UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________________________________________________ 
FORM 10-Q
 
ý       QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017
 
OR

  o          TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  
For the transition period from _____ to _____

  Commission File No. 001-35517
  ARES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)  
Maryland
 
45-3148087
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification Number)
 
245 Park Avenue, 42nd Floor, New York, NY 10167
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
 
(212) 750-7300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:   Yes ý   No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes ý   No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): 
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer x
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company x
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o   No ý
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
 
Outstanding at August 2, 2017
Common stock, $0.01 par value
 
28,582,690
 
 
 
 



ARES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

INDEX

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
 
ARES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
As of
 
June 30, 2017

December 31, 2016
 
(unaudited)
 

ASSETS


 

Cash and cash equivalents ($8 related to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2016)
$
5,723

 
$
47,270

Restricted cash
379

 
375

Loans held for investment ($341,158 and $21,514 related to consolidated VIEs, respectively)
1,641,435

 
1,313,937

Other assets ($857 and $203 of interest receivable related to consolidated VIEs, respectively)
15,033

 
12,121

Total assets
$
1,662,570


$
1,373,703

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 


LIABILITIES


 


Secured funding agreements
$
809,737

 
$
780,713

Secured term loan
151,112

 
149,878

Collateralized loan obligation securitization debt (consolidated VIE)
270,759

 
—

Due to affiliate
2,625

 
2,699

Dividends payable
7,718

 
7,406

Other liabilities ($352 of interest payable related to consolidated VIEs as of June 30, 2017)
3,637

 
3,334

Total liabilities
1,245,588

 
944,030

Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)


 


EQUITY


 


Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 450,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and 28,582,690 and 28,482,756 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
283

 
283

Additional paid-in capital
420,251

 
420,056

Accumulated deficit
(3,552
)
 
(1,310
)
Total stockholders' equity
416,982

 
419,029

Non-controlling interests in consolidated VIEs
—

 
10,644

Total equity
416,982

 
429,673

Total liabilities and equity
$
1,662,570

 
$
1,373,703


   See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2



ARES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
For the three months ended June 30,
 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016

(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Net interest margin:

 

 

 

Interest income from loans held for investment
$
22,643

 
$
18,929

 
$
43,770

 
$
37,679

Interest expense
(12,232
)
 
(8,415
)
 
(23,020
)
 
(16,940
)
Net interest margin
10,411

 
10,514

 
20,750

 
20,739

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management and incentive fees to affiliate
1,654

 
1,338

 
3,466

 
2,690

Professional fees
428

 
535

 
819

 
1,025

General and administrative expenses
640

 
686

 
1,282

 
1,409

General and administrative expenses reimbursed to affiliate
949

 
660

 
1,897

 
1,557

Total expenses
3,671

 
3,219

 
7,464

 
6,681

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
6,740

 
7,295

 
13,286

 
14,058

Income tax expense, including excise tax
27

 
3

 
95

 
7

Net income from continuing operations
6,713

 
7,292

 
13,191

 
14,051

Net income from operations of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
—

 
2,689

 
—

 
2,355

Net income attributable to ACRE
6,713

 
9,981

 
13,191

 
16,406

Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
—

 
(1,288
)
 
(25
)
 
(2,577
)
Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
6,713

 
$
8,693

 
$
13,166

 
$
13,829

Basic earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.24

 
$
0.21

 
$
0.46

 
$
0.40

Discontinued operations
—

 
0.09

 
—

 
0.08

Net income
$
0.24

 
$
0.31

 
$
0.46

 
$
0.49

Diluted earnings per common share:


 


 


 


Continuing operations
$
0.24

 
$
0.21

 
$
0.46

 
$
0.40

Discontinued operations
—

 
0.09

 
—

 
0.08

Net income
$
0.24

 
$
0.31

 
$
0.46

 
$
0.48

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
28,475,853

 
28,428,703

 
28,472,356

 
28,479,015

Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
28,546,624

 
28,495,833

 
28,514,867

 
28,548,944

Dividends declared per share of common stock
$
0.27

 
$
0.26

 
$
0.54

 
$
0.52


   See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3



ARES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)

 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Total Stockholders’ Equity
 
Non-Controlling
Interests
 
Total
Equity
 
Shares
 
Amount
Balance at December 31, 2016
28,482,756

 
$
283

 
$
420,056

 
$
(1,310
)
 
$
419,029

 
$
10,644

 
$
429,673

Stock‑based compensation
99,934

 
—

 
195

 
—

 
195

 
—

 
195

Net income
—

 
—

 
—

 
13,166

 
13,166

 
25

 
13,191

Dividends declared
—

 
—

 
—

 
(15,408
)
 
(15,408
)
 
—

 
(15,408
)
Contributions from non-controlling interests
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
12

 
12

Distributions to non-controlling interests
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(10,681
)
 
(10,681
)
Balance at June 30, 2017
28,582,690

 
$
283

 
$
420,251

 
$
(3,552
)
 
$
416,982

 
$
—

 
$
416,982

   
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


4



ARES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
13,191

 
$
16,406

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (inclusive of amounts related to discontinued operations):
 
 
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs
3,923

 
3,150

Change in mortgage banking activities
—

 
(6,444
)
Change in fair value of mortgage servicing rights
—

 
3,895

Accretion of deferred loan origination fees and costs
(2,640
)
 
(2,013
)
Provision for loss sharing
—

 
(289
)
Originations of mortgage loans held for sale
—

 
(282,625
)
Sale of mortgage loans held for sale to third parties
—

 
261,499

Stock-based compensation
195

 
269

Depreciation expense
—

 
112

Deferred tax expense
—

 
682

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Restricted cash
(4
)
 
1,350

Other assets
(1,702
)
 
39,681

Due to affiliate
(74
)
 
(135
)
Other liabilities
151

 
(2,118
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
13,040

 
33,420

Investing activities:
 
 
 
Issuance of and fundings on loans held for investment
(421,833
)
 
(196,108
)
Principal repayment of loans held for investment
92,266

 
229,447

Receipt of origination fees
4,709

 
610

Purchases of other assets
—

 
(352
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(324,858
)
 
33,597

Financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from secured funding agreements
376,115

 
438,721

Repayments of secured funding agreements
(347,091
)
 
(359,702
)
Payment of secured funding costs
(5,914
)
 
(1,458
)
Proceeds from issuance of debt of consolidated VIEs
272,927

 
—

Repayments of debt of consolidated VIEs
—

 
(150,281
)
Proceeds from warehouse lines of credit
—

 
332,703

Repayments of warehouse lines of credit
—

 
(311,078
)
Repurchase of common stock
—

 
(1,436
)
Dividends paid
(15,097
)
 
(14,582
)
Contributions from non-controlling interests
12

 
4

Distributions to non-controlling interests
(10,681
)
 
(2,592
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
270,271

 
(69,701
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
(41,547
)
 
(2,684
)
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations, beginning of period
47,270

 
5,066

Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations, beginning of period
—

 
3,929

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
5,723

 
$
6,311

Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations, end of period
$
5,723

 
$
5,309

Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations, end of period
$
—

 
$
1,002

   
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5



ARES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of June 30, 2017
(in thousands, except share and per share data, percentages and as otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

1 .     ORGANIZATION

Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Company” or “ACRE”) is a specialty finance company primarily engaged in originating and investing in commercial real estate loans and related investments. Through Ares Commercial Real Estate Management LLC (“ACREM” or the Company’s “Manager”), a Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) registered investment adviser and a subsidiary of Ares Management, L.P. (NYSE: ARES) (“Ares Management”), a publicly traded, leading global alternative asset manager, it has investment professionals strategically located across the United States and Europe who directly source new loan opportunities for the Company with owners, operators and sponsors of commercial real estate (“CRE”) properties. The Company was formed and commenced operations in late 2011. The Company is a Maryland corporation and completed its initial public offering (the “IPO”) in May 2012. The Company is externally managed by its Manager, pursuant to the terms of a management agreement (the “Management Agreement”).
 
The Company is primarily focused on directly originating and managing a diversified portfolio of CRE debt-related investments for the Company’s own account. The Company’s target investments include senior mortgage loans, subordinated debt, preferred equity, mezzanine loans and other CRE investments, including commercial mortgage backed securities. These investments are generally held for investment and are secured, directly or indirectly, by office, multifamily, retail, industrial, lodging, senior-living, self-storage and other commercial real estate properties, or by ownership interests therein.

On June 28, 2016, the Company entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (as amended, the “Agreement”) with Barings Real Estate Advisers LLC (formerly known as Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC), a Delaware limited liability company (the “Buyer”), to sell ACRE Capital Holdings LLC (“TRS Holdings”), the holding company that owned the Company’s mortgage banking subsidiary, ACRE Capital LLC (“ACRE Capital”). Under the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Agreement, on September 30, 2016, the Buyer purchased from the Company all of the outstanding common units of TRS Holdings (the “ACRE Capital Sale”). ACRE Capital primarily originated, sold and serviced multifamily and senior-living related loans under programs offered by government-sponsored enterprises and by government agencies. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Buyer paid approximately $93 million in cash as consideration for the ACRE Capital Sale.

The Company has elected and qualified to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2012. The Company generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, to the extent that it annually distributes all of its REIT taxable income to stockholders and complies with various other requirements as a REIT.

2 .   SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the SEC.

Refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of the Company’s recurring accounting policies. The Company has included disclosure below regarding basis of presentation and other accounting policies that (i) are required to be disclosed quarterly or (ii) the Company views as critical as of the date of this report.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company, the consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that the Company controls and of which the Company is the primary beneficiary, and the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments and reclassifications that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s results of

6



operations and financial condition as of and for the periods presented. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Interim financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The current period’s results of operations will not necessarily be indicative of results that ultimately may be achieved for the year ending December 31, 2017 .

Discontinued Operations

As discussed in Note 1 included in these consolidated financial statements, the Company completed the ACRE Capital Sale on September 30, 2016. Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 205-20, Presentation of Financial Statements - Discontinued Operations , defines the criteria required for a disposal transaction to qualify for reporting as a discontinued operation. The Company determined that the ACRE Capital Sale met the criteria for discontinued operations. As a result, the operating results of ACRE Capital, which formerly comprised the Mortgage Banking segment, are presented separately in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 . The operating results of discontinued operations are included in the line item “Net income from operations of discontinued operations, net of income taxes” in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 . Summarized financial information for the discontinued Mortgage Banking segment is shown in Note 13 included in these consolidated financial statements.
    
Variable Interest Entities

The Company evaluates all of its interests in VIEs for consolidation. When the Company’s interests are determined to be variable interests, the Company assesses whether it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is required to consolidate the VIE. FASB ASC Topic 810, Consolidation , defines the primary beneficiary as the party that has both (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance, and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits from the VIE which could be potentially significant. The Company considers its variable interests, as well as any variable interests of its related parties in making this determination. Where both of these factors are present, the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary and it consolidates the VIE. Where either one of these factors is not present, the Company is not the primary beneficiary and it does not consolidate the VIE.
 
To assess whether the Company has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, the Company considers all facts and circumstances, including its role in establishing the VIE and its ongoing rights and responsibilities. This assessment includes first, identifying the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and second, identifying which party, if any, has power over those activities. In general, the parties that make the most significant decisions affecting the VIE or have the right to unilaterally remove those decision makers are deemed to have the power to direct the activities of a VIE.

To assess whether the Company has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, the Company considers all of its economic interests, including debt and equity investments, servicing fees, and other arrangements deemed to be variable interests in the VIE. This assessment requires that the Company applies judgment in determining whether these interests, in the aggregate, are considered potentially significant to the VIE. Factors considered in assessing significance include: the design of the VIE, including its capitalization structure; subordination of interests; payment priority; relative share of interests held across various classes within the VIE’s capital structure; and the reasons why the interests are held by the Company.
 
For VIEs of which the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary, all of the underlying assets, liabilities, equity, revenue and expenses of the structures are consolidated into the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
The Company performs an ongoing reassessment of: (1) whether any entities previously evaluated under the majority voting interest framework have become VIEs, based on certain events, and therefore are subject to the VIE consolidation framework, and (2) whether changes in the facts and circumstances regarding its involvement with a VIE cause the Company’s consolidation conclusion regarding the VIE to change. See Note 12 included in these consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the Company’s VIEs.





7



Reclassifications

The Company presents, in discontinued operations, the results of operations that have been disposed of for which the disposition represents a strategic shift that has or will have a significant effect on the Company's operations and financial results. As a result of this presentation, retroactive reclassifications that change prior period numbers have been made. See Notes 1 and 13 included in these consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the sale of the Mortgage Banking segment.

Loans Held for Investment

The Company originates CRE debt and related instruments generally to be held for investment. Loans that are held for investment are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan fees and origination costs, unless the loans are deemed impaired. Impairment occurs when it is deemed probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan. If a loan is considered to be impaired, the Company will record an allowance to reduce the carrying value of the loan to the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s contractual effective rate.

Each loan classified as held for investment is evaluated for impairment on a quarterly basis. Loans are collateralized by real estate. The extent of any credit deterioration associated with the performance and/or value of the underlying collateral property and the financial and operating capability of the borrower could impact the expected amounts received. The Company monitors performance of its investment portfolio under the following methodology: (1) borrower review, which analyzes the borrower’s ability to execute on its original business plan, reviews its financial condition, assesses pending litigation and considers its general level of responsiveness and cooperation; (2) economic review, which considers underlying collateral (i.e. leasing performance, unit sales and cash flow of the collateral and its ability to cover debt service, as well as the residual loan balance at maturity); (3) property review, which considers current environmental risks, changes in insurance costs or coverage, current site visibility, capital expenditures and market perception; and (4) market review, which analyzes the collateral from a supply and demand perspective of similar property types, as well as from a capital markets perspective. Such impairment analyses are completed and reviewed by asset management and finance personnel who utilize various data sources, including periodic financial data such as property occupancy, tenant profile, rental rates, operating expenses, and the borrower’s exit plan, among other factors.

In addition, the Company evaluates the entire portfolio to determine whether the portfolio has any impairment that requires a valuation allowance on the remainder of the loan portfolio. As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company did not recognize any impairment charges with respect to its loans held for investment.

Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected in full. Accrued and unpaid interest is generally reversed against interest income in the period the loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment regarding the borrower’s ability to make pending principal and interest payments. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest are paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current. The Company may make exceptions to placing a loan on non-accrual status if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection.

Preferred equity investments, which are subordinate to any loans but senior to common equity, are accounted for as loans held for investment and are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan fees and origination costs, unless the loans are deemed impaired, and are included within loans held for investment in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company accretes or amortizes any discounts or premiums over the life of the related loan held for investment utilizing the effective interest method.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs under the Company’s indebtedness are capitalized and amortized over the terms of the respective debt instrument. Debt issuance costs related to debt securitizations are capitalized and amortized over the term of the underlying loans using the effective interest method. When an underlying loan is prepaid in a debt securitization and the outstanding principal balance of the securitization debt is reduced, the related unamortized debt issuance costs are charged to expense based on a pro‑rata share of the debt issuance costs being allocated to the specific loans that were prepaid. Amortization of debt issuance costs is included within interest expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations while the unamortized balance on (i) Secured Funding Agreements (each individually defined in Note  4 included in these consolidated financial statements) are included within other assets and both (ii) the Secured Term Loan (defined in Note  4

8



included in these consolidated financial statements) and (iii) debt securitizations are included as a reduction to the carrying amount of the liability, in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

The original issue discount (“OID”) on amounts drawn under the Company’s Secured Term Loan represents a discount to the face amount of the drawn debt obligations. The OID is amortized over the term of the Secured Term Loan using the effective interest method and is included within interest expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations while the unamortized balance is a reduction to the carrying amount of the Secured Term Loan in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Revenue Recognition

Interest income from loans held for investment is accrued based on the outstanding principal amount and the contractual terms of each loan. For loans held for investment, origination fees, contractual exit fees and direct loan origination costs are also recognized in interest income from loans held for investment over the initial loan term as a yield adjustment using the effective interest method.

A reconciliation of the Company's interest income from loans held for investment, excluding non-controlling interests, to the Company's interest income from loans held for investment as included within its consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 is as follows ($ in thousands):

 
 
For the three months ended June 30,
 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Interest income from loans held for investment, excluding non-controlling interests
 
$
22,643

 
$
17,640

 
$
43,735


$
35,101

Interest income from non-controlling interest investment held by third parties
 
—

 
1,289

 
35


2,578

Interest income from loans held for investment
 
$
22,643

 
$
18,929

 
$
43,770


$
37,679

 
Net Interest Margin and Interest Expense
Net interest margin within the consolidated statements of operations serves to measure the performance of the Company's loans held for investment as compared to its use of debt leverage. The Company includes interest income from its loans held for investment and interest expense related to its Secured Funding Agreements, securitizations debt and the Secured Term Loan (individually defined in Note 4 included in these consolidated financial statements) in net interest margin. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , interest expense is comprised of the following ($ in thousands):
 
For the three months ended June 30,
 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017

2016
Secured funding agreements and securitizations debt
$
8,855

 
$
6,657

 
$
16,323

 
$
13,425

Secured term loan
3,377

 
1,758

 
6,697

 
3,515

Interest expense
$
12,232

 
$
8,415

 
$
23,020

 
$
16,940

Comprehensive Income
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , comprehensive income equaled net income; therefore, a separate consolidated statement of comprehensive income is not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) . The guidance in this ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) . Under the new guidance, an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendments in ASU No. 2014-09 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from

9



Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal Versus Agent Considerations , which clarifies the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 and has the same effective date as the original standard. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing , an update on identifying performance obligations and accounting for licenses of intellectual property. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients , which includes amendments for enhanced clarification of the guidance. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , the amendments in this update are of a similar nature to the items typically addressed in the technical corrections and improvements project. Additionally, in February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05, Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets , an update on clarifying that a financial asset is within the scope of Subtopic 610-20 if it is deemed an “in-substance non-financial asset.” The application of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, primarily because the majority of the Company’s revenue is accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310, Receivables , which is scoped out of this standard.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . The standard will replace the incurred loss impairment methodology pursuant to GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. ASU No. 2016-13 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15,  Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , which intends to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 provides guidance on eight specific cash flow issues and clarifies that in the absence of specific guidance, an entity should classify each separately identifiable cash source and use on the basis of the nature of the underlying cash flows. For cash flows with aspects of more than one class that cannot be separated, the classification should be based on the activity that is likely to be the predominant source or use of cash flow. ASU No. 2016-15 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (A Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) . The amendments in this update require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-18 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this ASU will impact the presentation of the statement of cash flows, as well as require additional footnote disclosure to reconcile the balance sheet to the revised cash flow statement presentation.

3 .    LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT

As of June 30, 2017 , the Company’s portfolio totaled 38 loans held for investment, excluding 50 loans that were repaid or sold since inception. The aggregate originated commitment under these loans at closing was approximately $1.8 billion and outstanding principal was $1.7 billion as of June 30, 2017 . During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company funded approximately $421.8 million of outstanding principal and received repayments of $81.7 million of outstanding principal, excluding non-controlling interests held by third parties, as described in more detail in the tables below. Such investments are referred to herein as the Company’s “investment portfolio.” As of June 30, 2017 , 89.0% of the Company’s loans have London Interbank Offered Rates (“LIBOR”) floors, with a weighted average floor of 0.56% , calculated based on loans with LIBOR floors. References to LIBOR or “L” are to 30-day LIBOR (unless otherwise specifically stated).
 
The Company’s investments in loans held for investment are accounted for at amortized cost. The following tables summarize the Company’s loans held for investment as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 ($ in thousands):

10



 
As of June 30, 2017

Carrying Amount (1)

Outstanding Principal (1)

Weighted Average Minimum Loan Borrowing Spread (2)

Weighted Average Unleveraged Effective Yield (3)

Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)
Senior mortgage loans
$
1,529,155


$
1,538,370


4.8
%

6.0
%

1.9
Subordinated debt and preferred equity investments
112,280


113,392


10.7
%

11.8
%

3.2
Total loans held for investment portfolio
$
1,641,435


$
1,651,762


5.2
%

6.4
%

2.0

 
As of December 31, 2016
 
Carrying Amount (1)
 
Outstanding Principal (1)
 
Weighted Average Minimum Loan Borrowing Spread (2)
 
Weighted Average Unleveraged Effective Yield (3)
 
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)
Senior mortgage loans
$
1,181,569

 
$
1,188,425

 
4.7
%
 
5.7
%
 
1.8
Subordinated debt and preferred equity investments
121,828

 
123,230

 
10.7
%
 
11.5
%
 
4.1
Total loans held for investment portfolio (excluding non-controlling interests held by third parties) (4)
$
1,303,397

 
$
1,311,655

 
5.2
%
 
6.3
%
 
2.0
_______________________________________________________________________________

(1)
The difference between the Carrying Amount and the Outstanding Principal amount of the loans held for investment consists of unamortized purchase discount, deferred loan fees and loan origination costs.
(2)
Minimum Loan Borrowing Spread is equal to (a) for floating rate loans, the margin above the applicable index rate (e.g., LIBOR) plus floors, if any, on such applicable index rates, and (b) for fixed rate loans, the applicable interest rate.
(3)
Unleveraged Effective Yield is the compounded effective rate of return that would be earned over the life of the investment based on the contractual interest rate (adjusted for any deferred loan fees, costs, premium or discount) and assumes no dispositions, early prepayments or defaults. The Total Weighted Average Unleveraged Effective Yield is calculated based on the average of Unleveraged Effective Yield of all loans held by the Company as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 as weighted by the Outstanding Principal balance of each loan.
(4)
The table above as of December 31, 2016 excludes non-controlling interests held by third parties. A reconciliation of the Carrying Amount of loans held for investment portfolio, excluding non-controlling interests held by third parties, to the Carrying Amount of loans held for investment, as included within the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, is presented below.

A reconciliation of the Company’s loans held for investment portfolio, excluding non-controlling interests held by third parties, to the Company’s loans held for investment as included within its consolidated balance sheets is as follows ($ in thousands):
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
Carrying Amount
 
Outstanding Principal
Total loans held for investment portfolio (excluding non-controlling interests held by third parties)
$
1,303,397

 
$
1,311,655

Non-controlling interest investment held by third parties
10,540

 
10,540

Loans held for investment
$
1,313,937

 
$
1,322,195


As of June 30, 2017 , there were no non-controlling interests held by third parties.

A more detailed listing of the Company’s investment portfolio based on information available as of June 30, 2017 is as follows ($ in millions, except percentages):


11



Loan Type
 
Location
 
Outstanding Principal (1)
 
Carrying Amount (1)
 
Interest Rate
 
Unleveraged Effective Yield (2)
 
Maturity Date (3)
 
Payment Terms (4)
 
Senior Mortgage Loans:















Various
 (5)
Diversified

$159.2

$158.4

L+4.35%

6.5%

 Oct 2018
(5)
I/O

Office

TX

95.3

94.2

L+3.60%

5.3%

July 2020

I/O

Multifamily

FL

89.7

89.3

L+4.75%

6.5%

 Sep 2019

I/O

Various
 (6)
Diversified

82.3

81.9

L+4.75%

6.9%

 Oct 2018
(6)
I/O

Retail

 IL

75.9

75.9

L+4.00%

5.6%

Aug 2017

I/O

Mixed-use

NY

65.6

65.3

L+4.16%

5.8%

Apr 2019

I/O

Office

TX

63.9

63.4

L+4.30%

6.4%

 Dec 2018

I/O

Office

CA

57.7

57.3

L+4.40%

6.2%

 Aug 2019

I/O

Hotel

CA

56.0

55.7

L+4.75%

6.7%

Feb 2019

I/O

Office

IL

55.4

54.9

L+3.99%

5.7%

 Aug 2019

I/O

Multifamily

FL

53.7

53.3

L+3.65%

5.3%

 Mar 2021

I/O

Office

CO

53.4

52.7

L+4.15%

5.8%

June 2021

I/O

Office

NJ

48.4

47.8

L+4.65%

6.5%

July 2020

I/O

Multifamily

FL

45.4

45.2

L+4.75%

6.5%

 Sep 2019

I/O

Student Housing

CA

41.8

41.3

L+3.95%

5.7%

July 2020

I/O

Healthcare

NY

41.6

41.6

L+5.00%

6.2%

 Dec 2017

I/O

Hotel

NY

37.3

37.2

L+4.75%

6.4%

 June 2018

I/O

Hotel

MI

35.2

35.2

L+4.15%

5.5%

 July 2018
(7)
I/O

Multifamily

MN

34.1

33.9

L+4.75%

6.5%

 Oct 2019

I/O

Industrial

OH

32.4

32.4

L+4.20%

5.7%

May 2018

P/I
(8)
Office

OR

31.4

31.3

L+3.75%

5.4%

Oct 2018

I/O

Multifamily

NY

31.4

31.1

L+4.55%

6.3%

Feb 2019

I/O

Retail

IL

30.8

30.8

L+3.25%

4.9%

Sep 2018

I/O

Multifamily

NY

29.4

29.3

L+3.75%

5.4%

Oct 2017

I/O

Multifamily

TX

26.1

26.0

L+3.80%

5.2%

Jan 2019

I/O

Multifamily

CA

25.0

24.8

L+3.85%

5.6%

July 2020

I/O

Student Housing

AL

24.1

23.9

L+4.45%

6.2%

 Feb 2020

I/O

Multifamily

FL

21.4

21.2

L+4.25%

6.1%

 Feb 2019

I/O

Multifamily

CA

20.9

20.7

L+3.90%

5.5%

 Mar 2021

I/O

Office

CO

19.6

19.6

L+3.95%

5.6%

Dec 2017

I/O

Office

PA

19.6

19.4

L+4.70%

6.4%

 Mar 2020

I/O

Office

FL

18.4

18.2

L+4.30%

6.1%

Apr 2020

I/O

Multifamily

NY

16.0

15.9

L+3.85%

5.4%

Nov 2017

I/O

Subordinated Debt and Preferred Equity Investments:















Multifamily

GA/FL

38.8

38.6

L+11.85%
(9)
13.3%

June 2021

I/O

Multifamily

NY

33.3

33.2

L+8.07%

9.5%

 Jan 2019

I/O

Office

NJ

17.0

16.3

12.00%

12.8%

 Jan 2026

I/O
(8)
Office

GA

14.3

14.3

9.50%

9.5%

 Aug 2017

I/O

Office

TX

10.0

9.9

14.00%

15.2%

 Dec 2018

I/O

Total/Weighted Average



$1,651.8

$1,641.4



6.4%





_______________________________________________________________________________

(1)
The difference between the Carrying Amount and the Outstanding Principal amount of the loans held for investment consists of unamortized purchase discount, deferred loan fees and loan origination costs.
(2)
Unleveraged Effective Yield is the compounded effective rate of return that would be earned over the life of the investment based on the contractual interest rate (adjusted for any deferred loan fees, costs, premium or discount) and assumes no dispositions, early prepayments or defaults. Unleveraged Effective Yield for each loan is calculated based on LIBOR as of June 30, 2017 or the LIBOR floor, as applicable. The Weighted Average Unleveraged Effective Yield is calculated based on the average of Unleveraged Effective Yield of all loans held by the Company as of June 30, 2017 as weighted by the Outstanding Principal balance of each loan.
(3)
Certain loans are subject to contractual extension options that vary between one and two 12 -month extensions and may be subject to performance based or other conditions as stipulated in the loan agreement. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities stated herein as certain borrowers may have the right to prepay with or without paying a prepayment penalty. The Company may also extend contractual maturities and amend other terms of the loans in connection with loan modifications.
(4)
I/O = interest only, P/I = principal and interest.
(5)
The senior mortgage loan is collateralized by a portfolio of self-storage, retail and office properties.  The total principal balance of the senior mortgage loan is $159.2 million as of June 30, 2017 , of which $122.2 million is allocable to the self-storage properties and $37.0 million is allocable to the retail and office properties (which amount

12



with respect to the retail and office properties, among other payments, is due prior to the October 2018 stated maturity date).
(6)
The senior mortgage loan is collateralized by a portfolio of self-storage properties and one retail property.  The total principal balance of the senior mortgage loan is $82.3 million as of June 30, 2017 , of which $70.2 million is allocable to the self-storage properties and $12.1 million is allocable to the retail property (which amount with respect to the retail property, among other payments, is due prior to the October 2018 stated maturity date).
(7)
In April 2017, the borrower exercised a one-year extension option in accordance with the loan agreement, which extended the maturity date on the senior Michigan loan to July 2018.
(8)
In May 2017, amortization began on the senior Ohio loan, which had an outstanding principal balance of $32.4 million as of June 30, 2017 . In February 2021, amortization will begin on the subordinated New Jersey loan, which had an outstanding principal balance of $ 17.0 million as of June 30, 2017 . The remainder of the loans in the Company’s portfolio are non-amortizing through their primary terms.
(9)
The preferred return is L+ 11.85% with 2.00% as payment-in-kind (“PIK”), to the extent cash flow is not available. There is no capped dollar amount on accrued PIK.

The Company has made, and may continue to make, modifications to loans. Loan terms that may be modified include interest rates, required prepayments, asset release prices, maturity dates, covenants, principal amounts and other loan terms. The terms and conditions of each modification vary based on individual circumstances and will be determined on a case by case basis.

For the six months ended June 30, 2017 , the activity in the Company’s loan portfolio was as follows ($ in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2016
$
1,313,937

Initial funding
412,321

Origination fees and discounts, net of costs
(4,709
)
Additional funding
9,512

Amortizing payments
(102
)
Loan payoffs
(92,164
)
Origination fee accretion
2,640

Balance at June 30, 2017
$
1,641,435


No imp airment charges have been recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 .

4 .   DEBT

Financing Agreements

The Company borrows funds, as applicable in a given period, under the Wells Fargo Facility, the Citibank Facility, the BAML Facility, the CNB Facility, the MetLife Facility, the UBS Facility and the U.S. Bank Facility (individually defined below and collectively, the “Secured Funding Agreements”) and the Secured Term Loan (as defined below). The Company refers to the Secured Funding Agreements and the Secured Term Loan as the “Financing Agreements.” The outstanding balance of the Financing Agreements in the table below are presented gross of debt issuance costs. As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the outstanding balances and total commitments under the Financing Agreements consisted of the following ($ in thousands):

13



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Outstanding Balance
 
Total
Commitment
 
Outstanding Balance
 
Total
Commitment
 
Wells Fargo Facility
$
334,295

 
$
500,000

(1)
$
218,064

 
$
325,000

 
Citibank Facility
204,943

 
250,000

(2)
302,240

 
250,000

(2)
BAML Facility
72,928

 
125,000

 
77,679

 
125,000

 
CNB Facility
—

 
50,000

 
—

 
50,000

 
MetLife Facility
53,130

 
180,000

 
53,130

 
180,000

 
UBS Facility
14,720

 
140,000

 
71,360

 
140,000

 
U.S. Bank Facility
129,721

 
185,989

(3)
58,240

 
125,000

 
Secured Term Loan
155,000

 
155,000

 
155,000


155,000

 
   Total
$
964,737

 
$
1,585,989

 
$
935,713

 
$
1,350,000

 
______________________________________________________________________________

(1)
In May 2017, the Company amended the Wells Fargo Facility (as defined below) to increase the facility’s commitment amount from $325.0 million to $500.0 million .
(2)
The Citibank Facility (as defined below) has an accordion feature that provides for an increase in the $250.0 million commitment amount with respect to approved assets, as determined by Citibank, N.A. in its sole discretion.
(3)
In June 2017, the Company amended the U.S. Bank Facility (as defined below) to increase the facility’s commitment amount from $125.0 million to $186.0 million .

Some of the Company’s Financing Agreements are collateralized by (i) assignments of specific loans, preferred equity or a pool of loans held for investment or loans held for sale owned by the Company, (ii) interests in the subordinated portion of the Company’s securitization debt, or (iii) interests in wholly owned entity subsidiaries that hold the Company’s loans held for investment. The Company is the borrower or guarantor under each of the Financing Agreements. Generally, the Company partially offsets interest rate risk by matching the interest index of loans held for investment with the Secured Funding Agreements used to fund them. The Company’s Financing Agreements contain various affirmative and negative covenants, including negative pledges, and provisions regarding events of default that are normal and customary for similar financing arrangements.

Wells Fargo Facility
 
The Company is party to a master repurchase funding facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”) (the “Wells Fargo Facility”), which allows the Company to borrow up to $500.0 million . Under the Wells Fargo Facility, the Company is permitted to sell, and later repurchase, certain qualifying senior commercial mortgage loans, A-Notes, pari passu participations in commercial mortgage loans and mezzanine loans under certain circumstances, subject to available collateral approved by Wells Fargo in its sole discretion. In May 2017, the Company amended the Wells Fargo Facility to increase the facility’s commitment amount from $325.0 million to $500.0 million and extend the initial maturity date to December 14, 2018. The initial maturity date of the Wells Fargo Facility is subject to two 12 -month extensions, each of which may be exercised at the Company’s option, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including payment of an extension fee, which, if both were exercised, would extend the maturity date of the Wells Fargo Facility to December 14, 2020. Advances under the Wells Fargo Facility accrue interest at a per annum rate equal to the sum of (i) one-month LIBOR plus (ii) a pricing margin range of 1.75% to 2.35% . The Company incurs a non-utilization fee of 25 basis points on the daily available balance of the Wells Fargo Facility to the extent less than 75% of the Wells Fargo Facility is utilized. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company incurred a non-utilization fee of $83 thousand and $92 thousand , respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company incurred a non-utilization fee of $80 thousand and $146 thousand , respectively. The non-utilization fee is included in interest expense within the consolidated statements of operations.
 
Citibank Facility

The Company is party to a $250.0 million master repurchase facility with Citibank, N.A. (“Citibank”) (the “Citibank Facility”). Under the Citibank Facility, the Company is permitted to sell and later repurchase certain qualifying senior commercial mortgage loans and A-Notes approved by Citibank in its sole discretion. The Citibank Facility has an accordion feature that provides for an increase in the $250.0 million commitment amount with respect to approved assets, as determined by Citibank in its sole discretion. The initial maturity date of the Citibank Facility is December 10, 2018, subject to three 12 -

14



month extensions, each of which may be exercised at the Company’s option assuming no existing defaults under the Citibank Facility and applicable extension fees being paid, which, if all three were exercised, would extend the maturity date of the Citibank Facility to December 8, 2021. Advances under the Citibank Facility accrue interest at a per annum rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus a pricing margin range of 2.25% to 2.50% , subject to certain exceptions. Advances applicable to assets funded under the Citibank Facility prior to December 8, 2016 accrue interest at a per annum rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus a pricing margin range of 2.00% to 2.50% . The Company incurs a non-utilization fee of 25 basis points on the daily available balance of the Citibank Facility. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company incurred a non-utilization fee of $62 thousand and $82 thousand , respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company incurred a non-utilization fee of $25 thousand and $93 thousand , respectively. The non-utilization fee is included in interest expense within the consolidated statements of operations.
 
BAML Facility

The Company is party to a $125.0 million Bridge Loan Warehousing Credit and Security Agreement with Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”) (the “BAML Facility”). Under the BAML Facility, the Company may obtain advances secured by eligible commercial mortgage loans collateralized by multifamily properties. Bank of America may approve the loans on which advances are made under the BAML Facility in its sole discretion. In May 2017, the Company amended the BAML Facility to extend the period during which the Company may request individual loans under the facility to May 24, 2018. Individual advances under the BAML Facility generally have a two -year maturity, subject to one 12 -month extension at the Company’s option upon the satisfaction of certain conditions and applicable extension fees being paid. In addition, in May 2017, the final maturity date of individual loans under the BAML Facility was extended to May 25, 2021. Advances under the BAML Facility accrue interest at a per annum rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.25% to 2.75% depending upon the type of asset securing such advance. The Company incurs a non-utilization fee of 12.5 basis points on the average daily available balance of the BAML Facility to the extent less than 50% of the BAML Facility is utilized. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company incurred a non-utilization fee of $22 thousand and $31 thousand , respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company incurred a non-utilization fee of $16 thousand and $32 thousand , respectively. The non-utilization fee is included in interest expense within the consolidated statements of operations.
 
  CNB Facility

The Company is party to a $50.0 million secured revolving funding facility with City National Bank (the “CNB Facility”). The Company is permitted to borrow funds under the CNB Facility to finance investments and for other working capital and general corporate needs. The initial maturity date of the CNB Facility is March 11, 2018. The Company has two 12 -month extensions, each of which may be exercised at the Company’s option, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including payment of an extension fee, which, if both were exercised, would extend the maturity date of the CNB Facility to March 10, 2020. Advances under the CNB Facility accrue interest at a per annum rate equal to the sum of, at the Company’s option, either (a) LIBOR for a one, two, three, six or, if available to all lenders, 12 -month interest period plus 3.00% or (b) a base rate (which is the highest of a prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.50% , or one month LIBOR plus 1.00% ) plus 1.25% ; provided that in no event shall the interest rate be less than 3.00% . Unless at least 75% of the CNB Facility is used on average, unused commitments under the CNB Facility accrue unused line fees at the rate of 0.375% per annum. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company incurred a non-utilization fee of $47 thousand and $94 thousand , respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company incurred a non-utilization fee of $2 thousand and $45 thousand , respectively. The non-utilization fee is included in interest expense within the consolidated statements of operations.

MetLife Facility     

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are party to a $180.0 million revolving master repurchase facility with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) (the “MetLife Facility”), pursuant to which the Company may sell, and later repurchase, commercial mortgage loans meeting defined eligibility criteria which are approved by MetLife in its sole discretion. The initial maturity date of the MetLife Facility is August 12, 2017. The Company has two 12 -month extensions, each of which may be exercised at the Company’s option, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including payment of an extension fee, which, if both were exercised, would extend the maturity date of the MetLife Facility to August 12, 2019. Advances under the MetLife Facility accrue interest at a per annum rate of one-month LIBOR plus 2.35% . The Company will pay MetLife, if applicable, an annual make-whole fee equal to the amount by which the aggregate price differential paid over the term of the MetLife Facility is less than the defined minimum price differential, unless certain conditions are met.




15



UBS Facility
 
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are party to a $140.0 million revolving master repurchase facility with UBS Real Estate Securities Inc. (“UBS”) (the “UBS Facility”), pursuant to which the Company may sell, and later repurchase, commercial mortgage loans and, under certain circumstances, other assets meeting defined eligibility criteria that are approved by UBS in its sole discretion. The maturity date of the UBS Facility is October 21, 2018, subject to annual extensions in UBS’ sole discretion. The price differential (or interest rate) on the UBS Facility is one-month LIBOR plus (a) 1.88% per annum, for assets that are subject to an advance for one year or less, (b) 2.08% per annum, for assets that are subject to an advance in excess of one year but less than two years and (c) 2.28% per annum, for assets that are subject to an advance for greater than two years; in each case, excluding amortization of commitment and exit fees. Upon termination of the UBS Facility, the Company will pay UBS, if applicable, the amount by which the aggregate price differential paid over the term of the UBS Facility is less than the defined minimum price differential and an exit fee, in each case, unless certain conditions are met.

U.S. Bank Facility

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are party to a $186.0 million master repurchase and securities contract with U.S. Bank National Association (“U.S. Bank”) (the “U.S. Bank Facility”). Pursuant to the U.S. Bank Facility, the Company is permitted to sell, and later repurchase, eligible commercial mortgage loans collateralized by retail, office, mixed-use, multifamily, industrial, hospitality, student housing, manufactured housing or self-storage properties. U.S. Bank may approve the mortgage loans that are subject to the U.S. Bank Facility in its sole discretion. In June 2017, the Company amended the U.S. Bank Facility to increase the facility’s commitment amount from $125.0 million to $186.0 million and extend the initial maturity date to July 31, 2020. The initial maturity date of the U.S. Bank Facility is subject to two 12 -month extensions, each of which may be exercised at the Company’s option, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including payment of an extension fee, which if both were exercised, would extend the maturity date of the U.S. Bank Facility to July 31, 2022. Advances under the U.S. Bank Facility generally accrue interest at a per annum rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus a spread of 2.25% , unless otherwise agreed between U.S. Bank and the Company, depending upon the mortgage loan sold to U.S. Bank in the applicable transaction. The Company incurs a non-utilization fee of 25 basis points per annum on the average daily available balance of the U.S. Bank Facility to the extent less than 50% of the U.S. Bank Facility is utilized. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company incurred a non-utilization fee of $42 thousand and $83 thousand , respectively. The non-utilization fee is included in interest expense within the consolidated statements of operations. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company did not incur a non-utilization fee.

Secured Term Loan

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are party to a $155.0 million Credit and Guaranty Agreement with Highbridge Principal Strategies, LLC, as administrative agent, and DBD Credit Funding LLC, as collateral agent (the “Secured Term Loan”). The Company made an initial draw of $75.0 million on December 9, 2015, the closing date. The Company drew the remaining $80.0 million of the Secured Term Loan on September 9, 2016. The Secured Term Loan bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 6.0% with a LIBOR floor of 1.0% on drawn amounts. The Secured Term Loan has a maturity date of December 9, 2018. The Company was subject to a monthly non-utilization fee equal to 1.0% per annum on the unused commitment amount during the nine -month commitment period following the closing date for which the $80.0 million of the Secured Term Loan was not utilized. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company did not incur a non-utilization fee. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company incurred a non-utilization fee of $202 thousand and $404 thousand , respectively. The non-utilization fee is included in interest expense within the consolidated statements of operations. The total original issue discount on the Secured Term Loan draws was $ 2.3 million , which represents a discount to the debt cost to be amortized into interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the Secured Term Loan. The estimated effective interest rate of the Secured Term Loan, which is equal to LIBOR (subject to a floor of 1.0% ) plus the stated rate of 6.0% plus the accretion of the original issue discount and associated costs, was 8.5% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 .











16



5.     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had the following commitments to fund various senior mortgage loans, subordinated debt investments, as well as preferred equity investments accounted for as loans held for investment ($ in thousands):
 
As of
 
June 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Total commitments
$
1,749,283

 
$
1,380,805

Less: funded commitments
(1,651,762
)
 
(1,311,655
)
Total unfunded commitments
$
97,521

 
$
69,150


The Company from time to time may be party to litigation relating to claims arising in the normal course of business. As of June 30, 2017 , the Company is not aware of any legal claims that could materially impact its business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
6 .   EQUITY

Stock Buyback Program

In May 2015, the Company announced that the Company’s board of directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $ 20.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock over a period of one year (the “Stock Buyback Program”). In February 2016, the Company’s board of directors increased the size of the existing $ 20.0 million Stock Buyback Program to $ 30.0 million and extended the Stock Buyback Program through March 31, 2017, which was not extended.

Common Stock

There were no shares issued in public or private offerings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 . See “Equity Incentive Plan” below for shares issued under the plan.

Equity Incentive Plan
 
On April 23, 2012, the Company adopted an equity incentive plan (the “2012 Equity Incentive Plan”). Pursuant to the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company may grant awards consisting of restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, restricted stock units and/or other equity-based awards to the Company’s outside directors, employees, officers, ACREM and other eligible awardees under the plan, subject to an aggregate limitation of 690,000 shares of common stock ( 7.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock immediately after giving effect to the issuance of the shares sold in the IPO). Any restricted shares of the Company’s common stock and restricted stock units will be accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation , resulting in share-based compensation expense equal to the grant date fair value of the underlying restricted shares of common stock or restricted stock units.
 
Restricted stock grants generally vest ratably over a one to four year period from the vesting start date. The grantee receives additional compensation for each outstanding restricted stock grant, classified as dividends paid, equal to the per-share dividends received by common stockholders.

The following table details the restricted stock grants awarded as of June 30, 2017 :


17



Grant Date
 
Vesting Start Date
 
Shares Granted
May 1, 2012
 
July 1, 2012
 
35,135
June 18, 2012
 
July 1, 2012
 
7,027
July 9, 2012
 
October 1, 2012
 
25,000
June 26, 2013
 
July 1, 2013
 
22,526
November 25, 2013
 
November 25, 2016
 
30,381
January 31, 2014
 
August 31, 2015
 
48,273
February 26, 2014
 
February 26, 2014
 
12,030
February 27, 2014
 
August 27, 2014
 
22,354
June 24, 2014
 
June 24, 2014
 
17,658
June 24, 2015
 
July 1, 2015
 
25,555
April 25, 2016
 
July 1, 2016
 
10,000
June 27, 2016
 
July 1, 2016
 
24,680
April 25, 2017
 
April 25, 2018
 
81,710
June 7, 2017
 
July 1, 2017
 
18,224
Total
 

 
380,553

The following tables summarize the (i) non-vested shares of restricted stock and (ii) the vesting schedule of shares of restricted stock for the Company’s directors and officers as of June 30, 2017 :

Schedule of Non-Vested Share and Share Equivalents

 
 Restricted Stock Grants—Directors
 
Restricted Stock Grants—Officer
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016
21,514

 
—

 
21,514

Granted
18,224

 
81,710

 
99,934

Vested
(14,842
)
 
—

 
(14,842
)
Forfeited
—

 
—

 
—

Balance at June 30, 2017
24,896

 
81,710

 
106,606


Future Anticipated Vesting Schedule
 
Restricted Stock Grants—Directors
 
Restricted Stock Grants—Officer
 
Total
2017
10,780

 
—

 
10,780

2018
12,448

 
27,237

 
39,685

2019
1,668

 
27,237

 
28,905

2020
—

 
27,236

 
27,236

2021
—

 
—

 
—

Total
24,896

 
81,710

 
106,606


Non-Controlling Interests

The non-controlling interests held by third parties in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets represent the equity interests in a limited liability company, ACRC KA Investor LLC (“ACRC KA”) that are not owned by the Company. A portion of ACRC KA’s consolidated equity and net income are allocated to these non-controlling interests held by third parties based on their pro-rata ownership of ACRC KA. As of December 31, 2016 , ACRC KA’s total equity was $21.7 million , of which $11.1 million was owned by the Company and $10.6 million was allocated to non-controlling interests held by third parties. As of June 30, 2017 , the equity interests in ACRC KA held by the Company and third parties had been repaid in full and as such, there was no equity outstanding that was allocated to non-controlling interests held by third parties. See Note 12 included in these consolidated financial state ments for more information on ACRC KA.


18



7.   EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following information sets forth the computations of basic and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations and discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 ($ in thousands, except share and per share data):
 
For the three months ended June 30,
 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
2017

2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net income from continuing operations, less non-controlling interests
$
6,713

 
$
6,004

 
$
13,166

 
$
11,474

Net income from discontinued operations
$
—

 
$
2,689

 
$
—

 
$
2,355

Divided by:


 


 


 


Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding:
28,475,853

 
28,428,703

 
28,472,356

 
28,479,015

Non-vested restricted stock
70,771

 
67,130

 
42,511

 
69,929

Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding:
28,546,624

 
28,495,833

 
28,514,867

 
28,548,944

Basic earnings per common share:


 


 


 


Continuing operations
$
0.24

 
$
0.21

 
$
0.46

 
$
0.40

Discontinued operations
—

 
0.09

 
—

 
0.08

Net income
$
0.24

 
$
0.31

 
$
0.46

 
$
0.49

Diluted earnings per common share:


 


 


 


Continuing operations
$
0.24

 
$
0.21

 
$
0.46

 
$
0.40

Discontinued operations
—

 
0.09

 
—

 
0.08

Net income
$
0.24

 
$
0.31

 
$
0.46

 
$
0.48


8.   INCOME TAX
    
The Company wholly owns ACRC Lender W TRS LLC and ACRC Lender U TRS LLC, which are taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRS”) formed in order to issue and hold certain loans intended for sale. The Company also wholly owns ACRC 2017-FL3 TRS LLC, which is a TRS formed in order to hold a portion of the CLO Securitization (as defined below) to the extent it generates excess inclusion income.

The income tax provision for the Company and the TRSs consisted of the following for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 ($ in thousands):

 
For the three months ended June 30,
 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
2017

2016
 
2017
 
2016
Current
$
7

 
$
3

 
$
10

 
$
7

Deferred
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Excise tax
20

 
—

 
85

 
—

   Total income tax expense, including excise tax
$
27

 
$
3

 
$
95

 
$
7


For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company recorded an expense of $20 thousand and $85 thousand , respectively, for U.S. federal excise tax. Excise tax represents a 4% tax on a portion of the required amount of the Company’s ordinary income and net capital gains not distributed during the year. If it is determined that the Company’s estimated current year taxable income plus any undistributed shortfall from its prior calendar year will be in excess of estimated dividend distributions (including capital gain dividend) for the current year, the Company will accrue excise tax on estimated excess taxable income as such taxable income is earned. The quarterly expense is calculated in accordance with applicable tax regulations.

The TRSs recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties, if any, are included within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

19




As of June 30, 2017 , tax years 2013 through 2016 remain subject to examination by taxing authorities. The Company does not have any unrecognized tax benefits and the Company does not expect that to change in the next 12 months.

9 .   FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 820-10, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820-10”), which expands the application of fair value accounting. ASC 820-10 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP and expands disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. ASC 820-10 determines fair value to be the price that would be received for a financial instrument in a current sale, which assumes an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820-10 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on the inputs used in measuring fair value.

In accordance with ASC 820-10, the inputs used to measure fair value are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

• Level 1-Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

•
Level 2-Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs. Observable inputs are inputs that other market participants would use in pricing a security. These may include quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk and others.

•
Level 3-Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs. In situations where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable (for example, when there is little or no market activity for an investment at the end of the period), unobservable inputs may be used.

GAAP requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the financial statements, for which it is practical to estimate the value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based upon the application of discount rates to estimated future cash flows using market yields, or other valuation methodologies. Any changes to the valuation methodology will be reviewed by the Company’s management to ensure the changes are appropriate. The methods used may produce a fair value calculation that is not indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values.  Furthermore, while the Company anticipates that the valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies, or assumptions, to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. The Company uses inputs that are current as of the measurement date, which may fall within periods of market dislocation, during which price transparency may be reduced.

As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company did not have any assets or liabilities required to be recorded at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis.
 
As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the carrying values and fair values of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities recorded at cost are as follows ($ in thousands):

 
 
 
As of
 
 
 
June 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Level in Fair Value Hierarchy
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Loans held for investment
3
 
$
1,641,435

 
$
1,651,762

 
$
1,313,937

 
$
1,322,195

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


   Secured funding agreements
2
 
$
809,737

 
$
809,737

 
$
780,713

 
$
780,713

   Secured term loan
2
 
151,112

 
155,000

 
149,878

 
155,000

Collateralized loan obligation securitization debt (consolidated VIE)
3
 
270,759

 
272,927

 
—

 
—



20



The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, interest receivable, due to affiliate liability and accrued expenses, which are all categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature.
 
