Ralph R. Mazzeo
Partner | New York | Philadelphia
Ralph R. Mazzeo

Ralph R. Mazzeo is a partner in Dechert's Global Finance practice. He focuses his practice on sophisticated capital markets and mortgage finance transactions, with a particular emphasis on structured finance, including residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), single family rental properties (SFR) and CRE CLOs. Mr. Mazzeo regularly advises issuers, originators, servicers and underwriters in connection with securitizations, asset sales and repurchase facilities. His clients also include private equity and hedge fund managers who are investing in the residential, multifamily and commercial real estate markets and structured products.

The Legal 500 U.S. has recognized Mr. Mazzeo for his work in real estate finance, structured finance, and fintech noting, "He is highly knowledgeable about structured finance matters and is always cool under pressure.“ Chambers USA has also recognized Mr. Mazzeo as a highly experienced lawyer in nationwide residential mortgage-backed securitization. In its 2021 edition, clients praised him for “having the experience and depth needed to quickly get to the heart of the issue.” He was also selected as a 2019 Best of the Bar lawyer in Greater Philadelphia. 

Mr. Mazzeo also advises clients on the use of blockchain, cryptocurrencies and digital assets in the origination, sale, servicing and financing of financial assets. He was “Highly Commended” for legal innovation by the Financial Times for helping Figure Technologies’ blockchain-based HELOC business secure a landmark $1 billion financing facility.

In connection with the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Mazzeo is currently advising clients on CARES Act assistance programs, Small Business Association (SBA) loan programs and the Federal Reserve’s Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF). Mr. Mazzeo has represented industry trade groups including SIFMA and the MBA in delivering formal comments related to Risk Retention, Regulation AB, and other issues affecting securitizations under the Dodd-Frank Act. 

  • 400 Capital Management LLC, as sponsor, in connection with a $600 million RMBS securitization secured by residential mortgage loans.
  • Figure Technologies Inc. in connection with a US$1 billion variable funding note financing facility used by client to finance home equity lines of credit it originates on blockchain technology.
  • Finance of America, as issuer, in connection with multiple private placements of RMBS issuances secured by “fix and flip” mortgage loans on one-to-four family residential properties, multi-family properties and mixed-use properties.
  • Putnam Investments and its subsidiaries and funds, in connection with structuring its investments in reverse mortgage loans, negotiating whole loan purchase agreements and servicing agreements with counterparties, repo financings of reverse mortgage loans and its multiple RMBS issuances secured by reverse mortgage loans.
  • Raymond James & Associates, Inc., as initial purchaser, in connection with multiple RMBS issuances secured by reverse mortgage loans.
  • Toorak Capital Partners LLC, as issuer, in connection with multiple private placements of RMBS issuances secured by “fix and flip” mortgage loans on one-to-four family residential properties, multifamily properties and mixed-use properties.
Services Industries
    • University of Pennsylvania, B.A., 1991
    • New York University, M.P.A., 1993
    • The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, J.D., 1997, summa cum laude, Senior Articles Editor of the University of Arizona Law Review, and a member of the Order of the Coif
    • Pennsylvania
    • New York
    • Structured Finance Association (SFA)
    • Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)
    • CRE Finance Council (CREFC)
    • Regular author and speaker on issues affecting securitization and the mortgage markets