Ramanathan ensures not only financial accuracy and compliance but also strategic foresight in fund operations. Her deep expertise in financial structuring, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance makes her an invaluable asset in the private equity space. “Private equity is no longer just about numbers; it’s about maximizing yield, ensuring preferred returns, and distributing excess cash flow efficiently,” Ramanathan explains. “Investors want more than just financial gains—they are looking at sustainable growth and long-term impact.”
The Critical Role of a Fund Controller
As a key architect behind fund operations, Unnamalai Ramanathan plays a pivotal role in structuring deals, optimizing cash flow and distribution, and maintaining compliance with ever-evolving regulations. Her ability to manage risk, oversee fund performance, and implement strategic financial solutions directly contributes to the success of investment portfolios. Her keen analytical skills and precision ensure that every financial decision aligns with investor objectives while safeguarding returns.
A crucial aspect of a Fund Controller’s role is effective communication and transparency with investors. Investors need to clearly understand how their capital is being managed and the returns they can expect. Ramanathan excels in translating complex financial data into clear, actionable insights that investors can easily grasp. “It’s not just about generating results but ensuring that investors can see and understand those results,” she says. “Transparency builds trust, and trust is fundamental to sustained investor confidence.”
To enhance investor experience and streamline communication, technology-driven investor portals are becoming a vital tool in private equity. These platforms allow investors to access real-time investor statements, tax documents, and distribution updates seamlessly. “We leverage cutting-edge investor portals to make investor reporting and investment tracking more accessible,” Ramanathan notes. “Investors can receive updates on distributions, tax filings, and key financial metrics in a structured, easily digestible format. This not only simplifies compliance but also enhances engagement and confidence in our strategies.”
Private REITs and Bridge Loans: Unlocking New Investment Opportunities
Private REITs are gaining momentum as they provide investors with access to exclusive real estate investments while avoiding the volatility of public markets. These vehicles offer diversified exposure to high-performing real estate assets, often delivering superior risk-adjusted returns. Unlike publicly traded REITs, private REITs focus on long-term value creation without the pressure of daily market fluctuations.
Another growing trend in private real estate investment is the use of bridge loans secured by real estate. These short-term financing solutions provide immediate capital for property acquisitions, renovations, or repositioning efforts. By securing loans against real estate assets, investors can mitigate risk while ensuring liquidity for high-yield opportunities. “Bridge loans serve as a crucial tool for both developers and investors looking to optimize cash flow and maximize returns,” Ramanathan notes. “With real estate as collateral, these loans offer a structured and secure way to deploy capital efficiently.”
REITs: A Key Player in the New Investment Era
Public REITs, which had previously faced market fluctuations, are making a strong comeback. Their ability to provide diversification across sectors like commercial, residential, and industrial real estate has positioned them as a crucial part of modern investment portfolios.
“Real estate remains a resilient asset class,” Ramanathan notes. “By combining private equity strategies with REIT investments, we can offer investors a balanced approach that mitigates risks while capitalizing on long-term appreciation and delivering higher yields.”
The Future of Private Equity and Fund Management
The role of a Fund Controller is expanding beyond financial statements to a more global role to include risk mitigation, investor relations, regulatory compliance, project management, tax compliance, and addressing international investor questions. As firms navigate an increasingly complex financial ecosystem, leaders like Unnamalai Ramanathan are setting new benchmarks for transparency and strategic management.
“With today’s dynamic market conditions, private equity firms need to be more agile than ever,” she adds. “The ability to integrate financial discipline with operational intelligence while prioritizing preferred returns, maximizing excess distributions, and effectively communicating these strategies to investors will define the next era of investment success.”
With her expertise in fund management and strategic foresight, Unnamalai Ramanathan is paving the way for a more sophisticated and sustainable approach to private equity investing. Her contributions as a Fund Controller are indispensable to ensuring financial stability, operational efficiency, and long-term growth for investors. By effectively managing projects, ensuring tax compliance, addressing the complexities of international investor concerns, and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders, she plays a vital role in keeping funds agile and investor-focused.
By harnessing the power of technology-led investor portals and maintaining a clear, consistent dialogue with investors, she is helping to redefine the standards of fund management in the private equity space. These advancements allow investors to receive critical updates on financial performance, distributions, and regulatory changes in a timely and transparent manner.
As capital continues to flow into alternative assets, her leadership will remain instrumental in shaping the future of the industry.
Explore more articles in the Interviews category
