Kristen Brainard
About Kristen Brainard
Kristen Brainard serves as the Senior Credit Manager for Production Lending at City National Bank, where she has worked since 2018. With extensive experience in commercial lending, particularly in the entertainment sector, she specializes in providing tailored financial solutions for film and television production companies.
Work at City National Bank
Kristen Brainard has served as Senior Credit Manager in Production Lending at City National Bank since 2018. Based in Los Angeles, CA, she works within the bank's Entertainment Banking Division, which has a 60-year history in the entertainment industry. Her role involves providing specialized lending solutions tailored for film and television production companies. This includes structuring single project production loans and corporate credit facilities. Kristen is also involved in lending transactions that encompass acquisition loans for content libraries, contributing to the bank's comprehensive financial offerings.
Previous Experience in Banking
Before her tenure at City National Bank, Kristen Brainard held several significant positions in the banking sector. She worked at Pacific Mercantile Bank as Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager in the Entertainment Industries Division from 2015 to 2018. Prior to that, she was with US Bank as Vice President in Commercial Lending from 2006 to 2015, focusing on the Greater Los Angeles Area. Her earlier experience includes roles at Société Générale and Natixis, where she specialized in the utilities and leverage lending sectors, respectively.
Education and Expertise
Kristen Brainard studied at Babson College, where she gained foundational knowledge in finance and business management. Her educational background supports her extensive experience in credit management and lending solutions, particularly within the entertainment sector. Kristen's expertise includes structuring complex financial solutions that integrate senior secured debt with equity and mezzanine financing, enhancing the financial capabilities of her clients.
Contributions to Entertainment Banking
In her role at City National Bank, Kristen Brainard contributes to a team that delivers specialized financial solutions for the entertainment industry. Her involvement in the merger with Royal Bank of Canada has further enhanced the team's expertise in media, financial sponsors, and capital markets execution. This collaboration allows her to provide clients with comprehensive financial strategies that meet the unique demands of the entertainment sector.