Developer Graham Cos. wanted to have more time than the typical 10 years to repay a $120 million loan. Property manager Cardinal Point Management LLC wanted to work with a flexible lender who can provide low interest for a $41 million loan. And Vutec Corp. wanted a lender willing to issue $3.3 million after the electronics company filed for bankruptcy protection.

They all turned to alternative lenders rather than more heavily regulated banks.

Phillip S. Sosnow.