Loans held for investment are recorded at cost, net of unamortized loan fees and origination costs and net of an allowance for loan losses. The Company may record fair value adjustments on a nonrecurring basis when it has determined that it is necessary to record a specific reserve against a loan and the Company measures such specific reserve using the fair value of the loan’s collateral. To determine the fair value of the collateral, the Company may employ different approaches depending on the type of collateral. The Financing Agreements and collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) securitization debt are recorded at outstanding principal, which is the Company’s best estimate of the fair value.
 
10 .   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Management Agreement

The Company is party to a Management Agreement under which ACREM, subject to the supervision and oversight of the Company’s board of directors, is responsible for, among other duties, (a) performing all of the Company’s day-to-day functions, (b) determining the Company’s investment strategy and guidelines in conjunction with the Company’s board of directors, (c) sourcing, analyzing and executing investments, asset sales and financing, and (d) performing portfolio management duties. In addition, ACREM has an Investment Committee that oversees compliance with the Company’s investment strategy and guidelines, investment portfolio holdings and financing strategy.
 
In exchange for its services, ACREM is entitled to receive a base management fee, an incentive fee, expense reimbursements, grants of equity-based awards pursuant to the Company’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan and a termination fee, if applicable.
 
The base management fee is equal to 1.5% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity per annum, which is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears in cash. For purposes of calculating the base management fee, stockholders’ equity means: (a) the sum of (i) the net proceeds from all issuances of the Company’s equity securities since inception (allocated on a pro rata daily basis for such issuances during the fiscal quarter of any such issuance), plus (ii) the Company’s retained earnings at the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter determined in accordance with GAAP (without taking into account any non-cash equity compensation expense incurred in current or prior periods); less (b) (x) any amount that the Company has paid to repurchase the Company’s common stock since inception, (y) any unrealized gains and losses and other non-cash items that have impacted stockholders’ equity as reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, and (z) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP, and certain non-cash items not otherwise described above, in each case after discussions between ACREM and the Company’s independent directors and approval by a majority of the Company’s independent directors. As a result, the Company’s stockholders’ equity, for purposes of calculating the management fee, could be greater or less than the amount of stockholders’ equity shown in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
The incentive fee is an amount, not less than zero , equal to the difference between: (a) the product of (i) 20%  and (ii) the difference between (A) the Company’s Core Earnings (as defined below) for the previous 12 -month period, and (B) the product of (1) the weighted average of the issue price per share of the Company’s common stock of all of the Company’s public offerings of common stock multiplied by the weighted average number of all shares of common stock outstanding including any restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, restricted stock units or any shares of the Company’s common stock not yet issued, but underlying other awards granted under the Company’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (see Note  6 included in these consolidated financial statements) in the previous 12 -month period, and (2) 8% ; and (b) the sum of any incentive fees earned by ACREM with respect to the first three fiscal quarters of such previous 12 -month period; provided , however , that no incentive fee is payable with respect to any fiscal quarter unless cumulative Core Earnings for the 12 most recently completed fiscal quarters is greater than zero . “Core Earnings” is a non-GAAP measure and is defined as GAAP net income (loss) computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding non-cash equity compensation expense, the incentive fee, depreciation and amortization (to the extent that any of the Company’s target investments are structured as debt and the Company forecloses on any properties underlying such debt), any unrealized gains, losses or other non-cash items recorded in net income (loss) for the period, regardless of whether such items are included in other comprehensive income or loss, or in net income (loss), and one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain non-cash charges after discussions between ACREM and the Company’s independent directors and after approval by a majority of the Company’s independent directors. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 , $113 thousand and $381 thousand , respectively, of incentive fees were incurred. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , no incentive fees were incurred.
 

21



The Company reimburses ACREM at cost for operating expenses that ACREM incurs on the Company’s behalf, including expenses relating to legal, financial, accounting, servicing, due diligence and other services.
 
The Company will not reimburse ACREM for the salaries and other compensation of its personnel, except for the allocable share of the salaries and other compensation of the Company’s (a) Chief Financial Officer, based on the percentage of his time spent on the Company’s affairs and (b) other corporate finance, tax, accounting, internal audit, legal, risk management, operations, compliance and other non-investment professional personnel of ACREM or its affiliates who spend all or a portion of their time managing the Company’s affairs based on the percentage of their time spent on the Company’s affairs. The Company is also required to pay its pro rata portion of rent, telephone, utilities, office furniture, equipment, machinery and other office, internal and overhead expenses of ACREM and its affiliates that are required for the Company’s operations. The term of the Management Agreement ends on May 1, 2018, with automatic one -year renewal terms thereafter. Except under limited circumstances, upon a termination of the Management Agreement, the Company will pay ACREM a termination fee equal to three times the average annual base management fee and incentive fee received by ACREM during the 24 -month period immediately preceding the most recently completed fiscal quarter prior to the date of termination, each as described above.
 
Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, along with the Company’s lenders under certain of the Company’s Secured Funding Agreements, as well as under the CLO transaction have entered into various servicing agreements with ACREM’s subsidiary servicer, Ares Commercial Real Estate Servicer LLC (“ACRES”). The Company’s Manager will specially service, as needed, certain of the Company’s investments. Effective May 1, 2012, ACRES agreed that no servicing fees pursuant to these servicing agreements would be charged to the Company or its subsidiaries by ACRES or the Manager for so long as the Management Agreement remains in effect, but that ACRES will continue to receive reimbursement for overhead related to servicing and operational activities pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement.
 
The following table summarizes the related party costs incurred by the Company related to continuing operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 and amounts payable to the Company’s Manager as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 ($ in thousands):

 
Incurred
 
Payable
 
For the three months ended June 30,
 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
As of
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
June 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Affiliate Payments


 
 
 


 
 
 


 
 
Management fees
$
1,541

 
$
1,338

 
$
3,085

 
$
2,690

 
$
1,541

 
$
1,549

Incentive fees
113

 
—

 
381


—

 
113

 
27

General and administrative expenses
949

 
660

 
1,897

 
1,557

 
949

 
1,024

Direct costs
28

(1)
157

(2)
88

(1)
503

(2)
22

 
99

   Total
$
2,631

 
$
2,155

 
$
5,451

 
$
4,750

 
$
2,625

 
$
2,699

______________________________________________________________________________

(1)
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 , direct costs incurred are included in general and administrative expenses within the consolidated statements of operations.
(2)
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , direct costs incurred are included in (i) general and administrative expenses of $108 thousand and $261 thousand , respectively, and (ii) interest expense of $49 thousand and $242 thousand , respectively, within the consolidated statements of operations.

Credit Support Fee Agreement

In July 2014, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a Credit Support Fee Agreement with Ares Management under which the Company agreed to pay Ares Management a credit support fee in an amount equal to 1.50% per annum times the average amount of the loans outstanding under the $75 million revolving funding facility (the “July 2014 CNB Facility”) with City National Bank and to reimburse Ares Management for its out-of-pocket costs and expenses in connection with the transaction. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company incurred a credit support fee of $49 thousand and $242 thousand , respectively, under the July 2014 CNB Facility which is included within interest expense in the

22



Company’s consolidated statements of operations. On September 30, 2016, the July 2014 CNB Facility was repaid in full and its terms were not extended. In conjunction with the repayment in full of the July 2014 CNB Facility, the Credit Support Fee Agreement was terminated.

11.   DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

The following table summarizes the Company’s dividends declared during the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 ($ in thousands, except per share data):

Date Declared
 
Record Date
 
Payment Date
 
Per Share Amount
 
Total Amount
May 2, 2017
 
June 30, 2017
 
July 17, 2017
 
$
0.27

 
$
7,718

March 7, 2017
 
March 31, 2017
 
April 17, 2017
 
0.27

 
7,690

Total cash dividends declared for the six months ended June 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
$
0.54

 
$
15,408

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 5, 2016
 
June 30, 2016
 
July 15, 2016
 
$
0.26

 
$
7,413

March 1, 2016
 
March 31, 2016
 
April 15, 2016
 
0.26

 
7,429

Total cash dividends declared for the six months ended June 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
$
0.52

 
$
14,842


12 .   VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

Consolidated VIEs

As discussed in Note  2 , the Company evaluates all of its investments and other interests in entities for consolidation, including its investments in: (a) the CLO securitization and (b) a preferred equity investment in an LLC entity (discussed below), all of which are generally considered to be variable interests in a VIE.

CLO Securitization

On March 2, 2017, ACRE Commercial Mortgage 2017-FL3 Ltd. (the “Issuer”) and ACRE Commercial Mortgage 2017-FL3 LLC (the “Co-Issuer”), both wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of the Company, entered into an Indenture (the “Indenture”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as advancing agent and note administrator, and Wilmington Trust, National Association as trustee, which governs the issuance of approximately $308.8 million principal balance secured floating rate notes (the “Notes”) and $32.4 million of preferred equity in the Issuer (the “CLO Securitization”). For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Issuer and Co-Issuer are disregarded entities.
 
The Notes are collateralized by interests in a pool of twelve mortgage assets having a total principal balance of approximately $341.2 million (the “Mortgage Assets”) that were originated by a subsidiary of the Company. During the reinvestment period ending on March 15, 2019, the Company may direct the Issuer to acquire additional mortgage assets meeting applicable reinvestment criteria using the principal repayments from the Mortgage Assets, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including receipt of a Rating Agency Confirmation and investor approval of the new mortgage assets.
 
The contribution of the Mortgage Assets to the Issuer is governed by a Mortgage Asset Purchase Agreement between ACRC Lender LLC (the “Seller”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and the Issuer, and acknowledged by the Company solely for purposes of confirming its status as a REIT, in which the Seller made certain customary representations, warranties and covenants.
 
In connection with the securitization, the Issuer and Co-Issuer offered and issued the following classes of Notes: Class A, Class A-S, Class B, Class C and Class D Notes (collectively, the “Offered Notes”) to a third party.  A wholly owned subsidiary of the Company retained approximately $35.8 million of the Notes and all of the $32.4 million of preferred equity in the Issuer, which totaled $68.2 million . The Company, as the holder of the subordinated Notes and all of the preferred equity in the Issuer, has the obligation to absorb losses of the CLO, since the Company has a first loss position in the capital structure of the CLO.
 

23



After March 15, 2021, the Issuer may redeem the Offered Notes subject to paying a make whole prepayment fee of 1.0% of the then outstanding balance of the Offered Notes. In addition, once the Class A Notes, Class A-S Notes, Class B Notes and Class C Notes have been repaid in full, the Issuer has the right to redeem the Class D Notes, subject to paying a make whole prepayment fee of 1.0% on the Class D Notes.
 
As the directing holder of the CLO Securitization, the Company has the ability to direct activities that could significantly impact the CLO Securitization’s economic performance. ACRES is designated as special servicer of the CLO Securitization and has the power to direct activities during the loan workout process on defaulted and delinquent loans, which is the activity that most significantly impacts the CLO Securitization’s economic performance. ACRES did not waive the special servicing fee, and the Company pays its overhead costs. If an unrelated third party had the right to unilaterally remove the special servicer, then the Company would not have the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the CLO Securitization’s economic performance. In addition, there were no substantive kick-out rights of any unrelated third party to remove the special servicer without cause. The Company’s subsidiaries, as directing holders, have the ability to remove the special servicer without cause. Based on these factors, the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary of the CLO Securitization; thus, the CLO Securitization is consolidated into the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The CLO Securitization is consolidated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 810 and is structured as a pass through entity that receives principal and interest on the underlying collateral and distributes those payments to the note holders, as applicable. The assets and other instruments held by the CLO Securitization are restricted and can only be used to fulfill the obligations of the CLO Securitization. Additionally, the obligations of the CLO Securitization do not have any recourse to the general credit of any other consolidated entities, nor to the Company as the primary beneficiary.

The inclusion of the assets and liabilities of the CLO Securitization of which the Company is deemed the primary beneficiary has no economic effect on the Company. The Company’s exposure to the obligations of the CLO Securitization is generally limited to its investment in the entity. The Company is not obligated to provide, nor has it provided, any financial support for the consolidated structure. As such, the risk associated with the Company’s involvement in the CLO Securitization is limited to the carrying value of its investment in the entity. As of June 30, 2017 , the Company’s maximum risk of loss was $68.2 million , which represents the carrying value of its investment in the CLO Securitization. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company incurred interest expense related to the CLO Securitization of $1.9 million and $2.5 million , respectively, which is included within interest expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Investment in VIE

On December 19, 2014, the Company and third party institutional investors formed a limited liability company, ACRC KA, which acquired $170.0 million of preferred equity in a REIT whose assets were comprised of a portfolio of 22 multifamily, student housing, medical office and self-storage properties managed by its sponsor. The Company’s investment in ACRC KA was considered to be an investment in a VIE. As of December 31, 2016 , the Company owned a controlling financial interest of 51.0% of the equity shares in the VIE and the third party institutional investors owned the remaining 49.0% minority financial interest. The preferred equity shares were entitled to a preferred monthly return over the term of the investment at a fixed rate of 10.95% per annum. In January 2017, the Company’s investment in ACRC KA was repaid in full. Accordingly, as of June 30, 2017 , the Company’s investment was no longer outstanding.
    
ACREM was the non-member manager of the VIE. Based on the terms of the ACRC KA LLC agreement, ACREM had the ability to direct activities that could significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. There were no substantive kick-out rights held by the third party institutional investors to remove ACREM as the non-member manager without cause. As ACREM served as the manager of the Company, the Company had the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant. As such, the Company was deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE and the party that was most closely associated with the VIE. Thus, the VIE was consolidated into the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the preferred equity interests owned by the third party institutional investors were reflected as a non-controlling interest held by third parties within the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
    
As of December 31, 2016 , the carrying value of the preferred equity investment, which is net of unamortized fees and origination costs, was $21.3 million , and was included within loans held for investment in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The risk associated solely with respect to the Company’s investment in this VIE was limited to the outstanding principal of its investment in the entity. As of December 31, 2016 , the Company’s maximum risk of loss solely with respect to this investment was $11.0 million .




24



Unconsolidated VIEs
 
The Company also holds variable interests in VIEs structured as preferred equity investments, where the Company does not have a controlling financial interest. For these structures, the Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, and the Company does not consolidate these VIEs. These preferred equity investments are accounted for as loans held for investment and are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan fees and origination costs, unless the loans are deemed impaired, and are included within loans held for investment in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
 
The Company is not obligated to provide, nor has it provided, any financial support for any of the Company’s unconsolidated VIEs. As such, the risks associated with the Company’s involvement in these unconsolidated VIEs are limited to the outstanding principal of the Company’s investment in the entity.

The following table presents the carrying value and the maximum exposure to loss of unconsolidated VIEs as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 ($ in thousands):
 
As of
 
June 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Carrying value
$
38,536

 
$
37,373

Maximum exposure to loss
$
38,816

 
$
37,679


13 .   DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

ACRE Capital primarily originated, sold and serviced multifamily and senior-living related loans under programs offered by government-sponsored enterprises, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and by government agencies, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”) and the Federal Housing Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (together with Ginnie Mae, “HUD”). ACRE Capital was approved as a Fannie Mae Delegated Underwriting and Servicing lender, a Freddie Mac Program Plus® Seller/Servicer, a Multifamily Accelerated Processing and Section 232 LEAN lender for HUD, and a Ginnie Mae issuer. While ACRE Capital earned little interest income from these activities because it generally only held loans for short periods, ACRE Capital received origination fees when it closed loans and sale premiums when it sold loans. ACRE Capital also retained the rights to service the loans, which were known as mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”), and received fees for such servicing during the life of the loans, which generally lasted 10 years or more.

On September 30, 2016, the Company closed the ACRE Capital Sale for a purchase price of $93 million in accordance with the Agreement dated June 28, 2016.

25




Discontinued Operations - Financial Summary

The following information reconciles the net income from operations of discontinued operations, net of income taxes, that are presented separately in the consolidated statements of operations ($ in thousands):

For the three months ended June 30, 2016
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2016
Mortgage banking revenue:


 


Servicing fees, net
$
2,924

 
$
6,966

Gains from mortgage banking activities
10,813

 
13,172

Provision for loss sharing
61

 
289

Change in fair value of mortgage servicing rights
(2,047
)
 
(3,895
)
Mortgage banking revenue
11,751

 
16,532

Expenses:


 


Management fees to affiliate
145

 
292

Professional fees
162

 
371

Compensation and benefits
5,960

 
10,244

Transaction costs
515

 
515

General and administrative expenses
942

 
2,038

General and administrative expenses reimbursed to affiliate
306

 
437

Total expenses
8,030

 
13,897

Income from operations before income taxes
3,721

 
2,635

Income tax expense
1,032

 
280

Net income from operations of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
$
2,689

 
$
2,355


Revenue Recognition

Servicing fees were earned for servicing mortgage loans, including all activities related to servicing the loans, and were recognized as services were provided over the life of the related mortgage loan. Also included in servicing fees were the net fees earned on borrower prepayment penalties and interest earned on borrowers’ escrow payments and interim cash balances, along with other ancillary fees and reduced by write-offs of MSRs for loans that were prepaid, changes in the fair value of the servicing fee payable (defined below) and interest expense related to escrow accounts. ACRE Capital provided additional payments to certain personnel by providing them with a percentage of the servicing fee revenue that was earned by ACRE Capital, which was initially recorded as a liability when ACRE Capital committed to make a loan to a borrower (the “servicing fee payable”). Servicing fees, net are included within net income from operations of discontinued operations, net of income taxes, in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
 
Gains from mortgage banking activities included the initial fair value of MSRs, loan origination fees, gain on the sale of loans originated, interest income and fees earned on loans held for sale, changes to the fair value of derivative financial instruments attributable to the loan commitments and forward sale commitments and reduced by the expense related to the initial fair value of the servicing fee payable and the interest expense related to the Warehouse Lines of Credit (as defined below). The initial fair value of MSRs, loan origination fees, gain on the sale of loans originated, certain direct loan origination costs for loans held for sale and the expenses related to the initial fair value of the servicing fee payable were recognized when ACRE Capital committed to make a loan to a borrower. When ACRE Capital settled a sale agreement and transferred the mortgage loan to the buyer, ACRE Capital recognized a MSR asset equal to the present value of the expected net cash flows associated with the servicing of loans sold. Gains from mortgage banking activities are included within net income from operations of discontinued operations, net of income taxes, in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.







26



Derivatives

Non-designated Hedges
 
Derivatives not designated as hedges were derivatives that did not meet the criteria for hedge accounting under GAAP or for which ACRE Capital had not elected to designate as hedges.
 
Loan commitments and forward sale commitments
 
ACRE Capital entered into loan commitments with borrowers on loan originations whereby the interest rate on the prospective loan was determined prior to funding. In general, ACRE Capital simultaneously entered into forward sale commitments with investors in order to hedge against the interest rate exposure on loan commitments. The forward sale commitment with the investor locked in an interest rate and price for the sale of the loan. The terms of the loan commitment with the borrower and the forward sale commitment with the investor were matched with the objective of hedging interest rate risk. Loan commitments and forward sale commitments were considered undesignated derivative instruments. Accordingly, such commitments, along with any related fees received from potential borrowers, were recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , ACRE Capital entered into 13 and 19 loan commitments, respectively, and 13 and 19 forward sale commitments, respectively.
 
Income Tax

The Company established a TRS, TRS Holdings, in connection with the acquisition of ACRE Capital. TRS Holdings' income tax provision consisted of the following for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 ($ in thousands):
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2016
For the six months ended June 30, 2016
Current
$
(127
)
$
(402
)
Deferred
1,159

682

   Total income tax expense
$
1,032

$
280


Deferred income taxes reflected the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. TRS Holdings was not subject to tax in any foreign tax jurisdiction.

TRS Holdings recognized interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within net income from operations of discontinued operations, net of income taxes, in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

The following table is a reconciliation of TRS Holdings’ statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to TRS Holdings’ effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 :

 
For the three months ended June 30, 2016
For the six months ended June 30, 2016
Federal statutory rate
35.0
 %
35.0
 %
State income taxes
3.6
 %
3.6
 %
Federal benefit of state tax deduction
(1.3
)%
(1.3
)%
Effective tax rate
37.3
 %
37.3
 %

As of June 30, 2017 , tax years 2013 through 2016 remained subject to examination by taxing authorities. TRS Holdings did not have any unrecognized tax benefits.

Intercompany Notes

In connection with the acquisition of ACRE Capital, the Company partially capitalized TRS Holdings with a $44.0 million note. In October 2014, the Company entered into an $8.0 million revolving promissory note with TRS Holdings (collectively, the two intercompany notes described above are referred to as the “Intercompany Notes”). In connection with the ACRE Capital Sale, the Intercompany Notes were repaid in full with the proceeds from the sale on September 30, 2016. As of

27



June 30, 2016 , the outstanding principal balance of the Intercompany Notes was $51.9 million. The income statement effects of the Intercompany Notes were eliminated in consolidation for financial reporting purposes, but the interest income and expense from the Intercompany Notes affected the taxable income of the Company and TRS Holdings.
 
Related Party Transactions

The following table summarizes the related party costs incurred by the Company related to discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 ($ in thousands):

 
For the three months ended June 30, 2016
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2016
Affiliate Payments
 
 
 
Management fees (1)
$
145

 
$
292

General and administrative expenses (1)
306

 
437

Direct costs (1)
4

 
33

   Total
$
455

 
$
762

______________________________________________________________________________

(1)
Management fees incurred are included in management fees to affiliate, general and administrative expenses incurred are included in general and administrative expenses reimbursed to affiliate and direct costs incurred are included in general and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 in the reconciliation of net income from operations of discontinued operations, net of income taxes.

14 .   SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company’s management has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements included herein. There have been no subsequent events that occurred during such period that would require disclosure in this Form  10-Q or would be required to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2017 , except as disclosed below.

On July 12, 2017, the Company originated an $18.1 million senior mortgage loan on a multifamily property located in California. At closing, the outstanding principal balance was approximately $13.4 million . The loan has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.80% (plus fees) and an initial term of three years.

On July 17, 2017, the Company originated a $39.7 million senior mortgage loan on a student housing property located in North Carolina. At closing, the outstanding principal balance was approximately $38.4 million . The loan has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 4.75% (plus fees) and an initial term of one and a half years.

On August 3, 2017 , the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.27 per common share for the third quarter of 2017 . The third quarter 2017 dividend is payable on October 16, 2017 to common stockholders of record as of September 29, 2017 .





28



Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    
Some of the statements contained in this quarterly report constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and we intend such statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions contained therein. The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. This description contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements due to the factors set forth in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 . In addition, some of the statements in this quarterly report (including in the following discussion) constitute forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or the future performance or financial condition of Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation (“ACRE” and, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”). The forward-looking statements contained in this report involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements concerning:
•
our business and investment strategy;

•
our projected operating results;

•
the return or impact of current and future investments;

•
the timing of cash flows, if any, from our investments;

•
estimates relating to our ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future;

•
defaults by borrowers in paying debt service on outstanding indebtedness;

•
our ability to obtain and maintain financing arrangements, including securitizations;

•
market conditions and our ability to access alternative debt markets and additional debt and equity capital;

•
the amount of commercial mortgage loans requiring refinancing;

•
our expected investment capacity and available capital;

•
financing and advance rates for our target investments;

•
our expected leverage;

•
changes in interest rates and the market value of our investments;

•
effects of hedging instruments on our target investments;

•
rates of default or decreased recovery rates on our target investments;

•
rates of prepayments on our mortgage loans and the effect on our business of such prepayments;

•
the degree to which our hedging strategies may or may not protect us from interest rate volatility;

•
availability of investment opportunities in mortgage-related and real estate-related investments and securities;

•
the ability of Ares Commercial Real Estate Management LLC (“ACREM” or our “Manager”) to locate suitable investments for us, monitor, service and administer our investments and execute our investment strategy;

•
allocation of investment opportunities to us by our Manager;

•
our ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate any acquisitions;


29



•
our ability to maintain our qualification as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

•
our ability to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”);

•
our understanding of our competition;

•
general volatility of the securities markets in which we may invest;

•
adverse changes in the real estate, real estate capital and credit markets and the impact of a protracted decline in the liquidity of credit markets on our business;

•
changes in governmental regulations, tax law and rates, and similar matters (including interpretation thereof);

•
actions and initiatives of the U.S. Government and changes to U.S. Government policies;

•
the state of the U.S. economy generally or in specific geographic regions;

•
uncertainty surrounding the financial stability of the United States, European Union and China;

•
global economic trends and economic recoveries;

•
market trends in our industry, interest rates, real estate values, the debt securities markets or the general economy; and

•
our ability to redeploy the net proceeds from the sale of ACRE Capital Holdings LLC, the holding company that owned our mortgage banking subsidiary, ACRE Capital LLC (“ACRE Capital”).

We use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “should,” “may” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Our actual results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements for any reason, including the factors set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

We have based the forward-looking statements included in this quarterly report on information available to us on the date of this quarterly report, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

Overview

We are a specialty finance company primarily engaged in originating and investing in commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans and related investments. We are externally managed by ACREM, a subsidiary of Ares Management, L.P. (NYSE: ARES) (“Ares Management”), a publicly traded, leading global alternative asset manager, pursuant to the terms of the management agreement dated April 25, 2012, as amended, between us and our Manager (the “Management Agreement”). From the commencement of our operations in late 2011, we have been primarily focused on directly originating and managing a diversified portfolio of CRE debt-related investments for our own account.

We were formed and commenced operations in late 2011. We are a Maryland corporation and completed our initial public offering in May 2012. We have elected and qualified to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2012. We generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, to the extent that we annually distribute all of our REIT taxable income to stockholders and comply with various other requirements as a REIT. We also operate our business in a manner that will permit us to maintain our exemption from registration under the 1940 Act.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act, and we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies.” In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for complying with new or revised accounting standards. However,

30



we chose to “opt out” of such extended transition period, and as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.

We could remain an “emerging growth company” for up to five years, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues exceed $1.0 billion, (ii) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act which would occur if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, or (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three-year period. Unless any of the above criteria are met earlier, starting December 31, 2017, we will no longer be treated as an “emerging growth company.”

Developments During the Second Quarter of 2017 :

•
ACRE originated a $65.0 million senior mortgage loan on an office property located in Colorado.
•
ACRE originated a $27.1 million senior mortgage loan on a multifamily property located in California.
•
ACRE originated a $43.0 million senior mortgage loan on a student housing property located in California.
•
ACRE originated a $56.7 million senior mortgage loan on an office property located in New Jersey.
•
ACRE originated a $110.0 million senior mortgage loan on an office property located in Texas.
•
ACRE originated a $19.0 million senior mortgage loan on an office property located in Florida.
•
ACRE amended the Wells Fargo Facility (as defined below) to increase the facility’s commitment amount from $325.0 million to $500.0 million and extend the initial maturity date to December 14, 2018.
•
ACRE amended the BAML Facility (as defined below), which has a commitment amount of $125.0 million, to extend the period during which we may request individual loans under the facility to May 24, 2018. In addition, the final maturity date of individual loans under the BAML Facility was extended to May 25, 2021.
•
ACRE amended the U.S. Bank Facility (as defined below) to increase the facility’s commitment amount from $125.0 million to $186.0 million and extend the initial maturity date to July 31, 2020.

Factors Impacting Our Operating Results

The results of our operations are affected by a number of factors and primarily depend on, among other things, the level of our net interest income, the market value of our assets and the supply of, and demand for, commercial mortgage loans, CRE debt and other financial assets in the marketplace. Our net interest income, which reflects the amortization of origination fees and direct costs, is recognized based on the contractual rate and the outstanding principal balance of the loans we originate. Interest rates will vary according to the type of investment, conditions in the financial markets, credit worthiness of our borrowers, competition and other factors, none of which can be predicted with any certainty. Our operating results may also be impacted by credit losses in excess of initial anticipations or unanticipated credit events experienced by borrowers.

Investment Portfolio

As of June 30, 2017 , our portfolio totaled 38 loans held for investment, excluding 50 loans that were repaid or sold since inception. Such investments are referred to herein as our investment portfolio. As of June 30, 2017 , the aggregate originated commitment under these loans at closing was approximately $1.8 billion and outstanding principal was $1.7 billion . During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , we funded approximately $421.8 million of outstanding principal and received repayments of $81.7 million of outstanding principal, excluding non-controlling interests held by third parties. As of June 30, 2017 , 89.0% of our loans have London Interbank Offered Rates (“LIBOR”) floors, with a weighted average floor of 0.56% , calculated based on loans with LIBOR floors. References to LIBOR or “L” are to 30-day LIBOR (unless otherwise specifically stated).

As of June 30, 2017 , all loans were paying in accordance with their contractual terms. During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , there were no impairments with respect to our loans held for investment.

Our loans held for investment are accounted for at amortized cost. The following table summarizes our loans held for investment as of June 30, 2017 ($ in thousands):

31



 
As of June 30, 2017
 
Carrying Amount (1)
 
Outstanding Principal (1)
 
Weighted Average Minimum Loan Borrowing Spread (2)
 
Weighted Average Unleveraged Effective Yield (3)
 
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)
Senior mortgage loans
$
1,529,155

 
$
1,538,370

 
4.8
%
 
6.0
%
 
1.9
Subordinated debt and preferred equity investments
112,280

 
113,392

 
10.7
%
 
11.8
%
 
3.2
Total loans held for investment portfolio
$
1,641,435

 
$
1,651,762

 
5.2
%
 
6.4
%
 
2.0
_____________________________________________________________________________

(1)
The difference between the Carrying Amount and the Outstanding Principal amount of the loans held for investment consists of unamortized purchase discount, deferred loan fees and loan origination costs.
(2)
Minimum Loan Borrowing Spread is equal to (a) for floating rate loans, the margin above the applicable index rate (e.g., LIBOR) plus floors, if any, on such applicable index rates, and (b) for fixed rate loans, the applicable interest rate.
(3)
Unleveraged Effective Yield is the compounded effective rate of return that would be earned over the life of the investment based on the contractual interest rate (adjusted for any deferred loan fees, costs, premium or discount) and assumes no dispositions, early prepayments or defaults. The Total Weighted Average Unleveraged Effective Yield is calculated based on the average of Unleveraged Effective Yield of all loans held by us as of June 30, 2017 as weighted by the Outstanding Principal balance of each loan.

Non-Controlling Interests

The non-controlling interests held by third parties in our consolidated financial statements represent the equity interests in ACRC KA Investor LLC (“ACRC KA”) that are not owned by us. In January 2017, our investment in ACRC KA was repaid in full. Accordingly, as of June 30, 2017 , our investment was no longer outstanding.

A reconciliation of our interest income from loans held for investment, excluding non-controlling interests, to our interest income from loans held for investment as included within our consolidated statements of operations is as follows ($ in thousands):
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2017
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2017
Interest income from loans held for investment, excluding non-controlling interests
$
22,643

 
$
43,735

Interest income from non-controlling interest investment held by third parties
—

 
35

Interest income from loans held for investment
$
22,643

 
$
43,770


See Notes 6 and 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for more information about ACRC KA.

Critical Accounting Policies
 
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. The estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors management believes to be reasonable. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions. There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 . See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q , which describes recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet required to be adopted by us.





32



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 ($ thousands):

 
For the three months ended June 30,
 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net interest margin
$
10,411

 
$
10,514

 
$
20,750

 
$
20,739

Total expenses
3,671

 
3,219

 
7,464

 
6,681

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
6,740

 
7,295

 
13,286

 
14,058

Income tax expense, including excise tax
27

 
3

 
95

 
7

Net income from continuing operations
6,713

 
7,292

 
13,191

 
14,051

Net income from operations of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
—

 
2,689

 
—

 
2,355

Net income attributable to ACRE
6,713

 
9,981

 
13,191

 
16,406

Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
—

 
(1,288
)
 
(25
)
 
(2,577
)
Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
6,713

 
$
8,693

 
$
13,166

 
$
13,829


The following tables set forth select details of our consolidated results of operations from continuing operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 ($ thousands):

Net Interest Margin
 
For the three months ended June 30,
 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Interest income from loans held for investment
$
22,643

 
$
18,929

 
$
43,770

 
$
37,679

Interest expense
(12,232
)
 
(8,415
)
 
(23,020
)
 
(16,940
)
Net interest margin
$
10,411

 
$
10,514

 
$
20,750

 
$
20,739


For the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , net interest margin was approximately $10.4 million and $10.5 million , respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , interest income from loans held for investment of $22.6 million and $18.9 million , respectively, was generated by weighted average earning assets of $1.4 billion and $1.2 billion , respectively, offset by $12.2 million and $8.4 million , respectively, of interest expense, unused fees and amortization of deferred loan costs. The weighted average borrowings under the Wells Fargo Facility, the Citibank Facility, the BAML Facility, the CNB Facility, the MetLife Facility, the UBS Facility and the U.S. Bank Facility (individually defined above or below and collectively, the “Secured Funding Agreements”) and securitization debt and the Secured Term Loan (defined above) were $1.0 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and $835.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 (which included two facilities which were subsequently paid in full). The increase in interest income from loans held for investment and interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2016 primarily relates to an increase in our weighted average earning assets and weighted average borrowings for the three months ended June 30, 2017 .

For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , net interest margin was approximately $20.8 million and $20.7 million , respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , interest income from loans held for investment of $43.8 million and $37.7 million , respectively, was generated by weighted average earning assets of $1.4 billion and $1.2 billion , respectively, offset by $23.0 million and $16.9 million , respectively, of interest expense, unused fees and amortization of deferred loan costs. The weighted average borrowings under the Secured Funding Agreements and securitization debt and the Secured Term Loan were $1.0 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and $840.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 (which included two facilities which were subsequently paid in full). The increase in interest income from loans held for investment and interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily relates to an increase in our weighted average earning assets and weighted average borrowings for the six months ended June 30, 2017 .


33



Operating Expenses

The operating expenses below do not include expenses of ACRE Capital. See Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for more information about the operating expenses of ACRE Capital.
 
For the three months ended June 30,
 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Management and incentive fees to affiliate
$
1,654

 
$
1,338

 
$
3,466

 
$
2,690

Professional fees
428

 
535

 
819

 
1,025

General and administrative expenses
640

 
686

 
1,282

 
1,409

General and administrative expenses reimbursed to affiliate
949

 
660

 
1,897

 
1,557

Total expenses
$
3,671

 
$
3,219

 
$
7,464

 
$
6,681


For the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , we incurred operating expenses of $3.7 million and $3.2 million, respectively. As discussed below, the increase in operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2016 primarily relates to incentive fees due to our Manager for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and an increase in management fees and general and administrative expenses due to our Manager that were allocated to continuing operations.

For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , we incurred operating expenses of $7.5 million and $6.7 million , respectively. As discussed below, the increase in operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily relates to incentive fees due to our Manager for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and an increase in management fees and general and administrative expenses due to our Manager that were allocated to continuing operations.

Related Party Expenses

For the three months ended June 30, 2017 , related party expenses included $1.5 million in management fees due to our Manager and $0.9 million for our share of allocable general and administrative expenses for which we were required to reimburse our Manager pursuant to the Management Agreement. For the three months ended June 30, 2016 , related party expenses included $1.3 million in management fees due to our Manager and $0.7 million for our share of allocable general and administrative expenses for which we were required to reimburse our Manager pursuant to the Management Agreement. The increase in management fees due to our Manager for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2016 primarily relates to an increase in management fees that were allocated to continuing operations subsequent to the closing of the sale of ACRE Capital on September 30, 2016. The increase in general and administrative expenses due to our Manager for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2016 primarily relates to an increase in general and administrative expenses that were allocated to continuing operations as employees of our Manager allocated a significant percentage of their time during the three months ended June 30, 2016 to discontinued operations for due diligence work associated with the closing of the sale of ACRE Capital. For the three months ended June 30, 2017 , related party expenses also included $0.1 million in incentive fees due to our Manager. For the three months ended June 30, 2016 , there were no incentive fees due to our Manager.

For the six months ended June 30, 2017 , related party expenses included $3.1 million in management fees due to our Manager and $1.9 million for our share of allocable general and administrative expenses for which we were required to reimburse our Manager pursuant to the Management Agreement. For the six months ended June 30, 2016 , related party expenses included $2.7 million in management fees due to our Manager and $1.6 million for our share of allocable general and administrative expenses for which we were required to reimburse our Manager pursuant to the Management Agreement. The increase in management fees due to our Manager for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily relates to an increase in management fees that were allocated to continuing operations subsequent to the closing of the sale of ACRE Capital on September 30, 2016. The increase in general and administrative expenses due to our Manager for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily relates to an increase in general and administrative expenses that were allocated to continuing operations as employees of our Manager allocated a significant percentage of their time during the six months ended June 30, 2016 to discontinued operations for due diligence work associated with the closing of the sale of ACRE Capital. For the six months ended June 30, 2017 , related party expenses also included $0.4 million in incentive fees due to our Manager. For the six months ended June 30, 2016 , there were no incentive fees due to our Manager.


34



Other Expenses

For the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , professional fees were $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The decrease in professional fees for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2016 primarily relates to a decrease in our use of third party professionals due to changes in transaction activity year over year. For the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , general and administrative expenses were $0.6 million and $0.7 million , respectively, which was relatively consistent for both periods.

For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , professional fees were $0.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively. The decrease in professional fees for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily relates to a decrease in our use of third party professionals due to changes in transaction activity year over year. For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , general and administrative expenses were $1.3 million and $1.4 million , respectively, which was relatively consistent for both periods.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity is a measure of our ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund and maintain our assets and operations, make distributions to our stockholders and other general business needs. We use significant cash to purchase our target investments, make principal and interest payments on our borrowings, make distributions to our stockholders and fund our operations. Our primary sources of cash generally consist of unused borrowing capacity under our Secured Funding Agreements, the net proceeds of future offerings, payments of principal and interest we receive on our portfolio of assets and cash generated from our operating activities. However, principal repayments from mortgage loans in securitizations where we retain the subordinate securities are applied sequentially, first used to pay down the senior notes, and accordingly, we will not receive any proceeds from repayment of loans in the securitizations until all senior notes are repaid in full. Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT and our exemption from the 1940 Act, we expect that our primary sources of financing will be, to the extent available to us, through (a) credit, secured funding and other lending facilities, (b) securitizations, (c) other sources of private financing, including warehouse and repurchase facilities, and (d) public or private offerings of our equity or debt securities. See “Recent Developments” included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for information on our available capital as of August 2, 2017 . We may seek to sell certain of our investments in order to manage liquidity needs, interest rate risk, meet other operating objectives and adapt to market conditions.

Cash Flows

The following table sets forth changes in cash and cash equivalents for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , which are inclusive of amounts related to discontinued operations ($ in thousands):
 
For the six months ended June 30,

2017
 
2016
Net income
$
13,191

 
$
16,406

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
(151
)
 
17,014

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
13,040

 
33,420

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(324,858
)
 
33,597

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
270,271

 
(69,701
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
$
(41,547
)
 
$
(2,684
)

During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , cash and cash equivalents decreased by $41.5 million and $2.7 million , respectively.

Operating Activities

For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , net cash provided by operating activities totaled $13.0 million and $33.4 million , respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2017 , adjustments to net income related to operating activities primarily included accretion of deferred loan origination fees and costs of $2.6 million , amortization of deferred financing costs of $3.9 million and change in other assets of $1.7 million . For the six months ended June 30, 2016 , adjustments to net income related to operating activities primarily included originations of mortgage loans held for sale of $282.6 million , sale of

35



mortgage loans held for sale to third parties of $261.5 million , change in the fair value of MSRs (as defined above) of $3.9 million , and change in other assets of $39.7 million .
 
Investing Activities

For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , net cash provided by (used in) investing activities totaled $( 324.9 ) million and $33.6 million , respectively. This change in net cash provided by (used in) investing activities was primarily as a result of the cash used for the origination of new loans held for investment exceeding the cash received from principal repayment of loans held for investment for the six months ended June 30, 2017 .
 
Financing Activities

For the six months ended June 30, 2017 , net cash provided by financing activities totaled $270.3 million and primarily related to proceeds from our Secured Funding Agreements of $376.1 million and proceeds from the issuance of debt of consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) of $272.9 million , partially offset by repayments of our Secured Funding Agreements of $347.1 million . For the six months ended June 30, 2016 , net cash used in financing activities totaled $69.7 million and primarily related to repayments of our Secured Funding Agreements of $359.7 million , repayments of debt of consolidated VIEs of $150.3 million and repayments of our Warehouse Lines of Credit (defined below) of $311.1 million , partially offset by proceeds from our Secured Funding Agreements of $438.7 million and proceeds from our Warehouse Lines of Credit of $332.7 million .

We, through our previously owned subsidiary, ACRE Capital, borrowed funds under the ASAP Line of Credit and the BAML Line of Credit (individually defined below and together, the “Warehouse Lines of Credit”). ACRE Capital was party to an $80.0 million multifamily as soon as pooled sale agreement (the “ASAP Line of Credit”) with the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) to finance installments received from Fannie Mae. ACRE Capital was party to a $135.0 million line of credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. (as amended and restated, the “BAML Line of Credit”), which was used to finance mortgage loans originated by ACRE Capital.

Summary of Financing Agreements
 
The sources of financing under our Secured Funding Agreements and the Secured Term Loan (collectively, the "Financing Agreements") are described in the following table ($ in thousands):
 
 
As of
 
 
June 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Total
Commitment
 
Outstanding Balance
 
Interest Rate
 
Maturity Date
 
Total
Commitment
 
Outstanding Balance
 
Interest Rate
 
Maturity Date
 
Secured Funding Agreements:


 







 




Wells Fargo Facility
 
$
500,000


$
334,295

 
LIBOR+1.75 to 2.35%

December 14, 2018
(1)
$
325,000


$
218,064

 
LIBOR+1.75 to 2.35%

December 14, 2017
(1)
Citibank Facility
 
250,000

(2)
204,943

 
LIBOR+2.25 to 2.50%

December 10, 2018
(2)
250,000

(2)
302,240

 
LIBOR+2.25 to 2.50%

December 10, 2018
(2)
BAML Facility
 
125,000

 
72,928

 
LIBOR+2.25 to 2.75%

May 24, 2018
(3)
125,000


77,679

 
LIBOR+2.25 to 2.75%

May 25, 2017
(3)
CNB Facility
 
50,000


—

 
LIBOR+3.00%

March 11, 2018
(4)
50,000


—

 
LIBOR+3.00%

March 11, 2017
(4)
MetLife Facility
 
180,000


53,130

 
LIBOR+2.35%

August 12, 2017
(5)
180,000


53,130

 
LIBOR+2.35%

August 12, 2017
(5)
UBS Facility
 
140,000


14,720

 
LIBOR+1.88 to 2.28%
(6)
October 21, 2018

140,000


71,360

 
LIBOR+1.88 to 2.28%
(6)
October 21, 2018

U.S. Bank Facility
 
185,989

(7)
129,721

 
LIBOR+1.85 to 2.25%

July 31, 2020
(7)
125,000


58,240

 
LIBOR+2.25%
 
July 31, 2019
(7)
Subtotal
 
$
1,430,989


$
809,737

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,195,000


$
780,713

 
 
 
 
 

 



 
 
 
 
 



 
 
 
 
 
Secured Term Loan
 
$
155,000


$
155,000

 
LIBOR+6.00%
(8)
December 9, 2018

$
155,000


$
155,000

 
LIBOR+6.00%
(8)
December 9, 2018

Total
 
$
1,585,989


$
964,737

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,350,000


$
935,713

 




______________________________________________________________________________

(1)
The maturity date of the master repurchase funding facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the “Wells Fargo Facility”) is subject to two 12-month extensions at our option provided that certain conditions are met and applicable extension fees are paid. In May 2017, we amended the Wells Fargo Facility to increase the facility’s commitment amount from $325.0 million to $500.0 million and extend the initial maturity date to December 14, 2018.

36



(2)
The maturity date of the master repurchase facility with Citibank, N.A. (the “Citibank Facility”) is subject to three 12-month extensions at our option provided that certain conditions are met and applicable extension fees are paid. In July 2016, we entered into an amendment to the Citibank Facility, which added an accordion feature that provides for an increase in the $250.0 million commitment amount with respect to approved assets, as determined by Citibank, N.A. in its sole discretion.
(3)
Individual advances on loans under the Bridge Loan Warehousing Credit and Security Agreement with Bank of America, N.A. (the “BAML Facility”) generally have a two-year maturity, subject to a 12-month extension at our option provided that certain conditions are met and applicable extension fees are paid. In May 2017, we amended the BAML Facility to extend the period during which we may request individual loans under the facility to May 24, 2018.
(4)
The maturity date of the secured revolving funding facility with City National Bank (the “CNB Facility”) is subject to two 12-month extensions at our option provided that certain conditions are met and applicable extension fees are paid.
(5)
The maturity date of the revolving master repurchase facility with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (the “MetLife Facility”) is subject to two 12-month extensions at our option provided that certain conditions are met and applicable extension fees are paid.
(6)
The price differential (or interest rate) on the revolving master repurchase facility with UBS Real Estate Securities Inc. (the “UBS Facility”) is one-month LIBOR plus (i) 1.88% per annum, for assets that are subject to an advance for one year or less, (ii) 2.08% per annum, for assets that are subject to an advance in excess of one year but less than two years, and (iii) 2.28% per annum, for assets that are subject to an advance for more than two years; in each case, excluding amortization of commitment and exit fees.
(7)
The maturity date of the master repurchase and securities contract with U.S. Bank National Association (the “U.S. Bank Facility”) is subject to two 12-month extensions at our option provided that certain conditions are met and applicable extension fees are paid. In June 2017, we amended the U.S. Bank Facility to increase the facility’s commitment amount from $125.0 million to $186.0 million and extend the initial maturity date to July 31, 2020.
(8)
The Secured Term Loan has a LIBOR floor of 1.0% on drawn amounts.

Our Financing Agreements contain various affirmative and negative covenants, including negative pledges, and provisions related to events of default that are normal and customary for similar financing agreements. As of June 30, 2017 , we were in compliance with all financial covenants of each respective Financing Agreement. See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for more information on our Financing Agreements.

Securitizations

We may seek to enhance the returns on our senior mortgage loan investments through securitizations, if available. To the extent available, we intend to securitize the senior portion of some of our loans, while retaining the subordinate securities in our investment portfolio. The securitization of this senior portion will be accounted for as either a “sale” and the loans will be removed from our balance sheet or as a “financing” and will be classified as “loans held for investment” in our consolidated balance sheets, depending upon the structure of the securitization. As of June 30, 2017 , the carrying amount and outstanding principal of our CLO Securitization was $270.8 million and $272.9 million , respectively. See Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for additional terms and details of our CLO Securitization.

Capital Markets

We may periodically raise additional capital through public offerings of debt and equity securities to fund new investments. On June 6, 2016, we filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which became effective on August 29, 2016, in order to permit us to offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings or series of offerings up to $1.25 billion of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock, warrants representing rights to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, or units.

Other Sources of Financing

In addition to the sources of liquidity described above, in the future, we may also use other sources of financing to fund the origination or acquisition of our target investments or to refinance expiring Financing Agreements and securitizations, including other credit facilities, warehouse facilities, repurchase facilities, non-convertible or convertible debt, securitized financings and other public and private forms of borrowing. These financings may be issued by us or our subsidiaries, be collateralized or non-collateralized, accrue interest at either fixed or floating rates and may involve one or more lenders.




37



Leverage Policies

We intend to use prudent amounts of leverage to increase potential returns to our stockholders. To that end, subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT and our exemption from registration under the 1940 Act, we intend to continue to use borrowings to fund the origination or acquisition of our target investments. Given current market conditions and our focus on first or senior mortgages, we currently expect that such leverage would not exceed, on a debt-to-equity basis, a 4-to-1 ratio. Our charter and bylaws do not restrict the amount of leverage that we may use. The amount of leverage we will deploy for particular investments in our target investments will depend upon our Manager’s assessment of a variety of factors, which may include, among others, the anticipated liquidity and price volatility of the assets in our investment portfolio, the potential for losses and extension risk in our portfolio, the gap between the duration of our assets and liabilities, including hedges, the availability and cost of financing the assets, our opinion of the creditworthiness of our financing counterparties, the health of the U.S. economy generally or in specific geographic regions and commercial mortgage markets, our outlook for the level and volatility of interest rates, the slope of the yield curve, the credit quality of our assets, the collateral underlying our assets, and our outlook for asset spreads relative to the LIBOR curve.

Dividends

We elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, anticipate distributing at least 90% of our REIT taxable income determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains. To the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income in any tax year (taking into account any distributions made in a subsequent tax year under Sections 857(b)(9) or 858 of the Code), we will pay tax at regular corporate rates on that undistributed portion. Furthermore, if a REIT distributes less than the sum of 85% of its ordinary income for the calendar year, 95% of its capital gain net income for the calendar year plus any undistributed shortfall from its prior calendar year (the “Required Distribution”) to its stockholders during any calendar year (including any distributions declared by the last day of the calendar year but paid in the subsequent year), then it is required to pay non-deductible excise tax equal to 4% of any shortfall between the Required Distribution and the amount that was actually distributed. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to our stockholders. The 90% distribution requirement does not require the distribution of net capital gains. However, if a REIT elects to retain any of its net capital gain for any tax year, it must notify its stockholders and pay tax at regular corporate rates on the retained net capital gain. The stockholders must include their proportionate share of the retained net capital gain in their taxable income for the tax year, and they are deemed to have paid the REIT's tax on their proportionate share of the retained capital gain. Furthermore, such retained capital gain may be subject to the nondeductible 4% excise tax. If we determine that our estimated current year taxable income (including net capital gain) will be in excess of estimated dividend distributions (including capital gains dividends) for the current year from such income, we accrue excise tax on a portion of the estimated excess taxable income as such taxable income is earned.     
Before we make any distributions, whether for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise, we must first meet both our operating requirements and debt service on our Financing Agreements and other debt payable. If our cash available for distribution is less than our REIT taxable income, we could be required to sell assets or borrow funds to make cash distributions or we may make a portion of the Required Distribution in the form of a taxable stock distribution or distribution of debt securities.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We have commitments to fund various senior mortgage loans, as well as subordinated debt and preferred equity investments in our portfolio.

Other than as set forth in this quarterly report on Form  10-Q , we do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured investment vehicles, special purpose entities or VIEs, established to facilitate off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. Further, we have not guaranteed any obligations of unconsolidated entities or entered into any commitment or intend to provide additional funding to any such entities.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

On July 12, 2017, we originated an $18.1 million senior mortgage loan on a multifamily property located in California. At closing, the outstanding principal balance was approximately $13.4 million. The loan has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.80% (plus fees) and an initial term of three years.


