Matthew Fries, CEO and President of Inland Real Estate Investment Corporation, joined Julie Cooling, Founder and CEO of RIA Channel, at iCapital Connect 2026 to discuss emerging opportunities in commercial real estate and the firm’s focus on tax-advantaged investing.
With approximately $17 billion in assets under management, Inland focuses on tax-advantaged real estate investment solutions, particularly 1031 exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs). A 1031 exchange allows investors to defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting proceeds from a property sale into like-kind real estate assets.
Fries was recently named CEO in January. As he steps into his new role, he points to commercial real estate as an area of growing opportunity. After three years of high interest rates and declining property values, Fries notes signs of market recovery. He adds that lowering interest rates and increasing transaction volume could create favorable tailwinds for investors going forward.
Fries also emphasizes the importance of targeting demographic-driven areas. He highlights examples such as senior living investments in areas with aging baby boomers or student housing supported by demand from Power Four schools. Ultimately, Fries believes investment performance will be driven by a combination of strategically identified demographic trends backed by improving market tailwinds.
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