Leading DST Sponsors
The two firms profiled below represent the institutional caliber of DST sponsor that is fundamentally different from the smaller, less-regulated operators that have historically populated the DST market.
At Flock, we have cultivated deep relationships with each of these institutional sponsors, giving our investors privileged access to opportunities that are often difficult to reach independently. For investors working with us, we are well-positioned to facilitate direct introductions, helping to establish the kind of trust and transparency that underpins successful DST partnerships. These connections are a core part of the value we bring — ensuring our clients can engage with best-in-class operators with confidence and ease.
Brookfield
Brookfield Real Estate Income Trust / BREX
Firm Overview
Brookfield Asset Management is one of the largest alternative investment managers in the world, with over $1 trillion in total assets under management as of year-end 2025. The firm was originally founded in 1899 and is headquartered in New York. Brookfield operates across real estate, infrastructure, renewable energy, private equity, and credit markets in over 30 countries, with approximately 250,000 operating employees globally.
Brookfield's real estate division alone manages approximately $278 billion in AUM across logistics, housing, hospitality, office, retail, and other sectors — making it one of the largest real estate investors on the planet.
DST Program: Brookfield Real Estate Exchange (BREX)
Brookfield launched its DST program through Brookfield Real Estate Income Trust (Brookfield REIT), a public non-traded REIT. The program was authorized to issue and sell up to $1 billion in beneficial interests in DSTs holding properties sourced from Brookfield REIT's portfolio.
Each DST property is leased back by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brookfield REIT's operating partnership under a long-term master lease of up to 29 years. The operating partnership retains a fair market value purchase option — the right (but not obligation) to acquire investors' DST interests after two years in exchange for OP units in the REIT.
Portfolio
68% multifamily, 24% net lease, 5% logistics, 3% office
DST Financing
Up to 50% of purchase price (non-recourse)
721 Exchange
Yes — after 2-year minimum holding period
Investment Min.
Typically $100,000+
Why Brookfield
The sheer scale of Brookfield — over $1 trillion in total AUM and $278 billion in real estate — provides a level of institutional stability and diversification that is unmatched by most DST sponsors. Their heavy weighting toward multifamily and net lease properties aligns well with stable, income-oriented investment strategies. The master lease structure, guaranteed by the operating partnership, adds an extra layer of income security to DST investors.
Ares Management
Ares Real Estate Exchange / AREX / ADREX / AIREX
Firm Overview
Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager founded in 1997 and headquartered in Los Angeles. As of December 31, 2025, Ares manages approximately $623 billion in total assets across credit, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and secondaries — with roughly 4,200 employees.
Ares's Real Estate Group specifically manages approximately $113.8 billion in AUM, executing both equity and debt strategies across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The group has over 700 investment and operating professionals across 44 offices globally.
DST Program: Ares Real Estate Exchange (AREX)
Ares operates DST programs through two affiliated non-traded REITs: Ares Real Estate Income Trust (AREIT) and Ares Industrial Real Estate Income Trust (AIREIT). In 2023 alone, Ares's two REITs combined posted DST share sales of approximately $762 million.
In May 2024, Ares made the unusual decision to shut down public offerings of common stock in both REITs and shift exclusively to private offerings — a move that underscored the success and strategic priority of their DST fundraising channel.
AREIT Portfolio
Diversified: multifamily, retail, office, mixed-use — 99 properties across 33 markets
AIREIT Portfolio
Industrial/logistics: bulk distribution, light industrial, last-mile delivery
DST Financing
Up to 50% of purchase price (non-recourse)
721 Exchange
Yes — convert to OP units in parent REIT
Why Ares
Ares brings deep credit expertise and risk management discipline honed over nearly three decades. Their dual REIT structure gives investors a choice between diversified real estate (AREIT) and industrial-focused exposure (AIREIT). The industrial portfolio is particularly well-positioned given the structural tailwinds of e-commerce growth and supply chain reshoring.
Choosing Between Them
For maximum institutional scale and diversification: Brookfield's $1 trillion+ platform and $278 billion real estate portfolio offers unparalleled global diversification.
For industrial/logistics conviction or dual-strategy choice: Ares's two-REIT structure gives investors a meaningful choice between diversified and industrial-focused exposure.
Both firms offer the critical features: institutional scale that mitigates counterparty risk, transparent structures backed by registered REIT vehicles, long-term master leases guaranteed by operating partnerships, 721 exchange pathways for further diversification and estate planning, and professional management with no active involvement required.
Comparative Analysis
Side-by-side comparison across key dimensions
| Dimension | Brookfield | Ares |
|---|---|---|
| Total Firm AUM | ~$1 trillion+ | ~$623 billion |
| Real Estate AUM | ~$278 billion | ~$113.8 billion |
| Founded | 1899 (126 years) | 1997 (28 years) |
| Headquarters | New York, NY | Los Angeles, CA |
| Ownership | Public (NYSE: BAM) | Public (NYSE: ARES) |
| DST Program | BREX | AREX / ADREX / AIREX |
| DST Source REIT | Brookfield REIT | AREIT + AIREIT |
| Primary DST Sectors | Multifamily (68%), Net Lease (24%) | Diversified + Industrial/Logistics |
| 721 Exchange | Yes (after 2-yr min.) | Yes |
| DST Financing | Up to 50% LTV | Up to 50% LTV |
| DST Capital Raised | Up to $1B authorized | ~$762M in 2023 |
| Global Reach | 30+ countries | 15+ countries |
| Net Zero Target | 2050 | ESG-integrated |