38



On July 17, 2017, we originated a $39.7 million senior mortgage loan on a student housing property located in North Carolina. At closing, the outstanding principal balance was approximately $38.4 million. The loan has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 4.75% (plus fees) and an initial term of one and a half years.


As of August 2, 2017 , we had approximately $111 million in capital, either in cash or in undrawn capacity expected to be available under our Secured Funding Agreements. After holding in reserve $10 million in liquidity requirements, we expect to have approximately $101 million in capital available to fund new loans, fund outstanding commitments on existing loans and for other working capital and general corporate purposes. Assuming that we use all such amounts as capital to make new senior loans and we are able to leverage such amounts under our Secured Funding Agreements at a debt‑to‑equity ratio of 2.5:1, we would have the capacity to fund approximately $350 million of additional senior loans.

As of August 2, 2017 , the total unfunded commitments for our existing loans held for investment were approximately $103 million. In addition, borrowings under our Secured Funding Agreements were approximately $848 million , borrowings under our Secured Term Loan was approximately $155 million and debt issued in the form of a CLO was approximately $273 million .
    
On August 3, 2017 , we declared a cash dividend of $0.27 per common share for the third quarter of 2017 . The third quarter 2017 dividend is payable on October 16, 2017 to common stockholders of record as of September 29, 2017.




39



Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

As part of our risk management strategy, our Manager closely monitors our portfolio and actively manages the credit, interest rate, market, prepayment, real estate inflation and financing risks associated with holding a portfolio of our target investments. We manage our portfolio through an interactive process with our Manager and Ares Management. Our Manager has an Investment Committee that oversees compliance with our investment strategy and guidelines, investment portfolio holdings and financing strategy. We seek to manage our risks related to the credit quality of our assets, interest rates, liquidity, prepayment speeds and market value while, at the same time, seeking to provide an opportunity to stockholders to realize attractive risk-adjusted returns through ownership of our capital stock. While we do not seek to avoid risk completely, we believe the risks can be quantified from historical experience and seek to actively manage those risks, to earn sufficient compensation to justify taking those risks and to maintain capital levels consistent with the risks we undertake.

Credit Risk
 
We are subject to varying degrees of credit risk in connection with holding our target investments. We have exposure to credit risk on our CRE loans and other target investments in our business. Our Manager seeks to manage credit risk by performing our due diligence process prior to origination or acquisition and through the use of non-recourse financing, when and where available and appropriate. Credit risk is also addressed through our Manager’s ongoing review of our investment portfolio. In addition, with respect to any particular target investment, our Manager’s investment team evaluates, among other things, relative valuation, comparable analysis, supply and demand trends, shape of yield curves, delinquency and default rates, recovery of various sectors and vintage of collateral.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including fiscal and monetary policies and domestic and international economic and political considerations, as well as other factors beyond our control. We are subject to interest rate risk in connection with our assets and our related financing obligations, including our borrowings under the Financing Agreements. We primarily originate or acquire floating rate mortgage assets and finance those assets with index-matched floating rate liabilities. As a result, we significantly reduce our exposure to changes in portfolio value and cash flow variability related to changes in interest rates.  However, we regularly measure our exposure to interest rate risk and assess interest rate risk and manage our interest rate exposure on an ongoing basis by comparing our interest rate sensitive assets to our interest rate sensitive liabilities. Based on that review, we determine whether or not we should enter into hedging transactions and derivative financial instruments, such as forward sale commitments and interest rate floors in order to mitigate our exposure to changes in interest rates.
 
While hedging activities may mitigate our exposure to adverse fluctuations in interest rates, certain hedging transactions that we may enter into in the future, such as interest rate swap agreements, may also limit our ability to participate in the benefits of lower interest rates with respect to our investments. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively hedge our interest rate risk.
 
In addition to the risks related to fluctuations in asset values and cash flows associated with movements in interest rates, there is also the risk of non-performance on floating rate assets. In the case of a significant increase in interest rates, the additional debt service payments due from our borrowers may strain the operating cash flows of the real estate assets underlying our mortgages and, potentially, contribute to non-performance or, in severe cases, default.

Interest Rate Effect on Net Interest Margin
 Our operating results depend in large part on differences between the income earned on our assets and our cost of borrowing. The cost of our borrowings generally is based on prevailing market interest rates. During a period of rising interest rates, our borrowing costs generally increase while the yields earned on our leveraged fixed-rate mortgage assets remain static, which could result in a decline in our net interest spread and net interest margin.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 , the following fluctuations in the average 30-day LIBOR would have resulted in the following increases in net interest margin on our loans held for investment ($ in millions):

40



Change in Average 30-Day LIBOR
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2017
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2017
Up 300 basis points
 
$
2.5

 
$
5.0

Up 200 basis points
 
$
1.7

 
$
3.4

Up 100 basis points
 
$
0.9

 
$
1.8

Down to 0 basis points
 
$
0.1

 
$
0.3


The severity of any such impact depends on our asset/liability composition at the time as well as the magnitude and duration of the interest rate increase and any applicable floors and caps. Further, an increase in short-term interest rates could also have a negative impact on the market value of our target investments. If any of these events happen, we could experience a decrease in net income or incur a net loss during these periods, which could adversely affect our liquidity and results of operations.
 
Interest Rate Cap and Floor Risk
 
We primarily originate or acquire floating rate mortgage assets. These are assets in which the mortgages may be subject to periodic and lifetime interest rate caps and floors, which limit the amount by which the asset’s interest yield changes during any given period. However, our borrowing costs pursuant to our Financing Agreements sometimes are not subject to similar restrictions or have different floors and caps. As a result, in a period of increasing interest rates, interest rate costs on our borrowings could increase without limitation by caps, while the interest rate yields on our floating rate mortgage assets could be limited if we do not implement effective caps. In addition, floating rate mortgage assets may be subject to periodic payment caps that result in some portion of the interest being deferred and added to the principal outstanding. This could result in our receipt of less cash income on such assets than we would need to pay the interest cost on our related borrowings. In addition, in a period of decreasing interest rates, the interest rate yields on our floating rate mortgage assets could decrease, while the interest rate costs on certain of our borrowings could be fixed at a higher floor. These factors could lower our net interest income or cause a net loss during periods of decreasing interest rates, which would harm our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
 
Market Risk
 
The estimated fair values of our investments fluctuate primarily due to changes in interest rates and other factors. Generally, in a rising interest rate environment, the estimated fair value of the fixed-rate securities would be expected to decrease; conversely, in a decreasing interest rate environment, the estimated fair value of the fixed-rate securities would be expected to increase. As market volatility increases or liquidity decreases, the fair value of our investments may be adversely impacted.

Prepayment and Securitizations Repayment Risk
 
Our net income and earnings may be affected by prepayment rates on our existing CRE loans. When we originate our CRE loans, we anticipate that we will generate an expected yield. When borrowers prepay their CRE loans faster than we expect, we may be unable to replace these CRE loans with new CRE loans that will generate yields which are as high as the prepaid CRE loans. Additionally, principal repayment proceeds from mortgage loans in the CLO Securitization are applied sequentially, first going to pay down the senior CLO Securitization notes. We will not receive any proceeds from repayment of loans in the CLO Securitization until all senior notes are repaid in full.

Financing Risk

We borrow funds under our Financing Agreements to finance our target assets. Over time, as market conditions change, in addition to these financings, we may use other forms of leverage. Weakness or volatility in the financial markets, the commercial real estate and mortgage markets and the economy generally could adversely affect one or more of our potential lenders and could cause one or more of our potential lenders to be unwilling or unable to provide us with financing or to increase the costs of that financing.
 
Real Estate Risk
 
Commercial mortgage assets are subject to volatility and may be affected adversely by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, national, regional and local economic conditions (which may be adversely affected by industry slowdowns

41



and other factors); local real estate conditions; changes or continued weakness in specific industry segments; local markets with a significant exposure to the energy sector; construction quality, age and design; demographic factors; and retroactive changes to building or similar codes. In addition, decreases in property values reduce the value of the collateral and the potential proceeds available to a borrower to repay the underlying loan or loans, as the case may be, which could also cause us to suffer losses. We seek to manage these risks through our underwriting and asset management processes.
 
Inflation Risk
 
Virtually all of our assets and liabilities are sensitive to interest rates. As a result, interest rates and other factors influence our performance far more so than does inflation. Changes in interest rates do not necessarily correlate with inflation rates or changes in inflation rates. In each case, in general, our activities and balance sheet are measured with reference to historical cost and/or fair market value without considering inflation.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Co-Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based upon such evaluation, the Company’s Co-Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of June 30, 2017 , to provide assurance that information that is required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Co-Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. During the three months ended June 30, 2017 , there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, we may be subject to various legal proceedings from time to time. Furthermore, third parties may try to seek to impose liability on us in connection with our loans. As of June 30, 2017 , we were not subject to any material pending legal proceedings.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . You should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 , which could materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Not applicable.




42



 
Item 5. Other Information
 
None.

Item 6. Exhibits

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Description
 
Purchase and Sale Agreement, among Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation and Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC. (1)
 
Waiver and Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2016, among Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation and Barings Real Estate Advisers LLC (formerly known as Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC).
 
Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation. (2)
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation. (3)
 
Amendment Number Six to the Credit Agreement dated, as of April 19, 2017, by and among, the several banks and other financial institutions and lenders from time to time party hereto, each individually as a lender and, collectively, as the lenders, and City National Bank, as administrative agent to the lenders, and ACRC Lender LLC, as the borrower.

 
Second Amended and Restated Master Repurchase and Securities Contract dated as of May 1, 2017, by and among, ACRC Lender W LLC, as existing seller, ACRC Lender W TRS LLC, as new seller, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as buyer.

 
Reaffirmation Agreement dated, as of May 1, 2017, by Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

 
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Bridge Loan Warehousing Credit and Security Agreement dated, as of May 25, 2017, by and among ACRC Lender B LLC, as borrower, the Persons party to the Credit Agreement from time to time as lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as lender and in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders under the Credit Agreement, as administrative agent.(4)

 
First Amendment to Master Repurchase and Securities Contract dated, as of June 23, 2017, by and among ACRC Lender US LLC, as seller, and U.S. Bank National Association, as buyer, and acknowledged and agreed to by Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation. (5)

 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement with officers

 
Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS 
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE 
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF 
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
______________________________________________________________________________
* Previously filed
(1)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-35517), filed on June 29, 2016.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K (File No. 001-35517), filed on March 1, 2016.
(3)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form S-8 (File No. 333-181077), filed on May 1, 2012.
(4)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-35517), filed on May 30, 2017.
(5)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-35517), filed on June 28, 2017.

43



SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
ARES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: August 3, 2017
By
/s/ John Jardine
 
 
John Jardine
 
 
 Co-Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
Date: August 3, 2017
By
/s/ Robert L. Rosen
 
 
Robert L. Rosen
 
 
 Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
Date: August 3, 2017
By
/s/ Tae-Sik Yoon
 
 
Tae-Sik Yoon
 
 
 Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


44

Exhibit 2.2

WAIVER AND AMENDMENT TO PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
THIS WAIVER AND AMENDMENT TO PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”), is entered into as of September 29, 2016, by and between Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation, a Maryland corporation (“ Seller ”), and Barings Real Estate Advisers LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (formerly known as Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC) (“ Buyer ”).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS , Seller and Buyer are parties to a Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of June 28, 2016 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”); and
WHEREAS , Seller and/or Buyer, as applicable, desire to waive or amend, as applicable, certain provisions of the Purchase Agreement as set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Defined Terms . Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Purchase Agreement.
SECTION 2. Waiver of Restrictions on Dividends and Distributions . Pursuant to Section 2.4(b) of the Purchase Agreement, Buyer hereby waives compliance by the ACRE Companies with the restrictions on the declaration, setting aside and payment of dividends and distributions set forth in subsection (C)(5) of Section 5.1(a) of the Purchase Agreement, such that Parent shall be permitted to declare and pay to Seller a Working Capital Dividend, provided that (a) such Working Capital Dividend shall be paid prior to the Closing, and (b) the amount of such Working Capital Dividend shall not exceed, in the aggregate, the amount by which Estimated Net Working Capital exceeds $8.75 million.
SECTION 3. Amendments to Purchase Agreement . The Purchase Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
(a)      The last sentence of the definition of Net Working Capital is hereby deleted and replaced with the following:
“The Estimated Closing Statement (and Final Closing Statement) shall be prepared in the same form and on the same basis as the Reference Closing Statement, provided that Seller may include a line item for “Project Costs” or other transaction costs to be borne by Seller in accordance with Section 9.6 and paid by the Company if and to the extent that Estimated Net Working Capital exceeds $8.75 million and Final Net Working Capital also exceeds $8.75 million.”
(b)      Section 5.13 of the Purchase Agreement is hereby amended by replacing “December 31, 2016” with “March 31, 2017”.
SECTION 4. Fannie Mae Fees . In connection with the approval by Fannie Mae of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, Buyer and Seller shall allocate and pay the fees and expenses of Fannie Mae (the “ Fannie Mae Fees ”) as follows: notwithstanding anything to the contrary in

1


Section 9.6 of the Purchase Agreement, (a) on or before the Closing Date, Buyer shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Fannie Mae by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, an aggregate amount equal to $600,000, and (b) on or before the Closing Date, Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Fannie Mae by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, an amount equal to the aggregate amount of the Fannie Mae Fees minus $600,000.
SECTION 5. Certain Representations . Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer, as of the date hereof and on and as of the Closing Date, as follows: it is not and has not ever been an Affiliate of an entity named “Ares Retirement” and no employee of Seller, Ares Management LLC or any other Affiliate of Seller (excluding the ACRE Companies) is or has been a participant in the ACRE Capital LLC 401(k) Plan except to the extent such person is or was an employee of one of the ACRE Companies.
SECTION 6.      Headings . The headings contained in this Amendment are inserted for convenience only and shall not be considered in interpreting or construing any of the provisions contained in this Amendment.
SECTION 7.      Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures . This Amendment may be executed or delivered (including by facsimile or electronic mail in portable document format (“ . pdf”) form transmission) in any number of counterparts, each of which when executed, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument binding upon all of the parties hereto notwithstanding the fact that all parties are not signatory to the original or the same counterpart.
SECTION 8.      Severability . If any term or other provision of this Amendment is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any Law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Amendment shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect for so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to either party hereto. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Amendment so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.
SECTION 9.      Entire Agreement . The Purchase Agreement, as amended hereby, including the exhibits and schedules thereto, collectively with the Ancillary Agreements and the Confidentiality Agreement, constitute the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, whether oral or written, between the parties with respect to such subject matter. Any future reference to the Agreement shall be deemed to be a reference to the Agreement as modified by this Amendment.
SECTION 10.      Governing Law . This Amendment shall in all respects be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of New York, without regard to the conflicts of law principles of such state to the extent that the application of the Laws of another jurisdiction would be required thereby.
SECTION 11.      Full Force and Effect . Each party hereby consents to this Amendment and acknowledges that the Purchase Agreement, as amended hereby, remains in full force and effect and is hereby ratified and reaffirmed. Except as expressly set forth herein, the execution of this Amendment shall not operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of any party, constitute a waiver of any provision of the Purchase Agreement or serve to effect a novation of the obligations under the Purchase Agreement.






[Signature Page Follows]





IN WITNESS WHEREOF , each of the undersigned has caused the Amendment to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.
BARINGS REAL ESTATE ADVISERS LLC
By:
/s/ Daniel Hartley    
Name: Daniel Hartley
Title: Vice President
ARES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
By:
/s/ Anton Feingold    
Name: Anton Feingold
Title: Secretary

[Signature Page to Waiver and Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement]



EXHIBIT A

Fannie Mae Wire Instructions

Bank Name: FNMA NYC
ABA #021039500
Beneficiary: Fannie Mae
Account #169220242
Trans Code 513 / GL 747669921
Reference: Servicer # 22428 / ACRE Capital LLC change of control fee
Attn: Multifamily Operations






Exhibit 10.1


AMENDMENT NUMBER SIX TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT NUMBER SIX TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”), dated as of April 19, 2017 is entered into by and among, on the one hand, the several banks and other financial institutions and lenders from time to time party hereto (such lenders, together with their respective successors and permitted assigns, are referred to hereinafter each individually as a “ Lender ” and, collectively, as the “ Lenders ”), and CITY NATIONAL BANK , a national banking association, as administrative agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, “ Agent ”), and, on the other hand, ACRC LENDER LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Borrower ”), and in light of the following:
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS , Borrower, Lenders, and Agent are parties to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”);
WHEREAS , Borrower has requested that Agent and Lenders make certain amendments to the Credit Agreement; and
WHEREAS, upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, Agent and Lenders are willing to make certain amendments to the Credit Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Defined Terms . All initially capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein (including the preamble and recitals hereof) shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement.
2. Amendments to the Credit Agreement .
Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and modified by adding or amending and restating in their entirety, as the case may be, the following definitions in the appropriate alphabetical order:
““ Borrowing Base ” means, as of any date, (a) if on such date there are three (or such lesser number as otherwise agreed to by Agent) or more Pledged Investments, 66.67% of the Fair Market Value of the then extant Pledged Investments, or (b) if on such date there are less than three (or such lesser number as otherwise agreed to by Agent) Pledged Investments, $0; provided , that so long as (i) the securities issued by FL3 LLC and FL3 Ltd that are held by FL3 Holder constitute Performing Obligations, (ii) 100% of the Stock issued by FL3 Holder constitutes a Pledged Investment, (iii) FL3 Holder holds 100% of the Stock issued by each of FL3 LLC and FL3 Ltd, (iv) no Lien (other than Permitted Liens on the Assets of any Subsidiary of Borrower or Liens securing Debt evidenced by, or Liens permitted under, the FL3 Indenture) exists with respect to any of the Assets of any FL3 Entity, whether then owned or thereafter acquired by such FL3 Entity, or any income or profits therefrom, and (v) no FL3 Entity has any Debt outstanding other than Debt evidenced by or permitted under the FL3 Indenture, the Borrowing Base shall be (1) if the Fair Market Value of the Stock issued by FL3 Holder and held by Borrower is greater than or equal to $68,200,000, $50,000,000, or (2) if the Fair Market Value of the Stock issued by FL3 Holder and held by Borrower is less than $68,200,000, 66.67% of the Fair Market Value of the then extant Pledged Investments (including the Stock of FL3 Holder). For the avoidance of doubt, the Fair Market Value of the Stock issued by FL3 Holder

1


and held by Borrower shall equal the Fair Market Value of the securities issued by FL3 LLC, FL3 Ltd or any other Subsidiary of FL3 Holder, that are held by FL3 Holder.”
3. Conditions Precedent to Amendment . The satisfaction of each of the following shall constitute conditions precedent to the effectiveness of the Amendment (such date being the “ Fifth Amendment Effective Date ”):
(a)      Agent shall have received this Amendment, duly executed by the parties hereto, and the same shall be in full force and effect.
(b)      Agent shall have received the reaffirmation and consent of Guarantor attached hereto as Exhibit A , duly executed and delivered by an authorized officer of Guarantor.
(c)      After giving effect to this Amendment, the representations and warranties herein and in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that are already qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on and as of the date hereof as though made on and as of such date (except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date).
(d)      No litigation, inquiry, other action or proceeding (governmental or otherwise), or injunction or other restraining order prohibiting, directly or indirectly, the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein shall be pending or, to Borrower’s knowledge, overtly threatened that could reasonably be expected to have: (i) a material adverse effect on Borrower’s ability to repay the Loans or (ii) a Material Adverse Effect on Borrower.
(e)      After giving effect to this Amendment, no Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or shall result from the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein.
(f)      All other documents and legal matters in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Amendment shall have been delivered, executed, or recorded and shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.
4. Representations and Warranties . Borrower hereby represents and warrants to Agent and the Lenders as follows:
(a) It a duly organized and validly existing limited liability company in good standing under the law of the State of Delaware and is duly qualified to conduct business in all jurisdictions where its failure to do so could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Borrower.
(b) It has all requisite limited liability company power to execute and deliver this Amendment and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, and to borrow the sums provided for in the Credit Agreement. Borrower has all governmental licenses, authorizations, consents, and approvals necessary to own and operate its Assets and to carry on its businesses as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted, other than licenses, authorizations, consents, and approvals that are not currently required or the failure to obtain which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Loan Parties, taken as a whole. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Amendment and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by Borrower and all necessary limited liability company action in respect thereof has been taken, and the execution, delivery, and performance thereof do not require any consent or approval of any other Person that has not been obtained (except for such consents

2


or approvals as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Loan Parties, taken as a whole).
(c) The execution, delivery, and performance by Borrower of this Amendment and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, do not and will not: (i) violate (A) any provision of any federal (including the Exchange Act), state, or local law, rule, or regulation (including Regulations T, U, and X of the Federal Reserve Board) binding on any Loan Party, (B) any order of any domestic Governmental Authority, court, arbitration board, or tribunal binding on any Loan Party, or (C) the Governing Documents of any Loan Party, or (ii) contravene any provisions of, result in a breach of, constitute (with the giving of notice or the lapse of time) a default under, or result in the creation of any Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) upon any of the Assets of any Loan Party pursuant to, any Contractual Obligation of any Loan Party, or (iii) require termination of any Contractual Obligation of any Loan Party, or (iv) constitute a tortious interference with any Contractual Obligation of any Loan Party, in each case, except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Loan Parties, taken as a whole.
(d) Other than such as may have previously been obtained, filed, or given, as applicable, no consent, license, permit, approval, or authorization of, exemption by, notice to, report to or registration, filing, or declaration with, any Governmental Authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery, and performance by the Loan Parties of this Amendment or the Loan Documents to which they are a party, in each case, except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Loan Parties, taken as a whole.
(e) This Amendment and the other Loan Documents to which Borrower is a party, when executed and delivered by Borrower, will constitute the legal, valid, and binding obligations of Borrower, enforceable against Borrower in accordance with their terms except as the enforceability hereof or thereof may be affected by: (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) equitable principles of general applicability (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or law).
(f) No litigation, inquiry, other action or proceeding (governmental or otherwise), or injunction or other restraining order prohibiting, directly or indirectly, the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein shall be pending or, to Borrower’s knowledge, overtly threatened that could reasonably be expected to have: (i) a material adverse effect on Borrower’s ability to repay the Loans or (ii) a Material Adverse Effect on Borrower.
(g) No Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default has occurred and is continuing as of the date of the effectiveness of this Amendment.
(h) No event or development has occurred as of the date of the effectiveness of this Amendment which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect with respect to any Loan Party.
(i) The representations and warranties set forth in this Amendment, in the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment and after giving effect to this Amendment, and the other Loan Documents to which Borrower is a party are true, correct and complete in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on and as of the date hereof, as though made on such date (except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date).

3


(j) This Amendment has been entered into without force or duress, of the free will of Borrower, and the decision of Borrower to enter into this Amendment is a fully informed decision and Borrower is aware of all legal and other ramifications of each such decision.
(k) It has read and understands this Amendment, has consulted with and been represented by independent legal counsel of its own choosing in negotiations for and the preparation of this Amendment, has read this Amendment in full and final form, and has been advised by its counsel of its rights and obligations hereunder.
5. GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION AND VENUE; WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY . THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS REGARDING GOVERNING LAW, JURISDICTION AND VENUE, AND WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY SET FORTH IN SECTIONS 11.6 – 11.8 OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, AND SUCH PROVISIONS ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS REFERENCE, MUTATIS MUTANDIS .
6. Counterpart Execution . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, taken together shall constitute but one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Amendment by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Amendment. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Amendment by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this Amendment, but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Amendment.
7. [Intentionally omitted] .
8. Effect on Loan Documents .
(a)      The Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, and each of the other Loan Documents shall be and remain in full force and effect in accordance with their respective terms and hereby are ratified and confirmed in all respects. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Amendment shall not operate, except as expressly set forth herein, as a modification or waiver of any right, power, or remedy of Agent or any Lender under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document. Except for the amendments to the Credit Agreement expressly set forth herein, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect. The modifications set forth herein are limited to the specifics hereof (including facts or occurrences on which the same are based), shall not apply with respect to any facts or occurrences other than those on which the same are based, shall neither excuse any future non-compliance with the Loan Documents nor operate as a waiver of any Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default, shall not operate as a consent to any waiver, consent or further amendment or other matter under the Loan Documents, and shall not be construed as an indication that any future waiver or amendment of covenants or any other provision of the Credit Agreement will be agreed to, it being understood that the granting or denying of any waiver or amendment which may hereafter be requested by Borrower remains in the sole and absolute discretion of Agent and the Lenders. To the extent that any terms or provisions of this Amendment conflict with those of the Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents, the terms and provisions of this Amendment shall control.
(b)      Upon and after the effectiveness of this Amendment, each reference in the Credit Agreement to “this Agreement”, “hereunder”, “herein”, “hereof” or words of like import referring to the Credit Agreement, and each reference in the other Loan Documents to “the Credit Agreement”, “thereunder”,

4


“therein”, “thereof” or words of like import referring to the Credit Agreement, shall mean and be a reference to the Credit Agreement as modified and amended hereby.
(c)      To the extent that any of the terms and conditions in any of the Loan Documents shall contradict or be in conflict with any of the terms or conditions of the Credit Agreement, after giving effect to this Amendment, such terms and conditions are hereby deemed modified or amended accordingly to reflect the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement as modified or amended hereby.
(d)      This Amendment is a Loan Document.
(e)      The rules of construction set forth in Section 1.2 of the Credit Agreement are incorporated herein by this reference, mutatis mutandis .
9. Entire Agreement . This Amendment, and the terms and provisions hereof, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire understanding and agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all prior or contemporaneous amendments or understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof, whether express or implied, oral or written.
10. Integration . This Amendment, together with the other Loan Documents, incorporates all negotiations of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and is the final expression and agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
11. Reaffirmation of Obligations . Borrower hereby reaffirms its obligations under each Loan Document to which it is a party. Borrower hereby further ratifies and reaffirms the validity and enforceability of all of the liens and security interests heretofore granted, pursuant to and in connection with the Security Agreement or any other Loan Document to Agent, on behalf and for the benefit of each member of the Lender Group, as collateral security for the obligations under the Loan Documents in accordance with their respective terms, and acknowledges that all of such liens and security interests, and all collateral heretofore pledged as security for such obligations, continues to be and remain collateral for such obligations from and after the date hereof. Borrower hereby further does grant to Agent, a security interest in the Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement) in order to secure all of its present and future Obligations.
12. Ratification . Borrower hereby restates, ratifies and reaffirms each and every term and condition set forth in the Credit Agreement and the Loan Documents to which it is a party effective as of the date hereof and as amended hereby.
13. Severability . In case any provision in this Amendment shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such provision shall be severable from the remainder of this Amendment and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
[signature pages follow]


5


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

ACRC LENDER LLC ,
a Delaware limited liability company, as Borrower


By /s/ John B. Jardine                
Name: John B. Jardine
Title: President and Co-Chief Executive Officer






CITY NATIONAL BANK ,
a national banking association,
as Agent and as a Lender

By /s/ Brandon L. Feitelson            
Name: Brandon L. Feitelson, C.F.A.
Title: Senior Vice President









Exhibit 10.2

        

                                            





SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
MASTER REPURCHASE AND SECURITIES CONTRACT

ACRC LENDER W LLC

and

ACRC LENDER W TRS LLC
as Sellers
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Buyer


Dated as of May 1, 2017








TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page

 
 
 
ARTICLE 1
APPLICABILITY
1

 
 
 
Section 1.01
Applicability
1

 
 
 
ARTICLE 2
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
2

 
 
 
Section 2.01
Rules of Interpretation
37

 
 
 
ARTICLE 3
THE TRANSACTIONS
39

 
 
 
Section 3.01
Procedures
39

Section 3.02
Transfer of Purchased Assets; Servicing Rights
42

Section 3.03
Maximum Amount
42

Section 3.04
Early Repurchase Date; Mandatory Repurchases
42

Section 3.05
Repurchase
44

Section 3.06
Extension of the Facility Termination Date
45

Section 3.07
Prepayment
46

Section 3.08
Payment of Price Differential and Fees
46

Section 3.09
Payment, Transfer and Custody
47

Section 3.10
Repurchase Obligations Absolute
48

Section 3.11
Future Funding Transactions
48

 
 
 
ARTICLE 4
MARGIN MAINTENANCE
50

 
 
 
Section 4.01
Margin Deficit
50

 
 
 
ARTICLE 5
APPLICATION OF INCOME
52

 
 
 
Section 5.01
Waterfall Account; Collection Accounts
52

Section 5.02
Before an Event of Default
52

Section 5.03
After an Event of Default
53

Section 5.04
Sellers to Remain Liable
54

 
 
 
ARTICLE 6
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
54

 
 
 
Section 6.01
Conditions Precedent to Closing
54

Section 6.02
Conditions Precedent to All Transactions
55


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ARTICLE 7
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS
57

 
 
 
Section 7.01
Sellers
57

Section 7.02
Repurchase Documents
58

Section 7.03
Solvency
58

Section 7.04
Taxes
58

Section 7.05
True and Complete Disclosure
59

Section 7.06
Compliance with Laws
59

Section 7.07
Compliance with ERISA
60

Section 7.08
No Default or Material Adverse Effect
60

Section 7.09
Purchased Assets
60

Section 7.10
Purchased Assets Acquired from Transferors
60

Section 7.11
Transfer and Security Interest
61

Section 7.12
No Broker
61

Section 7.13
Interest Rate Protection Agreements
61

Section 7.14
Separateness
61

Section 7.15
Location of Books and Records
62

Section 7.16
Chief Executive Office; Jurisdiction of Organization
62

Section 7.17
Entity Classification
62

Section 7.18
Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Anti-Corruption Laws
62

Section 7.19
Sanctions
62

 
 
 
ARTICLE 8
COVENANTS OF SELLERS
62

 
 
 
Section 8.01
Existence; Governing Documents; Conduct of Business
62

Section 8.02
Compliance with Laws, Contractual Obligations and Repurchase Documents
63

Section 8.03
Protection of Buyer’s Interest in Purchased Assets
63

Section 8.04
Distributions and Dividends
64

Section 8.05
Financial Covenants
64

Section 8.06
Delivery of Income
65

Section 8.07
Delivery of Financial Statements and Other Information
65

Section 8.08
Delivery of Notices
66

Section 8.09
Hedging
67

Section 8.10
Escrow Imbalance
67

Section 8.11
Pledge and Security Agreement
67

Section 8.12
Entity Classification
67

Section 8.13
Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Sanctions    
67

 
 
 

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ARTICLE 9
SINGLE‑PURPOSE ENTITY
68

 
 
 
Section 9.01
Covenants Applicable to Seller
68

Section 9.02
Additional Covenants Applicable to Sellers
69

 
 
 
ARTICLE 10
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
70

 
 
 
Section 10.01
Events of Default
70

Section 10.02
Remedies of Buyer as Owner of the Purchased Assets
72

 
 
 
ARTICLE 11
SECURITY INTEREST
74

 
 
 
Section 11.01
Grant
74

Section 11.02
Effect of Grant
74

Section 11.03
Sellers to Remain Liable
75

Section 11.04
Waiver of Certain Laws
75

 
 
 
ARTICLE 12
INCREASED COSTS; CAPITAL ADEQUACY
76

 
 
 
Section 12.01
Market Disruption
76

Section 12.02
Illegality
76

Section 12.03
Breakfunding
76

Section 12.04
Increased Costs
76

Section 12.05
Capital Adequacy
77

Section 12.06
Taxes
77

Section 12.07
Payment and Survival of Obligations
80

Section 12.08
Early Repurchase Option
80

 
 
 
ARTICLE 13
INDEMNITY AND EXPENSES
81

 
 
 
Section 13.01
Indemnity
81

Section 13.02
Expenses
83

 
 
 
ARTICLE 14
INTENT
83

 
 
 
Section 14.01
Safe Harbor Treatment
83

Section 14.02
Liquidation
84

Section 14.03
Qualified Financial Contract
84

Section 14.04
Netting Contract
84

Section 14.05
Master Netting Agreement
84

 
 
 

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ARTICLE 15
DISCLOSURE RELATING TO CERTAIN FEDERAL PROTECTIONS
84

 
 
 
ARTICLE 16
NO RELIANCE
85

 
 
 
ARTICLE 17
SERVICING
86

 
 
 
Section 17.01
Servicing Rights
86

Section 17.02
Accounts Related to Purchased Assets
87

Section 17.03
Servicing Reports
87

Section 17.04
Event of Default
87

 
 
 
ARTICLE 18
MISCELLANEOUS
88

 
 
 
Section 18.01
Governing Law
88

Section 18.02
Submission to Jurisdiction; Service of Process
88

Section 18.03
IMPORTANT WAIVERS
88

Section 18.04
Integration
90

Section 18.05
Single Agreement
90

Section 18.06
Use of Employee Plan Assets
90

Section 18.07
Survival and Benefit of Sellers’ Agreements
90

Section 18.08
Assignments and Participations
91

Section 18.09
Ownership and Hypothecation of Purchased Assets
92

Section 18.10
Confidentiality
93

Section 18.11
No Implied Waivers; Amendments
93

Section 18.12
Notices and Other Communications
94

Section 18.13
Counterparts; Electronic Transmission
94

Section 18.14
No Personal Liability
94

Section 18.15
Protection of Buyer’s Interests in the Purchased Assets; Further Assurances
94

Section 18.16
Default Rate
96

Section 18.17
Set-off
96

Section 18.18
Sellers’ Waiver of Setoff
97

Section 18.19
Power of Attorney
97

Section 18.20
Periodic Due Diligence Review
97

Section 18.21
Time of the Essence
98

Section 18.22
Joint and Several Repurchase Obligations
98

Section 18.23
PATRIOT Act Notice
100

Section 18.24
Successors and Assigns
101

Section 18.25
Acknowledgement of Anti-Predatory Lending Policies
101

Section 18.26
Effect of Amendment and Restatement
101


iv


Schedule 1    Representations and Warranties
Schedule 2    General Repo Account
Schedule 3    Appraisal Procedure
Schedule 8.15    Post-Closing Obligations

v


THIS SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER REPURCHASE AND SECURITIES CONTRACT , dated as of May 1, 2017 (this “ Agreement ”), is made by and among ACRC LENDER W LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ Existing Seller ”), and ACRC LENDER W TRS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ New Seller ”, and together with the Existing Seller, individually and collectively as the context may require, “ Seller ”), and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association (as more specifically defined below, “ Buyer ”).
WHEREAS, Sellers and Buyer entered into that certain Amended and Restated Master Repurchase and Securities Contract, dated as of December 20, 2013 (the “ Original Closing Date ”) (as amended by (i) that certain Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Master Repurchase and Securities Contract, dated as of May 29, 2014, (ii) that certain Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Master Repurchase and Securities Contract, dated as of December 12, 2014, (iii) that certain Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated Master Repurchase and Securities Contract, dated as of January 1, 2015, (iv) that certain Amendment No. 4 to Amended and Restated Master Repurchase and Securities Contract, dated as of October 14, 2015, (v) that certain Amendment No. 5 to Amended and Restated Master Repurchase and Securities Contract and Amended and Restated Guarantee Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2015 and (vi) that certain Amendment No. 6 to Amended and Restated Master Repurchase and Securities Contract and Amended and Restated Guarantee Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2016 and as further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to the date hereof, the “ Original Repurchase Agreement ”).
WHEREAS, Sellers and Buyer desire to amend and restate the Original Repurchase Agreement in the manner set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, Sellers and Buyer (each a “ Party ”) hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1     

APPLICABILITY
Section 1.01      Applicability . Subject to the terms and conditions of the Repurchase Documents, from time to time during the Funding Period and at the request of a Seller, the Parties may enter into transactions in which a Seller agrees to sell, transfer and assign to Buyer certain Assets and all related rights in and interests related to such Assets on a servicing released basis, against the transfer of funds by Buyer representing the Purchase Price for such Assets, with a simultaneous agreement by Buyer to transfer to the related Seller and such Seller to repurchase such Assets in a repurchase transaction at a date not later than the Facility Termination Date, against the transfer of funds by such Seller representing the Repurchase Price for such Assets.
ARTICLE 2     

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION




“ Accelerated Repurchase Date ”: Defined in Section 10.02 .
“ Accepted Servicing Practices ”: With respect to any Purchased Asset, the commercial mortgage servicing practices of prudent financial or mortgage lending institutions that service assets of the same Class as such Purchased Asset in the jurisdiction where the related underlying Mortgaged Property is located.
“ Account Control Agreement ”: A deposit account control agreement in favor of Buyer with respect to any bank account related to a Purchased Asset, in form and substance of the attached Exhibit G hereto.
“ Actual Knowledge ”: With respect to any Person, the actual knowledge of such Person without further inquiry or investigation; provided, that for the avoidance of doubt, such actual knowledge shall include the knowledge of such Person and each of its employees, officers, directors and agents.
“ Affiliate ”: With respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly Controlling, Controlled by, or under common Control with, such Person.
“ Affiliated Hedge Counterparty ”: Buyer, or an Affiliate of Buyer, in its capacity as a party to any Interest Rate Protection Agreement with either Seller.
“ Agreement ”: The meaning set forth in the initial paragraph hereof.
“ Aggregate Amount Outstanding ”: On each date of the determination thereof, the total amount due and payable to Buyer by Sellers in connection with all Transactions under this Agreement outstanding on such date.
“ Alternative Rate ”: A per annum rate based on an index approximating the behavior of LIBOR, as determined by Buyer.
“ Amendment Effective Date ”: December 14, 2015.
“ Anti-Corruption Law ”: The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or any other anti-bribery or anti-corruption laws, regulations or ordinances in any jurisdiction in which any Seller, Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries is located or doing business.
“ Anti-Money Laundering Laws ”: The applicable laws or regulations in any jurisdiction in which any Seller or Guarantor is located or doing business that relate to money laundering, any predicate crime to money laundering or any financial record keeping and reporting requirements related thereto.
“ Applicable Percentage ”: Defined in the Fee Letter, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.
“ Appraisal ”: An appraisal of the related Mortgaged Property conducted by an Independent Appraiser in accordance with the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and

2


Enforcement Act of 1989, as amended, and, in addition, certified by such Independent Appraiser as having been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice of the Appraisal Foundation, addressed to (either directly or pursuant to a reliance letter in favor of Buyer or reliance language in such Appraisal running to the benefit of Buyer as a successor and/or assign) and reasonably satisfactory to Buyer.
“ Approved Representation Exception ”: Any Representation Exception approved in writing by Buyer in its discretion prior to the related Purchase Date.
“ Asset ”: Any Whole Loan, Senior Interest or Mezzanine Loan, the underlying Mortgaged Property for which is included in the categories for Types of Mortgaged Property, but excluding any real property acquired by the related Seller through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure, distressed debt or any Equity Interest issued by a special purpose entity organized to issue collateralized debt or loan obligations.
“ Assignment and Acceptance ”: Defined in Section 18.08(b) .
“ Bailee ”: With respect to any Transaction involving a Wet Mortgage Asset, (i) a national title insurance company or nationally-recognized real estate counsel acceptable to Buyer or (ii) any other entity approved by Buyer, in its sole discretion, which may be a title company, escrow company or attorney in accordance with local law and practice in the appropriate jurisdiction of the related Wet Mortgage Asset.
“ Bailee Agreement ”: Defined in the Custodial Agreement, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.
“ Bankruptcy Code ”: Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended.
“Blank Assignment Documents”: Defined in Section 6.02(j) .
“ Book Value ”: For each Purchased Asset, as of any date, an amount, as certified by the related Seller in the related Confirmation, equal to the lesser of (a) the outstanding principal amount or par value thereof as of such date (after giving effect to any additional advances to the related primary Underlying Obligor made by a Seller in connection with such Seller’s future funding obligations pursuant to the Purchased Asset Documents on or prior to such date), and (b) the price that such Seller initially paid or advanced in respect thereof plus any additional amounts advanced by such Seller that were funded in connection with such Seller’s future funding obligations under the related Purchased Asset Documents minus Principal Payments received by such Seller and as further reduced by losses realized and write downs taken by such Seller, together with all other reductions in the unpaid balance due in connection with the related Whole Loan (including, with respect to any Senior Interest that is a participation, any reduction in the principal balance of the related Whole Loan).
“ Business Day ”: Any day other than (a) a Saturday or a Sunday, (b) a day on which banks in the States of New York, Minnesota, California, Illinois or North Carolina are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to be closed, (c) any day on which the New York Stock

3


Exchange, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or Custodian is authorized or obligated by law or executive order to be closed, or (d) if the term “Business Day” is used in connection with the determination of LIBOR, a day dealings in Dollar deposits are not carried on in the London interbank market.
“ Buyer ”: Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, in its capacity as Buyer under this Agreement and the other Repurchase Documents, and also in its capacity as counterparty to any Interest Rate Protection Agreement.
“ Capital Lease Obligations ”: With respect to any Person, the amount of all obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under a lease of property to the extent and in the amount that such obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet of such Person.
“ Capital Stock ”: Any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of a corporation, any and all equivalent equity ownership interests in a Person which is not a corporation, including, without limitation, any and all member or other equivalent interests (certificated or uncertificated) in any limited liability company, and any and all partnership or other equivalent interests in any partnership or limited partnership, and any and all warrants or options to purchase any of the foregoing.
“ Cause ” means, with respect to an Independent Director or Independent Manager, (i) acts or omissions by such Independent Director or Independent Manager that constitute willful disregard of, or bad faith or gross negligence with respect to, such Independent Director or Independent Manager’s duties under the applicable by-laws, limited partnership agreement or limited liability company agreement, (ii) that such Independent Director or Independent Manager has engaged in or has been charged with, or has been convicted of, fraud or other acts constituting a crime under any law applicable to such Independent Director or Independent Manager, (iii) that such Independent Director or Independent Manager is unable to perform his or her duties as Independent Director or Independent Manager due to death, disability or incapacity, or (iv) that such Independent Director or Independent Manager no longer meets the definition of Independent Director or Independent Manager.
“ Change of Control ”: The occurrence of any of the following events: (a) any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act) shall become, or obtain rights (whether by means of warrants, options or otherwise) to become, the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of a percentage of the total voting power of all classes of Capital Stock of Guarantor entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, of thirty‑five percent (35%) or more; (b) Guarantor shall cease to own and control, of record and beneficially, directly or indirectly one‑hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding Capital Stock of either Seller, or (c) Manager shall cease to be one-hundred percent (100%) owned and controlled, of record and beneficially, by Ares Management L.P. or one or more of its Affiliates.
“ Class ”: With respect to an Asset, such Asset’s classification as one of the following: Whole Loan, Senior Interest or Mezzanine Loan.

4


“ Closing Certificate ”: A true and correct certificate in the form of Exhibit D , executed by a Responsible Officer of the applicable Seller.
“ Closing Date ”: May 1, 2017.
“ Closing Date Repurchase Documents ”: This Agreement, the Fee Letter and the Reaffirmation Agreement.
“ Code ”: The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder, in each case as amended, modified or replaced from time to time.
“ Collection Account ”: Any account established by Interim Servicer in connection with the servicing of any Asset or Purchased Asset.
“ Compliance Certificate ”: A true and correct certificate in the form of Exhibit E , executed by a Responsible Officer of the applicable Seller.
“ Confirmation ”: A purchase confirmation in the form of Exhibit B , duly completed, executed and delivered by the applicable Seller and Buyer in accordance with Section 3.01 .
“ Connection Income Taxes ”: Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.
“ Contingent Liabilities ”: With respect to any Person as of any date of determination, all of the following as of such date: (a) liabilities and obligations (including any Guarantee Obligations) of such Person in respect of “off balance sheet arrangements” (as defined in the Off Balance Sheet Rules defined below in this definition), (b) obligations of such Person, including Guarantee Obligations, whether or not required to be disclosed in the footnotes to such Person’s financial statements, guaranteeing in whole or in part any Non–Recourse Indebtedness, lease, dividend or other obligation, excluding, however (i) contractual indemnities (including, any indemnity or price–adjustment provision relating to the purchase or sale of securities or other assets) and (ii) guarantees of non–monetary obligations that have not yet been called on or quantified, of such Person or any other Person, and (c) forward commitments or obligations to fund or provide proceeds with respect to any loan or other financing that is obligatory and non–discretionary on the part of the lender. The amount of any Contingent Liabilities described in the preceding clause (b) shall be deemed to be (i) with respect to a guarantee of interest or interest and principal, or operating income guarantee, the sum of all payments required to be made thereunder (which, in the case of an operating income guarantee, shall be deemed to be equal to the debt service for the note secured thereby), through (x) in the case of an interest or interest and principal guarantee, the stated date of maturity of the obligation (and commencing on the date interest could first be payable thereunder), or (y) in the case of an operating income guarantee, the date through which such guarantee will remain in effect, and (ii) with respect to all guarantees not covered by the preceding clause (i), an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof (assuming such Person is required to perform thereunder) as recorded on the balance sheet and in the footnotes to the most recent financial statements of such Person. “ Off–

5


Balance Sheet Rules ” means the Disclosure in Management’s Discussion and Analysis About Off–Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations, Securities Act Release Nos. 33–8182; 34–47264; FR–67 International Series Release No. 1266 File No. S7–42–02, 68 Fed. Reg. 5982 (Feb. 5, 2003) (codified at 17 CFR Parts 228, 229 and 249).
“ Contractual Obligation ”: With respect to any Person, any provision of any securities issued by such Person or any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, deed to secure debt, contract, undertaking, agreement, instrument or other document to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property or assets are bound or are subject.
“ Control ”: With respect to any Person, the direct or indirect possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling,” “Controlled” and “under common Control” have correlative meanings.
“ Controlled Account Agreement ”: An amended and restated control agreement with respect to the Waterfall Account, dated as of December 20, 2013, among each Seller, Buyer and Waterfall Account Bank, as amended, modified, waived, supplemented, extended, restated or replaced from time to time.
“ Core Asset ”: All Purchased Assets (other than LCF Assets) that, as of the Purchase Date therefor, consist either of eligible Whole Loans or eligible Senior Interests.
“ Credit Event ”: The determination by Buyer, in its commercially reasonable judgment, that any of the following events or any similar event, occurrence or condition has occurred: (i) an Insolvency Event with respect to any Underlying Obligor, (ii) any monetary or material non-monetary event of default under the terms of any Purchased Asset after giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure periods, (iii) failure of a Purchased Asset to qualify as an Eligible Asset, (iv) the deterioration in value of any Mortgaged Property relating to any Purchased Asset (other than due to fluctuations in current interest rates and spreads) such that the PPV Test with respect to any Purchased Asset is violated, (v) any drop in the net operating income or cash flow of any Purchased Asset or the Mortgaged Property related thereto such that (A) the Debt Yield Test is violated and (B) a Margin Deficit with respect to any Purchased Asset exists in an amount greater than $500,000, (vi) the loss of any security interest (or the priority thereof) under this Agreement or any documents executed in connection with this Agreement, or any document executed in connection with any underlying Mortgage Loan, (vii) any Transaction fails to qualify for safe harbor treatment under the Bankruptcy Code, as described in Article 14 of this Agreement, (viii) any Seller fails to deliver the Mortgage Loan File to the Custodian within the applicable time periods provided in the Custodial Agreement, subject to any applicable cure periods set forth therein, (ix) any material breach of a representation or warranty with respect to any Purchased Asset occurs and is not cured within the applicable cure periods set forth in the documents executed in connection with the applicable underlying Mortgaged Property (x) any statement, affirmation or certification made or information, document, agreement, report or notice delivered by either Seller to Buyer is untrue in any material respect, (xi) the Minimum Portfolio Debt Yield Test is violated, and (xii) Buyer determines that a Material Adverse Effect has occurred or that such Purchased Asset is otherwise unlikely to be collectible on a timely basis.

