Ready Capital Appoints Dominick Scali as Chief Credit Officer
Ready Capital announced the appointment of Dominick Scali as chief credit officer of the company and co-president of ReadyCap Commercial, the company's commercial real estate lending business. Scali has been a managing director and co-head of bridge lending with the company since 2015. Separately, Gary Taylor has stepped down as COO of the company. He will continue to serve as the CEO of ReadyCap Lending. Operational responsibilities have transitioned to other members of management, including Matt Cohen who has been promoted to head of operations and CTO. Adam Zausmer and the company have agreed to mutually separate and, in conjunction, Zausmer resigned as chief credit officer of the company. Post separation, the company expects to enter into a consulting agreement with Zausmer, subject to agreement of final terms and conditions.
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- Stake Increase: Waterfall Asset Management disclosed in an SEC filing dated February 13, 2026, that it initiated a new stake of 297,700 shares in National Storage Affiliates Trust, indicating confidence and investment intent in the company.
- Market Value Growth: This acquisition led to an increase of $8.42 million in quarter-end position value, reflecting the positive impact of stock price movements on assets under management, thereby enhancing the company's appeal among investors.
- Asset Management Proportion: The newly acquired shares represent 4.53% of Waterfall's 13F reportable assets as of December 31, 2025, showcasing its strategic positioning within the self-storage sector.
- Market Competition: National Storage Affiliates faces challenges from slowing demand in the self-storage market; although it enhances local management through a Participating Regional Operator model, future growth will depend on market competition and financing costs.
- New Investment Position: Waterfall Asset Management disclosed in its SEC filing dated February 13, 2026, that it initiated a new stake in National Storage Affiliates Trust (NSA) by purchasing 297,700 shares, reflecting confidence in the company and representing 4.53% of its reportable AUM as of December 31, 2025.
- Value Increase: This acquisition led to an increase of $8.42 million in the quarter-end position value, indicating a positive market perception of NSA, which may attract further investor interest and enhance its market visibility.
- Market Performance Insight: As of February 12, 2026, NSA shares were priced at $33.05, and despite a decline in demand post-pandemic, the company continues to maintain revenue growth through flexible rental contracts and high-occupancy assets, demonstrating resilience in a competitive self-storage market.
- Operational Model Advantage: NSA employs a Participating Regional Operator model where local operators retain equity and manage properties, which can enhance local management efficiency; however, this may pose challenges in cost control during periods of slowed growth, necessitating investor attention on how well it balances local control with capital discipline.

- New Investment Dynamics: Waterfall Asset Management disclosed in its SEC filing dated February 13, 2026, that it initiated a new stake in National Storage Affiliates (NYSE:NSA) by purchasing 297,700 shares, indicating confidence in the company despite challenges from slowing demand in the self-storage market.
- Position Value Growth: This acquisition increased Waterfall's quarter-end position value by $8.42 million, reflecting the combined impact of new shares and price movements, suggesting a strengthening strategic positioning in the self-storage sector.
- Market Competition Analysis: National Storage Affiliates operates in major U.S. markets, and while demand has weakened post-pandemic, its flexible leasing model and high-occupancy assets continue to provide stable cash flows, with future growth reliant on effective market management and acquisition strategies.
- Investor Considerations: Although National Storage Affiliates did not make it onto The Motley Fool's list of top stocks, its performance in the self-storage industry remains a focal point, particularly in a high-interest-rate environment where the feasibility of acquisitions and financing will directly impact its value growth.
- Liquidity Strategy: Ready Capital aims to generate over $850 million in free cash flow through asset sales and management measures before 2026 maturities, targeting a 60% reduction in its CRE portfolio to enhance financial stability amid upcoming debt obligations.
- Executive Changes: Dominick Scali has been promoted to Chief Credit Officer and Co-President of CRE operations, leveraging his 24 years of CRE lending experience to drive the company's focus on capital-light business lines, while Gary Taylor transitions to President of ReadyCap Lending, reflecting the company's strategic shift.
- Financial Performance: The company reported a GAAP loss of $1.46 per share for Q4, with distributable earnings at a loss of $0.43 per share, indicating ongoing financial pressures due to realized losses on asset sales and increased operating expenses, although management remains confident in executing its liquidity plan.
- Market Outlook: Management projects an additional $500 million in free cash flow by year-end through $1.5 billion in planned loan sales, which will help reduce leverage to 2.5x, thereby allowing for greater cash flow allocation towards future growth initiatives.
- Earnings Miss: Ready Capital reported a GAAP EPS of -$0.43 for Q4, missing the expected -$0.10 by $0.33, indicating significant challenges in profitability that could undermine investor confidence.
- Book Value Decline: The earnings report suggests a drop in book value, exacerbating the company's liquidity crunch, which may lead to increased financing costs and limit future investment opportunities.
- Liquidity Crunch Intensifies: The tightening liquidity issues faced by the company could impair its operational capabilities, particularly in the current economic climate where restricted financing channels may put the company at a competitive disadvantage.
- Negative Market Reaction: Due to the earnings miss and liquidity concerns, Ready Capital's stock price may come under pressure, prompting investors to monitor subsequent market developments and the company's response strategies to assess its long-term investment value.
- Executive Appointments: Ready Capital has appointed Dominick Scali as Chief Credit Officer and Co-President of ReadyCap Commercial, with Scali's extensive experience since 2015 expected to help the company navigate current challenges in the commercial real estate sector.
- Leadership Restructuring: David Cohen has been elevated to Co-President of ReadyCap Commercial, previously serving as Chief Production Officer, and his diverse financing background is anticipated to drive growth in the commercial real estate lending market.
- Operational Management Changes: Gary Taylor has stepped down as Chief Operating Officer but will remain CEO of ReadyCap Lending, with operational responsibilities transitioning to other management members, including Matt Cohen, who has been promoted to Head of Operations and CTO, likely enhancing operational efficiency through technological innovations.
- Strategic Outlook: CEO Thomas Capasse stated that these executive appointments position the company to capitalize on new opportunities in the commercial real estate business, indicating that Ready Capital is actively adjusting its strategy to respond to market changes and enhance future competitiveness.




