MFA Financial Inc. Welcomes Christopher Small to Board of Directors

Laurie Goodman, the Chair of MFA’s Board, expressed enthusiasm over Mr. Small’s appointment, stating, “We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Chris Small to the MFA Board. Chris’s extensive experience in investment banking and capital markets working with residential mortgage finance and other specialty finance firms will provide significant benefits to MFA’s Board, management team, and stockholders.” This sentiment underscores the high expectations the Board holds for Mr. Small’s contributions, given his robust professional background.

Mr. Small, 47, is no stranger to the finance sector. He has been at the helm of Black Owl Managing, LLC, a family investment office, since October 2022. Prior to this role, he built an impressive career at Wells Fargo Securities, where he served for over a decade in various capacities. His most recent role there was as Managing Director and Head of Diversified Financials for FIG Corporate and Investment Banking from 2019 to 2022. Before that, he headed the Financial Institutions Group Investment Banking.

During his tenure at Wells Fargo, Mr. Small was instrumental in managing relationships with several companies across mortgage finance, including mortgage REITs, origination platforms, and mortgage servicers. His deep understanding of the industry is expected to offer MFA valuable insights and strategic direction. Additionally, he has experience as an investment professional at American Capital, Ltd., and began his career with JMP Securities LLC.

Mr. Small holds an A.B. degree from Princeton University, further solidifying his academic credentials in the competitive finance industry.

In conjunction with his Board election, Mr. Small will also serve on the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. These roles are crucial for overseeing the company's financial practices and ensuring that executive compensation aligns with performance objectives, thus enhancing stakeholder value.

MFA Financial, Inc. stands out as a leading specialty finance company, focusing on investments in residential mortgage loans, mortgage-backed securities, and other real estate assets. The company also operates through its subsidiary, Lima One Capital, which originates and services business purpose loans for real estate investors. Since its initial public offering in 1998, MFA has distributed over $4.8 billion in dividends to stockholders, a testament to its commitment to delivering shareholder value.

The election of Christopher Small to the Board marks a pivotal moment for MFA Financial as it seeks to enhance its strategic direction in a complex market. With his extensive background in investment banking and a strong focus on residential mortgage finance, Mr. Small is poised to contribute significantly to the company's future endeavors. As MFA continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities within the specialty finance sector, the insights and expertise he brings will be invaluable in shaping its path forward.