Longbridge Financial CEO Chris Mayer Earns Third Consecutive Inman Best of Finance Award

Award highlights Chris’ continued leadership in reshaping home equity access and retirement security for older homeowners

PARAMUS, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Longbridge Financial, LLC, a leading national lender and servicer specializing in home equity solutions for older Americans, today announced that CEO Christopher Mayer, PhD, has been named to Inman’s 2025 Best of Finance list for the third consecutive year.

The annual award recognizes the top executives, advisors, and entrepreneurs who are transforming the residential lending and real estate finance sectors. Under Mayer’s leadership, Longbridge launched a series of new proprietary products like Platinum Peak and Platinum Preserve™ that continue to expand solutions for responsible access to home equity for older homeowners. Mayer recently shared on stage at Housingwire’s The Gathering that Longbridge is partnering with Figure Technology Solutions to launch an all-new product called HELOC For Seniors™, the first HELOC product designed specifically to meet the needs of older homeowners.

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized by Inman again, but this award really belongs to the entire team at Longbridge,” Mayer said. “Every day, our people work hard to develop thoughtful solutions that make a real difference in the lives of older American homeowners. I’m proud to share this recognition with them and excited about what we’re building together.”

Dr. Mayer, an economist and emeritus professor at Columbia Business School, has led Longbridge’s growth from a startup in 2013 to the nation’s second largest reverse mortgage lender and the largest wholesale lender. Today, Longbridge’s portfolio includes Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) and its proprietary Platinum suite of products.

Longbridge’s continued investment in new products comes at a time when rising costs and mortgage debt later in life have made financial flexibility a growing need for older homeowners. A 2023 study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University reveals that more than 7 million homeowners aged 65 and older spend over 30% of their income on housing costs, often stretching fixed retirement budgets.

“By designing responsible lending products around the real financial lives of older homeowners, we aim to give people more choice and dignity as they age,” Mayer said.

The full list of Inman’s 2025 Best of Finance honorees is available at Inman.com.

About Longbridge Financial, LLC

Longbridge Financial (NMLS #957935) is a nationally recognized financial services company dedicated to helping older homeowners and retirees unlock the power of their home equity through flexible, responsible solutions tailored to support long-term financial well-being. Founded in 2012 and led by a respected Ivy League professor, Longbridge Financial combines deep industry expertise with a commitment to education, innovation, and transparency. The company is driven by a mission to empower aging Americans with the tools and insights they need to make confident financial decisions in retirement. Known for its exceptional customer service, competitive pricing, and professional integrity, Longbridge Financial is helping redefine what financial security can look like for today’s retirees.

For more information about Longbridge Financial or interview requests, please visit longbridge-financial.com/newsroom.