Ally Financial is making a strategic move into the infrastructure financing space with a new specialized division. The company announced yesterday the launch of a dedicated vertical within its Corporate Finance unit that will focus on power, energy, and digital infrastructure sectors.
The new team aims to serve middle-market companies and financial sponsors in these high-growth areas. This expansion comes at a critical time when America’s aging infrastructure faces massive upgrade requirements estimated at over $2.6 trillion over the next decade, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers.
“Infrastructure investment represents one of the most significant economic opportunities of our generation,” said Jon Bartek, newly appointed head of the Power, Energy and Digital Infrastructure vertical at Ally Corporate Finance. “Our team brings specialized expertise in structuring financing solutions for complex projects across these sectors.”
Bartek, who will lead the division from Charlotte, brings extensive industry experience from previous roles at TD Bank and PNC Financial Services. He will oversee a team of seasoned professionals targeting deals primarily in the $15 million to $100 million range.
The timing of Ally’s move aligns with growing investment in renewable energy. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that renewable sources supplied about 22% of U.S. electricity generation last year, marking steady growth from previous periods. Industry forecasts suggest this percentage could double by 2035 as climate concerns and cost competitiveness drive further adoption.
Ally’s initiative positions the company to capitalize on several converging trends. First, traditional infrastructure sectors like power generation and transmission require significant modernization. Second, digital infrastructure expansion continues with data centers and fiber networks growing rapidly to support cloud computing and AI applications. Finally, the energy transition toward renewable sources creates financing needs for new projects and technologies.
Matt Enrico, head of Ally Corporate Finance, emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion. “This specialized team enhances our ability to deliver tailored financing solutions in sectors experiencing transformative growth,” he stated. “We see substantial opportunity to support companies advancing critical infrastructure projects.”
The new vertical complements Ally’s existing Corporate Finance business, which already provides financing solutions across various industries including healthcare, technology, and transportation. The company’s Corporate Finance unit typically offers secured loans, leases, and other structured financing arrangements.
Market analysts view this move as part of a broader trend among financial institutions seeking growth opportunities in essential infrastructure sectors. “Banks are increasingly developing specialized teams to address the unique financing needs of infrastructure projects,” noted Maria Lehman, President of the American Society of Civil Engineers. “These projects often involve complex regulatory environments and longer investment horizons than traditional corporate lending.”
Ally’s experience in structured finance positions it well for these sectors, where deals frequently involve complicated arrangements with multiple stakeholders and revenue streams. The company has demonstrated success in navigating similar complexity in other specialized financing areas.
The focus on digital infrastructure particularly stands out as data center demand surges nationwide. According to research firm IDC, global spending on digital infrastructure is projected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2026, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 12.6%.
Similarly, the renewable energy sector continues attracting significant capital. The International Energy Agency reports that global investment in clean energy topped $1.7 trillion in 2023, exceeding fossil fuel investment for the third consecutive year.
For middle-market companies operating in these sectors, Ally’s entry could potentially increase access to specialized financing. These firms often fall into a challenging gap—too small for the largest infrastructure funds but requiring more specialized knowledge than generalist lenders typically provide.