6


“ Current Mark‑to‑Market Value ”: For any Purchased Asset as of any date, the market value for such Purchased Asset as of such date as determined by Buyer in its good faith judgment, taking into account such criteria as and to the extent that Buyer deems appropriate, including as appropriate, market conditions, credit quality, subordination, delinquency status and aging and any amounts owing to Buyer or a Hedge Counterparty under any related Interest Rate Protection Agreement, which market value, in each case, may be determined to be zero; provided that the Current Mark-to-Market Value of any Purchased Asset that ceases to be an Eligible Asset shall be deemed to be zero. For the avoidance of doubt, Buyer shall be permitted to mark Purchased Assets for internal purposes at any time.
“ Custodial Agreement ”: The Amended and Restated Custodial Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2013 among Buyer, Sellers and Custodian, as the same may be amended, modified, waived, supplemented, extended, replaced or restated from time to time.
“ Custodian ”: Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, or any successor permitted by the Custodial Agreement.
“ Debt Yield ”: With respect to (a) any Purchased Asset for any relevant time period, the percentage equivalent of the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the annualized underwritten net cash flow for such period, as determined by Buyer, from the mortgaged properties securing such Purchased Asset, by (ii) the Purchase Price of such Purchased Asset as of the last day of such time period and (b) all Purchased Assets for any relevant time period, the percentage equivalent of the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the annualized underwritten net cash flow for such period, as determined by Buyer, from the mortgaged properties securing all Purchased Assets owned by Buyer at such time, by (ii) the Repurchase Price of all Purchased Assets owned by the Buyer at such time, as of the last day of such time period; provided , however , that Buyer shall calculate the Debt Yield with respect to Sellers in a manner consistent with other similar calculations with respect to counterparties that are also lenders and/or obligors under commercial real estate loans for which Buyer or its Affiliates is providing capital under agreements that are similar to this Agreement.
“ Debt Yield Test ”: Defined in the Fee Letter, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.
“ Default ”: Any event that, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of Default.
“ Default Rate ”: As of any date, the Prime Rate in effect on such date plus three and one-half percent (3.50%).
“ Defaulted Asset ”: Any Asset or Purchased Asset and, in the case of any Senior Interest or Mezzanine Loan, any related Whole Loan, as applicable, (a) that is thirty (30) or more days (or, in the case of payments due at maturity, one (1) day) delinquent in the payment of principal, interest, fees, distributions or any other amounts payable under the related Purchased Asset Documents, (b) for which there is a Representation Breach with respect to such Asset or Purchased Asset, other than an Approved Representation Exception, (c) for which there is a monetary default or a material non–monetary default under the related Purchased Asset Documents beyond any

7


applicable notice or cure period, (d) as to which an Insolvency Event has occurred with respect to the related Underlying Obligor, or (e) for which any Seller or Interim Servicer has received notice of the foreclosure or proposed foreclosure of any Lien on the related underlying Mortgaged Property; provided that with respect to any Senior Interest or Mezzanine Loan, in addition to the foregoing, such Senior Interest or Mezzanine Loan will also be considered a Defaulted Asset to the extent that the related Whole Loan would be considered a Defaulted Asset as described in this definition.
“ Derivatives Contract ”: Any rate swap transaction, basis swap, credit derivative transaction, forward rate transaction, commodity swap, commodity option, forward commodity contract, equity or equity index swap or option, bond or bond price or bond index swap or option or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transaction, interest rate option, forward foreign exchange transaction, cap transaction, floor transaction, collar transaction, currency swap transaction, cross–currency rate swap transaction, currency option, spot contract, or any other similar transaction or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, including any obligations or liabilities thereunder.
“ Derivatives Termination Value ”: With respect to any one or more Derivatives Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Derivatives Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Derivatives Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in the preceding clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark–to–market value(s) for such Derivatives Contracts, as determined based on one or more mid–market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Derivatives Contracts (which may include Buyer).
“ Dollars ” and “ $ ”: Lawful money of the United States of America.
“ Early Repurchase Date ”: Defined in Section 3.04 .
“ EBITDA ”: With respect to any Person and for any Test Period, an amount equal to the sum of (a) Net Income (or loss) of such Person (prior to any impact from minority or non-controlling interests or joint venture net income and before deduction of any dividends on preferred stock of such Person), plus the following (but only to the extent actually included in determination of such Net Income (or loss)): (i) depreciation and amortization expense (other than those related to capital expenditures that have not been included in the calculation of Fixed Charges as defined in the Guarantee Agreement), (ii) Interest Expense, (iii) income tax expense, (iv) extraordinary or non‑recurring gains, losses and expenses including but not limited to transaction expenses relating to business combinations, other acquisitions and unconsummated transactions, (v) unrealized loan loss reserves, impairments and other similar charges including but not limited to reserves for loss sharing arrangement associated with mortgage servicing rights, (vi) realized losses on loans and loss sharing arrangements associated with mortgage servicing rights and (vii) unrealized gains, losses and expenses associated with (A) derivative liabilities including but not limited to convertible note issuances and (B) mortgage servicing rights (other than the initial revenue recognition of recording an asset), plus (b) such Person’s proportionate share of Net Income (prior to any impact from minority or non-controlling interests or joint venture net income and before deduction of any

8


dividends on preferred stock of such Person) of the joint venture investments and unconsolidated Affiliates of such Person, all with respect to such period.
“ Eligible Asset ”: An Asset:
(a)      that has been approved as a Purchased Asset by Buyer;
(b)      with respect to which no Representation Breach exists unless each such breach is specifically set forth as a specific Representation Exemption in the related Conformation that has been approved in advance by Buyer;
(c)      that is not a Defaulted Asset;
(d)      with respect to which there are no future funding obligations other than in respect of which the applicable Seller has agreed to fund solely or as specifically approved in advance by Buyer in the related Confirmation;
(e)      that has an LTV Ratio that is less than or equal to eighty percent (80%) for Non-Hotel Core Assets and seventy percent (70%) for Hotel Core Assets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the LTV Ratio may be up to eighty-five percent (85%) if the related Applicable Percentage does not exceed seventy-five percent (75%) for Non-Hotel Core Assets, and seventy percent (70%) for Hotel Core Assets;
(f)      in the case of any Core Asset whose underlying Mortgaged Property is not a hotel, unless (ii) Buyer has received a copy of the franchise agreement and related documents for operation of the hotel under the national flag, all reports issued by the franchisor and a comfort letter from the franchisor running to the benefit of successors and assigns of the lender, (iii) the hotel is managed by a third party manager under a management agreement and subordination of management agreement, all of which are acceptable to Buyer;
(g)      in the case any LCF Asset, whose underlying Mortgaged Property is not a hotel;
(h)      whose underlying Mortgaged Property is located in the United States, whose Underlying Obligors are domiciled in the United States, and all obligations thereunder and under the underlying Loan Documents are denominated and payable in Dollars;
(i)      with respect to which all Underlying Obligors thereon (an any of their respective Affiliates) are not Sanctioned Targets;
(j)      that does not involve an Equity Interest by either Seller, Guarantor or any Affiliate of either Seller or Guarantor that would result in (i) an actual or potential conflict of interest, (ii) an affiliation with an Underlying Obligor which results or could result in the loss or impairment of any material rights of the holder of the related Purchased Asset; provided , the applicable Seller shall disclose to Buyer before the Purchase Date each Equity Interest held or to be held by any Seller, Guarantor or any Affiliate of any Seller or

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Guarantor with respect to such related Purchased Asset whether or not it satisfies either of the preceding clauses (i) or (ii);
(k)      that is secured by a perfected, first priority (subject to Permitted Liens) security interest on a “stabilized” or “light transitional” office, retail, self-storage, student housing, industrial, other commercial or multi-family property or, in the case of a Mezzanine Loan, is secured by first priority pledges of all of the Equity Interests of Persons that directly or indirectly own any such property;
(l)      that, if purchased by Buyer, would not cause either Seller to violate any Sub-Limit; and
(m)      for which each of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 6.02 have been satisfied;
provided , that notwithstanding the failure of an Asset or Purchased Asset to conform to the requirements of this definition, Buyer may, subject to such terms, conditions and requirements and Applicable Percentage adjustments as Buyer may require, designate in writing any such non–conforming Asset or Purchased Asset as an Eligible Asset, which designation (1) may include a temporary or permanent asset-specific waiver of one or more Eligible Asset requirements, and (2) shall not be deemed a waiver of the requirement that all other Assets and Purchased Assets must be Eligible Assets (including any Assets that are similar or identical to the Asset or Purchased Asset subject to the waiver). For the avoidance of doubt, Buyer’s agreement to accept an Asset with a future funding obligation shall be deemed to be a permanent waiver of clause (d) of the definition of Eligible Asset with respect to such Asset, provided, however that such waiver shall not be deemed a waiver of such requirement with respect to any other Asset or Purchased Asset.
“ Eligible Assignee ”: Any of the following Persons designated by Buyer for purposes of Section 18.08(c) : (a) a bank, financial institution, pension fund, insurance company or similar Person, an Affiliate of any of the foregoing, and an Affiliate of Buyer, and (b) any other Person to which the related Seller has consented; provided , that the consent of such Seller shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned, except, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, in the case of competitors or potential competitors of a Seller listed on Exhibit I hereto, and shall not be required at any time when an Event of Default exists.
“ Environmental Laws ”: Any federal, state, foreign or local statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, guideline, written policy and rule of common law now or hereafter in effect, and any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or administrative order, consent decree or judgment, relating to the environment, employee health and safety or hazardous materials, including CERCLA, RCRA, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Clean Air Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the Emergency Planning and the Community Right‑to‑Know Act of 1986, the Hazardous Material Transportation Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and any state and local or foreign counterparts or equivalents.

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“ Equity Interests ”: With respect to any Person, (a) any share, interest, participation and other equivalent (however denominated) of Capital Stock of (or other ownership, equity or profit interests in) such Person, (b) any warrant, option or other right for the purchase or other acquisition from such Person of any of the foregoing, (c) any security convertible into or exchangeable for any of the foregoing, and (d) any other ownership or profit interest in such Person (including partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting, and whether or not such share, warrant, option, right or other interest is authorized, but unissued on any date.
“ ERISA ”: The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Section references to ERISA are to ERISA, as in effect at the date of this Agreement and, as of the relevant date, any subsequent provisions of ERISA, amendatory thereof, supplemental thereto or substituted therefor.
“ Event of Default ”: Defined in Section 10.01 .
“ Exchange Act ”: The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“ Excluded Taxes ”: Any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to Buyer or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to Buyer: (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of Buyer being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or the office from which it books the Transactions located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Taxes (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of Buyer with respect to an interest in the Repurchase Obligations pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which such Buyer (i) acquires such interest in the Repurchase Obligations or (ii) changes the office from which it books the Transactions, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 12.06 , amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Buyer’s assignor immediately before such Buyer became a Party hereto or to such Buyer immediately before it changed the office from which it books the Transactions, (c) Taxes attributable to Buyer’s failure to comply with Section 12.06(e) and (d) any Taxes imposed under FATCA.
“ Exempted Transactions ”: Defined in the Fee Letter, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.
“ Exit Fee ”: Defined in the Fee Letter, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.
“ Extended Facility Termination Date ”: Defined in Section 3.06 .
“ Extension Fee ”: Defined in the Fee Letter, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.
“ Facility Termination Date ”: The earliest of (a) the Initial Facility Termination Date, as such date may be extended pursuant to Section 3.06(a) , (b) any Accelerated Repurchase Date,

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and (c) any date on which the Facility Termination Date shall otherwise occur in accordance with the Repurchase Documents or Requirements of Law.
“ FATCA ”: Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code (or any amended or successor version described above) and any intergovernmental agreements (and any related laws or official administrative guidance) implementing the foregoing.
“ FDIA ”: Defined in Section 14.03 .
“ FDICIA ”: Defined in Section 14.04 .
“ Fee Letter ”: The second amended and restated fee and pricing letter, dated as of the date hereof, between Buyer and Sellers, as amended, modified, waived, supplemented, extended, restated or replaced from time to time.
“ Fitch ”: Fitch, Inc. or, if Fitch, Inc. is no longer issuing ratings, another nationally recognized rating agency reasonably acceptable to Buyer.
“ Foreign Buyer ”: A Buyer that is not a U.S. Person.
“ Funding Period ”: The period from the Original Closing Date to and including the Initial Facility Termination Date.
“ Future Funding Amount ”: With respect to any Purchased Asset for which a Future Funding Transaction has been requested by either Seller and approved by Buyer pursuant to Section 3.11 , the product of (a) the amount that such Seller is funding as a post-closing advance on the related Future Funding Date as required by the related Purchased Asset Documents relating to such Purchased Asset, and (b) the Applicable Percentage for such Purchased Asset; provided , in no event shall the aggregate amount so requested by such Seller exceed the amount of future funding set forth on the related Confirmation for the initial Transaction relating to such Purchased Asset, minus all previous Future Funding Amounts funded by Buyer relating to such Purchased Asset.
“ Future Funding Confirmation ”: Defined in Section 3.11(a)(i) .
“ Future Funding Date ”: With respect to any Purchased Asset for which a Future Funding Transaction has been requested by a Seller and approved by Buyer, the date on which the applicable Seller is required to fund a Future Funding Amount pursuant to the Purchased Asset Documents relating to such Purchased Asset.
“ Future Funding Request Package ”: With respect to one or more Future Funding Transactions, the following, to the extent applicable and available, unless any such items were previously delivered to Buyer and have not been modified since the date of each such delivery: (a) the related request for advance, executed by the related Underlying Obligor (which shall include evidence of the applicable Seller’s approval of the related Future Funding Transaction); (b) the

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related affidavit executed by the related Underlying Obligor; (c) the executed escrow agreement, if funding through escrow; (d) copies of all relevant trade contracts; (e) the title policy endorsement for the advance; (f) copies of any tenant leases; (g) copies of any service contracts; (h) updated financial statements, operating statements and rent rolls; (i) evidence of required insurance; (j) updates to the engineering report, if required pursuant to the related Purchased Asset Documents; and (k) copies of any additional documentation as required in connection therewith pursuant to the related Purchased Asset Documents.
“ Future Funding Transaction ”: Any Transaction approved by Buyer pursuant to Section 3.11 where the funded amounts are to be applied for the funding of a post-closing advance with respect to either (a) any Securitized Purchased Asset, or (b) any Non-Securitized Purchased Asset, but only to the extent identified by the related Seller and approved by Buyer in the related Confirmation as a Purchased Asset for which Future Funding Transactions are permitted.
“ GAAP ”: Generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time in the United States, consistently applied.
“ General Repo Account ”: The bank account of Buyer described on Schedule 2 hereto.
“ Governing Documents ”: With respect to any Person, its articles or certificate of incorporation or formation, by‑laws, partnership, limited liability company, memorandum and articles of association, operating or trust agreement and/or other organizational, charter or governing documents.
“ Governmental Authority ”: Any (a) national or federal government, (b) state, regional or local or other political subdivision thereof, (c) central bank or similar monetary or regulatory authority, (d) Person, agency, authority, instrumentality, court, regulatory body, central bank or other body or entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, quasi–judicial, quasi–legislative, regulatory or administrative functions or powers of or pertaining to government, (e) court or arbitrator having jurisdiction over such Person, its Affiliates or its assets or properties, (f) stock exchange on which shares of stock of such Person are listed or admitted for trading, (g) accounting board or authority that is responsible for the establishment or interpretation of national or international accounting principles, and (h) supra-national body such as the European Union or the European Central Bank.
“ Ground Lease ”: A ground lease containing the following terms and conditions: (a) a remaining term (exclusive of any unexercised extension options) of twenty (20) years or more from the Purchase Date of the related Asset, (b) the right of the lessee to mortgage and encumber its interest in the leased property without the consent of the lessor or with such consent given, (c) the obligation of the lessor to give the holder of any mortgage lien on such leased property written notice of any defaults on the part of the lessee and agreement of such lessor that such lease will not be terminated until such holder has had a reasonable opportunity to cure or complete foreclosures, and fails to do so, (d) reasonable transferability of the lessee’s interest under such lease, including ability to sublease, and (e) such other rights customarily required by mortgagees making a loan secured by the interest of the holder of the leasehold estate demised pursuant to a ground lease.

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“ Guarantee Agreement ”: The Amended and Restated Guarantee Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2013, made by Guarantor in favor of Buyer, as amended, modified, waived, supplemented, extended, restated or replaced from time to time.
“ Guarantee Obligation ”: With respect to any Person (the “ guaranteeing person ”), any obligation of (a) the guaranteeing person or (b) another Person (including any bank under any letter of credit) to induce the creation of the obligations for which the guaranteeing person has issued a reimbursement, counterindemnity or similar obligation, in either case guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing any Indebtedness, leases, dividends, Contractual Obligation, Derivatives Contract or other obligations or Indebtedness (the “ primary obligations ”) of any other third Person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including any obligation of the guaranteeing person, whether or not contingent, (i) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor, (ii) to advance or supply funds (1) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation, or (2) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor, (iii) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation, or (iv) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the owner of any such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof; provided , however , that the term “Guarantee Obligation” shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any Guarantee Obligation of any guaranteeing person shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of the primary obligation relating to such Guarantee Obligation (or, if less, the maximum stated liability set forth in the instrument embodying such Guarantee Obligation); and provided , further , that in the absence of any such stated amount or stated liability, the amount of such Guarantee Obligation shall be such guaranteeing person’s maximum anticipated liability in respect thereof as reasonably determined by such Person.
“ Guarantor ”: Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation, a Maryland corporation.
“ Hedge Counterparty ”: Either (a) an Affiliated Hedge Counterparty, or (b) or any other counterparty, approved by Buyer, to any Interest Rate Protection Agreement with a Seller, in either case which agreement contains a consent satisfactory to Buyer to the collateral assignment to Buyer of the rights (but none of the obligations) of such Seller thereunder.
“ Hedge Required Asset ”: A Purchased Asset that has a fixed rate of interest or return.
“ Hotel Core Assets ”: All Core Assets that are secured by underlying Mortgaged Properties consisting primarily of hotel properties.
“ Income ”: With respect to any Purchased Asset, all of the following (in each case with respect to the entire par amount of the Asset represented by such Purchased Asset and not just with respect to the portion of the par amount represented by the Purchase Price advanced against such Asset), without duplication: (a) all Principal Payments, (b) all Interest Payments, (c) all other income, distributions, receipts, payments, collections, prepayments, recoveries, proceeds (including insurance and condemnation proceeds) and other payments or amounts of any kind paid, received, collected, recovered or distributed on, in connection with or in respect of such Purchased Asset,

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including Principal Payments, Interest Payments, principal and interest payments, prepayment fees, extension fees, exit fees, defeasance fees, transfer fees, make whole fees, late charges, late fees and all other fees or charges of any kind or nature, premiums, yield maintenance charges, penalties, default interest, dividends, gains, receipts, allocations, rents, interests, profits, payments in kind, returns or repayment of contributions, net sale, foreclosure, liquidation, securitization or other disposition proceeds, insurance payments, settlements and proceeds, and (d) all payments received from Hedge Counterparties pursuant to Interest Rate Protection Agreements related to such Purchased Asset; provided , that any amounts that under the applicable Purchased Asset Documents are required to be deposited into and held in escrow or reserve to be used for a specific purpose, such as taxes and insurance, shall not be included in the term “Income” unless and until (i) an event of default exists under such Purchased Asset Documents, (ii) the holder of the related Purchased Asset has exercised or is entitled to exercise rights and remedies with respect to such amounts, (iii) such amounts are no longer required to be held for such purpose under such Purchased Asset Documents, or (iv) such amounts may be applied to all or a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under such Purchased Asset Documents.
“ Indebtedness ”: With respect to any Person and any date, all of the following with respect to such Person as of such date, without duplication: (a) all then outstanding indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money (whether by loan or the issuance and sale of debt securities) or for the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than current trade liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business and payable in accordance with customary practices), (b) obligations, whether or not for money borrowed, incurred in connection with the issuance of preferred equity or trust preferred securities, (c) any other then outstanding indebtedness of such Person which is evidenced by a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument, (d) all Capital Lease Obligations, (e) all then outstanding obligations of such Person in respect of letters of credit other than standby letters of credit, acceptances or similar instruments issued or created for the account of such Person, (f) all then outstanding liabilities secured by any Lien on any property owned by such Person, other than standby letters of credit, even though such Person has not assumed or otherwise become liable for the payment thereof, (g) Off–Balance Sheet Obligations, (h) as applicable, all obligations of such Person (but not the obligation of others) in respect of any keep well arrangements, credit enhancements, contingent or future funding obligations under any Purchased Asset or any obligation senior to any Purchased Asset, unfunded interest reserve amount under any Purchased Asset or any obligation that is senior to any Purchased Asset, purchase obligation, repurchase obligation, sale/buy–back agreement, takeout commitment or forward equity commitment, in each case evidenced by a binding agreement (excluding any such obligation to the extent the obligation can be satisfied by the issuance of Equity Interests (other than mandatory redeemable stock)), (i) net obligations under any Derivatives Contract not entered into as a hedge against existing indebtedness, in an amount equal to the Derivatives Termination Value thereof, (j) all Non–Recourse Indebtedness, recourse indebtedness and all indebtedness of other Persons that such Person has guaranteed or is otherwise recourse to such Person, (k) all Contingent Liabilities, (l) obligations to fund capital commitments under any Governing Document, subscription agreement or otherwise, and (m) indebtedness of general partnerships of which such Person is liable as a general partner (whether secondarily or contingently liable or otherwise).
“ Indemnified Amounts ”: Defined in Section 13.01(a) .

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“ Indemnified Persons ”: Defined in Section 13.01(a) .
“ Indemnified Taxes ”: (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of Seller under any Repurchase Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in (a), Other Taxes.
“ Independent Appraiser ”: An independent professional real estate appraiser who is a member in good standing of the American Appraisal Institute, and, if the state in which the subject underlying Mortgaged Property is located certifies or licenses appraisers, is certified or licensed in such state, and in each such case, who has a minimum of five years experience in the subject property type (unless otherwise approved in in writing by Buyer).
“ Independent Director ” or “ Independent Manager ”: An individual who has prior experience as an independent director, independent manager or independent member with at least three (3) years of employment experience and who is provided by CT Corporation, Corporation Service Company, MaplesFS, Global Securitization Services LLC, Puglisi & Associates, National Registered Agents, Inc., Wilmington Trust Company, Stewart Management Company, or Lord Securities Corporation or, if none of those companies is then providing professional Independent Directors or Independent Managers, another nationally recognized company approved by Buyer, in each case that is not an Affiliate of Seller and that provides professional independent directors, independent managers and/or other corporate services in the ordinary course of its business, and which individual is duly appointed as Independent Director or Independent Manager and is not, and will not while serving as Independent Director or Independent Manager be and may not have been at any time in the preceding five (5) years, any of the following:
(a)      a member, partner, equity holder, manager, director, officer or employee of Seller, Pledgor, or any of their respective equity holders or Affiliates (other than as an Independent Director or Independent Manager of Seller or Pledgor or an Affiliate of Seller or Pledgor that does not own a direct or indirect ownership interest in Seller or Pledgor and that is required by a creditor to be a single purpose bankruptcy remote entity, provided , however , that such Independent Director or Independent Manager is employed by a company that routinely provides professional Independent Directors or Independent Managers);
(b)      a creditor, supplier or service provider (including provider of professional services) to Seller, Pledgor or any of their respective equity holders or Affiliates (other than through a nationally recognized company that routinely provides professional Independent Directors, Independent Managers and/or other corporate services to Seller, Pledgor, or any of their respective equity holders or Affiliates in the ordinary course of business);
(c)      a family member of any such member, partner, equity holder, manager, director, officer, employee, creditor, supplier or service provider; or
(d)      a Person who controls (whether directly, indirectly or otherwise) any of the individuals described in the preceding clauses (a) or (b).

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An individual who otherwise satisfies the preceding definition and satisfies subparagraph (a) by reason of being the Independent Director or Independent Manager of a “special purpose entity” affiliated with Seller or Pledgor that does not own a direct or indirect ownership interest in Seller or Pledgor shall be qualified to serve as an Independent Director or Independent Manager of Seller or Pledgor if the fees that such individual earns from serving as Independent Director or Independent Manager of Affiliates of Seller or Pledgor in any given year constitute in the aggregate less than five percent (5%) of such individual's annual income for that year. For purposes of this paragraph, a “special purpose entity” is an entity whose organizational documents contain restrictions on its activities and impose requirements intended to preserve such entity’s separateness that are substantially similar to the provisions of Article 9 hereof.
“ Independent Manager Provisions ”: With respect to a Person, provisions within the Governing Documents for such Person that such Person shall (1) not, without the prior unanimous written consent of all of its Independent Directors or Independent Managers, take any Insolvency Action, (2) (I) have at all times at least one (1) Independent Director or Independent Manager whose vote is required to take any Insolvency Action, and (II) provide Buyer with up to date contact information for each such Independent Director or Independent Manager and a copy of the agreement pursuant to which such Independent Director or Independent Manager consents to and serves as an “Independent Director” or “Independent Manager” for such Person; (3) have Governing Documents that provide that for so long as any Repurchase Obligations remain outstanding, it shall abide by the (I) the Independent Manager or Independent Director may be removed only for Cause, (II) that Buyer be given at least two (2) Business Days prior notice of the removal and/or replacement of any Independent Director or Independent Manager, together with the name and contact information of the replacement Independent Director or Independent Manager and evidence of the replacement’s satisfaction of the definition of Independent Director or Independent Manager, (III) that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, and notwithstanding any duty otherwise existing at law or in equity, any Independent Director or Independent Manager shall consider only the interests of each applicable Person, including its respective creditors, in acting or otherwise voting on the Insolvency Action, and (IV) that, except for duties to each applicable Person as set forth in the immediately preceding clause (including duties to the holders of the Equity Interests in such Person or such Person’s respective creditors solely to the extent of their respective economic interests in each applicable Person, but excluding (A) all other interests of the holders of the Equity Interests in each applicable Person, (B) the interests of other Affiliates of each applicable Person, and (C) the interests of any group of Affiliates of which each applicable Person is a part), the Independent Directors or Independent Managers shall not have any fiduciary duties to the holders of the Equity Interests in each applicable Person, any officer or any other Person bound by the Governing Documents.
“ Initial Facility Termination Date ”: December 14, 2018.
“ Insolvency Action ”: With respect to any Person, the taking by such Person of any action resulting in an Insolvency Event, other than solely under clause (g) of the definition thereof.
“ Insolvency Event ”: With respect to any Person, (a) the filing of a decree or order for relief by a court having jurisdiction in the premises with respect to such Person or any substantial part of its assets or property in an involuntary case under any applicable Insolvency Law now or

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hereafter in effect, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official for such Person or for any substantial part of its assets or property, or ordering the winding–up or liquidation of such Person’s affairs, and such decree or order shall remain unstayed and in effect for a period of thirty (30) days, (b) the commencement by such Person of a voluntary case under any applicable Insolvency Law now or hereafter in effect, (c) the consent by such Person to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any Insolvency Law, (d) the consent by such Person to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official for such Person or for any substantial part of its assets or property, (e) the making by such Person of any general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (f) the admission in a legal proceeding of the inability of such Person to pay its debts generally as they become due, (g) the failure by such Person generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (h) the taking of action by such Person in furtherance of any of the foregoing; provided that, for purposes of this clause (h), the mere request or receipt of advice from advisors shall not constitute the taking of action in furtherance of any of the foregoing.
“ Insolvency Laws ”: The Bankruptcy Code and all other applicable liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, suspension of payments and similar debtor relief laws from time to time in effect affecting the rights of creditors generally.
“ Insolvency Proceeding ”: Any case, action or proceeding before any court or other Governmental Authority relating to any Insolvency Event.
“ Interest Expense ”: With respect to any Person and for any Test Period, the amount of total interest expense incurred by such Person, including capitalized or accruing interest (but excluding interest funded under a construction loan, the amortization of financing costs, and the payment of origination fees), plus such Person’s proportionate share of interest expense from the joint venture investments and unconsolidated Affiliates of such Person, all with respect to such period.
“ Interest Payments ”: With respect to any Purchased Asset, all payments of interest, income, receipts, dividends, and any other collections and distributions received from time to time in connection with any such Purchased Asset.
“ Interest Rate Protection Agreement ”: With respect to any or all Purchased Assets, any futures contract, options related contract, short sale of United States Treasury securities or any interest rate swap, cap, floor or collar agreement, total return swap or any other similar arrangement providing for protection against fluctuations in interest rates or the exchange of nominal interest obligations either generally or under specific contingencies, in each case with a Hedge Counterparty and that is acceptable to Buyer. For the avoidance of doubt, any Interest Rate Protection Agreement with respect to a Purchased Asset shall be included in the definitions of “ Purchased Asset ” and “ Repurchase Document .”
“ Interim Servicer ”: Barings Multifamily Capital LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, or any other Interim Servicer mutually agreed upon by Buyer and Seller.

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“ Interim Servicer Event of Default ”: With respect to Interim Servicer, (a) any default or event of default (however defined) under the Servicing Agreement among Sellers, Interim Servicer and Buyer, or (b) any failure of Interim Servicer to be rated by a Rating Agency as an approved servicer of commercial mortgage loans
“ Internal Control Event ”: Fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the internal controls of either Seller, Guarantor or any Specified Affiliate over financial reporting.
“ Investment ”: With respect to any Person, any acquisition or investment (whether or not of a controlling interest) by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of any Equity Interest in another Person, (b) a loan, advance or extension of credit to, capital contribution to, guaranty or credit enhancement of Indebtedness of, or purchase or other acquisition of any Indebtedness of, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person, or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of assets of another Person that constitute the business or a division or operating unit of another Person. Any binding commitment or option to make an Investment in any other Person, which commitment or opinion is able to be exercised prior to the current Facilities Termination Date, shall constitute an Investment. Except as expressly provided otherwise, for purposes of determining compliance with any covenant contained in this Agreement, the amount of any Investment shall be the amount actually invested, without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.
“ Investment Company Act ”: The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, restated or modified from time to time, including all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“ Irrevocable Redirection Notice ”: A notice in the form of Exhibit H , sent by the related Seller or by Interim Servicer on such Seller’s behalf directing the remittance of Income with respect to a Purchased Asset to the Collection Account or Waterfall Account, as applicable, and executed by the Interim Servicer with respect to such Purchased Asset.
“ Knowledge ”: With respect to any Person, means collectively (i) the Actual Knowledge of such Person, (ii) notice of any fact, event, condition or circumstance that would cause a reasonably prudent Person to conduct an inquiry that would give such Person Actual Knowledge, whether or not such Person actually undertook such an inquiry, and (iii) all knowledge that is imputed to a Person under any statute, rule, regulation, ordinance, or official decree or order.
“ LCF Assets ”: All Purchased Assets other than Purchased Assets that are secured by underlying Mortgaged Properties consisting primarily of hotel properties (as determined by Buyer) and that, as of the related Purchase Date, otherwise meet all of the criteria to qualify as eligible Whole Loans, eligible Senior Interests or eligible Mezzanine Loans, except that they are directly or indirectly secured by Liens on underlying Mortgaged Properties, which as of the Purchase Date therefor, either (a) do not satisfy the Debt Yield Test for Core Assets of the applicable type, as set forth in the Fee Letter, (b) do not satisfy the PPV Test for Core Assets of the applicable type, as set forth in the Fee Letter but, in each case, which Purchased Asset satisfies the PPV Test applicable

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to LCF Assets, as set forth in the Fee Letter, or (c) are designated as an LCF Asset on the related Confirmation.
“ LIBOR ”: The rate of interest per annum determined by Buyer on the basis of the rate for deposits in Dollars for delivery on the first (1 st ) day of each Pricing Period, for a period approximately equal to such Pricing Period, as reported on Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page (or any successor page) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on the Pricing Rate Determination Date (or if not so reported, then as determined by Buyer from another recognized source or interbank quotation). Each calculation by Buyer of LIBOR shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. For all Transactions entered into after October 14, 2015, (other than any Future Funding Transaction with respect to any Purchased Asset for which the Purchase Date occurred prior to October 14, 2015), if the calculation of LIBOR results in a LIBOR rate of less than zero (0), LIBOR shall be deemed to be zero (0) for any such Transaction for all purposes of this Agreement.
“ Lien ”: Any mortgage, statutory or other lien, pledge, charge, right, claim, adverse claim, attachment, levy, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, security interest, UCC financing statement or encumbrance of any kind on or otherwise relating to any Person’s assets or properties in favor of any other Person or any preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind.
“ LTV Ratio ”: For each Purchased Asset, the ratio of (a) the total amount then-currently due and owing in connection with the related underlying Whole Loan to (b) the then-current “as-is” market value of the underlying Mortgaged Property securing such Whole Loan, as such market value is set forth in an Appraisal.
“ Manager ”: Ares Commercial Real Estate Management LLC.
“ Margin Call ”: Defined in Section 4.01(a) .
“ Margin Deficit ”: Defined in Section 4.01(a) .
“ Margin Percentage ”: For any Purchased Asset as of any date, the percentage equivalent of the quotient obtained by dividing one (1) by the Applicable Percentage used to calculate the Purchase Price on the related Purchase Date.
“ Market Value ”: For any Purchased Asset as of any date, the lower of the Current Mark‑to‑Market Value and Book Value for such Purchased Asset as determined by Buyer in its commercially reasonable discretion; provided , that Buyer may set the Market Value to zero for any Purchased Asset with respect to which:
(a)      the requirements of the definition of Eligible Asset are not satisfied, as determined by Buyer;
(b)      a Representation Breach exists, as determined by Buyer;

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(c)      any Retained Interest, funding obligation or any other obligation of any kind has been transferred to Buyer;
(d)      the related Seller fails to repurchase such Purchased Asset by the Repurchase Date therefor;
(e)      an Insolvency Event has occurred with respect to any co‑participant or other Person having an interest in such Purchased Asset;
(f)      all Purchased Asset Documents have not been delivered to Custodian within the time periods required by this Agreement and the Custodial Agreement;
(g)      any material Purchased Asset Document has been released from the possession of Custodian under the Custodial Agreement to a Seller for more than ten (10) days, except as contemplated by the Custodial Agreement;
(h)      there is a violation of any applicable Sub-Limit;
(i)      the applicable Seller fails to deliver any reports required hereunder within the applicable time periods after giving effect to any applicable grace or cure periods set forth herein, where such failure adversely affects the Market Value thereof or Buyer’s ability to determine Market Value therefor; or
(j)      for each Purchased Asset originally acquired by the applicable Seller, from a Transferor, either (i) the original transfer to such Seller is or may be voidable or subject to avoidance under the Bankruptcy Code, or (ii) any of the material representations and warranties made by such Transferor to such Seller in the related Purchase Agreement are breached.
“ Material Adverse Effect ”: A material adverse effect on or material adverse change in or to (a) the property, assets, business, operations, financial condition or credit quality of Guarantor or either Seller, (b) the ability of either Seller to pay and perform the Repurchase Obligations, (c) the validity, legality, binding effect or enforceability of any Repurchase Document, Purchased Asset Document with respect to any Purchased Asset, Purchased Asset or security interest granted hereunder or thereunder, (d) the rights and remedies of Buyer or any Indemnified Person under any Repurchase Document, Purchased Asset Document or Purchased Asset, (e) the Current Mark‑to‑Market Value, rating (if applicable), liquidity or other aspect of a material portion of the Purchased Assets, as determined by Buyer, or (f) the perfection or priority of any Lien granted under any Repurchase Document or Purchased Asset Document with respect to any Purchased Asset.
“ Material Facility Default ”: Any monetary Default, any material non‑monetary Default or any Event of Default.
“ Material Modification ”: Any material extension, amendment, waiver, termination, rescission, cancellation, release or any other material modification to the terms of, or any collateral, guaranty or indemnity for, or any other action, direction or decision that could adversely affect the

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value or collectability of any amounts due with respect to the Purchased Assets, as determined by Buyer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as no Material Facility Default or Event of Default has occurred, the applicable Seller (or Servicer, on its behalf) shall have the right without the consent of Buyer in each instance to enter into any amendment, deferral, extension, modification, increase, decrease, renewal, replacement, consolidation, supplement or waiver of, or to exercise any rights of a holder under (collectively, a “Loan Modification”), the Purchased Asset Documents and such Loan Modification shall not constitute a Material Modification provided that either (I) if the related Loan Modification is being made in connection with a Securitized Purchased Asset, such Loan Modification satisfies all of the applicable terms, conditions and requirements which are set forth in the related participation agreement (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that modifications to any such participation agreement are expressly prohibited under Section 8.03 ), or (II) the same does not:
(a)      decrease the interest rate or principal amount of any Purchased Asset (except in the case of either required future advances or permitted protective advances) or defer or forebear from collecting any principal or interest (other than with respect to either a required future advance or a permitted protective advance);
(b)      change in any other material respect any monetary obligations of any Underlying Obligor under the Purchased Asset Documents in any manner that could be adverse to the interests of Buyer;
(c)      extend the scheduled maturity date or extended maturity date (except to the extent extended in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Purchased Asset Documents) of the Purchased Asset (except that the applicable Seller may permit an Underlying Obligor to exercise any extension options in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Purchased Asset Documents);
(d)      convert or exchange a Purchased Asset into or for any other indebtedness or subordinate any of the Purchased Asset to any indebtedness of any Underlying Obligor;
(e)      amend, modify or waive the provisions limiting transfers of interests in the Underlying Obligor or the underlying Mortgaged Property;
(f)      amend, modify or waive in any material respect the terms and provisions of any cash management agreement or other Purchased Asset Document with respect to the manner, timing and method of the application of payments under the Purchased Asset Documents;
(g)      cross default the Purchased Asset with any other indebtedness of any Underlying Obligor;
(h)      obtain any contingent interest, additional interest or so-called “kicker” measured on the basis of the cash flow or appreciation of the underlying Mortgaged Property (or other similar equity participation);

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(i)      amend, modify or waive any default provision, including, the definition of “Default”, “Event of Default” or similar defined term in the Purchased Asset Documents;
(j)      amend, modify or waive any notice or cure periods provided in the Purchased Asset Documents, provided, however, with respect to each Purchased Asset, such Seller (or Servicer on its behalf) may waive (but not amend or modify) on a one‑time basis during the related loan term (including any extensions thereof) for each Purchased Asset a nonmonetary notice and cure period provided that any applicable notice or cure period shall not be extended more than thirty (30) calendar days;
(k)      materially amend, modify or waive any insurance requirements under the Purchased Asset Documents (including, without limitation, any deductibles, limits or qualifications of insurers) or any material casualty or condemnation provisions;
(l)      change the flag on an existing hotel;
(m)      unless the related manager is in default, remove the current manager of an existing hotel (provided that Buyer’s consent to any replacement manager is required);
(n)      forgive any debt of any Underlying Obligor;
(o)      release or substitute any collateral except as provided in the Purchased Asset Documents;
(p)      consent to the placement of any Lien, encumbrance or easement on the underlying Mortgaged Property or any Lien or encumbrance on the Equity Interests in any Underlying Obligor (in each case, to the extent not expressly permitted by the Purchased Asset Documents);
(q)      amend, modify or waive provisions in the Purchased Asset Documents restricting the Underlying Obligor, any guarantor or any equity owners of any of the foregoing from incurring additional Indebtedness (in each case, to the extent not expressly permitted by the Purchased Asset Documents); or
(r)      permit any loan assumption or release or substitute any Underlying Obligor, guarantor or indemnitor of the Purchased Asset Documents, except as provided in the Purchased Asset Documents; provided , however , nothing in the foregoing shall imply a right of consent by Buyer, prior to the existence of a Material Facility Default or Event of Default, with respect to waivers of any non-material, non-monetary default under any Purchased Asset Documents.
“ Materials of Environmental Concern ”: Any hazardous, toxic or harmful substances, materials, wastes, pollutants or contaminants defined as such in or regulated under any Environmental Law.

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“ Maximum Amount ”: $500,000,000, which Maximum Amount shall not be increased by any Future Funding Transaction or reduced upon the repurchase of any Purchased Assets prior to the earlier to occur of the Initial Facility Termination Date or the Facility Termination Date; provided , that on and after the earlier to occur of Initial Facility Termination Date and the Facility Termination Date, the Maximum Amount on any date shall be the aggregate Purchase Price outstanding for all Transactions as of such date, as such amount declines over the term hereof as Purchased Assets are repurchased and Margin Deficits are satisfied, all in accordance with the applicable terms of this Agreement.
“ Maximum Applicable Percentage ”: Defined in the Fee Letter, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.
“ Mezzanine Borrower ” The obligor on a Mezzanine Note, including any Person who has assumed or guaranteed the obligations of the obligor thereunder.
“ Mezzanine Loan ”: A performing mezzanine loan secured by pledges of the Equity Interests of an Underlying Obligor or that portion of the Equity Interest that includes the general partnership, managing member or other controlling interest (including the right to take title to and sell the related underlying Mortgaged Property) that owns income producing commercial real estate which is a Type of Mortgaged Property and for which the combined DSCR is not less than that set forth in the related Confirmation, taking into account any senior or pari passu Indebtedness secured directly or indirectly by the related underlying Mortgaged Property, including any Preferred Equity interest or Mezzanine Debt that is senior to or pari passu with the related Asset.
“ Mezzanine Loan Documents ”: With respect to any Purchased Asset that is a Mezzanine Loan, the Mezzanine Note, those documents executed in connection with, evidencing or governing such Mezzanine Loan and the Mortgage Loan Documents for the related Whole Loan including, without limitation, those documents which are required to be delivered to Custodian under the Custodial Agreement (which documents so required to be delivered to Custodian shall only be required to include, for the avoidance of doubt, copies of the Mortgage Loan Documents for the related Whole Loan).
“ Mezzanine Note ”: The original executed promissory note or other tangible evidence of Mezzanine Loan indebtedness.
“ Minimum Portfolio Debt Yield Test ”: Defined in the Fee Letter, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.
“ Moody’s ”: Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or, if Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. is no longer issuing ratings, another nationally recognized rating agency reasonably acceptable to Buyer.
“ Mortgage ”: Any mortgage, deed of trust, assignment of rents, security agreement and fixture filing, or other instruments creating and evidencing a lien on real property and other property or ground leasehold interest and rights incidental thereto.

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“ Mortgage Asset File ”: Defined in the Custodial Agreement, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.
“ Mortgage Loan Documents ”: With respect to any Whole Loan, those documents executed in connection with and/or evidencing or governing such Whole Loan, including, without limitation those that are required to be delivered to Custodian under the Custodial Agreement.
“ Mortgage Note ”: The original executed promissory note or other evidence of the indebtedness of a Mortgagor with respect to a commercial mortgage loan.
“ Mortgaged Property ”: (I) In the case of a Whole Loan or a Senior Interest, the real property (including all improvements, buildings, fixtures, building equipment and personal property thereon and all additions, alterations and replacements made at any time with respect to the foregoing) and all other collateral directly or indirectly securing repayment of the debt evidenced by (a) a Mortgage Note (in the case of a Whole Loan) or (b) the Mortgage Note of the Whole Loan to which such Senior Interest relates (in the case of a Senior Interest), in each case securing such Whole Loan and (II) in the case of a Mezzanine Loan, the real property (including all improvements, buildings, fixtures, building equipment and personal property thereon and all additions, alterations and replacements made at any time with respect to the foregoing) and all other collateral owned by the Person whose Equity Interest is pledged as collateral security for such Mezzanine Loan.
“ Mortgagee ”: The record holder of a Mortgage Note secured by a Mortgage.
“ Mortgagor ”: The obligor on a Mortgage Note, including any Person who has assumed or guaranteed the obligations of the obligor thereunder.
“ Multi-Family Asset ”: Any Purchased Asset for which the majority or all of the underlying Mortgaged Property consists of multiple separate housing units for residential (i.e. non-commercial) inhabitants, which may be contained either in one building or in several buildings within a single complex.
“ Net Cash Flow ”: With respect to any Purchased Asset and for any period, the net cash flow of such Purchased Asset for such period as underwritten by Buyer.
“ Net Income ”: With respect to any Person for any period, the net income of such Person for such period as determined in accordance with GAAP.
“ Non-Hotel Core Assets ”: All Core Assets other than Hotel Core Assets.
“ Non–Recourse Indebtedness ”: With respect to any Person and any date, indebtedness of such Person as of such date for borrowed money in respect of which recourse for payment (except for customary exceptions for fraud, misapplication of funds, environmental indemnities, Insolvency Events, non‑approved transfers or other events) is contractually limited to specific assets of such Person encumbered by a Lien securing such Indebtedness.
“ Non-Securitized Purchased Asset ”: Any Purchased Asset other than those described on Schedule 4 hereto.

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“ Non-Utilization Fee ”: Defined in the Fee Letter, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.
“ Off–Balance Sheet Obligations ”: With respect to any Person and any date, to the extent not included as a liability on the balance sheet of such Person, all of the following with respect to such Person as of such date: (a) monetary obligations under any financing lease or so–called “synthetic,” tax retention or off–balance sheet lease transaction that, upon the application of any Insolvency Laws, would be characterized as indebtedness, (b) monetary obligations under any sale and leaseback transaction that does not create a liability on the balance sheet of such Person, or (c) any other monetary obligation arising with respect to any other transaction that (i) is characterized as indebtedness for tax purposes but not for accounting purposes, or (ii) is the functional equivalent of or takes the place of borrowing but that does not constitute a liability on the balance sheet of such Person (for purposes of this clause (c), any transaction structured to provide Tax deductibility as Interest Expense of any dividend, coupon or other periodic payment will be deemed to be the functional equivalent of a borrowing).
“ Other Connection Taxes ”: With respect to Buyer, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between Buyer and the jurisdiction imposing such Taxes (other than a connection arising from Buyer having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Repurchase Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Transaction or Repurchase Document).
“ Other Taxes ”: Any and all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under any Repurchase Document or from the execution, delivery, performance, or enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Repurchase Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment.
“ Partially Repaid Purchased Asset ”: Defined in Section 3.07(a) .
“ Partial Payment Amount ”: Defined in Section 3.07(a) .
“ Participant ”: Defined in Section 18.08(b) .
“ Participant Register ”: Defined in Section 18.08(f) .
“ Party ”: The meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.
“ PATRIOT Act ”: The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Title III of Pub. L. 107-56, signed into law October 2, 2001, as amended, modified or replaced from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“ Paying Seller ”: Defined in Section 18.22(b) .

