Finance, Film, and Philanthropy
John Devaney, a philanthropist and accomplished businessman, has built a storied career by combining entrepreneurial ambition, financial expertise, and a commitment to meaningful social impact. A native of Key Biscayne, Florida, Devaney’s early years were shaped by privilege and personal challenges, fueling a drive to excel and give back. After earning a double major in Business Finance and English from Colorado State University, he launched United Capital Markets (UCM) in 1999, capitalizing on a gap in secondary liquidity and analysis during a turbulent period in the ABS market. UCM has since become a historic leader in trading billions of dollars in RMBS, CMBS, CLOs, CDOs, and Aircraft securities, renowned for its innovative solutions in highly illiquid and complex financial markets.
Devaney’s career has been defined by his ability to identify opportunities in distressed markets, including leading UCM through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging his expertise in CMBS and structured finance to serve his clients. With over 22 years of experience as a market maker, he has established himself as an authority in measuring risk, finding opportunity, and providing liquidity.
In recent years, Devaney has expanded his focus beyond finance, founding Manor House Films to support purpose-driven filmmakers and socially impactful projects. Among his recent ventures are The Prince, a drama exploring addiction and redemption, and City of Dreams, a thriller shedding light on child trafficking. Devaney’s philanthropic efforts extend to mentoring youth and fostering kindness through his Bahamas estate, Manor House, which serves as a hub for community building and creative collaboration.
A dedicated family man, Devaney resides in Key Biscayne with his wife and three children. His vision for the future includes amplifying awareness for critical social issues by building a community of influencers, creatives, and leaders, using storytelling as a catalyst for change.
