SERVICES

Christie’s Art Finance

Bespoke borrowing for art and luxury collectors

FAQs

What does Christie’s Art Finance do?

Our aim is to meet the liquidity needs of our clients by offering loans greater than $1,000,000 against their fine art collection. Other types of art collateral will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Where does Christie’s provide financing?

Loans will be executed out of New York, London or Hong Kong, and generally to clients located in the US, UK, Switzerland and Hong Kong. Clients located in other jurisdictions will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and additional diligence and legal analysis will be necessary before proceeding.

How much can I borrow and for how long?

A typical loan would fall within the region of 40–60% of the low auction estimate of the collateral. These loans are offered for a period of 1–3 years, but we can consider more bespoke arrangements based on the circumstances.

Does Christie’s take possession of the collateral?

Generally, we do. But, in certain jurisdictions, we may allow the pledged art to remain in the client’s possession if the legal framework allows.

In all cases, the responsibility for insurance coverage on the artwork remains with the owner, with Christie’s Financial Services named as additional insured party and first loss payee.

Can I borrow from Christie’s without committing to a sale?

Absolutely. With a loan against your artwork, there is no obligation to sell. At end of the term, the loan may be refinanced or repaid. Should you desire, our Specialists can work on a sale plan to raise part or all of the funds due — but this is not at all required.

Additionally, for clients who are considering sales within a shorter term (less than a year), we can provide financing as an advance against sale at even more advantageous terms.

How do I start? What do I need to provide?

Our goal is to partner closely with you in an effort to structure the loan to meet your financial needs and to support the objectives around your fine art collection. The first step involves meeting with us to discuss what you are looking for and providing us with details about the property. Following our initial discussions and once we have received full descriptions of the artworks (medium, dimensions, date) as well as any high-resolution images you may have, we can provide an initial appraisal of the artwork and indicative terms for the loan.

Once terms have been accepted, we will need documents that verify the provenance, ownership and insurance for the art proposed as collateral. Also, we will need to complete the required steps or collect additional information for Know Your Client (KYC) purposes.

What do I need to do now?

For general enquiries, please contact us at artfinance@christies.com or by telephone at +1 212 636 2000.

Meet our Art Finance specialists

Sayuri Ganepola

Global Managing Director, Art Finance

Sayuri Ganepola is the Global Managing Director of Christie’s Art Finance and the Co-Chairman of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for the Americas. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania and earning her MBA at the Darden School at University of Virginia, Sayuri gained extensive experience in wealth management, structured finance and investment banking at Merrill Lynch, Standard and Poor’s and Lehman Brothers before completing a master’s degree from Christie’s Education. During her Christie’s career she has held numerous leadership positions, building on her finance acumen and strong knowledge of the art and capital markets. Prior to her current role, she was the Head of Client Strategy for the Americas.

Shaun Desiderio

Vice President, Regional Portfolio Manager, Americas

Shaun Desiderio is Vice President, Regional Portfolio Manager of the Americas focusing on loan originations and borrower relationship management. Shaun joined Christie’s in 2017, working in various roles in Business Development and Commercial Finance before joining the Art Finance team in 2021. He has a BS in Finance and Marketing from Lehigh University and an MBA at NYU Stern School of Business, specialising in Finance and Management. Shaun is a member of the Guggenheim Young Collectors Council.

Abigail Barkwell

Vice President, Corporate Counsel, Art Finance

Abby Barkwell is the Corporate Counsel for Christie’s Art Finance. She is responsible for overseeing all facets of corporate governance, compliance matters, regulatory matters and commercial contracts. Abby joined Christie’s in 2021 after growing her career at Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC and Skadden, Arps, Slate, and Meagher & Flom LLP. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and has a JD from the University of Michigan Law School. Abby volunteers with the Legal Aid Society and Ronald McDonald House New York.