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“ Performance Plan ”: For each LCF Asset, the performance plan satisfactory to Buyer and which shall be attached to and incorporated into the related Confirmation, that sets forth with specificity applicable milestones, hurdles and/or tests with respect to the related Purchased Asset; and dates on which such milestones, hurdles and/or tests, as applicable. must be satisfied with respect to the underlying Purchased Asset. For the avoidance of doubt, as determined by Buyer in its sole discretion, the Performance Plan may, but need not necessarily, conform to any applicable business plan under the terms of the related Purchased Asset.
“ Performance Plan Breach ”: With respect to any LCF Asset, a breach of any aspect of the Performance Plan with respect to such LCF Asset or other failure to comply with any portion of the related Performance Plan with respect to such LCF Asset, in each case, that results in a material adverse effect on the value, operation or net operating income of such LCF Asset, as determined by Buyer in its commercially reasonable discretion.
“ Permitted Liens ”: Any of the following as to which no enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure proceeding has been commenced: (a) Liens for state, municipal, local or other local taxes not yet due and payable, (b) Liens imposed by Requirements of Law, such as materialmen’s, mechanics’, carriers’, workmen’s, repairmen’s and similar Liens, arising in the ordinary course of business securing obligations that are not overdue for more than thirty (30) days or that are being contested in good faith and for which an adequate cash bond has been maintained, (c) Liens granted pursuant to or by the Repurchase Documents and (d) Liens against any Seller in an aggregate amount not to exceed $500,000.
“ Person ”: An individual, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, partnership, trust, unincorporated organization, joint stock company, sole proprietorship, joint venture, Governmental Authority or any other form of entity.
“ Pledge and Security Agreement ”: The Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of October 14, 2015, between Buyer and Pledgor, as amended, modified, waived, supplemented, extended, restated or replaced from time to time.
“ Pledged Collateral ”: Defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.
“ Pledgor ”: ACRC Warehouse Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, together with its successors and permitted assigns.
“ PPV Ratio ”: For each Purchased Asset, the ratio of the Purchase Price to the market value (as determined by Buyer) of the underlying Mortgaged Property securing the related Purchased Asset, as determined by Buyer. In determining the PPV Ratio at (i) the time of an initial asset approval and funding and (ii) in connection with the determination at any time after the Purchase Date therefor, of whether an LCF Asset may be recharacterized as a Core Asset pursuant to Section 3.01(i) , Buyer will use the “as is” value from an Appraisal or a broker opinion of value if such broker opinion of value is acceptable to Buyer, in each case, as provided by Sellers at the sole cost of Sellers. All other determinations of the PPV Ratio hereunder shall be based upon Buyer’s determination in its commercially reasonable discretion of the market value of the underlying

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Mortgaged Property; provided , however , that Buyer shall calculate the PPV Ratio with respect to Sellers in a manner consistent with other similar calculations with respect to counterparties that are also lenders and/or obligors under commercial real estate loans for which Buyer or its Affiliates is providing capital under agreements that are similar to this Agreement.
“ PPV Test ”: Defined in the Fee Letter, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.
“ Price Differential ”: For any Pricing Period or portion thereof and (a) for any Transaction outstanding, the sum of the products, for each day during such Pricing Period or portion thereof, of (i) 1/360th of the Pricing Rate in effect for each Purchased Asset subject to such Transaction during such Pricing Period, times (ii) the outstanding Purchase Price for such Purchased Asset on each such day, or (b) for all Transactions outstanding, the sum of the amounts calculated in accordance with the preceding clause (a) for all Transactions.
“ Pricing Margin ”: Defined in the Fee Letter, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.
“ Pricing Period ”: For any Purchased Asset, (a) in the case of the first Remittance Date for such Purchased Asset, the period from the Purchase Date for such Purchased Asset to but excluding such Remittance Date, and (b) in the case of any subsequent Remittance Date for each related Purchased Asset, the one-month period commencing on the fifteenth (15 th ) calendar day of the month preceding the month of the applicable Remittance Date to and including the fourteenth (14 th ) calendar day of the following month; provided , that no Pricing Period for a Purchased Asset shall end after the Repurchase Date for such Purchased Asset to the extent such Purchased Asset is actually repurchased on such Repurchase Date.
“ Pricing Rate ”: For any Pricing Period, LIBOR for such Pricing Period plus the applicable Pricing Margin, which shall be subject to adjustment and/or conversion as provided in Sections 12.01 and 12.02 ; provided , that while an Event of Default is continuing, the Pricing Rate shall be the Default Rate.
“ Pricing Rate Determination Date ”: (a) In the case of the first Pricing Period for any Purchased Asset, the related Purchase Date for such Purchased Asset, and (b) in the case of any subsequent Pricing Period, the date that is two (2) Business Days immediately preceding the fifteenth (15 th ) calendar day of each calendar month, or on any other date as determined by Buyer and communicated to the related Seller. The failure to communicate shall not impair Buyer’s decision to reset the Pricing Rate on any date.
“ Prime Rate ”: An annual rate equal to the prime rate as published in the “Money Rates” section of The Wall Street Journal , as that prime rate may change from time to time.
“ Principal Payments ”: For any Purchased Asset, all payments and prepayments of principal received for such Purchased Asset, including insurance and condemnation proceeds and recoveries of principal from liquidation or foreclosure, in each case, which are permitted by the

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terms of the Purchased Asset Documents to be applied to principal and are applied as principal towards the Purchase Price.
“ Purchase Agreement ”: Any purchase agreement between a Seller and any Transferor pursuant to which such Seller purchased or acquired an Asset which is subsequently sold to Buyer hereunder, which Purchase Agreement shall contain a grant of a security interest in favor of such Seller and authorize the filing of UCC financing statements against the Transferor with respect to such Asset.
“ Purchase Date ”: For any Purchased Asset, the date on which such Purchased Asset is transferred by the related Seller to Buyer.
“ Purchase Price ”: For any Purchased Asset, (a) as of the Purchase Date and, as initially set forth in the related Confirmation for such Purchased Asset, as such Confirmation may be updated by Buyer and the related Seller from time to time, an amount equal to the product of the Market Value of such Purchased Asset, times the Applicable Percentage for such Purchased Asset, and (b) as of any other date, the amount described in the preceding clause (a), (i) increased by any Future Funding Amounts disbursed by Buyer to the applicable Seller or the related borrower with respect to such Purchased Asset and, (ii) reduced by (x) any amount of Margin Deficit transferred by such Seller to Buyer pursuant to Section 4.01 and applied to the Purchase Price of such Purchased Asset, (y)  any Principal Payments remitted to the Waterfall Account and which were applied to the Purchase Price of such Purchased Asset by Buyer pursuant to clause fifth of Section 5.02 , and (z) any payments made by such Seller in reduction of the outstanding Purchase Price.
“ Purchased Asset Documents ”: Individually or collectively, as the context may require, the related Mortgage Loan Documents, Mezzanine Loan Documents and/or the related Senior Interest Documents.
“ Purchased Assets ”: (a) For any Transaction, each Asset sold by the related Seller to Buyer in such Transaction, and (b) for the Transactions in general, all Assets sold by the applicable Seller to Buyer, in each case including, to the extent relating to such Asset or Assets, all of such Seller’s right, title and interest in and to (i) Purchased Asset Documents, (ii) Servicing Rights, (iii) Servicing Files, (iv) mortgage guaranties and insurance (issued by Governmental Authorities or otherwise) and claims, payments and proceeds thereunder, (v) insurance policies, certificates of insurance and claims, payments and proceeds thereunder, (vi) the principal balance of such Assets, not just the amount advanced, (vii) amounts and property from time to time on deposit or credited to the Waterfall Account and the Waterfall Account itself, (viii) collection, escrow, reserve, collateral or lock–box accounts and all amounts and property from time to time on deposit therein, to the extent of the related Seller’s or the holder’s interest therein, (ix) Income paid or payable in connection with such Asset during the time such Asset is subject to a Transaction, until such Asset is repurchased by such Seller hereunder, (x) amounts and property from time to time on deposit in the Collection Accounts, together with the Collection Accounts themselves, (xi) security interests of such Seller in Derivatives Contracts entered into by Underlying Obligors, (xii) rights of such Seller under any letter of credit, guarantee, warranty, indemnity or other credit support or enhancement, (xiii) Interest Rate Protection Agreements relating to such Assets, (xiv) all supporting obligations of any kind,

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and (xv) all proceeds related to the sale, securitization or other disposition thereof; provided , that (A) Purchased Assets shall not include any obligations of any Seller or any Retained Interests, and (B) for purposes of the grant of security interest by any Seller to Buyer set forth in Section 11.01 , together with the other provisions of Article 11 , Purchased Assets shall include all of the following: general intangibles, accounts, chattel paper, deposit accounts, securities accounts, instruments, securities, financial assets, uncertificated securities, security entitlements and investment property (as such terms are defined in the UCC) and replacements, substitutions, conversions, distributions or proceeds relating to or constituting any of the items described in the preceding clauses (i) through (xv).
“ Rating Agency ”: Each of Fitch, Moody’s and S&P.
“ Reaffirmation Agreement ”: The reaffirmation agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between Guarantor and Buyer, in substantially in the form of Exhibit K .
“ Register ”: Defined in Section 18.08(f) .
“ REIT ”: A Person qualifying as a real estate investment trust, as defined in Section 856(a) of the Code.
“ Release ”: Any generation, treatment, use, storage, transportation, manufacture, refinement, handling, production, removal, remediation, disposal, presence or migration of Materials of Environmental Concern on, about, under or within all or any portion of any property or Mortgaged Property, except Materials of Environmental Concern used and managed in ordinary commercial activities in compliance with applicable laws and best practices, such as copier ink and dry cleaning chemicals, where such usage and management does not result in harm to the environment or human health and does not result in liability for investigation or other remediation pursuant to applicable law.
“ Remedial Work ”: Any investigation, inspection, site monitoring, containment, clean–up, removal, response, corrective action, mitigation, restoration or other remedial work of any kind or nature because of, or in connection with, the current or future presence, suspected presence, Release or threatened Release in or about the air, soil, ground water, surface water or soil vapor at, on, about, under or within all or any portion of any property or Mortgaged Property of any Materials of Environmental Concern, including any action to comply with any applicable Environmental Laws or directives of any Governmental Authority with regard to any Environmental Laws.
“ Remittance Date ”: The 18th day of each month (or if such day is not a Business Day, the next following Business Day, or if such following Business Day would fall in the following month, the next preceding Business Day), or such other day as is mutually agreed to by each Seller and Buyer.
“ Representation Breach ”: Any representation, warranty, certification, statement or affirmation made or deemed made by any Seller, Pledgor or Guarantor in any Repurchase Document (including in Schedule 1 ) or in any certificate, notice, report or other document delivered pursuant

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to any Repurchase Document proves to be incorrect, false or misleading in any material respect when made or deemed made, without regard to any Knowledge or lack of Knowledge thereof by such Person; provided that no representation or warranty (or portion thereof) with respect to a Purchased Asset which constitutes an Approved Representation Exception shall constitute a Representation Breach.
“ Representation Exceptions ”: With respect to each Purchased Asset, a written list prepared by the related Seller and delivered to Buyer prior to the Purchase Date of such Purchased Asset specifying, in reasonable detail, the representations and warranties (or portions thereof) set forth in this Agreement (including in Schedule 1 ) that are not satisfied with respect to an Asset or Purchased Asset.
“ Repurchase Date ”: For any Purchased Asset, the earliest to occur of (a) the Facility Termination Date, without giving effect to any unexercised extensions thereof, (b) any Early Repurchase Date therefor, (c) the Business Day on which the related Seller is to repurchase such Purchased Asset as specified by such Seller and agreed to by Buyer in the related Confirmation, and (d) the date that is two (2) Business Days prior to the maturity date (under the related Purchased Asset Documents with respect to such Purchased Asset including, with respect to each Senior Interest that is a participation, the related Whole Loan) for such Purchased Asset after giving effect to any extension of such maturity date, whether by modification, waiver, forbearance or otherwise which does not require consent of the lender(s) with respect to such Purchased Asset Documents or, if consent of the lender(s) is required with respect to such Purchased Asset Documents, such extension is permitted hereunder or is otherwise approved by Buyer in writing in its sole discretion; provided that, solely with respect to this clause (d), the settlement date with respect to such Repurchase Date and Purchased Asset may occur two (2) Business Days thereafter as provided in Section 3.05 ).
“ Repurchase Documents ”: Collectively, this Agreement, the Custodial Agreement, the Fee Letter, the Account Control Agreement, all Interest Rate Protection Agreements, the Pledge and Security Agreement, the Guarantee Agreement, the Servicing Agreement and any related sub-servicing agreements, all Confirmations, all UCC financing statements, amendments and continuation statements filed pursuant to any other Repurchase Document, and all additional documents, certificates, agreements or instruments, the execution of which is required, necessary or incidental to or desirable for performing or carrying out any other Repurchase Document.
“ Repurchase Obligations ”: All obligations of each Seller to pay the Repurchase Price on the Repurchase Date and all other obligations and liabilities of each Seller to Buyer arising under or in connection with the Repurchase Documents (for the avoidance of doubt, including all Interest Rate Protection Agreements with Affiliated Hedge Counterparties), whether now existing or hereafter arising, and, without duplication, all interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Seller or Guarantor of any Insolvency Proceeding naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding (in each case, whether due or accrued).
“ Repurchase Price ”: For any Purchased Asset as of any date, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the outstanding Purchase Price as of such date (as increased by any Future Funding Amounts and any other additional funds advanced in connection with such Purchased Asset), (b) the

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accrued and unpaid Price Differential for such Purchased Asset as of such date, (c) all other amounts that are due and payable as of such date by any Seller to Buyer under this Agreement or any Repurchase Document, (d) any accrued and unpaid fees and expenses and accrued and unpaid indemnity amounts, late fees, default interest, breakage costs and any other amounts owed by any Seller or Guarantor to Buyer or any of its Affiliates under this Agreement or any Repurchase Document and (e) the Exit Fee, if any, applicable to such Purchased Asset on any Early Repurchase Date.
“ Requirements of Law ”: With respect to any Person or property or assets of such Person and as of any date, all of the following applicable thereto as of such date: all Governing Documents and existing and future laws, statutes, rules, regulations, treaties, codes, ordinances, permits, certificates, orders and licenses of and interpretations by any Governmental Authority (including, without limitation, Environmental Laws, ERISA, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, Anti-Corruption Laws, Sanctions, regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and laws, rules and regulations relating to usury, licensing, truth in lending, fair credit billing, fair credit reporting, equal credit opportunity, fair debt collection practices and privacy), judgments, decrees, injunctions, writs, awards or orders of any court, arbitrator or other Governmental Authority.
“ Responsible Officer ”: With respect to any Person, the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, the chief accounting officer, the treasurer or the chief operating officer of such Person or such other officer designated as an authorized signatory pursuant to such Person’s Governing Documents.
“ Retained Interest ”: (a) With respect to any Purchased Asset, (i) all duties, obligations and liabilities of the related Seller thereunder, including payment and indemnity obligations, (ii) all obligations of agents, trustees, servicers, administrators or other Persons under the documentation evidencing such Purchased Asset, and (iii) if any portion of the Indebtedness related to such Purchased Asset is owned by another lender or is being retained by a Seller, the interests, rights and obligations under such documentation to the extent they relate to such portion, and (b) with respect to any Purchased Asset with an unfunded commitment on the part of a Seller, all obligations to provide additional funding, contributions, payments or credits, except to the extent otherwise specified in the related Confirmation.
“ S&P ”: Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw‑Hill Companies, Inc. or, if Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services is no longer issuing ratings, another nationally recognized rating agency reasonably acceptable to Buyer.
“ Sanction ” or “ Sanctions ”: Individually and collectively, any and all economic or financial sanctions, trade embargoes and anti-terrorism laws imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by: (a) the United States of America, including those administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or through any existing or future Executive Order; (b) the United Nations Security Council; (c) the European Union; (d) the United Kingdom; or (e) any other Governmental Authorities with jurisdiction over Seller, Guarantor or any of their Affiliates.

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“ Sanctioned Target ”: Any individual, entity, group, sector, territory or country that is a target of any Sanctions, including any legal entity that is deemed to be an individual, entity, group, sector, territory or country that is a target of any Sanctions, based upon the direct or indirect ownership or control of such entity by any other Sanctioned Target(s).
“ Securitized Purchased Asset ”: Any Purchased Asset described on Schedule 4 hereto.
“ Seller ” or “ Sellers ”: Individually and collectively, as the context may require, ACRC Lender W LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and ACRC Lender W TRS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
“ Senior Interest ”: (a) A senior or pari passu participation interest in a Whole Loan (i) that is evidenced by a Senior Interest Note, (ii) that represents an undivided participation interest in part of the underlying Whole Loan and its proceeds, (iii) that represents a pass through of a portion of the payments made on the underlying Whole Loan which lasts for the same length of time as such Whole Loan, and (iv) as to which there is no guaranty of payments to the holder of the Senior Interest Note or other form of credit support for such payments, or (b) an “A note” in an “A/B structure” in a Whole Loan, in each case for which the Mortgaged Property has fully stabilized, as determined by Buyer.
“ Senior Interest Documents ”: For any Senior Interest, the Senior Interest Note, together with any co-lender agreements, participation agreements and/or other intercreditor agreements or other documents governing or otherwise relating to such Senior Interest, and the Mortgage Loan Documents for the related Whole Loan, and including, without limitation, those documents which are required to be delivered to Custodian under the Custodial Agreement (which documents so required to be delivered to Custodian shall only be required to include, for the avoidance of doubt, copies of the Mortgage Loan Documents for the related Whole Loan).
“ Senior Interest Note ”: (a) The original executed promissory note, participation or other certificate or other tangible evidence of a Senior Interest, (b) the related original Mortgage Note (or, if the applicable Seller cannot obtain the original, then a certified copy thereof), and (c) the related original participation and/or intercreditor agreement, as applicable (or, if the applicable Seller cannot obtain the original, then a certified copy thereof with a lost note affidavit signed by a senior officer of such Seller in such form as is acceptable to Buyer in its discretion).
“ Servicing Agreement ”: An agreement entered into by Buyer (if applicable), Sellers and Interim Servicer for the servicing of the Purchased Assets, acceptable to Buyer.
“ Servicing File ”: With respect to any Purchased Asset, the file retained and maintained by the applicable Seller or Interim Servicer, including the originals or copies of all the applicable Purchased Asset Documents and other documents and agreements (i) relating to such Purchased Asset and/or the related Whole Loan, (ii) relating to the origination and/or servicing and administration of such Purchased Asset and/or the related Whole Loan, or (iii) that are otherwise reasonably necessary for the ongoing administration and/or servicing of such Purchased Asset and/or the related Whole Loan or for evidencing or enforcing any of the rights of the holder of such

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Purchased Asset or holders of interests therein, including, to the extent applicable, all servicing agreements, files, documents, records, databases, computer tapes, insurance policies and certificates, appraisals, other closing documentation, payment history and other records relating to or evidencing the servicing of such Purchased Asset, which file shall be held by such Seller and/or the Interim Servicer for and on behalf of Buyer.
“ Servicing Rights ”: With respect to any Purchased Asset, all right, title and interest of each Seller, Pledgor, Guarantor or any Affiliate of Seller, Pledgor or Guarantor, or any other Person, in and to any and all of the following: (a) rights to service and/or sub-service, and collect and make all decisions with respect to, the Purchased Assets and/or any related Whole Loans, (b) amounts received by each Seller, Pledgor, Guarantor or any Affiliate of any Seller, Pledgor or Guarantor, or any other Person, for servicing and/or sub-servicing the Purchased Assets and/or any related Whole Loans, (c) late fees, penalties or similar payments as compensation with respect to the Purchased Assets and/or any related Whole Loans, (d) agreements and documents creating or evidencing any such rights to service and/or sub-service (including, without limitation, all Servicing Agreements), together with all documents, files and records relating to the servicing and/or sub-servicing of the Purchased Assets and/or any related Whole Loans, and rights of any Seller, Pledgor, Guarantor or any Affiliate of any Seller, Pledgor or Guarantor, or any other Person thereunder, (e) escrow, reserve and similar amounts with respect to the Purchased Assets and/or any related Whole Loans, (f) rights to appoint, designate and retain any other servicers, sub-servicers, special servicers, agents, custodians, trustees and liquidators with respect to the Purchased Assets and/or any related Whole Loans, and (g) accounts and other rights to payment related to the Purchased Assets and/or any related Whole Loans.
“ Solvent ”: With respect to any Person at any time, having a state of affairs such that all of the following conditions are met at such time: (a) the fair value of the assets and property of such Person is greater than the amount of such Person’s liabilities (including disputed, contingent and unliquidated liabilities) as such value is established and liabilities evaluated for purposes of Section 101(32) of the Bankruptcy Code, (b) the present fair salable value of the assets and property of such Person in an orderly liquidation of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person is able to realize upon its assets and property and pay its debts and other liabilities (including disputed, contingent and unliquidated liabilities) as they mature in the normal course of business, (d) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay as such debts and liabilities mature, and (e) such Person is not engaged in a business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in a business or a transaction, for which such Person’s assets and property would constitute unreasonably small capital.
“ Specified Affiliate ”: ACRC Holdings LLC, ACRC Lender LLC and Pledgor; provided , however , that if any Seller or its Affiliates dissolve or liquidate ACRC Holdings LLC at any time, then ACRC Holdings LLC shall thereupon cease to be a Specified Affiliate.
“ SPV Conversion Date ”: With respect to each Seller, the date upon which the Governing Documents with respect to such Seller is amended, restated, amended and restated,

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supplemented or otherwise modified to, among other things, implement the Independent Manager Provisions.
“ Structuring Fee ”: Defined in the Fee Letter, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.
“ Sub-Limit ”: The composition of Purchased Assets subject to this Agreement at all times meet the following sub‑limits, and no Market Value shall be ascribed to any Purchased Asset to the extent that it violates any of the following sub‑limits as of each related date of the determination thereof:
(a)      to the extent that the Market Value ascribed to non-controlling Senior Interests with outstanding Future Funding Amounts would exceed twenty percent (20%) of the Maximum Amount;
(b)      to the extent that the Market Value ascribed to any one Purchased Asset would exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the Maximum Amount;
(c)      to the extent that the Market Value ascribed to Purchased Assets that are secured by underlying Mortgaged Properties consisting primarily of hotel properties (as determined by Buyer), would exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the Maximum Amount; and
(d)      to the extent that the Market Value ascribed to Purchased Assets that are excluded from the calculation of the Minimum Portfolio Debt Yield Test would exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the Maximum Amount.
“ Subsidiary ”: With respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity (heretofore, now or hereafter established) of which at least a majority of the securities or other ownership interests having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other persons performing similar functions of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) is at the time directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, and shall include all Persons the accounts of which are consolidated with those of such Person pursuant to GAAP.
“ Taxes ”: All present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.
“ Test Period ”: The meaning specified in the Guarantee Agreement.
“ Transaction ”: With respect to any Asset, the sale and transfer of such Asset from the related Seller to Buyer pursuant to the Repurchase Documents against the transfer of funds from Buyer to such Seller representing the Purchase Price or any additional Purchase Price for such Asset.
“ Transaction Request ”: Defined in Section 3.01(a) .

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“ Transferor ”: The applicable seller of an Asset under a Purchase Agreement.
“ Type ”: With respect to a Mortgaged Property underlying any Purchased Asset, such Mortgaged Property’s classification as one of the following: multifamily, retail, office, industrial, student housing, self-storage and, solely with respect to Core Assets, hotels.
“ UCC ”: The Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York; provided, that, if, by reason of a Requirement of Law, the perfection, effect on perfection or non perfection or priority of the security interest in any Purchased Asset is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other than New York, then “UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection or priority.
“ Underlying Obligor ”: Individually and collectively, as the context may require, (a) in the case of a Purchased Asset that is a Whole Loan, the Mortgagor and each obligor and guarantor under such Purchased Asset, including (i) any Person who has not signed the related Mortgage Note but owns an interest in the related Mortgaged Property, which interest has been encumbered to secure such Purchased Asset, and (ii) any other Person who has assumed or guaranteed the obligations of such Mortgagor under the Purchased Asset Documents relating to such Purchased Asset, (b) in the case of a Purchased Asset that is a Senior Interest, the Mortgagor and each obligor and any other Person who has assumed or guaranteed the related Whole Loan, and (c) in the case of any Purchased Asset that is a Mezzanine Loan, (i) all underlying obligors with respect to the related Whole Loan and the owner of the related Mortgaged Property, (ii) the borrower under the related Mezzanine Loan, and (iii) any other Person who has assumed or guaranteed the obligation of such Mezzanine Loan borrower.
“ Underwriting Package ”: With respect to one or more Assets, the internal document or credit committee memorandum (redacted to protect confidential information) setting forth all material information relating to an Asset which is known by the applicable Seller, prepared by such Seller for its evaluation of such Asset, to include at a minimum all the information required to be set forth in the relevant Confirmation or, in the alternative, materials of a like kind that would typically be provided by a loan originator to a nationally recognized statistical rating organization in connection with a collateral debt obligation or commercial mortgage-backed securities offering acceptable in Buyer’s discretion. In addition, the Underwriting Package shall include all of the following, to the extent applicable and available:
(a)      copies of all Purchased Asset Documents (provided that in the case of a Wet Mortgage Asset, the Underwriting Package delivered in connection with a Transaction Request under Section 3.01(a) shall provide .pdf copies of all such Purchased Asset Documents to the extent available at such time, including substantially final drafts of any documents that will constitute Purchased Asset Documents upon their execution, together with a pledge by the related Seller to forward final, signed Purchased Asset Documents within five (5) Business Days after the related Purchase Date); and
(b)      all Purchased Asset Documents required to be delivered to Custodian under Section 2.01 of the Custodial Agreement, (b) an Appraisal, (c) the current occupancy

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report, tenant stack and rent roll, (d) if and to the extent available after the exercise of reasonable effort by the related Seller, at least two (2) years of property‑level financial statements, (e) the current financial statement of the Underlying Obligor, (f) the mortgage asset file described in the Custodial Agreement, (g) third‑party reports and agreed‑upon procedures, letters and reports (whether drafts or final forms), site inspection reports, market studies and other due diligence materials prepared by or on behalf of or delivered to the applicable Seller, (h) if and to the extent available after the exercise of reasonable effort by such Seller, aging of accounts receivable and accounts payable, (i) copies of Purchased Asset Documents, (j) such further documents or information as Buyer may request, (k) any and all agreements, documents, reports, or other information concerning the Purchased Assets (including, without limitation, all of the related Purchased Asset Documents) received or obtained in connection with the origination of the Purchased Assets, (l) any other material documents or reports concerning the Purchased Assets prepared or executed by the applicable Seller or Guarantor, and (m) all documents, instruments and agreement received in respect of the closing of the acquisition transaction under the Purchase Agreement.
“ U.S. Person ”: Any Person that is a “United States person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.
“ U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate ”: Defined in Section 12.06(e) .
“ Waterfall Account ”: A segregated non‑interest bearing account established at Waterfall Account Bank, in the name of the Sellers, pledged to Buyer and subject to a Controlled Account Agreement.
“ Waterfall Account Bank ”: Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, or any other bank approved by Buyer.
“ Wet Mortgage Asset ”: An Eligible Asset for which (i) the scheduled origination date of the related Whole Loan is the proposed Purchase Date set forth in the Transaction Request, (ii) the related Seller has delivered a Transaction Request pursuant to Section 3.01(g) hereof, and (iii) a complete Mortgage Asset File has not been delivered to Custodian prior to the related Purchase Date.
“ Whole Loan ”: A performing commercial real estate whole loan made to the related Underlying Obligor and secured primarily by a perfected, first priority Lien in the related underlying Mortgaged Property, including, without limitation (A) with respect to any Senior Interest, the whole loan in which the applicable Seller owns a Senior Interest, and (B) with respect to any Mezzanine Loan, the whole loan made to the Mortgagor or Affiliate of such Mortgagor whose Equity Interests, directly or indirectly, secure such Mezzanine Loan.
Section 2.01      Rules of Interpretation . Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. The following rules of this Section 2.01 apply unless the context requires otherwise. The singular includes the plural and conversely. A gender includes all genders. Where a word or phrase is defined, its other grammatical forms have a corresponding meaning. A reference to an Article, Section, Subsection, Paragraph, Subparagraph, Clause, Annex, Schedule, Appendix,

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Attachment, Rider or Exhibit is, unless otherwise specified, a reference to an Article, Section, Subsection, Paragraph, Subparagraph or Clause of, or Annex, Schedule, Appendix, Attachment, Rider or Exhibit to, this Agreement, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by this reference and made a part hereof. A reference to a party to this Agreement or another agreement or document includes the party’s successors, substitutes or assigns in each case, permitted by the Repurchase Documents. A reference to an agreement or document is to the agreement or document as amended, restated, modified, novated, supplemented or replaced, except to the extent prohibited by any Repurchase Document. A reference to legislation or to a provision of legislation includes a modification, codification, replacement, amendment or reenactment of it, a legislative provision substituted for it and a rule, regulation or statutory instrument issued under it. A reference to writing includes a facsimile or electronic transmission and any means of reproducing words in a tangible and permanently visible form. A reference to conduct includes an omission, statement or undertaking, whether or not in writing. A Default or Event of Default exists until it has been cured or waived in writing by Buyer. The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder” and similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, unless the context clearly requires or the language provides otherwise. The word “including” is not limiting and means “including without limitation.” The word “any” is not limiting and means “any and all” unless the context clearly requires or the language provides otherwise. In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including,” the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding,” and the word “through” means “to and including.” The words “will” and “shall” have the same meaning and effect. A reference to day or days without further qualification means calendar days. A reference to any time means New York time. This Agreement may use several different limitations, tests or measurements to regulate the same or similar matters. All such limitations, tests and measurements are cumulative and shall each be performed in accordance with their respective terms. Unless the context otherwise clearly requires, all accounting terms not expressly defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, and all accounting determinations, financial computations and financial statements required hereunder shall be made in accordance with GAAP, without duplication of amounts, and on a consolidated basis with all Subsidiaries. All terms used in Articles 8 and 9 of the UCC, and used but not specifically defined herein, are used herein as defined in such Articles 8 and 9. A reference to “fiscal year” and “fiscal quarter” means the fiscal periods of the applicable Person referenced therein. A reference to an agreement includes a security interest, guarantee, agreement or legally enforceable arrangement whether or not in writing. A reference to a document includes an agreement (as so defined) in writing or a certificate, notice, instrument or document, or any information recorded in computer disk form. Whenever a Person is required to provide any document to Buyer under the Repurchase Documents, the relevant document shall be provided in writing or printed form unless Buyer requests otherwise. At the request of Buyer, the document shall be provided electronically or both printed and electronically. The Repurchase Documents are the result of negotiations between the Parties, have been reviewed by counsel to Buyer and counsel to each Seller, and are the product of both Parties. No rule of construction shall apply to disadvantage one Party on the ground that such Party proposed or was involved in the preparation of any particular provision of the Repurchase Documents or the Repurchase Documents themselves. Except where otherwise expressly stated, Buyer may give or withhold, or give conditionally, approvals and consents, and may form opinions and make determinations, in its sole and absolute discretion subject in all cases to the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Reference herein or in any other

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Repurchase Document to Buyer’s discretion, shall mean, unless otherwise expressly stated herein or therein, Buyer’s sole and absolute discretion, and the exercise of such discretion shall be final and conclusive. In addition, whenever Buyer has a decision or right of determination, opinion or request, exercises any right given to it to agree, disagree, accept, consent, grant waivers, take action or no action or to approve or disapprove (or any similar language or terms), or any arrangement or term is to be satisfactory or acceptable to or approved by Buyer (or any similar language or terms), the decision of Buyer with respect thereto, except where otherwise expressly stated, shall be in the sole and absolute discretion of Buyer, and such decision shall be final and conclusive subject in all cases to the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
ARTICLE 3     

THE TRANSACTIONS
Section 3.01      Procedures .
(a)      From time to time during the Funding Period, a Seller may request Buyer to enter into a proposed Transaction by sending Buyer a notice substantially in the form of Exhibit A (“ Transaction Request ”) (i) describing the Transaction and each proposed Asset and any related underlying Mortgaged Property and other security therefor in reasonable detail, (ii) transmitting a complete Underwriting Package for each proposed Asset, and (iii) specifying which (if any) of the representations and warranties of such Seller set forth in this Agreement (including in Schedule 1 applicable to the Class of such Asset) such Seller will be unable to make with respect to such Asset. Such Seller shall promptly deliver to Buyer any supplemental materials requested at any time by Buyer. Buyer shall conduct such review of the Underwriting Package and each such Asset as Buyer determines appropriate. Buyer shall determine whether or not it is willing to purchase any or all of the proposed Assets, and if so, on what terms and conditions. It is expressly agreed and acknowledged that Buyer is entering into the Transactions on the basis of all such representations and warranties and on the completeness and accuracy of the information contained in the applicable Underwriting Package, and any incompleteness or inaccuracies in the related Underwriting Package will only be acceptable to Buyer if disclosed in writing to Buyer by such Seller in advance of the related Purchase Date, and then only if Buyer opts to purchase the related Purchased Asset from such Seller notwithstanding such incompleteness and inaccuracies. In the event of a Representation Breach, the applicable Seller shall within three (3) Business Days after notice repurchase the related Asset or Assets in accordance with Section 3.05 .
(b)      Buyer shall give the related Seller notice of the date when Buyer has received a complete Underwriting Package and supplemental materials. Buyer shall approve or disapprove in writing any proposed Asset, within ten (10) Business Days after such date. If Buyer has not communicated such decision to such Seller by such date, Buyer shall automatically and without further action be deemed to have determined not to purchase any such Asset.
(c)      If Buyer communicates to the related Seller a final non‑binding determination that it is willing to purchase any or all of such Assets, such Seller shall deliver to Buyer an executed preliminary Confirmation for such Transaction, describing each such Asset and

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its proposed Purchase Date, Market Value, Applicable Percentage, Purchase Price and such other terms and conditions as Buyer may require. If Buyer requires changes to the preliminary Confirmation, the related Seller shall make such changes and re‑execute the preliminary Confirmation. If Buyer determines to enter into the Transaction on the terms described in the preliminary Confirmation, Buyer shall execute and return the same to such Seller at the time that Buyer pays the related Purchase Price to applicable Seller, which shall thereupon become effective as the Confirmation of the Transaction. Buyer’s approval of the purchase of an Asset on such terms and conditions as Buyer may require shall be evidenced only by its execution and delivery of the related Confirmation. For the avoidance of doubt, Buyer shall not (i) be bound by any preliminary or final non‑binding determination referred to above, or (ii) be obligated to purchase an Asset notwithstanding a Confirmation executed by the Parties unless and until all applicable conditions precedent in Article 6 have been satisfied or waived by Buyer.
(d)      Each Confirmation, together with this Agreement, shall be conclusive evidence of the terms of the Transaction covered thereby, and shall be construed to be cumulative to the extent possible. If terms in a Confirmation are inconsistent with terms in this Agreement with respect to a particular Transaction, the Confirmation shall prevail. Whenever the Applicable Percentage or any other term of a Transaction (other than the Pricing Rate, Market Value and outstanding Purchase Price) with respect to an Asset is revised or adjusted in accordance with this Agreement, an amended and restated Confirmation reflecting such revision or adjustment and that is otherwise acceptable to the Parties shall be prepared by the related Seller and executed by the Parties.
(e)      The fact that Buyer has conducted or has failed to conduct any partial or complete examination or any other due diligence review of any Asset or Purchased Asset shall in no way affect any rights Buyer may have under the Repurchase Documents or otherwise with respect to any representations or warranties or other rights or remedies thereunder or otherwise, including the right to determine at any time that such Asset or Purchased Asset is not an Eligible Asset.
(f)      No Transaction shall be entered into if (i) any Margin Deficit, Default or Event of Default exists or would exist as a result of such Transaction, (ii) the Repurchase Date for the Purchased Assets subject to such Transaction would be later than the Facility Termination Date, or (iii) after giving effect to such Transaction, the Aggregate Amount Outstanding would exceed the Maximum Amount.
(g)      In addition to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.01 , solely with respect to any Wet Mortgage Asset, a copy of the related Transaction Request shall be delivered by the related Seller to Bailee no later than 12:00 noon (New York City time) one (1) Business Day prior to the requested Purchase Date, to be held in escrow by Bailee on behalf of Buyer pending finalization of the Transaction.
(h)      Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.01 or any contrary provisions set forth in the Custodial Agreement, solely with respect to any Wet Mortgage Asset:

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(i)      by 12:00 noon (New York City time) on the Purchase Date, the related Seller or Bailee shall deliver signed .pdf copies of the Purchased Asset Documents to Custodian via electronic mail, and such Seller shall deliver the appropriate written third-party wire transfer instructions to Buyer;
(ii)      not later than 12:00 noon (New York City time) on the related Purchase Date, (A) Bailee shall deliver an executed .pdf copy of the Bailee Agreement to related Seller, Buyer and Custodian by electronic mail and (B) if Buyer has previously received the trust receipt in accordance with Section 3.01(b) of the Custodial Agreement, determined that all other applicable conditions in this Agreement, including without limitation those set forth in Section 6.02 hereof have been satisfied, and otherwise has agreed to purchase the related Wet Mortgage Asset, Buyer shall (I) execute and deliver a .pdf copy of the related Confirmation to the related Seller and Bailee via electronic mail and (II) wire funds in the amount of the related Purchase Price for the related Wet Mortgage Asset in accordance with the wire transfer instructions that were previously delivered to Buyer by such Seller; and
(iii)      within five (5) Business Days after the applicable Purchase Date with respect to any Wet Mortgage Asset, the related Seller shall deliver, or cause to be delivered (A) to Custodian, the complete original Mortgage Asset File with respect to such Wet Mortgage Asset, pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Custodial Agreement, and (B) to Buyer, the complete original Underwriting Package with respect to the related Wet Mortgage Assets purchased by Buyer; provided , that, if Buyer’s diligence review of the related Mortgage Asset File requires the delivery of a mortgage file, document or instrument or the equivalent that such Seller cannot deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Custodian at the time they are required to be delivered, solely because of a delay caused by the public recording office where such document or instrument has been delivered for recordation, the delivery requirements set forth in this Agreement and the Custodial Agreement shall be deemed to have been satisfied as to such non-delivered Mortgage Asset File, document or instrument if a copy thereof (certified by such Seller to be a true and complete copy of the original thereof submitted for recording) is delivered to Custodian on or before the date on which such original is required to be delivered, and either the original of such non-delivered document or instrument, or a photocopy thereof, with evidence of recording thereon, is delivered to Custodian within ninety (90) days of the related Purchase Date, and, provided , further , that Buyer may, but is not obligated to, consent to a later date for delivery of any part of the Mortgage Asset File in its sole discretion.
(i)      LCF Assets that have been sufficiently modified or otherwise rehabilitated may be re-submitted by Seller with such request including all supporting documentation and information as requested by Buyer. Buyer shall determine, in its sole discretion, whether or not to approve or deny each reclassification request and, if so, on what terms and conditions. Any such LCF Asset that is approved by Buyer for inclusion as a Core Asset, for which Seller satisfies all other conditions for a Transaction set forth in the Repurchase Documents, shall be subject to an amended and restated Confirmation executed by Seller and Buyer and thereupon will be converted from an LCF Asset to a Core Asset for all purposes under the Repurchase Documents; provided

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that the Pricing Margin shall not be changed or modified unless otherwise agreed by Buyer in its sole discretion in the amended and restated Confirmation.
(j)      Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary set forth herein, for purposes of determining compliance with the Debt Yield Test and the PPV Test, all Purchased Assets subject to this Agreement as of the Amendment Effective Date shall be required to satisfy only the Debt Yield Test and the PPV Test in effect on the related Purchase Date for each such Purchased Asset, assuming that each such Purchased Asset continues to be either a Core Asset or an LCF Asset, as such defined terms were in effect as of the related Purchased Date for each such Purchased Asset.
Section 3.02      Transfer of Purchased Assets; Servicing Rights . On the Purchase Date for each Purchased Asset, and subject to the satisfaction of all applicable conditions precedent in Article 6 , (a) ownership of and title to such Purchased Asset shall be transferred to and vest in Buyer or its designee against the simultaneous transfer of the Purchase Price to the account of the related Seller specified in Annex 1 (or if not specified therein, in the related Confirmation or as directed by such Seller), and (b) such Seller hereby sells, transfers, conveys and assigns to Buyer on a servicing‑released basis all of such Seller’s right, title and interest (except with respect to any Retained Interests) in and to such Purchased Asset, together with all related Servicing Rights. Subject to this Agreement, during the Funding Period a Seller may sell to Buyer, repurchase from Buyer and re-sell Eligible Assets to Buyer, but Sellers may not substitute other Eligible Assets for Purchased Assets. Buyer has the right to designate each servicer of the Purchased Assets. The Servicing Rights and other servicing provisions under this Agreement are not severable from or to be separated from the Purchased Assets under this Agreement; and, such Servicing Rights and other servicing provisions of this Agreement constitute (a) “related terms” under this Agreement within the meaning of Section 101(47)(A)(i) of the Bankruptcy Code and/or (b) a security agreement or other arrangement or other credit enhancement related to the Repurchase Documents.
Section 3.03      Maximum Amount . The aggregate outstanding Purchase Price for all Purchased Assets as of any date of determination shall not exceed the Maximum Amount. If the aggregate outstanding Purchase Price for all Purchased Assets as of any date of determination exceeds the Maximum Amount, Sellers shall immediately pay to Buyer an amount necessary to reduce such aggregate outstanding Purchase Price to an amount equal to or less than the Maximum Amount. Once per calendar year, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Sellers shall have the option to reduce the Maximum Amount at their discretion without premium or penalty to an amount no less than the then-outstanding aggregate Purchase Price upon three (3) Business Days advance notice to Buyer. In addition, the Maximum Amount shall be automatically reduced to the outstanding aggregate Purchase Price plus the amount of any remaining unfunded Buyer commitments set forth on all outstanding Confirmations as of the Initial Facility Termination Date.
Section 3.04      Early Repurchase Date; Mandatory Repurchases .
(a)      The applicable Seller may terminate any Transaction with respect to any or all Purchased Assets sold by such Seller and repurchase such Purchased Assets on any date prior to the Repurchase Date (an “ Early Repurchase Date ”); provided , that (a) such Seller irrevocably notifies Buyer at least three (3) Business Days before the proposed Early Repurchase Date

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identifying the Purchased Asset(s) to be repurchased and the Repurchase Price thereof, (b) such Seller delivers a certificate from a Responsible Officer of such Seller in form and substance satisfactory to Buyer certifying that no Margin Deficit, Default or Event of Default exists or would exist as a result of such repurchase and there are no other Liens on the Purchased Assets or Pledged Collateral other than Buyer’s Lien, unless all such Liens are satisfied in full on or before the related Early Repurchase Date (c) if the Early Repurchase Date is not a Remittance Date, such Seller pays to Buyer any amount due under Section 12.03 and pays all amounts due to any Affiliated Hedge Counterparty under the related Interest Rate Protection Agreement, (d) such Seller pays to Buyer the related (if any) Exit Fee due and payable, but no such Exit Fee shall be due and payable if the related repurchase occurs in connection with an Exempted Transaction, and (e) such Seller thereafter complies with Section 3.05 . Such early terminations and repurchases shall be limited to three (3) occurrences in any calendar week.
(b)      In addition to other rights and remedies of Buyer under any Repurchase Document, the applicable Seller shall, within two (2) Business Days of receipt of written notice from Buyer, (I) repurchase any Purchased Asset that no longer qualifies as an Eligible Asset, or (II) (1) transfer cash to Buyer, (2) repurchase LCF Assets subject to a Performance Plan Breach at the Repurchase Price thereof, or (3) choose any combination of the foregoing clause (b)(II)(1) and (2), so that, after giving effect to such transfers, repurchases and payments, the Purchase Price for such LCF Asset does not exceed the product of the Market Value of such LCF Asset times the Applicable Percentage.
(c)      In addition to the foregoing, in connection with each repurchase made pursuant to Section 3.04(a) , if such repurchase occurs at any time after (i) the Initial Facility Termination Date but prior to the first Extended Facility Termination Date, the applicable Seller shall pay an amount equal to 110% of the applicable Repurchase Price otherwise payable for such date and (ii) the first Extended Facility Termination Date, such Seller shall pay an amount equal to 125% of the applicable Repurchase Price otherwise payable for such date; provided, however, if (x) at the time of any repurchase during the time period described in clause (i) above, there are at least seven (7) remaining Purchased Assets and each of them comply with the applicable PPV Test and Debt Yield Test, or (y) if at the time of any repurchase during the time period described in clause (ii) above, (i) the Debt Yield for all of the remaining Purchased Assets, calculated on an aggregate basis, equals or exceeds twelve and one-half percent (12.5%), and (ii) PPV Ratio for all of the remaining Purchased Assets, calculated on an aggregate basis, is less than or equal to forty-five percent (45%), then the amount payable pursuant to the applicable clause shall be solely the applicable Repurchase Price for such date. The proceeds of any payment made pursuant to this Section 3.04(c) in excess of the Applicable Repurchase Price that otherwise would have been payable shall be applied by Buyer first to repay any outstanding Margin Deficits, and second to reduce the unpaid Repurchase Prices of all remaining Purchased Assets on a pro rata basis, unless such Seller and Buyer otherwise agree to apply any such amounts differently.
(d)      In addition, at any time during the existence of an uncured Event of Default or an unsatisfied Margin Deficit, if a Seller elects to repurchase a Purchased Asset due to the prepayment in whole (but not in part) of the underlying Whole Loan, such Seller shall pay to Buyer one-hundred percent (100%) of the net proceeds due in connection with the payoff of the underlying

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Purchased Asset in question, up to the amount of funds necessary to both cure the Event of Default and/or unsatisfied Margin Deficit (and pay in full the Repurchase Price for such Purchased Asset). All such net proceeds in excess of the outstanding Repurchase Price of the related Purchased Asset shall be applied first to any other Purchased Asset to the extent of any Margin Deficit, and then pro-rata to the Repurchase Prices of all other Purchased Assets, unless such Seller and Buyer otherwise agree to apply such amount differently, and if such application has served to fully cure all outstanding Defaults or Events of Default and pay to Buyer any other amounts due and payable under the Repurchase Documents, then any remaining amounts to such Seller.
Section 3.05      Repurchase . On the Repurchase Date for each Purchased Asset, the applicable Seller shall transfer to Buyer the Repurchase Price for such Purchased Asset as of the Repurchase Date, and pay all amounts due to any Affiliated Hedge Counterparty under the related Interest Rate Protection Agreement and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Buyer shall transfer to such Seller such Purchased Asset, along with all rights validly transferred to Buyer by such Seller on the Purchase Date thereof, whereupon such Transaction with respect to such Purchased Asset shall terminate; provided , however , that, with respect to any Repurchase Date that occurs on the second Business Day prior to the maturity date (as defined under the related Purchased Asset Documents with respect to such Purchased Asset) for such Purchased Asset by reason of clause (d) of the definition of “Repurchase Date”, settlement of the payment of the Repurchase Price and such amounts may occur up to the second Business Day after such Repurchase Date; provided, further, that Buyer shall have no obligation to transfer to such Seller, or release any interest in, such Purchased Asset until Buyer’s receipt of payment in full of the Repurchase Price therefor. So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Buyer shall be deemed to have simultaneously released its security interest in such Purchased Asset, shall authorize Custodian to promptly release to the applicable Seller the Mortgage Asset File for such Purchased Asset, and Buyer shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the related Seller, at such Seller’s sole expense, any and all documents, instruments and agreements necessary to release all security interests in such Purchased Asset, including, to the extent any UCC financing statement filed against such Seller specifically identifies such Purchased Asset, an amendment thereto or termination thereof evidencing the release of such Purchased Asset from Buyer’s security interest therein; provided , however , that whether or not an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing hereunder, Buyer shall be required to release the Mortgage Asset File relating to a Purchased Asset and execute, acknowledge and deliver to the related Seller, at such Seller’s sole expense, all necessary release documents if (a) the Underlying Obligor has paid the entire principal amount of the underlying Whole Loan and all other amounts due to Seller under the related Purchased Asset Documents and (b) such Seller makes the required prepayment of the underlying Whole Loan in respect of such Purchased Asset hereunder in accordance with Section 5.02 . Any such transfer or release shall be without recourse to Buyer and without representation or warranty by Buyer, except that Buyer shall represent to the related Seller, to the extent that good title was transferred and assigned by such Seller to Buyer hereunder on the related Purchase Date, that Buyer is the sole owner of such Purchased Asset, free and clear of any other interests or Liens caused by Buyer’s actions or inactions. Any Income with respect to such Purchased Asset received by Buyer or Waterfall Account Bank after payment of the Repurchase Price therefor shall be remitted to the applicable Seller. Notwithstanding the foregoing, on or before the Facility Termination Date, the applicable Seller shall repurchase all Purchased Assets by paying to Buyer the outstanding

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Repurchase Price therefor and all other outstanding Repurchase Obligations. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere in any Repurchase Document, at any time during the existence of an uncured Default or Event of Default, the related Seller cannot repurchase a Purchased Asset in connection with a full payoff of the underlying Whole Loan by the Underlying Obligor, unless one hundred percent (100%) of the net proceeds due in connection with the relevant payoff shall be paid directly to Buyer. The portion of all such net proceeds in excess of the then-current Repurchase Price of the related Purchased Asset shall be applied by Buyer to reduce any other amounts due and payable to Buyer under this Agreement.
Section 3.06      Extension of the Facility Termination Date . At the request of Sellers delivered to Buyer no earlier than ninety (90) days or later than thirty (30) days before the Facility Termination Date, Buyer shall grant two (2) extensions of the Facility Termination Date for a period of one (1) year each (each, an “ Extended Facility Termination Date ”) by giving notice approving such extension and the Extended Facility Termination Date to Sellers before the expiration of the then-current Facility Termination Date. The failure of Buyer to so deliver such notice approving the extension shall be deemed to be Buyer’s determination not to extend the Facility Termination Date unless Buyer thereafter gives notice to the contrary. Any extension of the Facility Termination Date shall be subject to the following: (i) no Default or Event of Default exists on the date of the request to extend and as of the current Facility Termination Date, (ii) no Margin Deficit shall be outstanding on the date of the request to extend and as of the current Facility Termination Date, (iii) each Seller has made a timely request for the extension in question, (iv) each Purchased Asset shall be in compliance with the Debt Yield Test and the PPV Test as required on the date of the request to extend and as of the current Facility Termination Date (but in the case of compliance with the PPV Test, subject to each Seller’s cure rights set forth in Section 3.07(b) ), and which compliance shall be determined by Buyer in its sole discretion, (v) all Purchased Assets must qualify as Eligible Assets on the date of the request to extend and as of the current Facility Termination Date, and (vi) the payment by Sellers to Buyer of the Extension Fee has been effected on or before the current Facility Termination Date; provided that (A) if any Default, Event of Default or outstanding Margin Deficit exists, Buyer shall grant Sellers a temporary extension not to exceed the time permitted to cure/satisfy such Default, Event of Default or Margin Deficit set forth in the Repurchase Documents, and (B) if any Seller is not in compliance with any of the conditions set forth in clauses (i), (ii), (iv) and (v) on the date of the related extension request, such request may be submitted by Sellers, setting forth any conditions to extension of the Facility Termination Date that are not in compliance and the reasons for such non-compliance, and such request shall be granted by Buyer if, as of the Facility Termination Date for which such request is submitted, each Seller certifies to Buyer’s satisfaction that it is in compliance with each of the conditions set forth in this Section 3.06 . No additional Transactions shall be entered into after the Initial Facility Termination Date.
In connection with each extension of the Facility Termination Date, if any unfunded commitments in respect of any Purchased Asset remain outstanding on the Facility Termination Date so extended, the applicable Seller may request funding of such unfunded commitments subject to all terms and conditions of funding set forth in this Agreement, including review and approval by Buyer of such funding based on an updated Underwriting Package, in an aggregate amount not to exceed, for any such Purchased Asset, the product of (x) the Applicable Percentage attributable

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to such Purchased Asset and (y) the amount of unfunded commitments remaining available in respect of such Purchased Asset at such time; provided that in no event shall any amounts so funded by Buyer cause the aggregate amounts funded hereunder to exceed the Maximum Amount.
Section 3.07      Prepayment .
(a)      Partial Prepayment . On any Business Day, on three (3) Business Days’ prior written notice from the applicable Seller to Buyer, such Seller may partially pay the Repurchase Price of any Purchased Asset, which shall include any related amounts then due and owing to an Affiliated Hedge Counterparty (any such asset, a “ Partially Repaid Purchased Asset ” and the amount so repaid, the “ Partial Payment Amount ”). With respect to such payment that is not occasioned by a repayment of principal with respect to the Purchased Asset, such Seller shall give Buyer at least three (3) Business Days prior notice of payment and shall not partially pay in an amount whereby the remaining Purchase Price of any such Purchased Asset, after giving effect to any such partial payment, is less than $500,000. In respect of any Partially Repaid Purchased Asset, the applicable Seller may request, on no less than one (1) Business Day’s prior written notice to Buyer, that Buyer pay to such Seller the Partial Payment Amount in respect of such Partially Repaid Purchased Asset. If any such request is delivered to Buyer less than ninety (90) days after Buyer’s initial approval to purchase such Purchased Asset from such Seller, Buyer shall pay to such Seller the Partial Payment Amount in respect of such Partially Repaid Purchased Asset. If any such request is delivered to Buyer ninety (90) or more days after Buyer’s initial approval to purchase such Purchased Asset from such Seller, Buyer may, in its discretion either decline such request in its entirety, or accept such request in whole or in part and pay to such Seller none, all or part of the Partial Payment Amount in respect of such Partially Repaid Purchased Asset, subject to any terms or conditions Buyer may, in its discretion, require. Any prepayment made under this Section shall be deposited directly into the General Repo Account and, notwithstanding any provision in Section 5.02 to the contrary, applied by Buyer to reduce the unpaid Repurchase Price of the related Purchased Asset within one (1) Business Day after deposit therein, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, on the next Remittance Date.
(b)      Prepayments in connection with Extended Facility Termination Date . If the Maximum PPV requirement is not satisfied as of any proposed Extended Facility Termination Date, the related Seller shall have the right to prepay a portion of the Repurchase Price of any Purchased Asset for which the PPV is higher than the Maximum PPV applicable to such proposed Extended Facility Termination Date such that compliance with the applicable required Maximum PPV is obtained. If, following such remedial action by such Seller, Buyer determines that the Maximum PPV applicable to such Extended Facility Termination Date is not satisfied, such Seller may challenge such determination in accordance with the dispute resolution procedures set forth in Schedule 3 hereto based upon new Appraisals obtained at such Seller’s sole cost and expense and dated no earlier than ninety (90) days prior to Buyer’s determination that the Maximum PPV is not satisfied; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, any such dispute period shall not limit any other rights or privileges of Buyer.

