Written in collaboration between Yardi and EY.
Real estate finance is not getting simpler. Fund structures are more layered, jurisdictions are more demanding, and investor expectations are more immediate. Finance teams are expected to deliver faster closes, sharper insights, and scalable operations without adding headcount or compromising control.
Most finance functions are still built around fragmented SPV-level processes, disconnected systems, and manual workarounds. However, that model doesn’t scale, and it doesn’t support strategic decision-making. And it certainly does not meet the demands of today’s investors.
EY saw this coming and rebuilt its real estate finance delivery model from the ground up. At the centre of that shift is Yardi, a platform that not only supports the work but also reshapes how it gets done.
Challenges in Traditional Fund Finance
Most fund finance setups aren’t designed for scale. They were built to meet local compliance, not to deliver consolidated insights to investors. The result was:
- SPV silos that slow down consolidation
- Manual reconciliations that eat up controller time
- Inconsistent reporting that undermines investor confidence
- Limited visibility into fund-level performance and liquidity
These are not minor issues. These are structural blockers to growth, transparency, and efficiency.
EY’s Approach: Centralise and Automate
EY’s response was never to patch the old model but to replace it. The firm moved to a centralised operating model that treats fund finance as a unified function rather than a collection of disconnected tasks.
This means:
- One integrated team across jurisdictions
- Standardised processes and controls
- Fund-level consolidation is built into the workflow
- Controllers focused on oversight, not firefighting
But centralisation only works if the technology can keep up. That is where Yardi comes in.
Why Yardi Works for Real Estate Fund Finance
EY chose Yardi because it is specifically designed to handle the complexity of real estate funds. Above all, it is not just an accounting system; it’s a full-stack platform that handles everything from asset-level data and SPV bookkeeping to fund-level reporting.
Here is what it enables:
- Multi-GAAP, multi-currency consolidation without spreadsheets
- Automated intercompany loan workflows, including FX and ledger entries
- Real-time NAV and performance dashboards
- Integrated modules for construction, fixed assets, debt, and investment management
- Seamless data flow across EY’s internal systems and client platforms
In short, it is the infrastructure that makes centralisation possible and scalable.
From Manual to Meaningful: What Changes for Finance Teams
With Yardi in place, EY’s finance teams are not chasing data; they are managing it. In addition, controllers have access to real-time dashboards, automated reconciliations, and standardised reporting structures. That means:
- Faster close cycles
- Fewer errors
- Better audit readiness
- More time for analysis and decision support
Data Strategy: The Quiet Hero of Scalable Finance
Technology is only as good as the data behind it. EY’s data strategy ensures that what goes into Yardi is clean, consistent, and governed.
That includes:
- A unified chart of accounts across funds and SPVs
- Standardised data definitions
- Clear ownership of data inputs and validations
- Master data management frameworks that support automation
This is not just about compliance but also about control. Furthermore, with the right data foundation, finance teams can move from reporting on the past to shaping the future.
What Fund Managers Actually Get Out of This
This model is not theoretical. It’s already delivering measurable results for EY’s clients:
- Real-time access to consolidated fund data
- Standardised service delivery across jurisdictions
- Lower total expense ratios, thanks to automation and scale
- Improved investor confidence, driven by consistent reporting
- Scalable infrastructure, ready for new funds, new markets, and new regulations
It is not about doing things faster; it is about doing them better.
Part of a Bigger Strategy
Yardi is not just a tool; it is now a pillar of EY’s Real Estate Finance Managed Services strategy. The platform enables the firm to offer:
- End-to-end finance operations, from SPV to fund
- Integrated workflows for tax, treasury, and investor relations
- ESG and non-financial reporting built into the same data model
- A platform for continuous improvement, not just compliance
This is what modern fund finance looks like: centralised, automated, and insight-driven.
This is not Optional Anymore
In conclusion, the old way of doing fund finance – manual, fragmented, reactive – is obsolete. EY’s model, powered by Yardi, is built for what’s next: more funds, more complexity, and more scrutiny.
If you’re still relying on disconnected teams and spreadsheets, it is not a question of “if you’ll need to change”, but when.
About EY
EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets. Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.
EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fuelled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.
All in to shape the future with confidence.
EY refers to the global organisation, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data, and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation, is available at ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information, please visit ey.com.
About Yardi
Yardi develops and supports innovative investment, asset, and property management software for all types of real estate companies worldwide. Our unified platform serves as a single source of truth across various sectors and regions, offering enhanced visibility and control through integrated AI and analytics. With over 10,000 employees, Yardi is working with clients globally to drive significant innovation in the real estate industry, helping clients be Energised for Tomorrow.