Bank Hapoalim Real Estate Chief Retires After 45 Years
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Vinky Kuint, head of Bank Hapoalim's real estate division, is retiring after 45 years. Her departure follows recent significant changes in the bank's mortgage and real estate departments. Kuint had previously discussed innovative mortgage solutions like 40-year terms and the evolving office market. Other banks, like Mizrahi Tefahot, have also seen leadership changes in their mortgage divisions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Vinky Kuint is retiring from Bank Hapoalim after 45 years, having led its real estate division since 2004.
- Her departure coincides with broader industry changes and recent leadership shifts in Bank Hapoalim's mortgage departments.
- Kuint previously advocated for extended mortgage terms, including the possibility of 40-year loans.
- She also commented on the office market's transformation and the need to convert older buildings for housing.
- Mizrahi Tefahot Bank also recently saw its mortgage division head, Dror Feldman, retire after 30 years.
Vinky Kuint, the head of Bank Hapoalim's real estate division, is retiring after 45 years with the bank. Kuint, 68, who took on her current role in 2004, was a key figure responsible for the bank's credit activities with major real estate clients.
The real estate and mortgage sectors within Israeli banks have undergone significant changes recently. This follows another shift at Bank Hapoalim, with Roey Sagie appointed as the national mortgage department manager, part of a broader industry trend. Sagie replaces Tom Ben David, who left after 16 years at Bank Hapoalim, previously serving as a strategic advisor to the retail division's management.
In September 2025, Kuint gained attention for discussing the possibility of 40-year mortgages. She suggested financial solutions like extending tax periods or leaving debt to heirs, a practice seen abroad. She also commented on the office market, noting its transformation post-COVID. While initially predicting a full shift to remote work, she observed that physical workplaces remain essential. Kuint urged authorities to facilitate the conversion of older buildings into residential units, a common practice internationally.
Banks recognize the mortgage sector as a crucial growth area, especially amidst a market slowdown. The volume of mortgages remains high due to refinancing driven by interest rate reductions. Bank Hapoalim is not alone in making significant changes; in May, Dror Feldman announced his retirement from Mizrahi Tefahot Bank after over 30 years, including five years as deputy head of the retail division and head of its mortgage arm. Bank CEO Moshe La'ari informed the board of directors that he selected Avi Badlov, then manager of the bank's Dan Region, as Feldman's successor.
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