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Section 3.08      Payment of Price Differential and Fees .
(a)      Notwithstanding that Buyer and each Seller intend that each Transaction hereunder constitute a sale to Buyer of the Purchased Assets subject thereto, each Seller shall pay to Buyer the accrued value of the Price Differential for each Purchased Asset on each Remittance Date. Buyer shall give the applicable Seller notice of the Price Differential and any fees and other amounts due under the Repurchase Documents on or prior to the second (2nd) Business Day preceding each Remittance Date; provided , that Buyer’s failure to deliver such notice shall not affect such Seller’s obligation to pay such amounts. If the Price Differential includes any estimated Price Differential, Buyer shall recalculate such Price Differential after the Remittance Date and, if necessary, make adjustments to the Price Differential amount due on the following Remittance Date.
(b)      Sellers shall pay to Buyer all fees and other amounts as and when due as set forth in this Agreement including, without limitation:
(i)      the Non-Utilization Fee, which shall be due and payable by Sellers and Guarantor monthly in arrears as set forth in the Fee Letter.
(ii)      the Structuring Fee, which shall be due and payable by Sellers and Guarantor on the Closing Date.
(iii)      the Extension Fee, which shall be due and payable by Sellers and Guarantor on or before the first day of each extension of the Facility Termination Date.
Section 3.09      Payment, Transfer and Custody .
(a)      Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all amounts required to be paid or deposited by any Seller, Guarantor or any other Person under the Repurchase Documents shall be paid or deposited in accordance with the terms hereof no later than 3:00 p.m. on the Business Day when due, in immediately available Dollars and without deduction, setoff or counterclaim, and if not received before such time shall be deemed to be received on the next Business Day. Whenever any payment under the Repurchase Documents shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of such payment. Each Seller, Guarantor and Pledgor shall, to the extent permitted by Requirements of Law, pay to Buyer interest in connection with any amounts not paid when due under the Repurchase Documents, which interest shall be calculated at a rate equal to LIBOR plus the Pricing Margin plus 350 basis points, until all such amounts are received in full by Buyer. Amounts payable to Buyer and not otherwise required to be deposited into the Waterfall Account shall be deposited into the General Repo Account. Sellers shall have no rights in, rights of withdrawal from, or rights to give notices or instructions regarding Buyer’s account or the Waterfall Account or any Collection Account. Amounts in the Waterfall Account and/or any Collection Account may be invested at the direction of Buyer in cash equivalents before they are distributed in accordance with Article 5 .
(b)      Any Purchased Asset Documents not delivered to Buyer or Custodian on the relevant Purchase Date and subsequently received or held by or on behalf of a Seller are and shall

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be held in trust by the applicable Seller or its agent for the benefit of Buyer as the owner thereof until so delivered to Buyer or Custodian. The related Seller or its agent shall maintain a copy of such Purchased Asset Documents and the originals of the Purchased Asset Documents not delivered to Buyer or Custodian. The possession of Purchased Asset Documents by the applicable Seller or its agent is in a custodial capacity only at the will of Buyer for the sole purpose of assisting Interim Servicer with its duties under the Servicing Agreement. Each Purchased Asset Document retained or held by or on behalf of a Seller or its agent shall be segregated on such Seller's books and records from the other assets of such Seller or its agent, and the books and records of such Seller or its agent shall be marked to reflect clearly the sale of the related Purchased Asset to Buyer on a servicing released basis. Each Seller or its agent shall release its custody of the Purchased Asset Documents only in accordance with written instructions from Buyer, unless such release is required as incidental to the servicing of the Purchased Assets by Interim Servicer or is in connection with a repurchase of any Purchased Asset by a Seller, in each case in accordance with the Custodial Agreement.
Section 3.10      Repurchase Obligations Absolute . All amounts payable by Sellers under the Repurchase Documents shall be paid without notice, demand, counterclaim, setoff, deduction or defense (as to any Person and for any reason whatsoever) and without abatement, suspension, deferment, diminution or reduction (as to any Person and for any reason whatsoever), and the Repurchase Obligations shall not be released, discharged or otherwise affected, except upon indefeasible payment in full or as otherwise expressly provided herein, by reason of: (a) any damage to, destruction of, taking of, restriction or prevention of the use of, interference with the use of, title defect in, encumbrance on or eviction from, any Purchased Asset or related Mortgaged Property, (b) any Insolvency Proceeding relating to any Seller, any Underlying Obligor or any other loan participant under a Senior Interest, or any action taken with respect to any Repurchase Document, Purchased Asset Document by any trustee or receiver of Seller, any Underlying Obligor or any other loan participant under a Senior Interest, or by any court in any such proceeding, (c) any claim that Seller has or might have against Buyer under any Repurchase Document or otherwise (unless such claim relates to the indefeasible payment in full of the Repurchase Obligations), (d) any default or failure on the part of Buyer to perform or comply with any Repurchase Document or other agreement with a Seller, (e) the invalidity or unenforceability of any Purchased Asset, Repurchase Document or Purchased Asset Document, or (f) any other occurrence whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, and whether or not any Seller has notice or Knowledge of any of the foregoing. The Repurchase Obligations shall be full recourse to each Seller. This Section 3.10 shall survive the termination of the Repurchase Documents and the payment in full of the Repurchase Obligations.
Section 3.11      Future Funding Transactions . Buyer’s agreement to enter into any Future Funding Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent, both immediately prior to entering into such Future Funding Transaction and also after giving effect to the consummation thereof:
(i)      The applicable Seller shall give Buyer written notice of each Future Funding Transaction, together with a signed, written confirmation in the form of Exhibit J attached hereto prior to the related Future Funding Date (each, a “ Future Funding Confirmation ”), signed by a Responsible Officer of such Seller. Each Future Funding Confirmation shall identify the related Whole Loan and/or Senior Interest, shall identify Buyer and the

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applicable Seller, shall set forth the requested Future Funding Amount and shall be executed by both Buyer and such Seller; provided , however , that Buyer shall not be liable to Seller if it inadvertently acts on a Future Funding Confirmation that has not been signed by a Responsible Officer of Seller. Each Future Funding Confirmation, together with this Agreement, shall be conclusive evidence of the terms of the Future Funding Transaction covered thereby, and shall be construed to be cumulative to the extent possible. If terms in a Future Funding Confirmation are inconsistent with terms in this Agreement with respect to a particular Future Funding Transaction, other than with respect to the Applicable Percentage and Maximum Applicable Percentage set forth in such Future Funding Confirmation, this Agreement shall prevail.
(ii)      For each proposed Future Funding Transaction, no less than seven (7) Business Days prior to the proposed Future Funding Date, the applicable Seller shall deliver to Buyer a Future Funding Request Package. Buyer shall have the right to conduct an additional due diligence investigation of the Future Funding Request Package and/or the related Whole Loan and/or Senior Interest as Buyer determines. Prior to the approval of each proposed Future Funding Transaction by Buyer, Buyer shall have determined, in its sole and absolute discretion, that all of the applicable conditions precedent for a Transaction, as described in Section 6.02(b), (e), (f) and (h) have been met by such Seller and that the consummation of the related Future Funding Transaction would not otherwise cause such Seller to breach the Minimum Portfolio Debt Yield Test. In addition thereto, for each proposed Future Funding Transaction which relates to a Non-Securitized Purchased Asset, the related Non-Securitized Purchased Asset shall, immediately before each Future Funding Transaction and immediately after giving effect thereto, satisfy both the Debt Yield Test and the PPV Test. So long as all such conditions have been satisfied, no Default or Event of Default then‑currently exist and Buyer has determined, in its sole and absolute discretion, that, if Buyer has not purchased from such Seller a complete ownership interest in the entire related Whole Loan, that all of the terms and conditions relating to the splitting of such Whole Loan into multiple interests are satisfactory to Buyer in all respects, then Buyer shall be required to approve the related Future Funding Transaction on a timely basis.
(iii)      Upon the approval by Buyer of a particular Future Funding Transaction, Buyer shall deliver to the related Seller a signed copy of the related Future Funding Confirmation described in clause (i) above, on or before the related Future Funding Date. On the related Future Funding Date, which shall occur no later than three (3) Business Days after the final approval of the Future Funding Transaction by Buyer (a) if an escrow agreement has been established in connection with such Future Funding Transaction, Buyer shall remit the related Future Funding Amount to the related escrow account, (b) if the terms of the related Purchased Asset Documents provide for a reserve account in connection with future advances, Buyer shall remit the related Future Funding Amount to the applicable reserve account, (c) if such Seller has previously paid to the related Underlying Obligor the entire amount that such Seller was then-currently required to pay to such Underlying Obligor, then Buyer shall remit the related Future Funding Amount directly to such Seller, and (d) otherwise, Buyer shall remit the related Future Funding Amount directly to the related Underlying Obligor.

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ARTICLE 4     

MARGIN MAINTENANCE
Section 4.01      Margin Deficit .
(a)      (i) If on any date the Market Value of a Purchased Asset is less than the product of (A) the Margin Percentage times (B) the outstanding Repurchase Price for such Purchased Asset as of such date (the excess, if any, a “ Margin Deficit ”), and provided that (I) a Credit Event relating to such Purchased Asset has occurred, and (II) each Margin Deficit shall exclude any portion thereof that resulted from any interest rate changes and/or credit spread movements, then the related Seller shall, within five (5) Business Days after the receipt of written notice from Buyer (which notice may be by electronic mail) (a “ Margin Call ”) (i) transfer cash to Buyer, (ii) repurchase Purchased Assets at the Repurchase Price thereof, or (iii) choose any combination of the foregoing, so that, after giving effect to such transfers, repurchases and payments, the aggregate Purchase Price for all Purchased Assets does not exceed an aggregate amount equal to the products of the Market Value for each Purchased Asset, times the Applicable Percentage. Buyer shall apply the funds received in satisfaction of a Margin Deficit with respect to a Purchased Asset to the Repurchase Obligations owing with respect to such Purchased Asset.
(i)      In lieu of a Margin Call pursuant to Section 4.01(a)(i) , Buyer may, in its discretion upon written request of the related Seller, reallocate previous partial prepayments made pursuant to Section 3.07(a) in order to eliminate the related Margin Deficit by increasing the Purchase Price of certain Purchased Assets and decreasing the Purchase Price of other Purchased Assets. Any such request for reallocation shall include a certification by such Seller that no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (except as would be cured by such reallocation), and shall set forth the following, with such back-up calculations as Buyer may require: (i) the amount of prior partial prepayments and Purchased Assets so prepaid pursuant to Section 3.07(a) that such Seller requests be re-allocated, (ii) the Purchased Asset to which such Seller is requesting such prior partial prepayment be applied, the new Purchase Price of such Purchased Asset and the new Purchase Price of the previously prepaid Purchased Asset, in each case, after giving pro forma effect to such allocation, (iii) the amount of the Margin Deficit on each applicable Purchased Asset both immediately prior to and immediately after giving pro forma effect to such allocation and (iv) that the Debt Yield Test, the PPV Test and the Maximum Applicable Percentage Test will be satisfied immediately after giving pro forma effect to such allocation. Upon Buyer's independent confirmation, in its commercially reasonable judgment, that the conclusions and calculations set forth in the related Seller's written request comply with the requirements set forth above, Buyer may, in its discretion, reallocate previous prepayments to those Purchased Assets for which Margin Deficits would otherwise exist, in a manner acceptable to Buyer in its commercially reasonable judgment and such Seller shall submit new Confirmations acceptable to Buyer reflecting the new Purchase Price of all affected Purchased Assets.
(b)      Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Margin Call arises solely as a result of Buyer’s determination of an adverse change in the value of the related Mortgaged Property

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as described in item (iv) of the definition of the term Credit Event, and if the related Seller disputes in good faith such determination by Buyer, such Seller shall have the right by, within the five (5) Business Day period specified in Section 4.01(a)(i) , giving Buyer written notice of such dispute and depositing with Buyer (in an account within Buyer’s sole dominion and control) the full amount of the Margin Deficit and, the parties will proceed to attempt to resolve such dispute within the next forty-five (45) days in accordance with the appraisal procedure set forth in Schedule 1 hereto, provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, any such dispute period shall not limit any other rights or privileges of Buyer. Moreover, in connection with a Margin Call occurring as a result of an event described in clause (v) of the definition of the term Credit Event, the amount required to cure such Margin Deficit shall be limited to the amount necessary to cause the related Purchased Asset to comply with the Debt Yield Test.
(c)      Buyer's election not to deliver, or to forbear from delivering, a margin deficit notice at any time there is a Margin Deficit shall not waive or be deemed to waive the Margin Deficit or in any way limit, stop or impair Buyer's right to deliver a margin deficit notice at any time when the same or any other Margin Deficit exists. Buyer's rights relating to Margin Deficits under this Section 4.01 are cumulative and in addition to and not in lieu of any other rights of Buyer under the Repurchase Documents or Requirements of Law.
(d)      All cash transferred to Buyer pursuant to this Section 4.01 with respect to a Purchased Asset shall be deposited into the General Repo Account and notwithstanding any provision in Section 5.02 to the contrary, shall be applied to reduce the Purchase Price of such Purchased Asset within one (1) Business Day after deposit and not, for the avoidance of doubt, on the next Remittance Date.
(e)      If the applicable Seller believes in good faith that the Credit Event or underlying circumstances that resulted in the most recent determination of Current Mark-to-Market Value of a Purchased Asset is no longer applicable or that the Market Value resulting from such Credit Event has otherwise materially increased, it may request that Buyer consider reassessing the Market Value of the subject Purchased Asset, and Buyer agrees to do so. If, as a result of such reassessment, Buyer determines, in its discretion, that the Market Value for such Purchased Asset has increased, and has received all required internal credit approvals necessary to do so, the Current Mark-to-Market Value shall be revised accordingly, subject to further adjustment as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Such Seller’s requests for Buyer to reassess the Market Value of Purchased Assets shall be limited to one (1) request per Purchased Asset per calendar quarter. Nothing in this Section 4.01(e) shall be interpreted to in any way reduce or mitigate Buyer’s sole power and discretion to determine Market Value or Credit Event.
(f)      If on any date within ninety (90) days following the Purchase Date of a particular Purchased Asset (and provided no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is then continuing and no Margin Deficit remains unpaid), either (i) the outstanding Purchase Price of such Purchased Asset has previously been reduced by one or more previous partial prepayments made by a Seller in accordance with Section 3.07 , or (ii) on such Purchase Date, the Purchase Price of such Purchased Asset was, at such Seller's request, less than the maximum Purchase Price approved by Buyer, as indicated on the related Confirmation, such Seller may deliver a written request to

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Buyer that Buyer pay to such Seller an amount equal to the amount of either (A) part or all of the partial prepayments described in clause (i) above, and/or (B) part or all of the difference described in clause (ii) above, and Buyer shall pay to such Seller the amount so requested within three (3) Business Days of the date of the related request, so long as, both immediately before and, on a pro forma basis, immediately after the date of each such payment, both the Debt Yield Test and the PPV Test have not been breached. Prior to any such payment, such Seller shall prepare, and the Parties shall execute an amended and restated Confirmation that is otherwise acceptable to the Parties, reflecting such increased Purchase Price.
ARTICLE 5     

APPLICATION OF INCOME
Section 5.01      Waterfall Account; Collection Accounts . The Waterfall Account and all Collection Accounts shall be established at Waterfall Account Bank. Buyer shall have sole dominion and control (including, without limitation, “control” within the meaning of Section 9-104(a)(2) of the UCC) over the Waterfall Account. None of any Seller, Interim Servicer or any Person claiming through or under any Seller or Interim Servicer shall have any claim to or interest in the Waterfall Account and all Collection Accounts. Subject to the final sentence of this Section 5.01 , all Underlying Obligors and servicers shall be directed to pay all Income directly into the Collection Account, and any Income received by a Seller, Interim Servicer, Buyer or Waterfall Account Bank in respect of the Purchased Assets shall be deposited directly into the Waterfall Account, within two (2) Business Days of receipt, except to the extent expressly set forth in Section 3.07(a) , and except, prior to an Event of Default, for all amounts due and payable to Interim Servicer under the Interim Servicing Agreement, which shall be paid directly to Interim Servicer as and when due, shall be applied to and remitted by Waterfall Account Bank in accordance with this Article 5 . Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Seller shall, promptly after receiving notice of an Underlying Obligor’s intent to make an unscheduled Principal Payment (A) instruct and cause the related Underlying Obligor to directly deposit such unscheduled Principal Payment into the General Repo Account (and in the event that such unscheduled Principal Payment is nonetheless received by the applicable Seller or Interim Servicer, shall forward such funds into the General Repo Account on the Business Day of receipt, unless such payment was received after 1 PM (Central time), in which case the recipient shall use its best efforts to make such transfer on the same Business Day and shall, in all cases, make such transfer on the next Business Day); and within one (1) Business Day of the receipt thereof, Buyer shall apply the each such Principal Payment in accordance with Sections 5.02 and 5.03 below, and (B) provide Buyer with prior notice of the intended receipt thereof from an Underlying Obligor, together with a copy of the related remittance instructions that were previously delivered to the related Underlying Obligor.
Section 5.02      Before an Event of Default . If no Event of Default exists and remains uncured, all Income described in Section 5.01 and deposited into the Waterfall Account during each Pricing Period shall be applied by Waterfall Account Bank by no later than the next following Remittance Date in the following order of priority:

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first,  to the extent not withheld by Interim Servicer in accordance with Sections 5.01 and 8.06 , to pay to Interim Servicer an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid Servicing Fees in accordance with the terms of the Interim Servicing Agreement;
second , to pay to Buyer an amount equal to the Price Differential accrued with respect to all Purchased Assets as of such Remittance Date;
third , to pay to Buyer an amount equal to all default interest, late fees, fees, expenses and Indemnified Amounts then due and payable from any Seller and other applicable Persons to Buyer under the Repurchase Documents;
fourth , to pay to Buyer an amount sufficient to eliminate any outstanding Margin Deficit (without limiting any Seller’s obligation to satisfy a Margin Deficit in a timely manner as required by Section 4.01 );
fifth , to pay any custodial fees and expenses due and payable under the Custodial Agreement;
sixth , to pay to Buyer, the Applicable Percentage of any scheduled Principal Payments (to the extent actually deposited into the Waterfall Account), but only to the extent that such remittance would not result in the creation of a Margin Deficit, to be applied to reduce the outstanding Purchase Price of the applicable Purchased Assets or as otherwise agreed in writing by Buyer and the applicable Seller;
seventh , to pay to Buyer any other amounts then due and payable from any Seller and other applicable Persons to Buyer under the Repurchase Documents; and
eighth , to pay to the applicable Seller any remainder for its own account, subject, however, to the covenants and other requirements of the Repurchase Documents; provided that, if any Material Facility Default has occurred and is continuing on such Remittance Date, all amounts otherwise payable to such Seller hereunder shall be retained in the Waterfall Account until the earlier of (x) the day on which Buyer provides written notice to the Waterfall Account Bank that such Material Facility Default has been cured to satisfaction of Buyer in its sole discretion, at which time the Waterfall Account Bank shall apply all such amounts pursuant to this priority eighth ; and (y) the day that is ten (10) Business Days after the occurrence of the applicable Material Facility Default, at which time the Waterfall Account Bank shall apply all such amounts pursuant to priorities sixth and seventh of Section 5.03 .
Section 5.03      After an Event of Default . If an Event of Default exists and remains uncured, all Income deposited into the Waterfall Account in respect of the Purchased Assets shall be applied by Waterfall Account Bank, on the second Business Day following the date on which each amount of Income is so deposited, in the following order of priority:
first , to pay to Buyer an amount equal to the Price Differential accrued with respect to all Purchased Assets as of such date;

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second , to pay to Buyer an amount equal to all default interest, late fees, fees, expenses and Indemnified Amounts then due and payable from any Seller and other applicable Persons to Buyer under the Repurchase Documents;
third , to pay any custodial fees and expenses due and payable under the Custodial Agreement;
fourth , to pay to Buyer an amount equal to the aggregate Repurchase Price of all Purchased Assets (to be applied in such order and in such amounts as determined by Buyer, until the aggregate Repurchase Price of all Purchased Assets has been reduced to zero);
fifth , to pay to Interim Servicer, amounts due and payable under the Servicing Agreement;
sixth , to pay to Buyer all other Repurchase Obligations due to Buyer; and
seventh , if all of the Repurchase Obligations have been fully repaid, to pay to the applicable Seller any remainder for its own account, subject, however, to the covenants and other requirements of the Repurchase Documents.
Section 5.04      Sellers to Remain Liable . If the amounts remitted to Buyer as provided in Sections 5.02 and  5.03 are insufficient to pay all amounts due and payable from each Seller to Buyer under this Agreement or any Repurchase Document on a Remittance Date, a Repurchase Date, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default or otherwise, each Seller shall nevertheless remain liable for and shall pay to Buyer when due all such amounts.
ARTICLE 6     

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
Section 6.01      Conditions Precedent to Closing.Conditions Precedent to Closing of the Original Repurchase Agreement . The effectiveness of the Original Repurchase Agreement, including Buyer’s obligation to enter into any Transaction and/or purchase any Asset thereunder, was subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Buyer, of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 6.01 of the Original Repurchase Agreement.
(a)      Conditions Precedent to Closing of this Second Amended and Restated Repurchase Agreement . Other than with respect to the post-closing deliverables as set forth on Schedule 8.15 , the effectiveness of this Agreement, including the amendment and restatement of the Original Repurchase Agreement and Buyer’s obligation to enter into any Transaction and/or purchase any Asset hereunder, is subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Buyer, of the following conditions precedent, on and as of the Closing Date and the initial Purchase Date:
(i)      Buyer has received the following documents, each dated the Closing Date or as of the Closing Date unless otherwise specified: (A) the Closing Date Repurchase Documents duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto, (B) an official good standing

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certificate dated a recent date with respect to each Seller, (C) certificates of the secretary or an assistant secretary of each Seller with respect to attached copies of the Governing Documents and applicable resolutions of each Seller, and the incumbencies and signatures of officers of each Seller executing the Repurchase Documents to which it is a party, evidencing the authority of each Seller with respect to the execution, delivery and performance thereof, (D) a Closing Certificate and (E) such opinions from counsel to each Seller as Buyer may reasonably require, including with respect to corporate matters, enforceability, non-contravention, no consents or approvals required other than those that have been obtained, first priority perfected security interests in the Purchased Assets and any other collateral pledged pursuant to the Repurchase Agreement, Investment Company Act matters, and the applicability of Bankruptcy Code safe harbors (or reaffirmations bringing down all legal opinions delivered to Buyer on July 14, 2016), and all other documents, certificates, information, financial statements and reports as requested in writing by Buyer prior to the Closing Date.
(ii)      (A) UCC financing statements have been filed against each Seller and Pledgor in all filing offices required by Buyer, (B) Buyer has received such searches of UCC filings, tax liens, judgments, pending litigation and other matters relating to any Seller and the Purchased Assets as Buyer may require, and (C) the results of such searches are satisfactory to Buyer;
(iii)      Buyer has received payment from Sellers of all fees and expenses then payable under the Fee Letter and the other Repurchase Documents, as contemplated by Section 13.02 ;
(iv)      Buyer has completed to its satisfaction such due diligence (including, Buyer’s “Know Your Customer”, Anti-Corruption Laws, Sanctions and Anti‑Money Laundering Laws diligence) and modeling as Buyer may require; and
(v)      Buyer has received approval from its internal credit committee and all other necessary approvals required for Buyer, to enter into this Agreement and consummate Transactions hereunder.
Section 6.02      Conditions Precedent to All Transactions . Buyer shall not be obligated to enter into any Transaction, purchase any Asset, or be obligated to take, fulfill or perform any other action hereunder relating to the prospective purchase of any Asset or to fund any future fundings relating to any existing Purchased Asset, until the following additional conditions have been satisfied or waived by Buyer, with respect to each Asset on and as of the Purchase Date therefor:
(a)      Buyer has received the following documents:  (i) a Transaction Request, (ii) an Underwriting Package, (iii) a Confirmation, (iv) a trust receipt and other items required to be delivered under the Custodial Agreement, (v) with respect to any Wet Mortgage Asset, a Bailee Agreement, (vi) all other documents, certificates, information, financial statements, reports, approvals and opinions of counsel as Buyer may require and (vii) evidence that each Seller is in good standing in the jurisdiction where the underlying Mortgaged Property is located, to the extent that such Seller is then-currently required to do so under an applicable Requirement of Law

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(provided, however, that with respect to any Wet Mortgage Asset, delivery of the foregoing items in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.01(g) and (h) shall be deemed to satisfy the conditions of Section 6.02(a) (unless otherwise determined in the discretion of Buyer));
(b)      immediately before such Transaction and after giving effect thereto and to the intended use thereof, no Representation Breach (including with respect to any Purchased Asset), Default, Event of Default, Margin Deficit, or Material Adverse Effect related to any Seller or Guarantor;
(c)      Buyer has completed its due diligence review of the Underwriting Package, Purchased Asset Documents and such other documents, records and information as Buyer deems appropriate, and the results of such reviews are satisfactory to Buyer;
(d)      Buyer has (i) determined that such Asset is an Eligible Asset, (ii) approved the purchase of such Asset, (iii) obtained all necessary internal credit and other approvals for such Transaction, and (iv) executed the Confirmation which includes the related Performance Plan, if applicable, in the case of a Purchased Asset that is an LCF Asset;
(e)      immediately after giving effect to such Transaction, the Aggregate Amount Outstanding does not exceed the Maximum Amount;
(f)      the Repurchase Date specified in the Confirmation is not later than the Facility Termination Date;
(g)      Each Seller, Pledgor and Custodian have satisfied all requirements and conditions and have performed all covenants, duties, obligations and agreements contained in the Repurchase Documents to be performed by such Person on or before the Purchase Date;
(h)      to the extent the related Purchased Asset Documents contain notice, cure and other provisions in favor of a pledgee under a repurchase or warehouse facility, and without prejudice to the sale treatment of such Asset to Buyer, Buyer has received evidence that each Seller has given notice to the applicable Persons of Buyer’s interest in such Asset and otherwise satisfied any other applicable requirements under such pledgee provisions so that Buyer is entitled to the rights and benefits of a pledgee under such pledgee provisions;
(i)      if requested by Buyer, such opinions from counsel to Sellers, Pledgor and Guarantor as Buyer may require, including, without limitation, with respect to the perfected security interest in the Purchased Assets, the Pledged Collateral and any other collateral pledged pursuant to the Repurchase Document;
(j)      Custodian (or a bailee) shall have received executed blank assignments of all Purchased Asset Documents in appropriate form for recording, to the extent such documents are required to be recorded, in the jurisdiction in which the underlying real estate is located, together with executed blank assignments of all other Purchased Asset Documents (the “ Blank Assignment Documents ”); and

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(k)      Buyer has received a copy of any Interest Rate Protection Agreement and related documents entered into with respect to such Asset, (ii) each Seller has assigned to Buyer all of such Seller’s rights (but none of its obligations) under such Interest Rate Protection Agreement and related documents, and (iii) no termination event, default or event of default (however defined) exists thereunder.
Each Confirmation delivered by a Seller shall constitute a certification by such Seller that all of the conditions precedent in this Article 6 have been satisfied other than those set forth in Sections 6.01(a)(vi) , (d) and (e) and Section 6.02(a)(vii) , (c) and (d) .
The failure of a Seller to satisfy any of the conditions precedent in this Article 6 with respect to any Transaction or Purchased Asset shall, unless such failure was set forth in an exceptions schedule to the relevant Confirmation or otherwise waived in writing by Buyer on or before the related Purchase Date, give rise to the right of Buyer at any time to rescind the related Transaction, whereupon the related Seller shall immediately pay to Buyer the Repurchase Price of such Purchased Asset.
ARTICLE 7     

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS
Each Seller represents and warrants, on and as of the date of this Agreement, each Purchase Date, and at all times when any Repurchase Document or Transaction is in full force and effect, as follows:
Section 7.01      Sellers . Each Seller has been duly organized and validly exists in good standing as a limited liability company under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, organization or formation. Each Seller (a) has all requisite power, authority, legal right, licenses and franchises, (b) is duly qualified to do business in all jurisdictions necessary, and (c) has been duly authorized by all necessary action, to (w) own, lease and operate its properties and assets, (x) conduct its business as presently conducted, (y) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Repurchase Documents to which it is a party, and (z) acquire, own, sell, assign, pledge and repurchase the Purchased Assets, except where the lack of such licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals would not be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Seller’s exact legal name is set forth in the preamble and signature pages of this Agreement. Each Seller’s location (within the meaning of Article 9 of the UCC), and the office where each Seller keeps all records (within the meaning of Article 9 of the UCC) relating to the Purchased Assets is at the address of Sellers referred to in Annex 1 . Each Seller has not changed its name within the past twelve (12) months. Each Seller has changed its location to the location shown in Section 7.16 within the past twelve (12) months. Existing Seller’s organizational identification number is 5044236 and its tax identification number is 45‑3561907. New Seller’s organizational identification number is 5447261 and its tax identification number is 80-0966058. Each Seller has no subsidiaries. Each Seller is a wholly‑owned Subsidiary of Pledgor. The fiscal year of each Seller is the calendar year. Each Seller has no Indebtedness, Contractual Obligations or Investments other than (a) ordinary trade payables, (b) in connection with Assets acquired or originated for the Transactions,

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(c) the Repurchase Documents, and (d) ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in connection with any of the activities permitted under Section 9.01(q) or (s) . Each Seller has no Guarantee Obligations.
Section 7.02      Repurchase Documents . Each Repurchase Document to which a Seller is a party has been duly executed and delivered by such Seller and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Seller enforceable against such Seller in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by Insolvency Laws and general principles of equity. The execution, delivery and performance by each Seller of each Repurchase Document to which it is a party do not and will not (a) conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, any (i) Governing Document, Indebtedness, Guarantee Obligation or Contractual Obligation applicable to such Seller or any of its properties or assets, (ii) Requirements of Law, or (iii) approval, consent, judgment, decree, order or demand of any Governmental Authority (except where such conflict, breach or default could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect), or (b) result in the creation of any Lien (other than, except with respect to any Purchased Asset, any Liens granted pursuant to the Repurchase Documents) on any of the properties or assets of such Seller. All approvals, authorizations, consents, orders, filings, notices or other actions of any Person or Governmental Authority required for the execution, delivery and performance by each Seller of the Repurchase Documents to which it is a party and the sale of and grant of a security interest in each Purchased Asset to Buyer, have been obtained, effected, waived or given and are in full force and effect. The execution, delivery and performance of the Repurchase Documents do not require compliance by any Seller with any “bulk sales” or similar law. There is no material litigation, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the Knowledge of any Seller threatened, against any Seller, Guarantor or any Specified Affiliate before any Governmental Authority (a) asserting the invalidity of any Repurchase Document, (b) seeking to prevent the consummation of any Transaction, or (c) seeking any determination or ruling that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 7.03      Solvency . None of the Sellers, Guarantor or any Specified Affiliate is or has ever been the subject of an Insolvency Proceeding. Each Seller, Guarantor and each Specified Affiliate is Solvent and the Transactions do not and will not render such Seller, Guarantor or any Specified Affiliate not Solvent. Neither Seller is entering into the Repurchase Documents or any Transaction with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud any creditor of a Seller, Guarantor or any Specified Affiliate. Each Seller has received or will receive reasonably equivalent value for the Repurchase Documents and each Transaction. Each Seller has adequate capital for the normal obligations reasonably foreseeable in a business of its size and character and in light of its contemplated business operations. Each Seller is generally able to pay, and as of the date hereof is paying, its debts as they come due.
Section 7.04      Taxes . Each Seller, Guarantor and each Specified Affiliate have each timely filed all required federal tax returns and all other material tax returns, domestic and foreign, required to be filed by them and have (for all prior fiscal years and for the current fiscal year to date) timely paid all federal and other material taxes (including mortgage recording taxes), assessments, fees, and other governmental charges (whether imposed with respect to their income or any of their properties or assets) which have become due and payable, other than any such taxes,

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assessments, fees, or other governmental charges that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP. Each Seller, Guarantor and each Specified Affiliate have paid, or have provided adequate reserves for the payment of, all such taxes for all prior fiscal years and for the current fiscal year to date. There is no material action, suit, proceeding, investigation, audit or claim relating to any such taxes now pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened by any Governmental Authority which is not being contested in good faith as provided above. None of the Sellers, Guarantor or any Specified Affiliate have entered into any agreement or waiver or been requested to enter into any agreement or waiver extending any statute of limitations relating to the payment or collection of taxes, or is aware of any circumstances that would cause the taxable years or other taxable periods of any Seller, Guarantor or any Specified Affiliate not to be subject to the normally applicable statute of limitations. No tax liens have been filed against any assets of any Seller, Guarantor or any Specified Affiliate. Each Seller does not intend to treat any Transaction as being a “reportable transaction” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011–4. If either Seller determines to take any action inconsistent with such intention, it will promptly notify Buyer, in which case Buyer may treat each Transaction as subject to Treasury Regulation Section 301.6112–1 and will maintain the lists and other records required thereunder.
Section 7.05      True and Complete Disclosure . The information, reports, certificates, documents, financial statements, operating statements, forecasts, books, records, files, exhibits and schedules furnished by or on behalf of either Seller to Buyer in connection with the Repurchase Documents and the Transactions, when taken as a whole, do not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements herein or therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. All written information furnished after the date hereof by or on behalf of any Seller to Buyer in connection with the Repurchase Documents and the Transactions will be true, correct and complete in all material respects or in the case of projections will be based on reasonable estimates prepared and presented in good faith, in each case, on the date as of which such information is stated or certified, except that this representation will be made to the best Knowledge of the applicable Seller for all such written information obtained from Persons who are not Affiliates of Seller.
Section 7.06      Compliance with Laws . Each Seller has complied in all respects with all Requirements of Law, and no Purchased Asset contravenes any Requirements of Law, except in each case where such matters would not be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect. None of Sellers, Guarantor or, to the best knowledge of Sellers or Guarantor, after due inquiry, any Affiliate of any Seller or Guarantor is in violation of any Sanctions. None of Sellers, Guarantor or any Affiliate of Sellers or Guarantor is a Sanctioned Target. The proceeds of any Transaction have not been and will not be used, directly or indirectly, to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in or make any payments to a Sanctioned Target or otherwise in violation of Sanctions, Anti-Corruption Laws or Anti-Money Laundering Laws. Each Seller is a “qualified purchaser” as defined in the Investment Company Act. Neither Seller, Guarantor nor any Specified Affiliate (a) is, nor immediately after the application by any Seller of the proceeds of any sale of a Purchased Asset will they be, required to be registered as an “investment company” as defined in the Investment Company Act, (b) is a “broker” or “dealer” as defined in, or could be subject to a liquidation proceeding under, the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970, or (c) is subject to

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regulation by any Governmental Authority limiting its ability to incur the Repurchase Obligations. Each Seller, Guarantor and all Subsidiaries of each Seller and Guarantor are in compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended and any foreign counterpart thereto. None of Seller, Guarantor nor any Subsidiary of any Seller or Guarantor, has made, offered, promised or authorized a payment of money or anything else of value (a) in order to assist in obtaining or retaining business for or with, or directing business to, any foreign official, foreign political party, party official or candidate for foreign political office, (b) to any foreign official, foreign political party, party official or candidate for foreign political office, or (c) with the intent to induce the recipient to misuse his or her official position to direct business wrongfully to any Seller, any Affiliate of a Seller or any other Person, in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.
Section 7.07      Compliance with ERISA . None of Sellers, Pledgor or Guarantor has any employees as of the date of this Agreement.
Section 7.08      No Default or Material Adverse Effect . No Default or Event of Default exists. No Internal Control Event has occurred. Each Seller has delivered to Buyer all underlying servicing agreements (or provided Buyer with access to a service, internet website or other system where Buyer can successfully access such agreements) with respect to the Purchased Assets, and to the related Seller’s Knowledge no material default or event of default (however defined) exists thereunder. Each Seller has delivered to Buyer copies of all credit facilities, repurchase facilities and substantially similar facilities of such Seller that are presently in effect, and no default or event of default (however defined) on the part of any Seller exists thereunder.
Section 7.09      Purchased Assets . Each Purchased Asset is an Eligible Asset. Each representation and warranty of either Seller set forth in the Repurchase Documents (including in Schedule 1 applicable to the Class of such Purchased Asset) and the Purchased Asset Documents with respect to each Purchased Asset is true and correct. The review and inquiries made on behalf of each Seller in connection with the next preceding sentence have been made by Persons having the requisite expertise, knowledge and background to verify such representations and warranties. Each Seller has complied with all material requirements of the Custodial Agreement with respect to each Purchased Asset, including delivery to Custodian of all required Purchased Asset Documents. As of the Purchase Date for each Purchased Asset, each Seller has no Knowledge of any fact that could reasonably lead it, in its reasonable business judgment, to expect that any Purchased Asset will not be paid in full.
Section 7.10      Purchased Assets Acquired from Transferors . With respect to each Purchased Asset purchased by a Seller or an Affiliate of a Seller from a Transferor, (a) such Purchased Asset was acquired and transferred pursuant to a Purchase Agreement, (b) such Transferor received reasonably equivalent value in consideration for the transfer of such Purchased Asset, (c) no such transfer was made for or on account of an antecedent debt owed by such Transferor to such Seller or an Affiliate of such Seller, and (d) if such Seller acquired the Purchased Asset from an Affiliate other than Pledgor, then, if requested by Buyer, such Seller has delivered to Buyer an opinion of counsel regarding the true sale of the purchase of such Asset by such Seller and, if such Asset was acquired by an Affiliate of such Seller other than Pledgor from another Affiliate, the true sale of the purchase of such Asset by the Affiliate of such Seller from the Transferor Affiliate, which opinions

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shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Buyer. Each Seller or such Affiliate of such Seller has been granted a back-up security interest in each such Purchased Asset, filed one or more UCC financing statements against the Transferor to perfect such security interest, and assigned such financing statements in blank and delivered such assignments to Buyer or Custodian.
Section 7.11      Transfer and Security Interest . The Repurchase Documents constitute a valid and effective transfer to Buyer of all right, title and interest of each Seller in, to and under all Purchased Assets (together with all related Servicing Rights) sold to Buyer by such Seller, free and clear of any Liens. With respect to the protective security interest granted by each Seller in Section 11.01 , upon the delivery of the Confirmations and the Purchased Asset Documents to Custodian, the execution and delivery of the Controlled Account Agreement and the filing of the UCC financing statements as provided herein, such security interest shall be a valid first priority perfected security interest to the extent such security interest can be perfected by possession, filing or control under the UCC. Upon receipt by Custodian of each Purchased Asset Documents required to be endorsed in blank by the applicable Seller and payment by Buyer of the Purchase Price for the related Purchased Asset, Buyer shall either own such Purchased Asset and the related Purchased Asset Documents or have a valid first priority perfected security interest in such Purchased Asset Document. The Purchased Assets constitute the following, as defined in the UCC: a general intangible, instrument, investment property, security, deposit account, financial asset, uncertificated security, securities account, or security entitlement. Neither Seller has sold, assigned, pledged, granted a security interest in, encumbered or otherwise conveyed any of the Purchased Assets to any Person other than pursuant to the Repurchase Documents. Neither Seller has authorized the filing of, and is not aware of, any UCC financing statements filed against any Seller as debtor that include the Purchased Assets, other than any financing statement that has been terminated or filed pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 7.12      No Broker . Except in connection with the origination of any or all of the Purchased Assets, neither Seller nor any Affiliate of any Seller has dealt with any broker, investment banker, agent or other Person, except for Buyer or an Affiliate of Buyer, who may be entitled to any commission or compensation in connection with any Transaction.
Section 7.13      Interest Rate Protection Agreements . (a) Each Seller has entered into all Interest Rate Protection Agreements required under Section 8.09 , (b) each such Interest Rate Protection Agreement is in full force and effect, (c) no termination event, default or event of default (however defined) exists thereunder, and (d) each Seller has effectively assigned to Buyer all such Seller’s rights (but none of its obligations) under such Interest Rate Protection Agreement.
Section 7.14      Separateness . Each Seller is in compliance with the requirements of Article 9 .
Section 7.15      Location of Books and Records . The location where each Seller keeps its books and records, including all computer tapes and records relating to the Purchased Assets is its chief executive office.
Section 7.16      Chief Executive Office; Jurisdiction of Organization . On the Effective Date, each Seller’s chief executive office, is, and has been, located at 245 Park Avenue,

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42 nd Floor, New York New York 10167. On the Effective Date, each Seller’s jurisdiction of organization is Delaware. Each Seller shall provide Buyer with thirty (30) days advance notice of any change in such Seller’s principal office or place of business or jurisdiction. Neither Seller has any trade name. During the preceding five (5) years, neither Seller has been known by or done business under any other name, corporate or fictitious, and has not filed or had filed against it any bankruptcy receivership or similar petitions nor has it made any assignments for the benefit of creditors.
Section 7.17      Entity Classification . Existing Seller is either a domestic partnership or a disregarded entity of a domestic corporation, in each case for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Section 7.18      Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Anti-Corruption Laws . The operations of each of Sellers and Guarantor are, and have been, conducted at all times in compliance with applicable Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Anti-Corruption Laws. No litigation, regulatory or administrative proceedings of or before any court, tribunal or agency with respect to any Anti-Money Laundering Laws or Anti-Corruption Laws have been started or (to the best of its knowledge and belief) threatened against each of Sellers and Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries.
Section 7.19      Sanctions . None of Sellers, Guarantor or any Affiliates of Sellers or Guarantor (a) is a Sanctioned Target, or (b) is controlled by or is acting on behalf of a Sanctioned Target. To the best knowledge of Sellers or Guarantor after due inquiry, none of Sellers or Guarantor are aware of any investigation for an alleged breach of Sanctions by a Governmental Authority that enforces Sanctions.
ARTICLE 8     

COVENANTS OF SELLERS
From the date hereof until the Repurchase Obligations are indefeasibly paid in full (other than contingent indemnification obligations) and the Repurchase Documents are terminated, each Seller shall perform and observe the following covenants, which shall be given independent effect (so that unless otherwise specifically provided, if a particular action or condition is prohibited by any covenant, the fact that it would be permitted by an exception to or be otherwise within the limitations of another covenant shall not avoid the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default if such action is taken or condition exists):
Section 8.01      Existence; Governing Documents; Conduct of Business . Each Seller shall (a) preserve and maintain its legal existence, (b) qualify and remain qualified in good standing in each jurisdiction where the failure to be so qualified would have a Material Adverse Effect, (c) comply with its Governing Documents, including all special purpose entity provisions, (d) not modify, amend or terminate its Governing Documents and (e) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where an underlying Mortgaged Property is located, to the extent required to do so in accordance with applicable Requirements of Law(i) presently, in order to hold the interest of a lender under the related Purchased Asset Documents and receive the payments contemplated thereunder, and (ii) at or before the time of enforcement of any rights or remedies under the related Purchased Asset Documents, to the extent necessary to enforce such rights and remedies or hold

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title to the underlying Mortgaged Property. Each Seller shall (a) continue to engage in the same (and no other) general lines of business as presently conducted by it or as permitted hereby, (b) maintain and preserve all of its material rights, privileges, licenses and franchises necessary for the operation of its business except in each case where any failure to do so would not be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (c) maintain such Seller’s status as a qualified transferee, qualified institutional lender or qualified lender (however defined), if applicable, under the Purchased Asset Documents. Each Seller shall not (A) change its name, organizational number, tax identification number, fiscal year, method of accounting, identity, structure or jurisdiction of organization (or have more than one such jurisdiction), move the location of its principal place of business and chief executive office (as defined in the UCC) from the location referred to in Section 7.01 , or (B) move, or consent to Custodian moving, the Purchased Asset Documents from the location thereof on the applicable Purchase Date for each related Purchased Assets, unless in each case such Seller has given at least thirty (30) days prior notice to Buyer and has taken all actions required under the UCC to continue the first priority perfected security interest of Buyer in the Purchased Assets. Each Seller shall enter into each Transaction as principal, unless Buyer agrees before a Transaction that such Seller may enter into such Transaction as agent for a principal and under terms and conditions disclosed to Buyer.
Section 8.02      Compliance with Laws, Contractual Obligations and Repurchase Documents . Each Seller shall comply in all material respects with each and every Requirement of Laws, including those relating to any Purchased Asset and to the reporting and payment of taxes except in each case where the failure to do so would not be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect. No part of the proceeds of any Transaction shall be used for any purpose that violates Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Each Seller shall conduct or cause to be conducted the requisite due diligence in connection with the origination or acquisition of each Purchased Asset for purposes of complying with the Anti–Terrorism Laws, including with respect to the legitimacy of the applicable Underlying Obligor and the origin of the assets used by such Person to purchase the underlying Mortgaged Property, and will maintain sufficient information to identify such Person for purposes of the Anti–Terrorism Laws. Each Seller shall maintain the Custodial Agreement and Controlled Account Agreement in full force and effect.
Section 8.03      Protection of Buyer’s Interest in Purchased Assets . With respect to each Purchased Asset, the related Seller shall take all action necessary or required by the Repurchase Documents, Purchased Asset Documents and each and every Requirement of Law, or reasonably requested by Buyer, to perfect, protect and more fully evidence the security interest granted in the Purchase Agreements and Buyer’s ownership of and first priority perfected security interest in such Purchased Asset and related Purchased Asset Documents, including executing or causing to be executed (a) such other instruments or notices as may be necessary or appropriate and filing and maintaining effective UCC financing statements, continuation statements and assignments and amendments thereto, and (b) all documents necessary to both collaterally and absolutely and unconditionally assign all post‑acquisition rights, if any, (but none of the obligations) of each Seller under each Purchase Agreement, in each case as additional collateral security for the payment and performance of each of the Repurchase Obligations. Each Seller shall (a) not assign, sell, transfer, pledge, hypothecate, grant, create, incur, assume or suffer or permit to exist any security interest in

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or Lien (other than, except with respect to any Purchased Asset, any Liens granted pursuant to the Repurchase Documents) on any Purchased Asset to or in favor of any Person other than Buyer, (b) defend such Purchased Asset against, and take such action as is necessary to remove, any such Lien, and (c) defend the right, title and interest of Buyer in and to all Purchased Assets against the claims and demands of all Persons whomsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Seller grants a Lien on any Purchased Asset in violation of this Section 8.03 or any other Repurchase Document, such Seller shall be deemed to have simultaneously granted an equal and ratable Lien on such Purchased Asset in favor of Buyer to the extent such Lien has not already been granted to Buyer; provided, that such equal and ratable Lien shall not cure any resulting Event of Default. Each Seller shall not materially amend, modify, waive or terminate any provision of any Purchase Agreement or the Servicing Agreement. Each Seller shall not, or permit Interim Servicer to, make any Material Modification to any Purchased Asset or Purchased Asset Document, or to amend any participation agreement executed in connection with any Securitized Purchased Asset. Each Seller shall mark its computer records and tapes to evidence the interests granted to Buyer hereunder. Each Seller shall not take any action to cause any Purchased Asset that is not evidenced by an instrument or chattel paper (as defined in the UCC) to be so evidenced. If a Purchased Asset becomes evidenced by an instrument or chattel paper, the same shall be immediately delivered to Custodian on behalf of Buyer, together with endorsements required by Buyer.
Section 8.04      Distributions and Dividends . Each Seller shall not declare or make any payment on account of, or set apart assets for, a sinking or similar fund for the purchase, redemption, defeasance, retirement or other acquisition of any Equity Interest of such Seller, Guarantor or any Affiliate of such Seller or Guarantor, whether now or hereafter outstanding, or make any other distribution in respect thereof, either directly or indirectly, whether in cash or property or in obligations of such Seller, Guarantor or any Affiliate of such Seller or Guarantor except that, at all times (a) prior to a Default or Event of Default, such Seller may declare and pay cash dividends or distributions to Pledgor or Guarantor, and (b) Guarantor may declare and pay cash dividends or distributions to its equityholders so long as Guarantor is then‑currently in compliance with all of the covenants, terms and conditions set forth in the Guarantee Agreement; provided that Guarantor can declare and pay such dividend whether or not a Default or an Event of Default has occurred, but in no event shall the aggregate amount of cash permitted to be distributed in each calendar quarter by Guarantor to its shareholders in respect of their stock in Guarantor exceed the minimum amount necessary for Guarantor to continue to qualify as a REIT and avoid the payment of income and excise Taxes. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement or any of the other Repurchase Documents shall preclude Guarantor from declaring consent dividends in accordance with Section 565 of the Code.
Section 8.05      Financial Covenants . Neither Seller shall permit the ratio of its EBITDA to its Interest Expense to be less than 1.50 to 1.00 at any time.
Section 8.06      Delivery of Income . Each Seller shall, and pursuant to Irrevocable Redirection Notices shall cause Interim Servicer and all other applicable Persons to, deposit all Income in respect of the Purchased Assets (other than Income paid directly to Interim Servicer in accordance with Section 5.01 ) into either the General Repo Account or the Waterfall Account in accordance with Sections 3.07 , 4.01 and 5.01 hereof within the time periods specified therein. Seller

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and Interim Servicer (a) shall comply with and enforce each Irrevocable Redirection Notice, (b) shall not amend, modify, waive, terminate or revoke any Irrevocable Redirection Notice without Buyer’s consent, and (c) shall take all reasonable steps to enforce each Irrevocable Redirection Notice. In connection with each Principal Payment, each Seller shall provide or cause to be provided to Buyer and Custodian sufficient detail to enable Buyer and Custodian to identify the Purchased Asset to which such Principal Payment applies. If any Seller receives any rights, whether in addition to, in substitution of, as a conversion of, or in exchange for any Purchased Assets, or otherwise in respect thereof, such Seller shall accept the same as Buyer’s agent, hold the same in trust for Buyer and promptly deliver the same to Buyer or its designee in the exact form received, together with duly executed instruments of transfer, stock powers or assignment in blank and such other documentation as Buyer shall reasonably request. If any Income is received by a Seller, Guarantor or any Affiliate of a Seller or Guarantor, such Seller shall pay or deliver such Income to Buyer or Custodian on behalf of Buyer within two (2) Business Days after receipt, and, until so paid or delivered, hold such Income in trust for Buyer, segregated from other funds of such Seller.
Section 8.07      Delivery of Financial Statements and Other Information . Each Seller shall deliver the following to Buyer, as soon as available and in any event within the time periods specified:
(a)      within sixty (60) days after the end of each of the first three (3) fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of Guarantor, (i) the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of Guarantor and its Subsidiaries as at the end of each such period, (ii) the related unaudited consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows for such period and the portion of the fiscal year through the end of such period, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous year, and (iii) a Compliance Certificate;
(b)      within one‑hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of Guarantor, (i) the consolidated balance sheets of Guarantor and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, (ii) the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows for such year, audited by a firm of accountants that is then approved by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous year, (iii) an opinion thereon of independent certified public accountants of recognized national standing, which opinion shall not be qualified as to scope of audit or going concern and shall state that said financial statements fairly present the financial condition and results of operations of Guarantor and its Subsidiaries as at the end of and for such fiscal year in accordance with GAAP, and (iv) a Compliance Certificate;
(c)      with respect to each Purchased Asset and related underlying Mortgaged Property serviced by any Seller or an Affiliate of any Seller: (i) within thirty (30) days after the end of each fiscal quarter of such Seller, a quarterly report of the following: delinquency, loss experience, internal risk rating, surveillance, rent roll, occupancy and other property‑level information, and (ii) within ten (10) days after receipt or preparation thereof by such Seller or Interim Servicer, remittance, servicing, securitization, exception and other reports, operating and financial statements of Underlying Obligors, and modifications or updates to the items contained in the Underwriting Materials;

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(d)      any other material agreements, correspondence, documents or other information not included in an Underwriting Package which is related to such Seller or the Purchased Assets, as soon as possible after the discovery thereof by such Seller, Guarantor or any Affiliate of such Seller or Guarantor; and
(e)      such other information regarding the financial condition, operations or business of such Seller, Guarantor or any Underlying Obligor as Buyer may reasonably request.
Section 8.08      Delivery of Notices . Each Seller shall promptly notify Buyer of the occurrence of any of the following of which such Seller has Knowledge, together with a certificate of a Responsible Officer of such Seller setting forth details of such occurrence and any action such Seller has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto:
(a)      a Representation Breach;
(b)      any of the following:  (i) with respect to any Purchased Asset or related underlying Mortgaged Property: material change in Market Value, material loss or damage, material licensing or permit issues, material violation of Requirements of Law, discharge of or damage from Materials of Environmental Concern, any other actual or expected event or change in circumstances that could reasonably be expected to result in a default or material decline in value or cash flow or if any Purchased Asset becomes a Defaulted Asset, and (ii) with respect to any Seller: violation of Requirements of Law, material decline in the value of a Seller’s assets or properties, an Internal Control Event or other event or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(c)      the existence of any Default, Event of Default or material default under or related to a Purchased Asset, any Purchased Asset Document, Indebtedness, Guarantee Obligation or Contractual Obligation of any Seller;
(d)      the resignation or termination of Interim Servicer under the Servicing Agreement;
(e)      the establishment of a rating by any Rating Agency applicable to any Seller, Guarantor or any Specified Affiliate and any downgrade in or withdrawal of such rating once established;
(f)      the commencement of, settlement of or material judgment in any litigation, action, suit, arbitration, investigation or other legal or arbitrable proceedings before any Governmental Authority that (i) affects any Seller, Guarantor or any Specified Affiliate, Purchased Asset, Pledged Collateral or underlying Mortgaged Property, (ii) questions or challenges the validity or enforceability of any Repurchase Document, Transaction, Purchased Asset or any Purchased Asset Document, or (iii) individually or in the aggregate, if adversely determined, could reasonably be likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(g)      any change in Existing Seller’s status as either a domestic partnership or a disregarded entity of a domestic corporation, in each case for U.S. federal income tax purposes; or

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(h)      any change in Guarantor’s status as a REIT.
Section 8.09      Hedging . With respect to each Purchased Asset that is a Hedge Required Asset, the applicable Seller shall enter into one or more one-hundred percent (100%) cash-collateralized Interest Rate Protection Agreement(s) at the direction of and in a form acceptable to Buyer with a Hedge Counterparty. Each Seller shall take such actions as Buyer deems necessary to perfect the security interest granted in each Interest Rate Protection Agreement pursuant to Section 11.01 , and shall assign or pledge to Buyer, which assignment or pledge shall be consented to in writing by each Hedge Counterparty, all of such Seller’s rights (but none of the obligations) in, to and under each Interest Rate Protection Agreement. Each Interest Rate Protection Agreement shall contain provisions acceptable to Buyer for additional credit support in the event the rating of any Rating Agency assigned to the Hedge Counterparty (other than an Affiliated Hedge Counterparty) is downgraded or withdrawn, in which event such Seller shall ensure that such additional credit support is provided or promptly, subject to the approval of Buyer, enter into new Interest Rate Protection Agreements with respect to the related Purchased Assets with a replacement Hedge Counterparty.
Section 8.10      Escrow Imbalance . Each Seller shall, no later than five (5) Business Days after learning of any material overdraw, deficit or imbalance in any escrow or reserve account relating to a Purchased Asset, correct and eliminate the same by requesting the Underlying Obligor to correct and eliminate the same, including by depositing its own funds into such account.
Section 8.11      Pledge and Security Agreement . Each Seller shall not take any direct or indirect action inconsistent with the Pledge and Security Agreement or the security interest granted thereunder to Buyer in the Pledged Collateral. Each Seller shall not permit any additional Persons to acquire Equity Interests in such Seller other than the Equity Interests owned by Pledgor and pledged to Buyer on the Closing Date, and such Seller shall not permit any sales, assignments, pledges or transfers of the Equity Interests in such Seller other than to Buyer.
Section 8.12      Entity Classification .
(a)      Existing Seller will be either a domestic partnership or a disregarded entity of a domestic corporation, in each case for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
(b)      Guarantor will continue to qualify as a REIT.
Section 8.13      Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Sanctions.
(a)      The proceeds of any Transaction shall not be used, directly or indirectly, for any purpose which would breach any applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws or Sanctions.
(b)      Sellers and Guarantor shall each (i) conduct its business in compliance with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Sanctions; and (ii) maintain policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve compliance with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Sanctions.

