As Chief Lending Officer at AVANA Companies and Chair of the Board at AVANA Bank, Sanat Patel brings more than three decades of experience in financial services, private credit and commercial banking, with a proven track record in loan structuring, risk management, and balance sheet growth.
Sanat has led strategic initiatives that connect institutional capital with entrepreneurial ambition, supporting the growth of businesses, and owners engaged in commercial real estate across the U.S. He has built and scaled lending platforms in partnership with banks and credit unions, developing tailored financial solutions that drive job creation and foster inclusive economic development.
Sanat’s earlier career includes leadership roles at JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and Household Bank, where he consistently ranked among the top performers nationwide. He is widely recognized for creating innovative niche-lending programs and pioneering “social underwriting,” a relationship-based credit approach that evaluates borrowers’ community ties and business character—particularly for underserved communities.
Sanat holds an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management (2021), is a graduate of California State University at Fullerton, and has completed executive banking studies at the Pacific Coast Banking School. A dedicated community leader, he served as President of the Phoenix Chapter of Pratham USA (2020–2024) and currently serves on the Board of Community Housing Works (San Diego) as Chair of the Finance Committee. He is also a former board member of the Arizona Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
With a servant-leadership philosophy grounded in integrity and humility, Sanat is committed to delivering sustainable value to clients, investors, and community partners. Sanat remains focused on building lending solutions that not only generate financial results but also uplift communities and fuel lasting impact.
