sanat.patel@avanacompanies.com
Our Team
Team Experts
With a team of experienced professionals and a passion for innovation, we combine cutting-edge strategies.
Chief Lending Officer
Sanat Patel
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.
Email Address
Office Location
16150 N Arrowhead Fountains Center Dr., Suite 243 Peoria, AZ 85382
Professional Skills
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.
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.
Education and Experience
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.
MBA in Management
UCLA Anderson School
(2019 - 2021)
(2019 - 2021)
1st
BA in Management Science
Cal State Fullerton
(1987 - 1989)
(1987 - 1989)
2nd
Pacific Coast Banking School
(2006 - 2008)
3rd
4th
Vice President, Middle
Market Banking
JP Morgan Chase
(2001 - 2005)
(2001 - 2005)
Our Trusted Clients
