Flexible credit solutions to unlock liquidity from fine art collections. You value your art collection — so do we.
Flexible credit solutions to unlock liquidity from fine art collections. You value your art collection, so do we.
Founded in 2015, Athena Art Finance is an institutional, specialty lender dedicated to making loans secured by blue-chip fine art.
Providing financial flexibility
Athena is able to satisfy a wide variety of financial needs. We create bespoke loan structures to meet our clients’ financial objectives and goals.
Bridge to sale, art acquisitions or other investment opportunities
Liquidity to support trust beneficiary needs or to meet estate related obligations
Support operations and expand grant-making capabilities
Working capital, capital expenditures and general liquidity needs
Support operations and art acquisitions
Works by artists with a proven track record at auction. Collecting categories include Post War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern and Old Master Paintings and Drawings; additional categories are reviewed on case-by-case basis.
Our loan sizes vary, but generally begin at USD $2 million, although smaller commitments may be considered. We lend up to a 50% LTV based on a third-party independent appraisal on a marketable cash value basis.
We offer competitive interest rates. The rate depends on the quality and diversity of the collection, its location and specific loan structure. Our rates generally range from mid-to-high single digits.
Loan terms are typically 1 – 3 years.
Athena originates loans to borrowers in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Switzerland, Singapore, and HK. We also have expertise lending into off-shore locations such as the British Virgin Islands, Jersey and Guernsey.
We offer a variety of loan structures and flexible terms tailored to meet client needs. Loan origination fees generally range from 1%- 2%.
Athena’s in-house experts help ensure seamless service, absolute discretion, and optimal loan terms.
Our underwriting process begins with a discreet and confidential discussion to gather general information about the art collection and the client. In general, the process can be broken down into four simple steps:
Step I
Preliminary confidential discussions
Step II
Indicative term sheet and engagement letter
Step III
Formal due diligence
Step IV
Loan documentation, closing and funding
To begin, we gather high resolution images and a description of the proposed artwork. Once we establish that the artwork meets our collateral eligibility criteria, we create a customized term sheet to meet your needs. Once agreed, an engagement letter is signed and we begin our formal due diligence and loan documentation processes.
Well catalogued collections allow us to complete the loan underwriting process in three to six weeks, although this can vary depending on the number of pieces in the collection, their location, and complexity of the loan structure.
If you believe an art loan is an interesting financial solution for you or your client, we can make a quick assessment based on the following information:
To begin the art loan process:
If you believe an art loan is an interesting financial solution for you or your client, we can make a quick assessment based on the following information:
To begin the art loan process:
We are available anytime to discuss your liquidity needs, and look forward to working with you.
We are available anytime to discuss your liquidity needs, and look forward to working with you.
Rebecca Fine Managing DirectorRebecca is a founding member and the Managing Director of Athena. She has more than 25 years of experience in the art market and art finance. Prior to Athena, Rebecca was an art lawyer, advising world-renowned art galleries, dealers, private collectors, museums, and artists on both contentious matters and transactions, as a partner at Schindler Cohen & Hochman LLP. In the first decade of her career, Rebecca practiced as a commercial litigator and trial lawyer at the law firms of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Wilmer Hale. Fluent in French and Italian, Rebecca earned her B.A. in art history from Columbia University and her J.D. from Columbia Law School.
rfine@athena-art.com
(212) 937-7964
Laura Damême DirectorLaura originally joined Athena in 2015 and has more than 10 years of experience in artwork research and valuation. She oversees the underwriting of both the art lending and art equity businesses, including art valuation, research, and logistics. In 2021, Laura worked for one of the most important and well-respected private art collectors in the world. Prior to joining Athena, Laura worked as an appraisal and advisory associate manager at Winston Art Group and is USPAP certified. Laura holds a master’s degree in art business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York, an M.B.A. from Berkeley College, and an undergraduate degree from HEC Montreal.
ldameme@athena-art.com
(646) 309-7817
Giovanna Quattrone Senior AssociateGiovanna joined Athena in 2017 and has more than eight years of experience in artwork research and valuation. She plays a key role on the art collateral side of the business, with her primary responsibilities focused on art valuation, research, and logistics. Giovanna holds a master’s degree in art business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York and earned degrees in art history and arts management from the College of Charleston.
gquattrone@athena-art.com
(864) 908-6860
Adrianna Ross Loan OriginationsAdrianna is a seasoned business development professional with more than 18 years of international experience in New York, London, and Hong Kong. She has extensive auction house experience that focuses on ultra-high-net-worth clients. Prior to joining Athena, Adrianna was the Director of Marketing and Business Development for a boutique lending and advisory firm in New York and London. Adrianna focuses on new business development and originations. She received her B.A. in art history and classics from Union College, New York.
aross@athena-art.com
(203) 914-8868
Leslie Finerman Loan OriginationsLeslie’s career straddles the worlds of both finance and art. She started a long career in finance working as an analyst for Morgan Stanley (fixed income) and JPMorgan (high yield) and at a hedge fund focused on credit investing throughout the entire capital structure. Leslie is herself an avid art and design collector. Marrying her skill set in credit with her passion for art, at Athena she is focused on new business development and originations. Leslie is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley.
lfinerman@athena-art.com
(917) 892-8684
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