Commercial Real Estate Finance Council Europe

The Commercial Real Estate Finance Council Europe (CREFC Europe) is the principal trade association representing the commercial real estate (CRE) finance industry in Europe. Established in 2004, the organization is dedicated to advocating for transparent, liquid, and sustainable real estate debt markets, benefiting not only its members but also the wider financial sector and European economy. As a member-driven, not-for-profit association, CREFC Europe brings together lenders, investors, advisers, and intermediaries engaged in commercial real estate finance. The association facilitates dialogue and cooperation within the industry and with policymakers, aiming to ensure effective regulation and capital market practice. The organization is recognized as the collective voice for the CRE lending industry in interactions with EU institutions and regulators, focusing its advocacy on regulatory and policy frameworks that support responsible and sustainable real estate financing.

CREFC Europe is known for its role in sectoral consultations and collaborative advocacy initiatives, particularly concerning regulatory topics such as Solvency II, covered bonds, securitization, and broader financial stability matters. Its lobbying activities are rooted in securing a proportionate regulatory environment for real estate finance—engaging in both public consultations and direct meetings with EU bodies.

The council has significant affiliations and networks within the industry, collaborating with peer organizations, regulators, data alliances, and other financial market participants. These collaborations are aimed at sharing best practices, promoting market transparency, and supporting research that strengthens the European CRE sector. CREFC Europe also fosters educational opportunities and organizes events for members to address evolving regulatory and market dynamics.

Headquartered in London, the organization holds a presence across the EU, maintaining continuous engagement with national and EU-level policy processes. Its membership base includes not just financial institutions and lenders, but also industry consultants, law firms, and sector specialists, representing a cross-section of the CRE finance value chain. Through these collective efforts, CREFC Europe has cemented itself as an influential stakeholder in EU financial regulation, consistently advocating for a balanced approach to market oversight and investment facilitation

Legal Form: Company limited by guarantee
Registration Category: Trade and business associations
EU Transparency Register ID: 050415314994-69
Registration Date: 25 November 2014
Mission: To promote efficient, effective, and sustainable operation of the CRE finance market for the benefit of market participants, capital providers, and the broader economy by facilitating collaboration, advocating for appropriate regulatory frameworks, and promoting best practices (including ESG and diversity)

No related lobbyists found.

Banking and Financial Services
Economy, Finance & Euro
Climate Action & Environment
Single Market & Taxation
European Neighbourhood Policy

CREFC Europe actively networks with the following organizations:

CRE Finance Council (US) – American sister organization
Property Industry Alliance (UK)
European Real Estate Forum (EU)
Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME)
Loan Market Association
Better Buildings Partnership
E-CREDA (European Commercial Real Estate Data Alliance) – collaborative research and data sharing partner
UK Commercial Property Lending Report – supporter/co-funder

This network ensures alignment and amplification of advocacy efforts across the CRE and financial services domains.

Given the voluntary and aggregate nature of the EU Transparency Register, public records indicate annual lobbying expenditure brackets rather than precise figures. CREFC Europe, as of the latest reports, declared annual lobbying costs in the range of €100,000–€199,999 per reporting year since its registration. For exact annual breakdowns, official register access or detailed company filings to EU authorities would be required.

CREFC Europe’s advocacy targets and regularly interfaces with several key EU institutional structures, including:

European Commission (DG FISMA, DG CLIMA, etc.)
European Parliament (ECON and relevant policy committees)
European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA)
European Banking Authority (EBA)
European Central Bank (ECB) (consultations and forums)
European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA)

CREFC Europe’s meeting activity with EU officials includes public consultations, formal submissions to regulatory frameworks (Solvency II, covered bonds, securitization regulations), and participation in stakeholder forums and regulatory roundtables from 2014 to June 2025. Notable engagements often involve written submissions and selected invitations to expert panels organized under the auspices of DG FISMA, EBA, and related EU institutional consultations. For a granular, meeting-by-meeting breakdown, refer to the EU Transparency Register’s public meetings disclosure tool or CREFC Europe’s annual advocacy reports.