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(c)      The repurchase of any Purchased Asset or any other payment due to Buyer under this Agreement or any other Repurchase Document shall not be funded, directly or indirectly, with proceeds derived from a transaction that would be prohibited by Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws or Sanctions, or in any manner that would cause any Seller, Guarantor or any Affiliates of any Seller or Guarantor to be in breach of any Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws or Sanctions.
(d)      Sellers shall conduct or cause to be conducted the requisite due diligence in connection with the origination or acquisition of each Purchased Asset for purposes of complying with all applicable Anti-Money Laundering Laws, including with respect to the legitimacy of the applicable Underlying Obligor and the origin of the assets used by such Person to purchase the underlying Mortgaged Property, and will maintain sufficient information to identify such Person for purposes of such Anti-Money Laundering Laws.
Section 8.14     Compliance with Sanctions . The proceeds of any Transaction hereunder will not, directly or indirectly, be used to lend, contribute, or otherwise be made available to any Sanctioned Target or any Person (i) to fund any activities or business of or with a Sanctioned Target, or (ii) be used in any manner that would be prohibited by Sanctions or would otherwise cause Buyer to be in breach of any Sanctions. Sellers and Guarantor shall comply with all applicable Sanctions, and shall maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance with Sanctions. Sellers or Guarantor shall notify the Buyer in writing not more than three (3) Business Days after becoming aware of any breach of Section 7.19 or this Section 8.14 .
Section 8.15     Post-Closing Obligations . Sellers shall deliver or cause to be delivered the documents, agreements and other deliverables set forth on Schedule 8.15 within the time frames specified Schedule 8.15 .
ARTICLE 9     

SINGLE‑PURPOSE ENTITY
Section 9.01      Covenants Applicable to Seller . Each Seller shall (a) own no assets, and shall not engage in any business, other than the assets and transactions specifically contemplated by this Agreement and any other Repurchase Document; (b) not incur any Indebtedness or other obligation, secured or unsecured, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent (including guaranteeing any obligation), other than (I) with respect to the Purchased Asset Documents and the Retained Interests, (II) commitments to make loans which may become Eligible Assets, and (III) as otherwise permitted under this Agreement; (c) not make any loans or advances to any Affiliate or any other Person and shall not acquire obligations or securities of its Affiliates, in each case other than in connection with the origination or acquisition of Assets for purchase under the Repurchase Documents; (d) pay its debts and liabilities (including, as applicable, shared personnel and overhead expenses) only from its own assets; (e) comply with the provisions of its Governing Documents; (f) do all things necessary to observe organizational formalities and to preserve its existence, and shall not amend, modify, waive provisions of or otherwise change its Governing Documents with respect to the matters set forth in this Article 9; (g) maintain all of its books, records and bank

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accounts separate from those of any other Person; (h) maintain separate financial statements, showing its assets and liabilities separate and apart from those of any other Person and not have its assets listed on any financial statement of any other Person; provided , however , that each Seller’s assets may be included in a consolidated financial statement of its Affiliate provided that (I) appropriate notation shall be made on such consolidated financial statements to indicate the separateness of such Seller from such Affiliate and to indicate that Seller’s assets and credit are not available to satisfy the debts and other obligations of such Affiliate or any other Person and (II) such assets shall also be listed on such Seller’s own separate balance sheet; (i) file its own tax returns separate from those of any other Person, except to the extent that each Seller is not required to file tax returns under Requirements of Law; (j) be, and at all times shall hold itself out to the public as, a legal entity separate and distinct from any other entity (including any Affiliate), shall correct any known misunderstanding regarding its status as a separate entity, shall conduct business in its own name, and shall not identify itself or any of its Affiliates as a division of the other; (k) maintain adequate capital for the normal obligations reasonably foreseeable in a business of its size and character and in light of its contemplated business operations; (l) to the fullest extent permitted by law, not engage in or suffer any Change of Control, dissolution, winding up, liquidation, consolidation or merger in whole or in part or convey or transfer all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person (except as contemplated herein); (m) not commingle its funds or other assets with those of any Affiliate or any other Person; (n) maintain its properties, assets and accounts separate from those of any Affiliate or any other Person, (o) not guarantee any obligation of any Person, including any Affiliate, become obligated for the debts of any other Person, or hold out its credit or assets as being available pay the obligations of any other Person, (p) from and after the SPV Conversion date for such Seller, abide by the Independent Manager Provisions; (q) except for capital contributions or capital distributions permitted under the terms and conditions of its Governing Documents and properly reflected on the books and records of each applicable Seller, not enter into any transaction with an Affiliate of Seller except on commercially reasonable terms no less favorable than those available to unaffiliated parties in an arm’s length transaction; (r) maintain a sufficient number of employees in light of contemplated business operations and pay the salaries of its own employees, if any, only from its own funds; (s) use separate stationary, invoices and checks bearing its own name; (t) allocate fairly and reasonably any overhead expenses that are shared with an Affiliate, including for shared office space and for services performed by an employee of an Affiliate; (u) not pledge its assets to secure the obligations of any other Person; and (v) not form, acquire or hold any Subsidiary or own any Equity Interest in any other entity.
Section 9.02      Additional Covenants Applicable to Sellers . Each Seller (i) shall be a Delaware limited liability company, (ii)  shall not take any Insolvency Action and shall not cause or permit the members or managers of such entity to take any Insolvency Action, with respect to itself, unless all of its Independent Director(s) or Independent Manager(s) then serving as managers of the company shall have consented in writing to such action (directly or indirectly), and (iii) shall have either (A) a member which owns no economic interest in the company, has signed the company’s limited liability company agreement and has no obligation to make capital contributions to the company, or (B) two natural persons or one entity that is not a member of the company, that has signed its limited liability company agreement and that, under the terms of such limited liability company agreement becomes a member of the company immediately prior

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to the resignation or dissolution of the last remaining member of the company. Each Seller shall have no direct parent other than Pledgor.
ARTICLE 10     

EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
Section 10.01      Events of Default . Each of the following events shall be an “ Event of Default ”:
(a)      either Seller fails to make a payment of (i) Margin Deficit or Repurchase Price (other than Price Differential) when due, whether by acceleration or otherwise (including, if applicable, any Future Funding Amounts related to a Future Funding Transaction), (ii) Price Differential within one (1) Business Day of when due, or (iii) any fee or other amount within two (2) Business Days of when due unless such Seller did not have knowledge of such required payment, in which case within two (2) Business Days after receipt of notice that such payment is due and owing, in each case under the Repurchase Documents;
(b)      either Seller fails to observe or perform in any material respect any other Repurchase Obligation of such Seller under the Repurchase Documents or the Purchased Asset Documents to which such Seller is a party (other than the reporting requirements set forth in Section 8.07(d) ), and (except in the case of a failure to perform or observe the Repurchase Obligations of such Seller under Sections 8.03 , 8.15 and 18.06(a) ) such failure continues unremedied for ten (10) Business Days after the earlier of receipt of notice thereof from Buyer or the discovery of such failure by any Seller provided , however , that in the event such matters are not reasonably susceptible to cure in such period, so long as (i) such Seller is diligently attempting to cure the same and (ii) such matters could not be reasonably expected to materially adversely affect the value of any Purchased Asset or collectability of any amounts due with respect to any Purchased Asset, such period shall be extended by the time reasonably necessary to cure such matter, which shall not, in any event, exceed an additional thirty (30) days;
(c)      any Representation Breach exists and continues unremedied for five (5) Business Days after the earlier of receipt of notice thereof from Buyer or the discovery of such failure by either Seller; provided that, the representations and warranties set forth in Section 7.09 and Schedule 1 shall be considered solely to the extent that, either Seller shall have made any such representation and warranty with Knowledge that it was incorrect or untrue;
(d)      either (i) the commencement of any enforcement action by an obligee against any Seller or Guarantor with respect to any Indebtedness, Guarantee Obligation or Contractual Obligation, provided that the aggregate amount of the Indebtedness, Guarantee Obligations and/or Contractual Obligations in respect of which such enforcement action is commenced (either individually or in the aggregate) is in excess of $500,000 with respect to such Seller, or $5,000,000 with respect to Guarantor, or (ii) if any Seller or Guarantor defaults in making any payment required to be made under one or more agreements for borrowed money to which it is a party in an aggregate amount in excess of $500,000 with respect to such Seller, or $15,000,000 with respect to Guarantor,

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and any such failure in not cured within applicable cure period, if any, provided for under the related agreement;
(e)      any Seller, Guarantor or any Specified Affiliate defaults beyond any applicable grace period in paying any amount or performing any obligation due to Buyer or any Affiliate of Buyer under any other financing, hedging, security or other agreement (other than under this Agreement) between a Seller, Guarantor or any Specified Affiliate and Buyer or any Affiliate of Buyer, including, without limitation, Guarantor’s obligations under the Guarantee Agreement;
(f)      an Insolvency Event occurs with respect to a Seller, Guarantor or any Specified Affiliate;
(g)      a Change of Control occurs with respect to a Seller, Guarantor or any Specified Affiliate other than Pledgor;
(h)      a final judgment or judgments for the payment of money in excess of $500,000 with respect to any Seller, or $5,000,000 with respect to Guarantor in the aggregate is entered against any Seller or Guarantor by one or more Governmental Authorities and the same is not satisfied, discharged (or provision has not been made for such discharge) or bonded, or a stay of execution thereof has not been procured, within ten (10) Business Days from the date of entry thereof;
(i)      a Governmental Authority takes any action to (i) condemn, seize or appropriate, or assume custody or control of, all or any substantial part of the property of either Seller, (ii) displace the management of either Seller or curtail its authority in the conduct of the business of either Seller, (iii) terminate the activities of either Seller as contemplated by the Repurchase Documents, or (iv) remove, limit or restrict the approval of either Seller of the foregoing as an issuer, buyer or a seller of securities, and in each case such action is not discontinued or stayed within thirty (30) days;
(j)      any Seller, Guarantor or any Specified Affiliate admits that it is not Solvent or is generally not able or not willing to perform any of its Repurchase Obligations, Contractual Obligations, Guarantee Obligations, Capital Lease Obligations or Off-Balance Sheet Obligations;
(k)      any material provision of the Repurchase Documents, any material right or remedy of Buyer or obligation, covenant, agreement or duty of either Seller thereunder, or any Lien, security interest or control granted under or in connection with the Repurchase Documents, Pledged Collateral or Purchased Assets terminates, is declared null and void, ceases to be valid and effective, ceases to be the legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of Sellers or any other Person, or the validity, effectiveness, binding nature or enforceability thereof is contested, challenged, denied or repudiated by either Seller or any other Person, in each case directly, indirectly, in whole or in part;
(l)      Buyer ceases for any reason to have a valid and perfected first priority security interest in any Purchased Asset or any Pledged Collateral;

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(m)      Guarantor, either Seller or any Specified Affiliate is required to register as an “investment company” (as defined in the Investment Company Act);
(n)      either Seller engages in any conduct or action where Buyer’s prior consent is required by any Repurchase Document and Seller fails to obtain such consent;
(o)      Interim Servicer, either Seller or any other Affiliate of a Seller fails to deposit to the Waterfall Account all Income and other amounts as required by Section 5.01 and other provisions of this Agreement within two (2) Business Days of when due;
(p)      Guarantor’s audited annual financial statements or the notes thereto or other opinions or conclusions stated therein are qualified or limited by reference to the status of Guarantor as a “going concern” or a reference of similar import, other than a qualification or limitation expressly related to Buyer’s rights in the Purchased Assets;
(q)      any termination event or event of default (however defined) shall have occurred with respect to either Seller under any Interest Rate Protection Agreement or Guarantor breaches any of the obligations, terms or conditions set forth in the Guarantee Agreement; or
(r)      any Material Modification is made to any Purchased Asset or any Purchased Asset Document without the prior written consent of Buyer, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
Section 10.02      Remedies of Buyer as Owner of the Purchased Assets . If an Event of Default exists, at the option of Buyer, exercised by notice to either Seller (which option shall be deemed to be exercised, even if no notice is given, automatically and immediately upon the occurrence of an Event of Default under Section 10.01(f) ), the Repurchase Date for all Purchased Assets shall be deemed automatically and immediately to occur (the date on which such option is exercised or deemed to be exercised, the “ Accelerated Repurchase Date ”). If Buyer exercises or is deemed to have exercised the foregoing option:
(a)      All Repurchase Obligations shall become immediately due and payable on and as of the Accelerated Repurchase Date.
(b)      All amounts in the Waterfall Account and all Income paid after the Accelerated Repurchase Date shall be retained by Buyer and applied in accordance with Article 5 .
(c)      Buyer may complete any assignments, allonges, endorsements, powers or other documents or instruments executed in blank and otherwise obtain physical possession of all Purchased Asset Documents and all other instruments, certificates and documents then held by or on behalf of Custodian under the Custodial Agreement. Buyer may obtain physical possession of all Servicing Files, Servicing Agreements and other files and records of Sellers or Interim Servicer. Sellers shall deliver to Buyer such assignments and other documents with respect thereto as Buyer shall request.

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(d)      Buyer may immediately, at any time, and from time to time, exercise either of the following remedies with respect to any or all of the Purchased Assets: (i) sell such Purchased Assets on a servicing-released basis and/or without providing any representations and warranties on an “as-is where is” basis, in a recognized market and by means of a public or private sale at such price or prices as Buyer accepts, and apply the net proceeds thereof in accordance with Article 5 , or (ii) retain such Purchased Assets and give Sellers credit against the Repurchase Price for such Purchased Assets (or if the amount of such credit exceeds the Repurchase Price for such Purchased Assets, to credit against Repurchase Obligations due and any other amounts (without duplication) then owing to Buyer by any other Person pursuant to any Repurchase Document, in such order and in such amounts as determined by Buyer), in an amount equal to the Current Mark-to-Market Value of such Purchased Assets. Until such time as Buyer exercises either such remedy with respect to a Purchased Asset, Buyer may hold such Purchased Asset for its own account and retain all Income with respect thereto.
(e)      The Parties agree that the Purchased Assets are of such a nature that they may decline rapidly in value, and may not have a ready or liquid market. Accordingly, Buyer shall not be required to sell more than one (1) Purchased Asset on a particular Business Day, to the same purchaser or in the same manner. Buyer may determine whether, when and in what manner a Purchased Asset shall be sold, it being agreed that both a good faith public and a good faith private sale shall be deemed to be commercially reasonable. Buyer shall give to Seller no less than ten (10) Business Days notice in advance of such a sale. Buyer shall not be required to give notice to Seller or any other Person prior to exercising any remedy in respect of an Event of Default. If no prior notice is given, Buyer shall give notice to Sellers of the remedies exercised by Buyer promptly thereafter.
(f)      Sellers shall be liable to Buyer for (i) any amount by which the Repurchase Obligations due to Buyer exceed the aggregate of the net proceeds and credits referred to in the preceding clause (d), (ii) the amount of all actual out-of-pocket expenses, including reasonable legal fees and expenses, actually incurred by Buyer in connection with or as a consequence of an Event of Default, (iii) any costs and losses payable under Section 12.03 , and (iv) any other actual loss, damage, cost or expense resulting from the occurrence of an Event of Default, but specifically excluding any punitive damages.
(g)      Buyer shall be entitled to an injunction, an order of specific performance or other equitable relief to compel each Seller to fulfill any of its obligations as set forth in the Repurchase Documents, including this Article 10 , if either Seller fails or refuses to perform its obligations as set forth herein or therein.
(h)    Each Seller hereby appoints Buyer as attorney‑in‑fact of such Seller, effective only during the continuance of an Event of Default, for purposes of carrying out the Repurchase Documents, including executing, endorsing and recording any instruments or documents and taking any other actions that Buyer deems necessary or advisable to accomplish such purposes, which appointment is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable.
(i)    Subject to any notice and grace periods expressly set forth herein, Buyer may, without prior notice to either Seller, exercise any or all of its set-off rights including those set

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forth in Section 18.17 . This Section 10.02(i ) shall be without prejudice and in addition to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, Lien or other rights to which any Party is at any time otherwise entitled.
(j)    All rights and remedies of Buyer under the Repurchase Documents, including those set forth in Section 18.17 , are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies that Buyer may have and may be exercised at any time when an Event of Default exists. Such rights and remedies may be enforced without prior judicial process or hearing. Each Seller agrees that nonjudicial remedies are consistent with the usages of the trade, are responsive to commercial necessity and are the result of a bargain at arm’s‑length. Each Seller hereby expressly waives any defenses such Seller might have to require Buyer to enforce its rights by judicial process or otherwise arising from the use of nonjudicial process, disposition of any or all of the Purchased Assets, or any other election of remedies.
ARTICLE 11     

SECURITY INTEREST
Section 11.01      Grant . Buyer and each Seller intend that all Transactions shall be sales to Buyer of the Purchased Assets and not loans from Buyer to Sellers secured by the Purchased Assets. However, to preserve and protect Buyer’s rights with respect to the Purchased Assets and under the Repurchase Documents if any Governmental Authority recharacterizes any Transaction with respect to a Purchased Asset as other than a sale, and as security for each Seller’s performance of the Repurchase Obligations, each Seller hereby grants to Buyer a present Lien on and security interest in all of the right, title and interest of each Seller in, to and under (i) the Purchased Assets (which for this purpose shall be deemed to include the items described in the proviso in the definition thereof), (ii) each Interest Rate Protection Agreement with each Hedge Counterparty relating to each Purchased Asset, (iii) all of the “Pledged Collateral”, as such term is defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement, and (iv) the Waterfall Account, all amounts at any time on deposit therein and all Proceeds (as defined in the UCC) thereof, and the transfers of the Purchased Assets to Buyer shall be deemed to constitute and confirm such grant, to secure the payment and performance of the Repurchase Obligations (including the obligation of each Seller to pay the Repurchase Price, or if the Transactions are recharacterized as loans, to repay such loans for the Repurchase Price).
Section 11.02      Effect of Grant . If any circumstance described in Section 11.01 occurs, (a) this Agreement shall also be deemed to be a security agreement as defined in the UCC, (b) Buyer shall have all of the rights and remedies provided to a secured party by Requirements of Law (including the rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC and the right to set off any mutual debt and claim) and under any other agreement between Buyer and either Seller or between any Affiliated Hedge Counterparty and either Seller, (c) without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Buyer shall be entitled to set off the proceeds of the liquidation of the Purchased Assets against all of the Repurchase Obligations, without prejudice to Buyer’s right to recover any deficiency, (d) the possession by Buyer or any of its agents, including Custodian, of the Purchased Asset Documents, the Purchased Assets and such other items of property as constitute instruments, money, negotiable documents, securities or chattel paper shall be deemed to be possession by the

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secured party for purposes of perfecting such security interest under the UCC and Requirements of Law, and (e) notifications to Persons (other than Buyer) holding such property, and acknowledgments, receipts or confirmations from Persons (other than Buyer) holding such property, shall be deemed notifications to, or acknowledgments, receipts or confirmations from, securities intermediaries, bailees or agents (as applicable) of the secured party for the purpose of perfecting such security interest under the UCC and Requirements of Law. The security interest of Buyer granted herein shall be, and each Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer and all other Affiliated Hedge Counterparties that it is, a first priority perfected security interest. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) each Purchased Asset and each Interest Rate Protection Agreement relating to a Purchased Asset secures the Repurchase Obligations of each Seller with respect to all other Transactions and all other Purchased Assets, including any Purchased Assets that are junior in priority to the Purchased Asset in question, and (ii) if an Event of Default exists, no Purchased Asset or Interest Rate Protection Agreement relating to a Purchased Asset will be released from Buyer’s Lien or transferred to any Seller until the Repurchase Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations) are indefeasibly paid in full. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Repurchase Obligations shall be full recourse to each Seller.
Section 11.03      Sellers to Remain Liable . Buyer and each Seller agree that the grant of a security interest under this Article 11 shall not constitute or result in the creation or assumption by Buyer of any Retained Interest or other obligation of either Seller or any other Person in connection with any Purchased Asset, or any Interest Rate Protection Agreement whether or not Buyer exercises any right with respect thereto. Other than with respect to any Purchased Asset as to which Buyer has (i) actually assumed servicing, (ii) has terminated the related Seller’s rights as Servicer and no replacement Servicer has been appointed and commenced servicing pursuant to a Servicing Agreement, or (iii) otherwise taken and/or sold or liquidated in conjunction with the exercise of remedies pursuant to Section 10.02(d) , each Seller shall remain liable under the Purchased Assets, each Interest Rate Protection Agreement and Purchased Asset Documents to perform all of each of the Seller’s duties and obligations thereunder to the same extent as if the Repurchase Documents had not been executed.
Section 11.04      Waiver of Certain Laws . Each Seller agrees, to the extent permitted by Requirements of Law, that neither it nor anyone claiming through or under it will set up, claim or seek to take advantage of any appraisement, valuation, stay, extension or redemption law now or hereafter in force in any locality where any Purchased Assets may be situated in order to prevent, hinder or delay the enforcement or foreclosure of this Agreement, or the absolute sale of any of the Purchased Assets or Interest Rate Protection Agreement relating to a Purchased Asset or any part thereof, or the final and absolute putting into possession thereof, immediately after such sale, of the purchasers thereof, and each Seller, for itself and all who may at any time claim through or under it, hereby waives, to the full extent that it may be lawful so to do, the benefit of all such laws and any and all right to have any of the properties or assets constituting the Purchased Assets or Interest Rate Protection Agreement relating to a Purchased Asset marshaled upon any such sale, and agrees that Buyer or any court having jurisdiction to foreclose the security interests granted in this Agreement may sell the Purchased Assets and each Interest Rate Protection Agreement relating to a Purchased Asset as an entirety or in such parcels as Buyer or such court may determine.

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ARTICLE 12     

INCREASED COSTS; CAPITAL ADEQUACY
Section 12.01      Market Disruption . If prior to any Pricing Period, Buyer determines that, by reason of circumstances affecting the relevant market, adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining LIBOR for such Pricing Period, Buyer shall give prompt notice thereof to Sellers, whereupon the Pricing Rate for such Pricing Period, and for all subsequent Pricing Periods until such notice has been withdrawn by Buyer, shall be the Alternative Rate.
Section 12.02      Illegality . If the adoption of or any change in any Requirements of Law or in the interpretation or application thereof after the date hereof shall make it unlawful for Buyer to effect or continue Transactions as contemplated by the Repurchase Documents, (a) any commitment of Buyer hereunder to enter into new Transactions shall be terminated and the Facility Termination Date shall be deemed to have occurred, (b) the Pricing Rate shall be converted automatically to the Alternative Rate on the last day of the then-current Pricing Period or within such earlier period as may be required by Requirements of Law, and (c) if required by such adoption or change, the Facility Termination Date shall be deemed to have occurred; provided , however , that Buyer shall not treat Sellers differently than other similarly situated customers for purposes of this Section 12.02 .
Section 12.03      Breakfunding . Each Seller shall indemnify Buyer and hold Buyer harmless from any actual loss, cost or expense (including reasonable legal fees and expenses but specifically excluding any consequential or punitive damages and excluding any loss of expected related profits) which Buyer may sustain or incur arising from (a) the failure by any Seller to terminate any Transaction after any Seller has given a notice of termination pursuant to Section 3.05 , (b) any payment to Buyer on account of the outstanding Repurchase Price, including a payment made pursuant to Section 3.05 but excluding a payment made pursuant to Section 5.02 , on any day other than a Remittance Date (in the event that Buyer funded its commitment with respect to the Transaction in the London Interbank Eurodollar market and using any reasonable attribution or averaging methods that Buyer deems appropriate and practical), (c) any failure by a Seller to sell Eligible Assets to Buyer after such Seller has notified Buyer of a proposed Transaction and Buyer has agreed to purchase such Eligible Assets in accordance with this Agreement, or (d) any conversion of the Pricing Rate to the Alternative Rate because LIBOR is not available for any reason on a day that is not the last day of the then-current Pricing Period. Seller shall compensate Buyer for the cost and expense attributable to such event. A certificate of Buyer setting forth in reasonable detail any amount or amounts that Buyer is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 12.03 shall be delivered to Seller and shall be conclusive to the extent calculated in good faith and absent manifest error. Seller shall pay Buyer the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.
Section 12.04      Increased Costs . If the adoption of or any change in any Requirements of Law or in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or compliance by Buyer with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any central bank or other Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over Buyer made after the date of this Agreement shall: (a) subject Buyer to any Taxes (other than (i) Indemnified Taxes, (ii) Taxes

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described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of “Excluded Taxes” or (iii) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto, (b) impose, modify or hold applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan or similar requirement against assets held by, deposits or other liabilities in or for the account of, advances, loans or other extensions of credit by, or any other acquisition of funds by, any office of Buyer, or (c) impose on Buyer (other than Taxes) any other condition; and the result of any of the preceding clauses (a), (b) and (c) is to increase the cost to Buyer, by an amount that Buyer deems to be material, of entering into, continuing or maintaining Transactions, or to reduce any amount receivable under the Repurchase Documents in respect thereof, then, in any such case, upon not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Sellers, Sellers shall pay to Buyer such additional amount or amounts as reasonably necessary to fully compensate Buyer for such increased cost or reduced amount receivable; provided , however , that Buyer shall not treat Sellers differently than other similarly situated customers in requiring the payment of such amount or amounts.
Section 12.05      Capital Adequacy . If Buyer determines that any change in a Requirement of Law or internal policy regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on Buyer’s capital as a consequence of this Agreement or its obligations under the Transactions hereunder to a level below that which Buyer could have achieved but for such change in a Requirement of Law or internal policy (taking into consideration Buyer’s policies with respect to capital adequacy), then, in any such case, upon not less than thirty (30) days prior written notice to Sellers, Sellers will promptly upon demand pay to Buyer such additional amount or amounts as will compensate Buyer for any such reduction suffered; provided , however , that Buyer shall not treat Sellers differently than other similarly situated customers in requiring the payment of such amount or amounts.
Section 12.06      Taxes .
(a)      Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of Sellers under any Repurchase Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable law. If any applicable law requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment, then Sellers shall make (or cause to be made) such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay (or cause to be timely paid) the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by Sellers shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 12.06 ) Buyer receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made in respect of such Indemnified Taxes.
(b)      In addition, each Seller shall timely pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.
(c)      Each Seller shall indemnify Buyer, within ten (10) Business Days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 12.06) payable or paid

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by Buyer or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to Buyer, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to Sellers by Buyer shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
(d)      As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by Sellers to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 12.06 , Sellers shall deliver to Buyer the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to Buyer.
(e)      (i)  If Buyer is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Repurchase Document, Buyer shall deliver to Sellers, at the time or times reasonably requested by Seller, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by Sellers as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, Buyer, if reasonably requested by Sellers, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by Seller as will enable Seller to determine whether or not Buyer is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 12.06(e)(ii)(A) , Section 12.06(e)(ii)(B) and Section 12.06(e)(ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in Buyer’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject Buyer to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of Buyer.
(i)      Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:
(A)      if Buyer is a U.S. Person, it shall deliver to Sellers on or prior to the date on which Buyer becomes a Party under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of Sellers), executed copies of IRS Form W‑9 certifying that Buyer is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;
(B)      if Buyer is a Foreign Buyer, it shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to Sellers (in such number of copies as shall be requested by Sellers) on or prior to the date on which Buyer becomes a Party under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of Sellers), whichever of the following is applicable:
(I)    in the case of a Foreign Buyer claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party, (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Repurchase Document, executed copies of IRS Form W‑8BEN or IRS Form W‑8BEN‑E (as applicable) establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Repurchase Document, IRS Form W‑8BEN

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or IRS Form W‑8BEN‑E (as applicable) establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;
(II)    executed copies of IRS Form W‑8ECI;
(III)    in the case of a Foreign Buyer claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate to the effect that such Foreign Buyer is not a “bank” within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of any Seller within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “ U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate ”) and (y) executed copies of IRS Form W‑8BEN or IRS Form W‑8BEN‑E (as applicable); or
(IV)    to the extent a Foreign Buyer is not the beneficial owner, executed copies of IRS Form W‑8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W‑8ECI, IRS Form W‑8BEN, IRS Form W‑8BEN‑E, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate or IRS Form W‑9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Buyer is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Buyer are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Buyer may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;
(C)      if Buyer is a Foreign Buyer, it shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to Sellers (in such number of copies as shall be requested by Sellers) on or prior to the date on which Buyer becomes a Party under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of Sellers), executed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit Sellers to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and
(D)      if a payment made to Buyer under any Repurchase Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if Buyer were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), Buyer shall deliver to Sellers at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by Sellers such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by Sellers as may be necessary for Sellers to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that Buyer has complied with Buyer’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (D),

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“FATCA” shall include all amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.
Buyer agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify Sellers in writing of its legal inability to do so.
(f)      If any Party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 12.06 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 12.06 ), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 12.06 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out‑of‑pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this Section 12.06(f) ( plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 12.06(f) , in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this Section 12.06(f) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after‑Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts giving rise to such refund had never been paid. This Section 12.06(f) shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.
(g)      For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Section 12.06 , the term “applicable law” includes FATCA.
Section 12.07      Payment and Survival of Obligations . Buyer may at any time send Sellers a notice showing the calculation of any amounts payable pursuant to this Article 12 , and each Seller shall pay such amounts to Buyer within ten (10) Business Days after such Seller receives such notice. Each Party’s obligations under this Article 12 shall survive any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of the Buyer, the termination of the Transactions and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Repurchase Document.
Section 12.08      Early Repurchase Option . If any of the events described in Sections 12.04 or 12.05 result in Buyer’s request for additional amounts, then Sellers shall have the option to notify Buyer in writing at any time of their intent to terminate all of the Transactions and repurchase all of the Purchased Assets no later than ten (10) Business Days after such notice is given to Buyer, and such repurchase by Sellers shall be conducted pursuant to and in accordance with Section 3.04 . The election by Sellers to terminate the Transactions in accordance with this Section 12.08 shall not relieve Sellers for liability with respect to any additional amounts actually incurred by Buyer prior to the actual repurchase of the Purchased Assets, except that, notwithstanding

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anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Repurchase Document, there shall be no Exit Fee, prepayment fee, premium or other similar payment due in connection therewith.
ARTICLE 13     

INDEMNITY AND EXPENSES
Section 13.01      Indemnity .
(a)      Each Seller shall release, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Buyer, Affiliates of Buyer and its and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, partners, members, owners, employees, agents, attorneys, Affiliates and advisors (each an “ Indemnified Person ” and collectively the “ Indemnified Persons ”), on a net after-tax basis, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, fees, reasonable costs, expenses (including reasonable legal fees, charges, and disbursements of any counsel for any such Indemnified Person and expenses), penalties or fines of any kind that may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any such Indemnified Person (collectively, the “ Indemnified Amounts ”) in any way relating to, arising out of or resulting from or in connection with (i) the Repurchase Documents, the Purchased Asset Documents, the Purchased Assets, the Pledged Collateral, the Transactions, any Mortgaged Property or related property, or any action taken or omitted to be taken by any Indemnified Person in connection with or under any of the foregoing, or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby, or any amendment, supplement or modification of, or any waiver or consent under or in respect of any Repurchase Document, any Transaction, any Purchased Asset, any Purchased Asset Document, or any Pledged Collateral, (ii) any claims, actions or damages by an Underlying Obligor or lessee with respect to a Purchased Asset, (iii) any violation or alleged violation of, non–compliance with or liability under any Requirements of Law, (iv) ownership of, Liens on, security interests in or the exercise of rights or remedies under any of the items referred to in the preceding clause (i), (v) any accident, injury to or death of any person or loss of or damage to property occurring in, on or about any Mortgaged Property or on the adjoining sidewalks, curbs, parking areas, streets or ways, (vi) any use, nonuse or condition in, on or about, or possession, alteration, repair, operation, maintenance or management of, any Mortgaged Property or on the adjoining sidewalks, curbs, parking areas, streets or ways, (vii) any failure by Seller to perform or comply with any Repurchase Document, Purchased Asset Document or Purchased Asset, (viii) performance of any labor or services or the furnishing of any materials or other property in respect of any Mortgaged Property or Purchased Asset, (ix) any claim by brokers, finders or similar Persons claiming to be entitled to a commission in connection with any lease or other transaction involving any Repurchase Document, Purchased Asset or Mortgaged Property, (x) the execution, delivery, filing or recording of any Repurchase Document, Purchased Asset Document or any memorandum of any of the foregoing, (xi) any Lien or claim arising on or against any Purchased Asset or related Mortgaged Property under any Requirements of Law or any liability asserted against Buyer or any Indemnified Person with respect thereto, (xii) (1) a past, present or future violation or alleged violation of any Environmental Laws in connection with any Mortgaged Property by any Person or other source, whether related or unrelated to Seller or any Underlying Obligor, (2) any presence of any Materials of Environmental Concern in, on, within, above, under, near, affecting or emanating from any Mortgaged Property in violation of Environmental Law, (3) the failure to

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timely perform any Remedial Work required under the Purchased Asset Documents or pursuant to Environmental Law, (4) any past, present or future activity by any Person or other source, whether related or unrelated to any Seller or any Underlying Obligor in connection with any actual, proposed or threatened use, treatment, storage, holding, existence, disposition or other release, generation, production, manufacturing, processing, refining, control, management, abatement, removal, handling, transfer or transportation to or from any Mortgaged Property of any Materials of Environmental Concern at any time located in, under, on, above or affecting any Mortgaged Property, in each case, in violation of Environmental Law, (5) any past, present or future actual Release (whether intentional or unintentional, direct or indirect, foreseeable or unforeseeable) to, from, on, within, in, under, near or affecting any Mortgaged Property by any Person or other source, whether related or unrelated to any Seller or any Underlying Obligor, in each case, in violation of Environmental Law, (6) the imposition, recording or filing or the threatened imposition, recording or filing of any Lien on any Mortgaged Property with regard to, or as a result of, any Materials of Environmental Concern or pursuant to any Environmental Law, or (7) any misrepresentation or failure to perform any obligations pursuant to any Repurchase Document or Purchased Asset Document relating to environmental matters in any way, or (xiii) any Seller’s conduct, activities, actions and/or inactions in connection with, relating to or arising out of any of the foregoing clauses of this Section 13.01 , that, in each case, results from anything whatsoever other than any Indemnified Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to a final, non‑appealable judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Sellers shall have no liability to any Indemnified Person under clauses (v), (vi), (viii) or (xii) of this Section 13.01 for any claims arising as a result of activities or events which occur at any time more than six (6) months after Buyer (or one of its Affiliates) takes title to the related Mortgaged Property. In any suit, proceeding or action brought by an Indemnified Person in connection with any Purchased Asset for any sum owing thereunder, or to enforce any provisions of any Purchased Asset, each Seller shall defend, indemnify and hold such Indemnified Person harmless from and against all expense, loss or damage suffered by reason of any defense, set‑off, counterclaim, recoupment or reduction of liability whatsoever of the account debtor or Underlying Obligor arising out of a breach by any Seller of any obligation thereunder or arising out of any other agreement, indebtedness or liability at any time owing to or in favor of such account debtor or Underlying Obligor from any Seller. In the case of an investigation, litigation or other proceeding to which the indemnity in this Section 13.01 applies, such indemnity shall be effective whether or not such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by any Seller, an Indemnified Person or any other Person or any Indemnified Person is otherwise a party thereto and whether or not any Transaction is entered into. This Section 13.01(a) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims or damages arising from any non‑Tax claim.
(b)      If for any reason the indemnification provided in this Section 13.01 is unavailable to the Indemnified Person or is insufficient to hold an Indemnified Person harmless, even though such Indemnified Person is entitled to indemnification under the express terms thereof, then the applicable Seller shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Person as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by such Indemnified Person on the one hand and such Seller on the other hand, the relative fault of such Indemnified Person, and any other relevant equitable considerations.

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(c)      An Indemnified Person may at any time send Sellers a notice showing the calculation of Indemnified Amounts, and Sellers shall pay such Indemnified Amounts to such Indemnified Person within ten (10) Business Days after Sellers receive such notice. The obligations of Sellers under this Section 13.01 shall apply (without duplication) to Eligible Assignees and Participants and survive the termination of this Agreement.
Section 13.02      Expenses . Each Seller shall promptly on demand pay to or as directed by Buyer all reasonable third‑party out‑of‑pocket costs and expenses (including legal, accounting and advisory fees and expenses) incurred by Buyer in connection with (a) the development, evaluation, preparation, negotiation, execution, consummation, delivery and administration of, and any amendment, supplement or modification to, or extension, renewal or waiver of, the Repurchase Documents and the Transactions, (b) any Asset or Purchased Asset, including due diligence, inspection, testing, review, recording, registration, travel custody, care, insurance or preservation, (c) the enforcement of the Repurchase Documents or the payment or performance by any Seller of any Repurchase Obligations, (d) any actual or attempted sale, exchange, enforcement, collection, compromise or settlement relating to the Purchased Assets, and (e) the internally allocated costs of Buyer of any Appraisal ordered in connection with an Asset proposed for purchase under Section 3.01 but subsequently rejected by Buyer for any reason.
ARTICLE 14     

INTENT
Section 14.01      Safe Harbor Treatment . The Parties intend (a) for each Transaction to qualify for the safe harbor treatment provided by the Bankruptcy Code and for Buyer to be entitled to all of the rights, benefits and protections afforded to Persons under the Bankruptcy Code with respect to a “repurchase agreement” as defined in Section 101(47) of the Bankruptcy Code (to the extent that a Transaction has a maturity date of less than one (1) year) and a “securities contract” as defined in Section 741(7) of the Bankruptcy Code and that payments and transfers under this Agreement are deemed “margin payments” and “settlement payments” as defined in Section 101 of the Bankruptcy Code and constitute transfers made by, to or for the benefit of a financial institution, financial participant or repo participant within the meaning of Section 546(e) or 546(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, (b) for the grant of a security interest set forth in Article 11 to also be a “securities contract” as defined in Section 741(7)(A)(xi) of the Bankruptcy Code and a “repurchase agreement” as that term is defined in Section 101(47)(A)(v) of the Bankruptcy Code; (c) for each of the Guarantee Agreement and the Pledge and Security Agreement to constitute a security agreement or arrangement or other credit enhancement within the meaning of Section 101 of the Code related to a “securities contract” as defined in Section 741(7)(A)(xi) of the Bankruptcy Code and, to the extent that the Guarantee Agreement and the Pledge and Security Agreement relate to a Transaction that has a maturity date of less than one (1) year, a “repurchase agreement” as that term is defined in Section 101(47)(A)(v) of the Bankruptcy Code; and (d) that Buyer (for so long as Buyer is a “financial institution,” “financial participant,” “repo participant,” “master netting participant” or other entity listed in Section 555, 559, 561, 362(b)(6), 362(b)(7) or 362(b)(27) of the Bankruptcy Code) shall be entitled to the “safe harbor” benefits and protections afforded under the Bankruptcy Code with respect to a “repurchase agreement,” “securities contract” and a “master netting agreement,”

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including (x) the rights, set forth in Article 10 and in Sections 555, 559 and 561 of the Bankruptcy Code, to liquidate the Purchased Assets and terminate this Agreement, and (y) the right to offset or net out as set forth in Article 10 and Section 18.17 and in Sections 362(b)(6), 362(b)(7), 362(b)(27), 362(o) and 546 of the Bankruptcy Code.
Section 14.02      Qualified Financial Contract . The Parties intend that if a Party is an “insured depository institution,” as such term is defined in the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended (“ FDIA ”), then each Transaction hereunder is a “qualified financial contract,” as that term is defined in FDIA and any rules, orders or policy statements thereunder (except insofar as the type of assets subject to such Transaction would render such definition inapplicable).
Section 14.03      Netting Contract . The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement constitutes a “netting contract” as defined in and subject to Title IV of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“ FDICIA ”) and each payment entitlement and payment obligation under any Transaction shall constitute a “covered contractual payment entitlement” or “covered contractual payment obligation,” respectively, as defined in and subject to FDICIA (except insofar as one or both of the parties is not a “financial institution” as that term is defined in FDICIA).
Section 14.04      Master Netting Agreement . The Parties intend that this Agreement, the Guarantee Agreement and the Pledge and Security Agreement constitutes a “master netting agreement” as defined in Section 101(38A) of the Bankruptcy Code.
ARTICLE 15     

DISCLOSURE RELATING TO CERTAIN FEDERAL PROTECTIONS
The Parties acknowledge that they have been advised and understand that:
(a)      if one of the Parties is a broker or dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 14 of the Exchange Act, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation has taken the position that the provisions of the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 do not protect the other Party with respect to any Transaction;
(b)      if one of the Parties is a government securities broker or a government securities dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 14C of the Exchange Act, the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 will not provide protection to the other Party with respect to any Transaction;
(c)      if one of the Parties is a financial institution, funds held by or on behalf of the financial institution pursuant to any Transaction are not a deposit and therefore are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, as applicable; and
(d)      if one of the Parties is an “insured depository institution” as that term is defined in Section 1813(c)(2) of Title 12 of the United States Code, funds held by or on behalf of

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the financial institution pursuant to any Transaction are not a deposit and therefore are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Savings Association Insurance Fund or the Bank Insurance Fund, as applicable.
ARTICLE 16     

NO RELIANCE
Each Party acknowledges, represents and warrants to the other Party that, in connection with the negotiation of, entering into, and performance under, the Repurchase Documents and each Transaction:
(a)      It is not relying (for purposes of making any investment decision or otherwise) on any advice, counsel or representations (whether written or oral) of the other Party, other than the representations expressly set forth in the Repurchase Documents;
(b)      It has consulted with its own legal, regulatory, tax, business, investment, financial and accounting advisors to the extent that it has deemed necessary, and it has made its own investment, hedging and trading decisions (including decisions regarding the suitability of any Transaction) based on its own judgment and on any advice from such advisors as it has deemed necessary and not on any view expressed by the other Party;
(c)      It is a sophisticated and informed Person that has a full understanding of all the terms, conditions and risks (economic and otherwise) of the Repurchase Documents and each Transaction and is capable of assuming and willing to assume (financially and otherwise) those risks;
(d)      It is entering into the Repurchase Documents and each Transaction for the purposes of managing its borrowings or investments or hedging its underlying assets or liabilities and not for purposes of speculation;
(e)      It is not acting as a fiduciary or financial, investment or commodity trading advisor for the other Party and has not given the other Party (directly or indirectly through any other Person) any assurance, guaranty or representation whatsoever as to the merits (either legal, regulatory, tax, business, investment, financial accounting or otherwise) of the Repurchase Documents or any Transaction; and
(f)      No partnership or joint venture exists or will exist as a result of the Transactions or entering into and performing the Repurchase Documents.
ARTICLE 17     

SERVICING
This Article 17 shall apply to all Purchased Assets.

