Special Feature

From balance sheets to buildings: Mark Tan’s Journey to the frontlines of real estate success

August 22, 2025 2:15 PM SGT

Light

Dark

Tan’s clients often praise his keen understanding of business owners combined with a banker’s analytical discipline. (Picture: EdgeProp Singapore)

When Mark Tan made the bold move from banking to real estate, many assumed he was taking a sharp turn. But for Tan, it was a purposeful progression — a decision to go all in on a calling that had long been close to his heart: real estate.

After decades of financing property deals from behind the scenes, he now works directly with clients on the front lines — buying, selling and leasing. Today, as associate director at Brilliance Capital and a Roundtable 2025 awardee, Mark leverages over 20 years of commercial banking experience to help clients not only transact but make well-timed and financially sound property decisions.

“Friends asked if real estate would be a completely different job from banking. I tell them — not exactly. I’ve always been in the real estate business, just from the financing side. Now, I’m at the front row — structuring deals, advising on leverage and stitching together outcomes.”

Tan channels over 20 years of commercial banking experience into advising clients at Brilliance Capital as Associate Director. (Picture: The Edge Singapore)

Tan’s career journey began at Enterprise Singapore, where he supported SMEs with government loans and grants. Over the next 23 years, he rose through the ranks at UOB, Standard Chartered and Citibank, advising businesses on working capital, real estate financing and risk management. One moment, however, would stay with him for life.

“I was a young officer then. My branch manager turned to me in her Mercedes and said: ‘I’m thankful for my banking job, but I’m even more thankful that I invested in a few properties that secured my future.’ That planted the seed.”

Seeing how property investments became the “crown jewels” assets of corporate balance sheets shaped his philosophy: real estate isn’t just about location, it’s about foresight, financial clarity and strategic timing.

Brilliance Capital team at the Draft Master Plan 2025 Exhibition, URA Centre. (Picture: Mark Tan)

Big wins, bigger purpose

Mark’s value lies in his holistic perspective of combining an investor’s lens, a banker’s analytical edge and a real estate adviser’s executional skill. He understands the full life cycle of a property decision, from funding to future appreciation.

“You don’t lose money in property if you manage your cash flow well. You decide when to sell. Don’t let the bank decide for you.”

He also believes in resilience. Whether repositioning a stale listing or advising on a complex real estate transaction via share acquisition, he remains grounded and solution-driven.

In his first year as a real estate professional in 2023, Tan closed a $12 million sale of a freehold industrial strata property at a record price.

“His achievement in closing the deal in under two months, at a price surpassing the valuation, is truly outstanding. Tan is a capable and trustworthy professional,” says Ms N, director of a hardware supplier.

Reflecting on the sale, Tan recalls two lessons: first, doing the right thing — such as collaborating with a buyer’s agent — builds win-win outcomes. Second, breaks spark breakthroughs. “The enquiry came right after a morning walk at MacRitchie. Three days later, the deal was sealed. Oftentimes, clarity and results follow a pause.”

Another well-timed transaction was his role in an industrial acquisition exceeding $10 million, where he negotiated a $3.5 million discount, guided the buyer through market uncertainty and closed just before interest rates began to fall.

For Tan, property decisions shape not only structures but also livelihoods, businesses and legacies. One of his most meaningful projects last year was being appointed to lease the underground retail space at Marine Parade Community Care Hub — a key link between the MRT, public library and community centre. Beyond securing tenants, he helped curate a business mix aligned with the hub’s vision of community, inclusivity and social purpose.

“More than about businesses expanding footprints in the East, it was connecting commerce with care. I’m pleased to say most units are now committed or under offer,” he says.

All in a day’s work—taking down the on-site banner after sealing the deal. (Picture: Mark Tan)

Trust and transformation

Tan’s clients often praise his keen understanding of business owners combined with a banker’s analytical discipline. Beyond listings, he provides strategic guidance, connecting buyers and sellers with trusted legal, valuation and financing experts.

“Through skilled negotiations, Tan secured us a significant discount from the developer. His strong professional network, proactive problem-solving, and excellent communication ensured our interests were always protected,” says Mr T N, director of a commodity trading firm, a satisfied purchaser of an office

His mission is simple: To help clients make profitable property decisions using his market knowledge, banking expertise and network. “It’s about transformative impact — on their business, their wealth and their lives,” he says.

Tan’s breadth of experience includes residential transactions where his data-driven approach shines. A recent buyer shares: “We found great value in Tan’s ability to benchmark different residential projects.

“In hindsight, the purchase timing was perfect. Shortly after we committed, the developer raised prices and our chosen stack/type was fully sold. Tan’s recommendation contributed meaningfully to the outcome,” says Ms Wong, an investor.

What drives Tan in this demanding industry is his motto: Happiness fuels success. “I love what I do. It’s intellectually stimulating and deeply meaningful. Property, economics, people — they’re all interconnected. And there’s still so much to learn,” he says.

Tan is a member of EdgeProp's Realtors' Roundtable 2025. (Picture: The Makeover Inc)

From both personal investment and career experience, Tan has learnt this: in real estate — as in life — clarity and progress only come when we release the past and refocus on the future.

The situation is the same for banking, where he thrived in teams. He is grateful for the camaraderie, collaboration and shared values at Brilliance Capital.

“The BC team is made up of knowledgeable and driven real estate professionals — people I continue to learn from daily. Success is rarely achieved alone — just as Sir Edmund Hillary needed Tenzing Norgay, and even the Lone Ranger had Tonto,” he says. Tan remains a banker at heart. Today, he channels that expertise into real estate, guiding clients through high-stakes decisions involving significant assets, negotiation, timing and risk management. By continuing to do what he does best, he helps clients future-proof portfolios, grow their business and make real estate moves that create lasting value.

His clients often remark on his personable style, sincerity and high-touch approach. “Know-how is good, know-when is better, but know-who is best. With the right advisers and team, you don’t just get to your destination faster; you enjoy the journey.”

Tan advises agents: “Don’t chase money. It runs faster than you. Focus on doing right by the client. When that’s your compass, success will follow.”

To clients entering the market, he says: “Stop looking back. The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the next best time is now.”

Tan’s clients often praise his keen understanding of business owners combined with a banker’s analytical discipline.