Overview

AST Defeasance is a specialized advisory firm that helps commercial real estate borrowers and lenders complete the defeasance step for CMBS and other fixed-rate CRE loans, replacing a property's mortgage lien with a portfolio of government securities so owners can sell or refinance without breaching loan agreements. It handles the entire defeasance process, from calculating the optimal securities portfolio to managing legal and administrative tasks, on a success-based fee with no upfront costs. Instead of relying on a single broker-dealer, it solicits competitive bids from major investment banks to secure the lowest overall cost and guarantees a two-week closing. Its goal is to help property owners exit fixed-rate loans efficiently and cost-effectively, enabling sale or refinancing even in rising interest-rate environments.