Frequently Asked Questions

What is a private office, and how is Montreval different from a bank or broker?

A private office works as a trusted extension of our clients' teams, providing strategic consultancy, market intelligence, and access to relevant relationships, rather than offering standardized products off a shelf. Unlike a bank, we don't hold client deposits or lend from our own balance sheet. Unlike a broker, our relationships are long term and often continue well beyond a single transaction, and we do not execute transactions on our clients' behalf.

Which institutions do you work with?

We maintain relationships across a network of private banks and institutional partners, including Barclays, UBS, J.P. Morgan, Julius Bär, and Edmond de Rothschild, alongside institutions such as PwC, Deloitte, and Mubadala. These are relationships we've built over time, not exclusive partnerships.

How does the process work once I reach out?

After an initial conversation to understand your objectives, whether raising capital or deploying it, we assess fit internally, and if aligned, move to a formal engagement outlining scope, structure, and next steps. From there we work directly with our network to bring the right parties together.

How long does a typical capital raise or financing take?

Timelines vary meaningfully by deal size, complexity, and market conditions. Rather than quote a generic range, we'll give you a realistic estimate once we understand the specifics of your situation in an initial conversation.

What information do you need from me to get started?

Generally an overview of the opportunity or need: deal size, structure (equity, debt, or a mix), timeline, and relevant background documentation. We'll guide you through specifics once we understand the situation.

How is Montreval compensated?

Our engagements typically include a retainer to formally begin work, and a success fee upon completion. In select cases, we may also take a small equity or performance-linked position in our own right, separate from our advisory role. Full terms are always set out in a formal engagement letter before any work begins.

Do you work on a success-fee-only basis?

No. We work on a retainer plus success fee model.

Here's why: raising capital, structuring financing, or sourcing off market opportunities requires real time, due diligence, and use of our network, long before any deal closes. A success fee only model would mean we only get paid if a deal happens, which creates an incentive to chase quick wins over the right fit for you.

The retainer aligns our incentives with yours from day one: we're committed to doing the work properly, not just betting on an outcome. The success fee on top still ties a meaningful part of our compensation to your result, so we stay motivated to deliver, without cutting corners under pressure to close fast.

In short: the retainer buys focus and diligence up front, and the success fee keeps us aligned with your outcome. You get both discipline and commitment, not one or the other.

Is there a minimum deal size you work with?

We assess this case by case, but as a general guide, our engagements typically start from €500,000.

What types of financing needs do you advise on?

We advise on real estate financing, debt structuring, mezzanine and bridge financing, and capital strategy for growth-stage companies, with particular strength in real estate and technology financing across Europe and the Middle East.

Do you work with companies and clients outside the Netherlands?

Yes. Alongside the Netherlands, we regularly work with clients and counterparties across Germany, the UK, the Middle East, and Switzerland.

Do you take equity positions, or only advise?

In select engagements, alongside a fee-only arrangement, we may also take a small equity or performance-linked position in our own right. This reflects our own confidence in a company's prospects rather than an investment recommendation, and any investment decision remains entirely our clients' own. It's assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on fit and conviction.

How do you handle confidentiality?

Discretion is core to how we operate. Client information, deal terms, and introductions are handled on a need-to-know basis, and formal confidentiality agreements are put in place before sensitive information is shared.