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Section 17.01      Servicing Rights . Buyer is the owner of all Servicing Rights. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Buyer shall have the right to hire or otherwise engage any Person to service or sub-service all or part of the Purchased Assets, provided, however, that if any other Person other than Buyer is to act as Interim Servicer at any time prior to a Default or Event of Default, Sellers may select a successor servicer to Buyer, so long as such successor servicer is reasonably acceptable to Buyer, and such Person shall have only such servicing obligations with respect to such Purchased Assets as are designated by Buyer. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Buyer agrees with Sellers as follows with respect to the servicing of the Purchased Assets:
(a)      Interim Servicer shall service the Purchased Assets on behalf of Buyer in accordance with Accepted Servicing Practices. So long as Interim Servicer is an Affiliate of Sellers, Interim Servicer shall service using its customary servicing platform and procedures, subject to the terms of the Servicing Agreement and the related cash management agreement, each of which shall be mutually acceptable to Buyer, Sellers and Interim Servicer.
(b)      Contemporaneously with the execution of the Repurchase Agreement on the Closing Date, Buyer will enter into, and cause Interim Servicer to enter into, the Servicing Agreement and Sellers will enter into, the Servicing Agreement. The Servicing Agreement shall automatically terminate on the last day of the first full calendar month following the Closing Date, unless terminated sooner pursuant to Section 17.04 . To the extent Buyer desires to renew the appointment of Interim Servicer, in connection with its delivery of a statement of Price Differential due on the following Remittance Date, Buyer shall deliver notice to Sellers and Interim Servicer of its intent to renew the appointment of Interim Servicer for an additional thirty-day period, provided, if Buyer fails to deliver such notice, Sellers shall have the right to request that Buyer deliver such notice on or before the Remittance Date. In the event Buyer fails to renew Interim Servicer’s appointment as Interim Servicer, Buyer shall appoint a successor servicer (which successor servicer shall be Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or such other successor to whom, so long as no default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Sellers have provided their consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). Any such successor servicer shall be entitled to fees and other servicing compensation as agreed by such successor servicer, Buyer and, so long as no default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Sellers. During such time as the appointment of Interim Servicer has expired and prior to the appointment of any successor servicer, Interim Servicer shall continue to service the Purchased Assets in accordance with the terms of the Servicing Agreement and shall cooperate with the transition of servicing to the successor servicer.
(c)      Each Seller shall provide all information regarding Interim Servicer requested by Buyer and otherwise cooperate in connection with Buyer’s due diligence regarding Interim Servicer, which due diligence with respect to information provided prior to the Closing Date shall be completed by Buyer on or before the Closing Date. Seller shall cause Interim Servicer to comply with all of Interim Servicer’s obligations under the Servicing Agreement. Neither Seller nor Interim Servicer may assign its rights or obligations under the Servicing Agreement without the prior written consent of Buyer.
(d)      The Servicing Agreement shall grant Sellers the right, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to direct Interim Servicer with respect to

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modifications, waivers, consents and other actions related to the Purchased Assets; provided , however , that Sellers shall not and shall not direct Interim Servicer to (i) make any Material Modification without the prior written consent of Buyer (such consent to be given or withheld in Buyer's commercially reasonable discretion), or (ii) take any action which would result in a violation of the obligations of any Person under the Servicing Agreement, the Repurchase Agreement or any other Repurchase Document, or which would otherwise be inconsistent with the rights of Buyer under the Repurchase Documents. Buyer, as owner of the Purchased Assets, shall own all related servicing and voting rights and, as owner, shall act as Interim Servicer with respect to the Purchased Assets, subject to an interim revocable option from Buyer in favor of Sellers to direct Interim Servicer, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; provided, however, that Sellers cannot give any direction or take any action that could materially adversely affect the value or collectability of any amounts due with respect to the Purchased Assets without the consent of Buyer, such consent to be given or withheld by Buyers. Such revocable option is not evidence of any ownership or other interest or right of any Seller in any Purchased Asset.
(e)      The servicing fee payable to Interim Servicer shall be payable as a servicing fee in accordance with the Repurchase Agreement and the Servicing Agreement, including without limitation pursuant to priority first of Section 5.02 of the Repurchase Agreement or priority first of Section 5.03 of the Repurchase Agreement, as applicable. Each Seller shall be solely responsible for the payment, from such Seller’s own funds, of all fees and expenses of the Interim Servicer, which shall not be payable as a servicing fee by Interim Servicer or otherwise under the Repurchase Agreement or the Servicing Agreement.
Section 17.02      Accounts Related to Purchased Assets . All accounts directly related to the Purchased Assets shall be maintained at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. acceptable to Buyer, and each Seller shall cause the Underlying Obligor to enter into the contractual arrangements with Buyer and such Seller that are necessary in order to create a perfected security interest in favor of Buyer in all such accounts, including, without limitation, an Account Control Agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Buyer.
Section 17.03      Servicing Reports . Each Seller shall deliver to deliver to Buyer and Custodian a monthly remittance report on or before the third Business Day immediately preceding each monthly Remittance Date containing servicing information, including those fields reasonably requested by Buyer from time to time, on an asset by asset basis and in the aggregate, with respect to the Purchased Assets for the month (or any portion thereof) before the date of such report.
Section 17.04      Event of Default . If an Event of Default or an Interim Servicer Event of Default exists, Buyer shall have the right at any time thereafter to terminate the Servicing Agreement and transfer the Servicing of the Purchased Assets to Buyer or its designee, at no cost or expense to Buyer, it being agreed that each Seller will pay any fees and expenses required to terminate such Servicing Agreement and transfer servicing to Buyer or its designee in such event.
ARTICLE 18     

MISCELLANEOUS

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Section 18.01      Governing Law . THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT, AND/OR THE INTERPRETATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS AND DECISIONS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CHOICE OF LAW RULES THEREOF OTHER THAN SECTION 5-1401 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW.  THE PARTIES HERETO INTEND THAT THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5-1401 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW SHALL APPLY TO THIS AGREEMENT.
Section 18.02      Submission to Jurisdiction; Service of Process . Each Party irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, or in any court with jurisdiction that is located in Delaware, California or the state where the related underlying Mortgaged Property is located, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Repurchase Documents, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each Party irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such State court or, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in such Federal court. Each Party agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement or the other Repurchase Documents shall affect any right that Buyer may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Repurchase Documents against any Seller or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction. Each Party irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Requirements of Law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Repurchase Documents in any court referred to above, and the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court. Each Party irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 18.12 . Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable law.
Section 18.03      IMPORTANT WAIVERS .
(a)      EACH SELLER HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO ASSERT A COUNTERCLAIM, OTHER THAN A COMPULSORY COUNTERCLAIM, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT AGAINST IT BY BUYER OR ANY INDEMNIFIED PERSON.
(b)      TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY REQUIREMENTS OF LAW, EACH PARTY HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO HAVE A JURY PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN THEM, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF,

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CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED TO THE REPURCHASE DOCUMENTS, THE PURCHASED ASSETS, THE PLEDGED COLLATERAL, THE TRANSACTIONS, ANY DEALINGS OR COURSE OF CONDUCT BETWEEN THEM, OR ANY STATEMENTS (WRITTEN OR ORAL) OR OTHER ACTIONS OF EITHER PARTY. NEITHER PARTY WILL SEEK TO CONSOLIDATE ANY SUCH ACTION WITH ANY OTHER ACTION IN WHICH A JURY TRIAL CANNOT BE OR HAS NOT BEEN WAIVED. INSTEAD, ANY SUCH DISPUTE RESOLVED IN COURT WILL BE RESOLVED IN A BENCH TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY.
(c)      TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY REQUIREMENTS OF LAW, EACH SELLER HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO CLAIM OR RECOVER IN ANY LITIGATION WHATSOEVER INVOLVING ANY INDEMNIFIED PERSON, ANY SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER OR ANY DAMAGES OTHER THAN, OR IN ADDITION TO, ACTUAL DAMAGES, WHETHER SUCH WAIVED DAMAGES ARE BASED ON STATUTE, CONTRACT, TORT, COMMON LAW OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, WHETHER THE LIKELIHOOD OF SUCH DAMAGES WAS KNOWN AND REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF THE CLAIM OF ACTION AND BOTH SELLERS AND BUYER WAIVE ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO RECOVER PUNITIVE DAMAGES AGAINST THE OTHER IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING. NO INDEMNIFIED PERSON SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE USE BY UNINTENDED RECIPIENTS OF ANY INFORMATION OR OTHER MATERIALS DISTRIBUTED BY IT THROUGH TELECOMMUNICATIONS, ELECTRONIC OR OTHER INFORMATION TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS IN CONNECTION WITH ANY REPURCHASE DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS.
(d)      EACH PARTY CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF THE OTHER PARTY OR AN INDEMNIFIED PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT THE OTHER PARTY OR AN INDEMNIFIED PERSON WOULD NOT SEEK TO ENFORCE ANY OF THE WAIVERS IN THIS SECTION 18.03 IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES. THE SCOPE OF SUCH WAIVERS IS INTENDED TO BE ALL–ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE REPURCHASE DOCUMENTS, REGARDLESS OF THEIR LEGAL THEORY.
(e)      EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE WAIVERS IN THIS SECTION 18.03 ARE A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT TO ENTER INTO A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP, THAT SUCH PARTY HAS ALREADY RELIED ON SUCH WAIVERS IN ENTERING INTO THE REPURCHASE DOCUMENTS, AND THAT SUCH PARTY WILL CONTINUE TO RELY ON SUCH WAIVERS IN THEIR RELATED FUTURE DEALINGS UNDER THE REPURCHASE DOCUMENTS. EACH PARTY FURTHER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED SUCH WAIVERS WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL AND THAT IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL AND OTHER RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.
(f)      THE WAIVERS IN THIS SECTION 18.03 ARE IRREVOCABLE, MEANING THAT THEY MAY NOT BE MODIFIED EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING, AND

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SHALL APPLY TO ANY AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS TO ANY OF THE REPURCHASE DOCUMENTS. IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.
(g)      THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 18.03 SHALL SURVIVE TERMINATION OF THE REPURCHASE DOCUMENTS AND THE INDEFEASIBLE PAYMENT IN FULL OF THE REPURCHASE OBLIGATIONS.
Section 18.04      Integration . The Repurchase Documents supersede and integrate all previous negotiations, contracts, agreements and understandings (whether written or oral) between the Parties relating to a sale and repurchase of Purchased Assets and the other matters addressed by the Repurchase Documents, and contain the entire final agreement of the Parties relating to the subject matter thereof.
Section 18.05      Single Agreement . Each Seller agrees that (a) each Transaction is in consideration of and in reliance on the fact that all Transactions constitute a single business and contractual relationship, and that each Transaction has been entered into in consideration of the other Transactions, (b) a default by it in the payment or performance of any its obligations under a Transaction shall constitute a default by it with respect to all Transactions, (c) Buyer may set off claims and apply properties and assets held by or on behalf of Buyer with respect to any Transaction against the Repurchase Obligations owing to Buyer with respect to other Transactions, and (d) payments, deliveries and other transfers made by or on behalf of any Seller with respect to any Transaction shall be deemed to have been made in consideration of payments, deliveries and other transfers with respect to all Transactions, and the obligations of such Seller to make any such payments, deliveries and other transfers may be applied against each other and netted.
Section 18.06      Use of Employee Plan Assets . No assets of an employee benefit plan subject to any provision of ERISA shall be used by any Party in a Transaction.
Section 18.07      Survival and Benefit of Sellers’ Agreements . The Repurchase Documents and all Transactions shall be binding on and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their successors and permitted assigns. All of each Seller’s representations, warranties, agreements and indemnities in the Repurchase Documents shall survive the termination of the Repurchase Documents and the payment in full of the Repurchase Obligations, and shall apply to and benefit all Indemnified Persons, Buyer and its successors and assigns, Eligible Assignees and Participants. No other Person shall be entitled to any benefit, right, power, remedy or claim under the Repurchase Documents.
Section 18.08      Assignments and Participations .
(a)      Each Seller shall not sell, assign or transfer any of its rights or the Repurchase Obligations or delegate its duties under this Agreement or any other Repurchase Document without the prior written consent of Buyer, and any attempt by a Seller to do so without such consent shall be null and void. Buyer may at any time, without the consent of or notice to any Seller, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person or Seller or Guarantor) (a “ Participant ”)

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in all or any portion of Buyer’s rights and/or obligations under the Repurchase Documents; provided , that (i) Buyer’s obligations and each Seller’s rights and obligations under the Repurchase Documents shall remain unchanged, (ii) Buyer shall remain solely responsible to Sellers for the performance of such obligations, and (iii) Sellers shall continue to deal solely and directly with Buyer in connection with Buyer’s rights and obligations under the Repurchase Documents. No Participant shall have any right to approve any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to any Repurchase Document, except to the extent that the Repurchase Price or Price Differential of any Purchased Asset would be reduced or the Repurchase Date of any Purchased Asset would be postponed. Each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Article 12 to the same extent as if it had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 18.08(e) ; so long as such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 12.06 as if it were an Eligible Assignee. To the extent permitted by Requirements of Law, each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 10.02(j) and  18.17 to the same extent as if it had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 18.08(c) .
(b)      Buyer may at any time, without consent of any Seller or Guarantor but upon notice to Sellers, sell and assign to any Eligible Assignee all or any portion of all of the rights and obligations of Buyer under the Repurchase Documents and, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Buyer shall act as agent for the Eligible Assignee. Each such assignment shall be made pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance substantially in the form of Exhibit F (an “ Assignment and Acceptance ”). From and after the effective date of such Assignment and Acceptance, (i) such Eligible Assignee shall be a Party and, to the extent provided therein, have the rights and obligations of Buyer under the Repurchase Documents with respect to the percentage and amount of the Repurchase Price allocated to it, (ii) Buyer shall, to the extent provided therein, if such Assignment and Acceptance is executed after an Event of Default, be released from such obligations (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all or the remaining portion of Buyer’s obligations under this Agreement, Buyer shall cease to be a Party hereto), provided that (A) at all times prior to an Event of Default, Buyer shall remain solely responsible to Sellers for the performance of such obligations and (B) Buyer shall remain solely responsible for all claims which are based on events which occurred prior to the date of such Assignment and Acceptance, (iii) at all times prior to an Event of Default, Sellers shall continue to deal solely and directly with Buyer in connection with Buyer’s rights and obligations under the Repurchase Documents, (iv) the obligations of Buyer shall be deemed to be so reduced, and (v) Buyer will give prompt written notice thereof (including identification of the Eligible Assignee and the amount of Repurchase Price allocated to it) to each Party (but Buyer shall not have any liability for any failure to timely provide such notice). Any sale or assignment by Buyer of rights or obligations under the Repurchase Documents that does not comply with this Section 18.08(c) shall be treated for purposes of the Repurchase Documents as a sale by such Buyer of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 18.08(b) . Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Buyer shall not assign, syndicate and/or participate any of its rights to any competitor of a Seller described on the attached Exhibit I hereto.
(c)      Each Seller shall cooperate with Buyer in connection with any such sale and assignment of participations or assignments and shall enter into such restatements of, and amendments, supplements and other modifications to, the Repurchase Documents to give effect to any such sale or assignment; provided , that none of the foregoing shall change any economic or

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other material term of the Repurchase Documents in a manner adverse to a Seller without the consent of such Seller.
(d)      Buyer shall have the right to partially or completely syndicate and or all of its rights under the Agreement and the other Repurchase Documents to any Eligible Assignee.
(e)      Each Seller, shall maintain a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Eligible Assignees that become Parties hereto and, with respect to each such Eligible Assignee, the aggregate assigned Purchase Price and applicable Price Differential (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Parties shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Buyer for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Parties at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
(f)      If Buyer sells a participation of its rights hereunder, it shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non‑fiduciary agent of the applicable Seller, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and, with respect to each such Participant, the aggregate participated Purchase Price and applicable Price Differential, and any other interest in any obligations under the Repurchase Documents (the “ Participant Register ”); provided that no Party shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any obligations under any Repurchase Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103‑1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the participating Party shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of the applicable participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.
Section 18.09      Ownership and Hypothecation of Purchased Assets . Title to all Purchased Assets shall pass to and vest in Buyer on the applicable Purchase Dates and, subject to the terms of the Repurchase Documents, Buyer or its designee shall have free and unrestricted use of all Purchased Assets and be entitled to exercise all rights, privileges and options relating to the Purchased Assets as the owner thereof, including rights of subscription, conversion, exchange, substitution, voting, consent and approval, and to direct any servicer or trustee. Buyer or its designee may, at any time, without the consent of Sellers, Pledgor or Guarantor, engage in repurchase transactions with the Purchased Assets or otherwise sell, pledge, repledge, transfer, hypothecate, or rehypothecate the Purchased Assets, all on terms that Buyer may determine, so long as Buyer provides the applicable Seller with advance notice of them; provided , that no such transaction shall affect the obligations of Buyer to transfer the Purchased Assets to such Seller on the applicable Repurchase Dates free and clear of any pledge, Lien, security interest, encumbrance, charge or other adverse claim. In the event Buyer engages in a repurchase transaction with any of the Purchased Assets or otherwise pledges or hypothecates any of the Purchased Assets, Buyer shall have the right to assign to Buyer’s counterparty any of the applicable representations or warranties herein and the

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remedies for breach thereof, as they relate to the Purchased Assets that are subject to such repurchase transaction.
Section 18.10      Confidentiality . All information regarding the terms set forth in any of the Repurchase Documents or the Transactions shall be kept confidential and shall not be disclosed by either Party to any Person except (a) to the Affiliates of such Party or its or their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors, attorneys, accountants and other representatives who are informed of the confidential nature of such information and instructed to keep it confidential, (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority, stock exchange, government department or agency, or required by Requirements of Law or necessary or advisable in connection with any public company filing requirements under federal securities laws, (c) to the extent required to be included in the financial statements of either Party or an Affiliate thereof, (d) to the extent required to exercise any rights or remedies under the Repurchase Documents, Purchased Assets or Mortgaged Properties, (e) to the extent required to consummate and administer a Transaction, (f) in the event any Party is legally compelled to make pursuant to deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process by court order of a court of competent jurisdiction, and (g) to any actual or prospective Participant, Eligible Assignee or Hedge Counterparty that agrees to comply with this Section 18.10 , and (h) in connection with a public market transaction of Guarantor, but only to the extent such disclosure is legally required pursuant to an applicable Requirement of Law; provided , that, except with respect to the disclosures by Buyer under clause (g) of this Section 18.10 , no such disclosure made with respect to any Repurchase Document shall include a copy of such Repurchase Document to the extent that a summary would suffice, but if it is necessary for a copy of any Repurchase Document to be disclosed, all pricing and other economic terms set forth therein shall be redacted before disclosure.
Section 18.11      No Implied Waivers; Amendments . No failure on the part of Buyer to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right or remedy under the Repurchase Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right or remedy thereunder preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The rights and remedies in the Repurchase Documents are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights and remedies provided by law. Application of the Default Rate after an Event of Default shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of any Event of Default or Buyer’s rights and remedies with respect thereto, or a consent to any extension of time for the payment or performance of any obligation with respect to which the Default Rate is applied. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the Repurchase Documents, no amendment, waiver or other modification of any provision of the Repurchase Documents shall be effective without the signed agreement of the applicable Seller and Buyer. Any waiver or consent under the Repurchase Documents shall be effective only if it is in writing and only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.
Section 18.12      Notices and Other Communications . Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all notices, consents, approvals, requests and other communications required or permitted to be given to a Party hereunder shall be in writing and sent prepaid by hand delivery, by certified or registered mail, by expedited commercial or postal delivery service, or by facsimile or email if also sent by one of the foregoing, to the address for such Party specified in Annex I or such other address as such Party shall specify from time to time in a notice to the other Party. Any of

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the foregoing communications shall be effective when delivered, if delivered prior to 4:00 PM recipient local time on a Business Day; otherwise, each such communication shall be effective on the first Business Day following the date of such delivery. A Party receiving a notice that does not comply with the technical requirements of this Section 18.12 may elect to waive any deficiencies and treat the notice as having been properly given.
Section 18.13      Counterparts; Electronic Transmission . Any Repurchase Document may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. The Parties agree that this Agreement, any documents to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement, any other Repurchase Document and any notices hereunder may be transmitted between them by email and/or facsimile. The Parties intend that faxed signatures and electronically imaged signatures such as .pdf files shall constitute original signatures and are binding on all parties.
Section 18.14      No Personal Liability . No administrator, incorporator, Affiliate, owner, member, partner, stockholder, officer, director, employee, agent or attorney of Buyer, any Indemnified Person, any Seller, Pledgor or Guarantor, as such, shall be subject to any recourse or personal liability under or with respect to any obligation of Buyer, any Seller, Pledgor or Guarantor under the Repurchase Documents, whether by the enforcement of any assessment, by any legal or equitable proceeding, by virtue of any statute or otherwise; it being expressly agreed that the obligations of Buyer, any Seller, Pledgor or Guarantor under the Repurchase Documents are solely their respective corporate, limited liability company or partnership obligations, as applicable, and that any such recourse or personal liability is hereby expressly waived. This Section 18.14 shall survive the termination of the Repurchase Documents and the repayment in full of the Repurchase Obligations.
Section 18.15      Protection of Buyer’s Interests in the Purchased Assets; Further Assurances .
(a)      Each Seller shall take such actions as necessary to cause the Repurchase Documents and/or all financing statements and continuation statements and any other necessary documents covering the right, title and interest of Buyer to the Purchased Assets to be promptly recorded, registered and filed, and at all times to be kept recorded, registered and filed, all in such manner and in such places as may be required by law fully to preserve and protect such right, title and interest. Each Seller shall deliver to Buyer file–stamped copies of, or filing receipts for, any document recorded, registered or filed as provided above, as soon as available following such recording, registration or filing. Each Seller shall execute any and all documents reasonably required to fulfill the intent of this Section 18.15 .
(b)      Each Seller will promptly at its expense execute and deliver such instruments and documents and take such other actions as Buyer may reasonably request from time to time in order to perfect, protect, evidence, exercise and enforce Buyer’s rights and remedies under and with respect to the Repurchase Documents, the Transactions and the Purchased Assets. Sellers and Guarantor shall, promptly upon Buyer’s request, deliver documentation in form and substance satisfactory to Buyer which Buyer deems necessary or desirable to evidence compliance with all applicable "know your customer" due diligence checks.

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(c)      If either Seller fails to perform any of its Repurchase Obligations, then Buyer may (but shall not be required to) perform or cause to be performed such Repurchase Obligation, and the costs and expenses incurred by Buyer in connection therewith shall be payable by Sellers. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Seller authorizes Buyer, at the option of Buyer and the expense of such Seller, at any time and from time to time, to take all actions and pay all amounts that Buyer deems necessary or appropriate to protect, enforce, preserve, insure, service, administer, manage, perform, maintain, safeguard, collect or realize on the Purchased Assets and Buyer’s Liens and interests therein or thereon and to give effect to the intent of the Repurchase Documents. No Default or Event of Default shall be cured by the payment or performance of any Repurchase Obligation by Buyer on behalf of a Seller. Buyer may make any such payment in accordance with any bill, statement or estimate procured from the appropriate public office or holder of the claim to be discharged without inquiry into the accuracy of such bill, statement or estimate or into the validity of any tax assessment, sale, forfeiture, tax Lien, title or claim except to the extent such payment is being contested in good faith by a Seller in appropriate proceedings and against which adequate reserves are being maintained in accordance with GAAP. Buyer shall endeavor to give Sellers notice prior to commencing any action under this Section 18.15(c) , but the failure to do so shall have no adverse effect of any kind on Buyer.
(d)      Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Seller will no earlier than six (6) months or later than three (3) months before the fifth (5 th ) anniversary of the date of filing of each UCC financing statement filed in connection with to any Repurchase Document or any Transaction, (i) deliver and file or cause to be filed an appropriate continuation statement with respect to such financing statement (provided that Buyer may elect to file such continuation statement), and (ii) if requested by Buyer, deliver or cause to be delivered to Buyer an opinion of counsel, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, confirming and updating the security interest opinion delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) with respect to perfection and otherwise to the effect that the security interests hereunder continue to be enforceable and perfected security interests, subject to no other Liens of record except as expressly permitted hereunder, which opinion may contain usual and customary assumptions, limitations and exceptions.
(e)      Except as provided in the Repurchase Documents, the sole duty of Buyer, Custodian or any other designee or agent of Buyer with respect to the Purchased Assets shall be to use reasonable care in the custody, use, operation and preservation of the Purchased Assets in its possession or control. Buyer shall incur no liability to any Seller or any other Person for any act of Governmental Authority, act of God or other destruction in whole or in part or negligence or wrongful act of custodians or agents selected by Buyer with reasonable care, or Buyer’s failure to provide adequate protection or insurance for the Purchased Assets. Buyer shall have no obligation to take any action to preserve any rights of any Seller in any Purchased Asset against prior parties, and each Seller hereby agrees to take such action. Buyer shall have no obligation to realize upon any Purchased Asset except through proper application of any distributions with respect to the Purchased Assets made directly to Buyer or its agent(s). So long as Buyer and Custodian shall act in good faith in their handling of the Purchased Assets, each Seller waives or is deemed to have waived the defense of impairment of the Purchased Assets by Buyer and Custodian.

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(f)      At Buyer’s election (at Buyer’s sole cost and expense) and at any time during the term of this Agreement, Buyer may complete and record any or all of the Blank Assignment Documents as further evidence of Buyer’s ownership interest in the related Purchased Assets.
Section 18.16      Default Rate . To the extent permitted by Requirements of Law, each Seller shall pay interest at the Default Rate on the amount of all Repurchase Obligations (other than payments of Price Differential calculated at the Default Rate) not paid when due under the Repurchase Documents until such Repurchase Obligations are paid or satisfied in full.
Section 18.17      Set-off . In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under the Repurchase Documents, Requirements of Law or otherwise, each Seller hereby grants to Buyer and each Indemnified Person, to secure repayment of the Repurchase Obligations, a right of set‑off upon any and all of the following: monies, securities, collateral or other property of each Seller and any proceeds from the foregoing, now or hereafter held or received by Buyer, any Affiliate of Buyer or any Indemnified Person, for the account of any Seller, whether for safekeeping, custody, pledge, transmission, collection or otherwise, and also upon any and all deposits (general, specified, special, time, demand, provisional or final) and credits, claims or Indebtedness of a Seller at any time existing, and any obligation owed by Buyer or any Affiliate of Buyer to a Seller and to set–off against any Repurchase Obligations or Indebtedness owed by any Seller and any Indebtedness owed by Buyer or any Affiliate of Buyer to Seller, in each case whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, whether or not arising under the Repurchase Documents and irrespective of the currency, place of payment or booking office of the amount or obligation and in each case at any time held or owing by Buyer, any Affiliate of Buyer or any Indemnified Person to or for the credit of a Seller, without prejudice to Buyer’s right to recover any deficiency. Each of Buyer, each Affiliate of Buyer and each Indemnified Person is hereby authorized upon any amount becoming due and payable by a Seller to Buyer or any Indemnified Person under the Repurchase Documents, the Repurchase Obligations or otherwise or upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, without notice to any Seller, any such notice being expressly waived by each Seller to the extent permitted by any Requirements of Law, to set–off, appropriate, apply and enforce such right of set–off against any and all items hereinabove referred to against any amounts owing to Buyer or any Indemnified Person by a Seller under the Repurchase Documents and the Repurchase Obligations, irrespective of whether Buyer, any Affiliate of Buyer or any Indemnified Person shall have made any demand under the Repurchase Documents and regardless of any other collateral securing such amounts, and in all cases without waiver or prejudice of Buyer’s rights to recover a deficiency. Each Seller shall be deemed directly indebted to Buyer and the other Indemnified Persons in the full amount of all amounts owing to Buyer and the other Indemnified Parties by any Seller under the Repurchase Documents and the Repurchase Obligations, and Buyer and the other Indemnified Persons shall be entitled to exercise the rights of set–off provided for above. ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO REQUIRE BUYER OR OTHER INDEMNIFIED PERSONS TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHTS OR REMEDIES WITH RESPECT TO THE PURCHASED ASSETS, THE PLEDGED COLLATERAL OR OTHER INDEMNIFIED PERSONS UNDER THE REPURCHASE DOCUMENTS, PRIOR TO EXERCISING THE FOREGOING RIGHT OF SET–OFF, ARE HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVED BY EACH SELLER.

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Buyer or any Indemnified Person shall promptly notify the applicable Seller after any such set‑off and application made by Buyer or such Indemnified Person, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set–off and application. If an amount or obligation is unascertained, Buyer may in good faith estimate that obligation and set-off in respect of the estimate, subject to the relevant Party accounting to the other Party when the amount or obligation is ascertained. Nothing in this Section 18.17 shall be effective to create a charge or other security interest. This Section 18.17 shall be without prejudice and in addition to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, Lien or other rights to which any Party is at any time otherwise entitled.
Section 18.18      Sellers’ Waiver of Setoff . Each Seller hereby waives any right of setoff it may have or to which it may be or become entitled under the Repurchase Documents or otherwise against Buyer, any Affiliate of Buyer, any Indemnified Person or their respective assets or properties.
Section 18.19      Power of Attorney . Each Seller hereby authorizes Buyer to file such financing statement or statements relating to the Purchased Assets without such Seller’s signature thereon as Buyer, at its option, may deem appropriate. Each Seller hereby appoints Buyer as such Seller’s agent and attorney in fact to file any such financing statement or statements in such Seller’s name and to perform all other acts which Buyer deems appropriate to perfect and continue its ownership interest in and/or the security interest granted hereby, if applicable, and at all times after the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default to protect, preserve and realize upon the Purchased Assets, including, but not limited to, the right to endorse notes, complete blanks in documents, transfer servicing, and sign assignments on behalf of such Seller as its agent and attorney in fact. This agency and power of attorney is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable without Buyer’s consent. Each Seller shall pay the filing costs for any financing statement or statements prepared pursuant to this Section 18.19 .
Section 18.20      Periodic Due Diligence Review . Buyer may perform continuing due diligence reviews with respect to any or all of the Purchased Assets, each Seller, Guarantor, Interim Servicer and Manager, including ordering new third party reports, for purposes of, among other things, verifying compliance with the representations, warranties, covenants, agreements, duties, obligations and specifications made under the Repurchase Documents or otherwise. Upon reasonable prior notice to the applicable Seller, unless a Default or Event of Default exists, in which case no notice is required, Buyer or its representatives may during normal business hours inspect any properties and examine, inspect and make copies of the books and records of such Seller, Guarantor, Interim Servicer and Manager, the Purchased Asset Documents and the Servicing Files, except that such rights shall not apply with respect to assets other than the Purchased Assets. Each Seller shall make available to Buyer one or more knowledgeable financial or accounting officers. Each Seller shall cause Interim Servicer to cooperate with Buyer by permitting Buyer to conduct due diligence reviews of the Servicing Files. Buyer may purchase Purchased Assets from a Seller based solely on the information provided by such Seller to Buyer in the Underwriting Package and the representations, warranties, duties, obligations and covenants contained herein, and Buyer may at any time conduct a partial or complete due diligence review on some or all of the Purchased Assets, including ordering new credit reports and new Appraisals on the underlying Mortgaged Properties and otherwise re‑generating the information used to originate and underwrite such

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Purchased Assets. Buyer may underwrite such Purchased Assets itself or engage a mutually acceptable third‑party underwriter to do so. Each Seller shall reimburse Buyer for all actual, out‑of‑pocket, third‑party costs and expenses incurred in connection with the activities described in this Section 18.20 , subject to an annual, calendar year dollar cap of $30,000.
Section 18.21      Time of the Essence . Time is of the essence with respect to all obligations, duties, covenants, agreements, notices or actions or inactions of the parties under the Repurchase Documents.
Section 18.22      Joint and Several Repurchase Obligations .
(a)      Each Seller hereby acknowledges and agrees that (i) each Seller shall be jointly and severally liable to Buyer to the maximum extent permitted by Requirements of Law for all Repurchase Obligations, (ii) until all Repurchase Obligations shall have been paid in full and the expiration of any applicable preference or similar period pursuant to any Insolvency Law, or at law or in equity, has expired without any claims having been made, the liability of each Seller (A) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall remain in full force and effect (and, if suspended or terminated, shall be reinstated) and, for the avoidance of doubt, such liability shall be absolute and unconditional and shall remain in full force and effect even if Buyer shall not make a claim before the expiration of such period asserting an interest in all or any part of any payment(s) received by Buyer, and (B) shall not be discharged, affected, modified or impaired on the occurrence from time to time of any event, including, but not limited to, any of the following events, whether or not with notice to, or the consent of, each or any Seller: (1) the waiver, forbearance, compromise, settlement, release, termination, modification or amendment (including, but not limited to, any extension or postponement of the time for payment or performance or renewal or refinancing) of any of the Repurchase Obligations or Repurchase Documents, (2) the failure to give notice to each or any Seller of the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default, (3) the release, substitution or exchange by Buyer of any Purchased Asset (with or without consideration) or the acceptance by Buyer of any additional collateral or the availability or claimed availability of any other collateral or source of repayment or any nonperfection, subordination of priority (whether at law or equity) or any other impairment of any collateral, (4) the full or partial release of, or waiver or forbearance from enforcing any rights against, any Person primarily or secondarily liable for payment or performance of all or any part of the Repurchase Obligations, whether or not by Buyer, and whether or not in connection with any Insolvency Proceeding affecting any Seller or any other Person who, or any of whose property, shall at the time in question be obligated in respect of the Repurchase Obligations or any part thereof, (5) the sale, exchange, waiver, surrender or release of any Purchased Asset, guarantee or other collateral by Buyer, (6) the failure of Buyer to protect, secure, perfect or insure any Lien at any time held by Buyer as security for amounts owed by Sellers, or (7) to the extent permitted by Requirements of Law, any other event, occurrence, action or circumstance that would, in the absence of this Section 18.22 , result in the release or discharge, in whole or in part, of any or all of Sellers from the payment, performance or observance of any Repurchase Obligation, (iii) Buyer shall not be required first to initiate any suit or to attempt to enforce or exhaust its remedies against any Seller or any other Person in order to enforce the Repurchase Documents or seek payment and/or performance of any or all of the Repurchase Obligations against any Seller and each Seller expressly agrees that, notwithstanding the occurrence of any of the foregoing, each

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Seller is and shall remain directly and primarily liable for all sums due under any of the Repurchase Documents, including, but not limited to, all of the Repurchase Obligations, (iv) when making any demand hereunder against any Seller or any of the Purchased Assets, Buyer may, but shall be under no obligation to, make a similar demand on any other Seller, or otherwise pursue such rights and remedies as it may have against any Seller or any other Person or against any collateral security or guarantee related thereto or any right of offset with respect thereto, and any failure by Buyer to make any such demand, file suit or otherwise pursue such other rights or remedies or to collect any payments from any other Seller or any such other Person or to realize upon any such collateral security or guarantee or to exercise any such right offset, or any release of any Seller or any such other Person or any such collateral security, guarantee or right of offset, shall not relieve any Seller in a respect of which a demand or collection is not made or Sellers not so released of their obligations or liabilities hereunder, and shall not impair or affect the rights and remedies, express or implied, or as a matter of law, of Buyer against Sellers (as used herein, the term “demand” shall include the commencement and continuation of legal proceedings), (v) on disposition by Buyer of any property encumbered by any Purchased Assets, each Seller shall be and shall remain jointly and severally liable for any deficiency, (vi) each Seller waives (A) any and all notice of the creation, renewal, extension or accrual of any amounts at any time owing to Buyer by any other Seller under the Repurchase Documents and notice of or proof of reliance by Buyer upon any Seller or acceptance of the obligations of any Seller under this Section 18.22 , and all such amounts, and any of them, shall conclusively be deemed to have been created, contracted or incurred, or renewed, extended, amended or waived, in reliance upon the obligations of Sellers under this Agreement, and all dealings between Sellers, on the one hand, and Buyer, on the other hand, likewise shall be conclusively presumed to have been had or consummated in reliance upon the obligations of Sellers under this Agreement, and (B) diligence, presentment, protest, demand for payment and notice of default or nonpayment to or upon any Seller with respect to any amounts at any time owing to Buyer by any Seller under the Repurchase Documents, and (vii) each Seller shall continue to be liable under this Section 18.22 without regard to (A) the validity, regularity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement or any other Repurchase Document, any amounts at any time owing to Buyer by any Seller under the Repurchase Documents, or any other collateral security therefor or guarantee or right of offset with respect thereto at any time or from time to time held by Buyer, (B) any defense, set‑off or counterclaim (other than a defense of payment or performance) which may at any time be available to or be asserted by any Seller against Buyer, or (iii) any other circumstance whatsoever (with or without notice to or knowledge of any Seller) which constitutes, or might be construed to constitute, an equitable or legal discharge of any Seller for any amounts owing to Buyer by any Seller under the Repurchase Documents, or of Sellers under this Agreement, in bankruptcy or in any other instance.
(b)      Each Seller shall remain fully obligated under this Agreement notwithstanding that, without any reservation of rights against any Seller and without notice to or further assent by any Seller, any demand by Buyer for payment of any amounts owing to Buyer by any other Seller under the Repurchase Documents may be rescinded by Buyer and any the payment of any such amounts may be continued, and the liability of any other party upon or for any part thereof, or any collateral security or guarantee therefor or right of offset with respect thereto, may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be renewed, extended, amended, modified, accelerated, compromised, waived, surrendered or released by Buyer (including any extension or postponement

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of the time for payment or performance or renewal or refinancing of any Repurchase Obligation), and this Agreement and the other Repurchase Documents and any other documents executed and delivered in connection therewith may be amended, modified, supplemented or terminated, in whole or in part, in accordance with its terms, as Buyer may deem advisable from time to time, and any collateral security, guarantee or right of offset at any time held by Buyer for the payment of amounts owing to Buyer by Sellers under the Repurchase Documents may be sold, exchanged, waived, surrendered or released. Buyer shall not have any obligation to protect, secure, perfect or insure any Lien at any time held by it as security for amounts owing to Buyer by Sellers under the Repurchase Documents, or any property subject thereto.
(c)      To the extent that any Seller (the “ Paying Seller ”) pays more than its proportionate share of any payment made hereunder, the Paying Seller shall be entitled to seek and receive contribution from and against any other Seller that has not paid its proportionate share; provided , that the provisions of this Section 18.22 shall not limit the duties, covenants, agreements, obligations and liabilities of any Seller to Buyer, and, notwithstanding any payment or payments made by the Paying Seller hereunder or any setoff or application of funds of the Paying Seller by Buyer, the Paying Seller shall not be entitled to be subrogated to any of the rights of Buyer against any other Seller or any collateral security or guarantee or right of setoff held by Buyer, nor shall the Paying Seller seek or be entitled to seek any contribution or reimbursement from any other Seller in respect of payments made by the Paying Seller hereunder, until all Repurchase Obligations are paid in full. If any amount shall be paid to the Paying Seller on account of such subrogation rights at any time when all such amounts shall not have been paid in full, such amount shall be held by the Paying Seller in trust for Buyer, segregated from other funds of the Paying Seller, and shall, forthwith upon receipt by the Paying Seller, be turned over to Buyer in the exact form received by the Paying Seller (duly indorsed by the Paying Seller to Buyer, if required), to be applied against the Repurchase Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in such order as Buyer may determine.
(d)      The Repurchase Obligations are full recourse obligations to each Seller, and each Seller hereby forever waives, demises, acquits and discharges any and all defenses, and shall at no time assert or allege any defense, to the contrary.
Section 18.23      PATRIOT Act Notice . Buyer hereby notifies each Seller that Buyer is required by the PATRIOT Act to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Seller.
Section 18.24      Successors and Assigns . Subject to the foregoing, the Repurchase Documents and any Transactions shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their successors and permitted assigns.
Section 18.25      Acknowledgement of Anti-Predatory Lending Policies . Each Seller and Buyer each have in place internal policies and procedures that expressly prohibit their purchase of any high cost mortgage loan.
Section 18.26      Effect of Amendment and Restatement . From and after the date hereof, the Original Repurchase Agreement shall be amended, restated and superseded in its entirety by this Agreement. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the liens and security interests granted under the Original Repurchase Agreement are, in each case, continuing in full force and

100


effect and, upon the amendment and restatement of the Original Repurchase Agreement pursuant to this Agreement, such liens and security interests secure and continue to secure the payment of the Repurchase Obligations.
Section 18.27 No Novation, Effect of Agreement. Sellers and Buyer have entered into this Agreement solely to amend and restate in their entirety the terms of the Original Repurchase Agreement and do not intend this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby to be, and this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall not be construed to be, a novation of any of the obligations owing by Sellers, Guarantor or Pledgor (the “ Repurchase Parties ”) under or in connection with the Original Repurchase Agreement, the Pledge Agreement or any of the other Repurchase Documents to which any Repurchase Party is a party. It is the intention of each of the parties hereto that (i) the perfection and priority of all security interests securing the payment of the Repurchase Obligations of the Repurchase Parties under the Original Repurchase Agreement and the Pledge Agreement are preserved, (ii) the liens and security interests granted under the Original Repurchase Agreement and the Pledge Agreement continue in full force and effect, and (iii) any reference to the Original Repurchase Agreement in any such Repurchase Document shall be deemed to reference this Agreement.
[ONE OR MORE UNNUMBERED SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]


101


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.
SELLERS:
ACRC LENDER W LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
   
   
By: /s/ John B. Jardine     
Name: John B. Jardine
Title: President and Co-Chief Executive Officer
                                                                                

ACRC LENDER W TRS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company


By: /s/ John B. Jardine         
Name: John B. Jardine
Title: President and Co-Chief Executive Officer
 

BUYER:
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association
By: /s/ Melissa A. Dolski
Name: Melissa A. Dolski
Title: Director



Exhibit 10.3


REAFFIRMATION AGREEMENT
REAFFIRMATION AGREEMENT, dated as of May 1, 2017 (this “ Reaffirmation ”), by ARES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION, a Maryland corporation (“ Guarantor ”), in favor of WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a National Banking Association (“ Buyer ”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, ACRC Lender W LLC (“ ACRC W ”), ACRC Lender W TRS LLC (“ ACRC W TRS ” and, together with ACRC W, the “ Sellers ”) and Buyer are parties to the Amended and Restated Master Repurchase and Securities Contract, dated as of December 20, 2013, by and among the Sellers and Buyer (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect prior to the date hereof, the “ Existing Repurchase Agreement ”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Existing Repurchase Agreement, Guarantor and Buyer are parties to that certain Amended and Restated Guarantee Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2013 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, the “ Guarantee Agreement ”); and
WHEREAS, on the date hereof, the Existing Repurchase Agreement is being amended and restated in its entirety pursuant to that certain Second Amended and Restated Master Repurchase and Securities Contract, dated as of the date hereof, by and among Sellers and Buyer (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Repurchase Agreement ”); and
WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the effectiveness of the Repurchase Agreement and the amendment and restatement of the Existing Repurchase Agreement that Guarantor reaffirm its obligations under the Guarantee Agreement and reaffirm that the provisions of the Guarantee Agreement shall remain in full force and effect upon the effectiveness of the Repurchase Agreement and the amendment and restatement of the Existing Repurchase Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1.      Definitions . Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Repurchase Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Repurchase Agreement.
2.      Reaffirmations by Guarantor .
(a)      Guarantor hereby provides its consent and acknowledgment that the Repurchase Agreement has been (contemporaneous with the effectiveness of this Reaffirmation)

1

entered into and the Existing Repurchase Agreement has been (contemporaneous with the effectiveness of this Reaffirmation) amended and restated as of the date hereof.
(b)      Guarantor hereby reaffirms the Guarantee Agreement and acknowledges that its obligations under the Guarantee Agreement, after giving effect to the effectiveness of the Repurchase Agreement and the amendment and restatement of the Existing Repurchase Agreement, are continuing and in full force and effect in favor of Buyer.
(c)      Guarantor hereby confirms that all payment obligations when due under the Repurchase Agreement constitute “Obligations” under the Guarantee Agreement and are payable by Guarantor in accordance with the terms of the Guarantee Agreement.
3.      Condition to Effectiveness . This Reaffirmation shall become effective upon the date (the “ Effective Date ”) on which Buyer shall have received (a) this Reaffirmation, executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of Guarantor and (b) evidence satisfactory to Buyer that the Repurchase Agreement, amending and restating the Existing Repurchase Agreement, has been executed and delivered by the parties thereto.
4.      Representations and Warranties . Guarantor hereby represents and warrants to Buyer that as of the Effective Date (before and after giving effect to this Reaffirmation):
(a)      Guarantor has the requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Reaffirmation.
(b)      Guarantor has taken all necessary corporate (or analogous) action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Reaffirmation. This Reaffirmation constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Guarantor, enforceable against Guarantor in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, and subject to general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
(c)      Each of the representations and warranties made by Guarantor herein or in or pursuant to the Repurchase Documents is true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Effective Date as if made on and as of such date.
(d)      After giving effect to this Reaffirmation, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
5.      Payment of Expenses . Guarantor agrees to pay or reimburse Buyer for all of its out‑of‑pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Reaffirmation, any other documents prepared in connection herewith and the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to Buyer.
6.      Limited Effect . Except as expressly provided hereby, all of the terms and provisions of the Repurchase Agreement and the other Repurchase Documents are and shall remain

2

in full force and effect. The reaffirmations contained herein shall not be construed as a waiver or amendment of any other provision of the Repurchase Agreement or the other Repurchase Documents or for any purpose except as expressly set forth herein or a consent to any further or future action on the part of Sellers that would require the waiver or consent of Buyer.
7.      Governing Law . THIS REAFFIRMATION AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES UNDER THIS REAFFIRMATION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS (OTHER THAN SECTION 5‑1401 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW).
8.      Counterparts . This Reaffirmation may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement, and any of the parties hereto may execute this Reaffirmation by signing any such counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Reaffirmation in Portable Document Format (PDF) or by facsimile transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.
9.      Headings, etc. Section or other headings contained in this Reaffirmation are for reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Reaffirmation.
10.      No Implied Third Party Beneficiaries . This Reaffirmation shall not be deemed to create any right in any Person except a party hereto and shall not be construed in any respect to be a contract in whole or in part for the benefit of any other Person.
11.      Repurchase Document . Guarantor hereby acknowledges and agrees that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in the Repurchase Agreement or in any other Repurchase Document, this Reaffirmation shall constitute a Repurchase Document under the Repurchase Agreement.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]


3


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Reaffirmation to be duly executed and delivered by their proper and duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
ARES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION ,
as Guarantor
By: /s/ John B. Jardine
Name: John B. Jardine
Title: Co-Chief Executive Officer
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ,
as Buyer
By: /s/ Melissa A. Dolski
Name: Melissa A. Dolski
Title: Director



[Signature Page to Reaffirmation Agreement]

Exhibit 10.6


FORM OF RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO THE ARES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION 2012 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
THIS AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of [•] between Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ Company ”), and [•] (the “ Participant ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS , the Company has adopted the Plan, a copy of which has been delivered to the Participant, which is administered by the Committee;
WHEREAS , pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan, the Committee may grant Restricted Stock to Eligible Persons; and
WHEREAS , the Participant is an Eligible Person under the Plan.
NOW , THEREFORE , the parties agree as follows:
1. Grant of Shares . Subject in all respects to the Plan and the terms and conditions set forth herein and therein, effective on [•] (the “ Grant Date ”), the Company hereby awards to the Participant [•]shares of validly issued Common Stock (the “ Shares ”). Pursuant to Section 2 hereof, the Shares are subject to certain restrictions, which restrictions shall lapse at the times provided under Section 2(b) and 2(d) hereof. While such restrictions are in effect, the Shares subject to such restrictions shall be referred to herein as “ Restricted Stock .” The Shares shall be credited to a book entry account maintained by the Company (or its designee) on behalf of the Participant and such book entry shall be noted appropriately to record the restrictions on the Shares imposed hereby.

2. Restricted Stock .

(a) Rights with Regard to Restricted Stock: Restrictions on Transfer . The Participant will have the right to vote the Restricted Stock, to receive and retain any dividends payable to holders of record of Common Stock on and after the Grant Date (although such dividends shall be treated, to the extent required by applicable law, as additional compensation for tax purposes if paid on Restricted Stock), and to exercise all other rights, powers and privileges of a holder of Common Stock with respect to the Restricted Stock set forth in the Plan, with the exception that the Participant may not voluntarily or involuntarily sell, assign, transfer, pledge, exchange, encumber, hypothecate or otherwise dispose (each, a “ Disposition ”) of the Restricted Stock. Any attempted Disposition of the Shares in violation of the foregoing sentence or of the Plan shall be void and of no effect and the Company shall have the right to disregard the same on its books and records and to issue “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent.

(b) Vesting . The Restricted Stock granted pursuant to Section 1 hereof shall vest and cease to be “Restricted Stock” in three equal installments on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the Grant Date (the “ Vesting Dates ”); provided that the Participant has not

1

incurred a Termination of Service prior to the applicable Vesting Date. There shall be no proportionate or partial vesting in the periods between the Vesting Dates.

(c) Forfeiture . Except as expressly provided in Section 2(d) below, the Participant shall forfeit to the Company, without compensation, any and all unvested Restricted Stock upon the Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason.

(d) Acceleration .

(i)
If, on or prior to [•], either (A) the Participant incurs a Termination of Service by the Company due to the termination of Participant’s employment with Ares Operations LLC (an affiliate of the manager of the Company) by Ares Operations LLC without Cause (as defined in [•]) or (B) (x) there is a Change of Control (as defined below) and (y) concurrently therewith or during the six (6) months thereafter the Participant incurs a Termination of Service by or at the direction of the Company (other than due to the termination of Participant’s employment with Ares Operations LLC by Ares Operations LLC for Cause), 100% of the Restricted Stock unvested as of the date of such Termination of Service shall vest on such Termination of Service, which shall be a Vesting Date.

(ii)
If, prior to a Change of Control and on or prior to [•], the Participant incurs a Termination of Service due to the termination of Participant’s employment with Ares Operations LLC by the Participant for Good Reason (as defined in [•]), any unvested portion of the Restricted Stock scheduled to vest during the twelve (12) months immediately following the date of such Termination of Service shall vest on such Termination of Service, which shall be a Vesting Date.

(iii)
For purposes of this Section 2(d), “ Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any of the following events has occurred:

(a) any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934) unrelated to Ares Management LLC or its affiliates shall become, or obtain rights (whether by means of warrants, options or otherwise) to become, the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act of 1934), directly or indirectly, of a percentage of the total voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, of fifty percent (50%) or more;

(b) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity unrelated to Ares Management

2

LLC or its affiliates or any other reorganization of the Company pursuant to which the Company is not the surviving entity following such merger, consolidation or reorganization; or

(c) a transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (excluding any transfer in connection with any securitization transaction or any repurchase or other similar transactions); provided that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any event that does not result in a Change of Manager Event will not constitute a Change of Control.

“ Change of Manager Event ” means Ares Management, L.P. or any of its affiliates ceases to be the manager of the Company.
(e) Withholding . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, as a condition precedent to the vesting of the Restricted Stock pursuant to Section 2(b) and 2(d), the Participant shall pay, or make arrangements to pay, in a manner satisfactory to the Company, an amount equal to the amount of all applicable federal, state, local or other taxes of any kind that the Company is required to withhold with respect to the vesting of the Restricted Stock.

(f) Section 83(b) . If the Participant properly elects (as permitted by Section 83(b) of the Code) within 30 days after the issuance of the Restricted Stock to include in gross income for federal income tax purposes in the year of issuance the fair market value of such Restricted Stock, the Participant shall pay to the Company or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company to pay to the Company upon such election, any federal, state, local or other taxes of any kind that the Company is required to withhold with respect to the Restricted Stock. The Participant acknowledges that it is his or her sole responsibility, and not the Company’s, to file timely and properly the election under Section 83(b) of the Code and any corresponding provisions of state tax laws if he or she elects to utilize such election.

(g) Certificates . If, after the Grant Date, certificates are issued with respect to the Shares, such issuance and delivery of certificates shall be in accordance with the applicable terms of the Plan.

3. Rights to Employment or Other Service . Nothing in the Plan or in this Agreement shall confer on any person any right to continue in the employ or other service of the applicable Participating Company or interfere in any way with the right of the applicable Participating Company and its stockholders to terminate such person’s employment or other service at any time.

4. Provisions of Plan Control . This Agreement is subject to all the terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan, and to such rules, regulations and interpretations relating to the Plan as may be adopted by the Committee and as may be in effect from time to time. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. By signing and returning this Agreement, the Participant acknowledges having received and read a copy of the Plan and agrees to comply with it, this Agreement and all applicable laws and regulations. If and to the extent that this Agreement conflicts or is inconsistent with the

3

terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan, the Plan shall control, and this Agreement shall be deemed to be modified accordingly. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior agreements between the Company and the Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof.

5. Amendment . The Board or the Committee may at any time and from time to time amend, in whole or in part, any or all of the provisions of this Agreement to comply with any applicable law and may also amend, suspend or terminate this Agreement subject to the terms of the Plan. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, no amendment, modification or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing by the party against whom it is sought to be enforced.

6. Notices . All notices hereunder shall be in writing, and if to the Company or the Committee, shall be delivered to the Board or mailed to its principal office, addressed to the attention of the Board; and if to the Participant, shall be delivered personally, sent by facsimile transmission or mailed to the Participant at the address appearing in the records of the applicable Participating Company.

7. Miscellaneous .

(a) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

(b) This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of Maryland (regardless of the law that might otherwise govern under applicable Maryland principles of conflict of laws). With respect to any suit, action or proceeding (“ Proceeding ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby, each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of (i) the United States District Court for the District of Maryland or (ii) in the event that such court lacks jurisdiction to hear the claim, the state courts of Maryland located in Baltimore, Maryland (the “ Selected Courts ”), and waives any objection to venue being set in the Selected Courts, whether based on the grounds of forum non conveniens or otherwise, and hereby agrees not to commence any such Proceeding other than before one of the Selected Courts; provided, however, that a party may commence any Proceeding in a court other than a Selected Court solely for the purpose of enforcing an order or judgment issued by one of the Selected Courts.

(c) EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE PLAN OR THIS AGREEMENT.

(d) This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one contract.

(e) The failure of any party hereto at any time to require performance or insist on strict compliance by another party of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the right

4

of such party to require performance of or compliance with that provision, and any waiver by any party of any breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any continuing or succeeding breach of such provision, a waiver of the provision itself, or a waiver of any right under this Agreement.

(f) This Agreement, together with the Plan, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, written or oral, with respect hereto.


5

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date and year first above written.
ARES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
By:     
Name: ____________________________________
Title: _____________________________________

PARTICIPANT

    
Name: ________________________




Exhibit 31.1

Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer
of Periodic Report Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a)

I, John Jardine, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form  10-Q of Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 3, 2017

/s/ John Jardine
 
John Jardine
 Co-Chief Executive Officer, Director
 





Exhibit 31.2

Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer
of Periodic Report Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a)

I, Robert L. Rosen, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form  10-Q of Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 3, 2017

/s/ Robert L. Rosen
 
Robert L. Rosen
 Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
 





Exhibit 31.3

Certification of Chief Financial Officer
of Periodic Report Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a)

I, Tae-Sik Yoon, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form  10-Q of Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 3, 2017

/s/ Tae-Sik Yoon
 
Tae-Sik Yoon
  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 





Exhibit 32.1

Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to
18 U.S.C Section 1350

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form  10-Q of Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation (the "Company") for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), John Jardine, as Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Robert L. Rosen, as Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Tae-Sik Yoon, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: August 3, 2017

/s/ John Jardine
 
John Jardine
 Co-Chief Executive Officer, Director
 
 
 
/s/ Robert L. Rosen
 
Robert L. Rosen
 Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
 
 
 
/s/ Tae-Sik Yoon
 
Tae-Sik Yoon
  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.