From Wall Street to Main Street: Charlie Woo’s Strategic Leap
Charlie Woo, President of Fidelity Bancorp Funding, joined Lender Lounge with Kevin Kim to share his vision for private lending and how the company is positioning for long-term success in a changing market.
Charlie’s move marks a rare shift from the top ranks of Wall Street investment banking into direct real estate lending. In an industry where careers often run the opposite direction, his leap signals fresh perspective and bold ambition for Fidelity Bancorp Funding and the sector.
A Career in Transformation
Charlie built his reputation in investment banking and principal investing, leading major M&A deals, capital raises, and strategic partnerships. As the youngest Vice Chairman in Wells Fargo history, he was a leading advisor in Specialty Finance and Alternative Lending, guiding transactions such as Genesis/Oaktree, Anchor Loans/Wafra, the Velocity Financial IPO, and Mesa West/Morgan Stanley.
Why Fidelity
This role is Charlie’s first principal-side position—an opportunity to shape a proven lending platform. His decision was rooted in a 14-year, strong relationship with Fidelity CEO David Frosh. “Stepping into this role only made sense because the platform was already proven,” Charlie says. “It had the infrastructure, investor relationships, and a long track record of excellent results. My job is to take it to the next level—prudently, and with a long-term vision.”
Independence with Institutional Reach
Charlie’s approach blends Fidelity’s long-standing retail investor base with selective institutional partnerships. Unlike many platforms that sell to private equity, he aims to create a permanent, resilient capital base.
“Our goal is to be here not just for the next cycle, but for the next 30 to 50 years,” he notes. Partners will need flexible mandates to support a diverse mix of bridge loans, DSCR term loans, light-construction financing, and potentially mini-perm products.
Capturing Market Opportunity
With regional banks retreating from bridge loans, Fidelity Bancorp Funding’s national footprint is positioned to capture market share. “We’re not chasing volume—we’re chasing quality,” Charlie says, noting growth plans in Texas and the Pacific Northwest, especially in small-balance multifamily.
Playing the Long Game
Charlie’s blend of institutional sophistication and principal-side pragmatism aims to make Fidelity a bridge lender that thrives through both market upswings and inevitable slowdowns.
