Anchor Loans is proud to announce that Allison Whealton, Vice President of Western U.S. Originations within the company’s Institutional Division, has been honored as a 2025 Connect CRE Next Generation Award winner. Recognized for her outstanding achievements in real estate finance, leadership in private lending, and her commitment to elevating the next generation of professionals, Allison’s recognition underscores the transformative impact she continues to make at Anchor and across the industry.
A Rising Force in Real Estate Finance
Allison Whealton’s path to industry recognition has been shaped by tenacity, foresight, and an unshakable commitment to innovation. With nearly a decade of experience in real estate finance, her career spans some of the most dynamic fintech and private lending institutions in the country. Prior to joining Anchor Loans, Allison served in senior origination roles at Techo Capital, House Canary, and Clear Capital, where she sharpened her expertise in structured finance and portfolio strategy.
Since joining Anchor Loans just over three years ago, Allison has played a pivotal role in transforming the company’s institutional platform. What began as a modestly scaled operation, originating between $50 and $100 million annually, has evolved under her leadership into a high-performing division closing individual deals of equal or greater size. Notable transactions include a $53M built-to-rent deal in Palm Bay, FL and a $39.1M construction revolver loan to support the development of 33 townhomes in Hayward, CA.
Allison’s influence reaches far beyond balance sheets. She’s known internally as a mentor, team builder, and champion for women in real estate finance, driven not just by results, but by a belief in long-term value creation, both for clients and communities.
In Conversation with Allison Whealton
To celebrate her award, we sat down with Allison to talk about her journey, her philosophy on leadership, and what the future of real estate finance looks like through her lens.
Q: How does it feel to be named a Connect CRE Next Generation Award winner?
Allison describes the honor as both humbling and energizing. “It’s a huge honor to be recognized among such a talented group of young professionals,” she says. But for her, the award is not just personal; it’s a team win. “This is really a reflection of the world-class team we’ve built at Anchor Loans. It speaks to our collective ability to execute and adapt in constantly changing capital markets.”
Her sense of humility is matched by a deep appreciation for the culture at Anchor. “Being part of a team that encourages innovation and values thoughtful risk-taking makes all the difference.”
Q: What accomplishment stands out most in your career so far?
While Allison has closed hundreds of millions in originations, her proudest achievement lies in the growth trajectory of the Institutional Division itself. “When I joined, we were originating between $50 and $100 million annually. Today, we’re closing individual deals that are three to four times that size,” she explains.
She attributes this exponential growth to a mix of long-term thinking and operational rigor. “It’s taken strategic planning, relentless collaboration, and knowing when to lean in and take calculated risks. But the real reward is seeing those efforts translate into housing and infrastructure that strengthen communities.”
Q: What challenges have helped shape your approach to leadership?
Allison points to navigating volatility as one of the defining challenges of her career. “Real estate and capital markets can shift overnight. I’ve had to lead through ambiguity, wear new hats, and make decisions without always having full clarity.”
Rather than shy away from this unpredictability, she embraced it. “Those moments taught me resilience and reinforced the importance of continuous learning. The ability to adapt quickly while keeping your team aligned is a skill I’ve worked hard to develop.”
Q: What kind of leader do you aim to be for the next generation?
Approachability and authenticity are central to Allison’s leadership style. “I try to lead by example - by being a sounding board, sharing what I know, and empowering others to ask questions without fear.”
She’s especially passionate about fostering inclusive environments. “I’ve been fortunate to work in cultures where emerging professionals felt safe to speak up, take risks, and grow. I want to help create more of those spaces in our industry.”
Q: What advice would you give to young professionals entering real estate finance?
Allison encourages rising leaders to stay curious and seek discomfort. “Never be the smartest person in the room. Surround yourself with people who push you to grow.”
She adds, “Don’t be afraid to raise your hand for stretch opportunities. Growth rarely happens in comfort zones.”
Most importantly, she emphasizes the importance of staying engaged with the industry’s evolution. “Real estate finance is constantly changing. Those who stay disciplined, keep learning, and adapt quickly - those are the professionals who will drive lasting impact, for their clients, their teams, and their communities.”
A Visionary Anchored in Purpose
For Anchor Loans CEO Rayman Mathoda, Allison’s recognition is no surprise - it’s a reflection of the future Anchor is building.
“At Anchor Loans, we really believe the future of real estate finance is going to be set by mission-driven big thinkers. Allison exemplifies those qualities,” said Mathoda. “She’s very much evocative of the culture of integrity, resilience, and innovation we’re building here.”
Rayman continues, “She’s not only a standout professional but also a changemaker - the kind of leader who will help solve the housing challenges of today while laying the foundation for tomorrow’s real estate finance landscape.”
As the industry navigates evolving markets and increasing demand for housing solutions, leaders like Allison Whealton will be at the forefront, creating meaningful value, elevating others, and helping reshape the future of real estate finance.
