Matthew Russell
Analytical Thinking, Real World Impact
Matthew Russell grew up in the vibrant community of Reston, Virginia, where he attended Herndon High School. From a young age, he was drawn to numbers and problem-solving, interests that eventually led him to pursue a degree in finance at the University of South Carolina. During his final year of college, Matt worked part-time at a financial planning company analyzing real estate investment trusts and found himself intrigued by the world of real estate. This curiosity would become a driving force in shaping his career, setting him on a path toward the dynamic field of capital markets.
His first job out of college involved working with synthetic equity swap contracts and equities trade processing for Deutsche Bank. While this was an interesting introduction to the professional world, Matt soon realized he wanted to pivot toward a role that was more analytical. Commercial real estate continued to intrigue him, and after hearing about Freddie Mac’s Capital Markets group from a friend, he decided to pursue an opportunity there.
He joined Freddie Mac’s Multifamily Loan Pricing team in 2016 and has remained within the Capital Markets group since, completing two key rotations through the Structuring and Portfolio Pricing teams. These experiences helped him grow his skillset and expand his knowledge.
In 2023, Matt’s responsibilities shifted from pricing loans for the Conventional business, specifically Northeast and Southeast regions, to the Targeted Affordable Housing business, where he covers loan pricing for affordable, preservation, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, tax-exempt, and facility and structured transactions. His day-to-day work involves evaluating Multifamily opportunities, setting loan pricing at competitive yet profitable levels, and constantly problem-solving as each deal presents unique challenges. He is always thinking creatively about new products and ways to positively support Freddie Mac’s business objectives.
Let’s hear more from Matt about how his work at Freddie Mac is supporting the market.
How does your work at Freddie Mac contribute to increasing affordable housing supply?
A: Freddie Mac plays a very important role in providing liquidity to the multifamily housing market. The Loan Pricing team is always working to ensure we offer competitive pricing, which drives down borrowing costs for developers and ultimately lowers rents for tenants. Our annual goals center on funding mission-driven loans, and we offer strategic pricing incentives to support that mission. We’ve also introduced products like Workforce Housing Preservation, which benefits borrowers who voluntarily agree to set aside a portion of units for modest- to low-income tenants. This helps keep housing accessible and drives more affordable deals in the market.
What do you like most about working at Freddie Mac?
A: Without a doubt, it’s the people I work with. The relationships I’ve built over the years really stand out. Even though people move around, I always run into former Freddie Mac colleagues at industry events. Those connections and the sense of community make the work especially rewarding.
What advice would you give your younger self?
A: Try to absorb as much information as possible. Never hesitate to ask questions or probe if you see ways to improve processes. Always be proactive when it comes to adding value to the team.
What are your passions and hobbies outside of work?
A: I enjoy spending time with family, playing pickleball and occasionally enjoy going deep sea fishing — my father and I have fished competitively for blue marlin. And recently, I just got married in Sicily, Italy!
Matt deep sea fishing.
Matt and his wife at their wedding in Sicily.