10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015

Commission File Number: 001-32330

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Maryland (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) 02-0732285 (IRS Employer Identification No.)

399 Park Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10022

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)

(212) 547-2600

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x    No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x    No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o    No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

The Company has one class of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 188,963,820 shares outstanding as of November 6, 2015.

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Index		Page
Part I.	Financial Information	5
Item 1.	Financial Statements	5
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015 (unaudited) and December 31, 2014	5
	Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014	7
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014	8
	Consolidated Statements of Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (unaudited) and the year ended December 31, 2014	9
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014	10
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	12
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	66
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	103
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	105
Part II.	Other Information	105
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	105
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	106
Item 6.	Exhibits	107
Signatures		111

2

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “intend,” “expect,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “could,” “project,” “predict,” “continue,” “future” or other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and are based on certain assumptions, discuss future expectations, describe plans and strategies, contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition or state other forward-looking information. Such statements include, but are not limited to, those relating to the operating performance of our investments, our liquidity and financing needs, the effects of our current strategies and investment activities, our ability to grow following the spin-off of our asset management business and the entry into a long-term management contract with an affiliate of NorthStar Asset Management Group Inc., or NSAM, the spin-off of our European real estate business (excluding our European healthcare properties), NorthStar Realty Europe Corp., or NorthStar Europe, and our ability to raise and effectively deploy capital. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of plans or strategies is inherently uncertain, particularly given the economic environment. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, our actual results and performance could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements and you should not unduly rely on these statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from those forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to:

• the merger of Griffin-American Healthcare REIT II, Inc. with and into us and acquisition of its healthcare real estate portfolio may not have the full strategic and financial benefits that we expect;

• adverse domestic or international economic conditions and the impact of the commercial real estate industry;

• access to debt and equity capital and our liquidity;

• the impact of changes to our cost of capital, including on our ability to make accretive investments;

• our use of leverage and our ability to comply with the terms of our borrowing arrangements;

• our ability to obtain mortgage financing on our real estate portfolio on favorable terms or at all;

• the effect of economic conditions on the valuation of our investments;

• our ability to acquire attractive investment opportunities and the impact of competition for attractive investment opportunities;

• the spin-off of our asset management business may not have the full strategic and financial benefits that we expect;

• our performance pursuant to a long-term management contract with an affiliate of NSAM, as our manager, and the effects of becoming an externally-managed company, including our reliance on NSAM and its affiliates and sub-advisors/co-venturers in providing management services to us, the payment of substantial base management and incentive fees to our manager, the allocation of investments by NSAM among us and the manager’s other sponsored or managed companies and strategic vehicles and various conflicts of interest in our relationship with NSAM;

• the impact of adverse conditions effecting a specific asset class in which we have investments, such as healthcare, hotel, manufactured housing, multi-tenant office and limited partnership interests in real estate private equity funds;

• the spin-off of NorthStar Europe may not have the full or any strategic and financial benefits that we expect or such benefits may be delayed or may not materialize at all;

• performance of our investments relative to our expectations and the impact on our actual return on invested equity, as well as the cash provided by these investments and available for distribution;

• the impact of economic conditions on the tenants/operators/residents/guests of the real property that we own as well as on the borrowers of the commercial real estate debt we originate and acquire and the commercial mortgage loans underlying the commercial mortgage-backed securities in which we invest;

• tenant/operator or borrower defaults or bankruptcy;

• illiquidity of properties in our portfolio;

• our ability to grow and profit from our commercial real estate origination activities;

• whether we determine to spin-off additional assets and businesses in the future, our ability to complete such transactions and the impact of such transactions on our business and financial condition;

3

• our ability to realize the value of the bonds and equity we purchased and/or retained in our collateralized debt obligations, or CDO, financing transactions and other securitization financing transactions and our ability to complete securitization financing transactions on terms that are acceptable to us, if at all;

• our ability to meet various coverage tests with respect to our CDO financing transactions;

• our ability to realize current and expected return over the life of our investments;

• any failure in our due diligence to identify all relevant facts in our underwriting process or otherwise;

• the impact of credit rating downgrades;

• our ability to manage our costs in line with our expectations and the impact on our cash available for distribution;

• environmental and regulatory requirements, compliance costs and liabilities relating to owning and operating properties in our portfolio and to our business in general;

• effect of regulatory actions, litigation and contractual claims against us and our affiliates, including the potential settlement and litigation of such claims;

• the possibility that the net asset value of interests in certain real estate private equity funds we acquired do not necessarily reflect the fair value of such fund interests or that the actual amount of our future capital commitments underlying such fund interests varies materially from our expectations;

• our ability to comply with, as well as the impact of changes in, domestic and international laws or regulations governing various aspects of our business;

• the unknown impact of the potential default and/or exit of one or more countries within the European Union;

• the loss of our exemption from the definition of an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

• competition for qualified personnel, our ability to hire and retain key personnel and potential changes to personnel providing management services to us;

• the effectiveness of our portfolio management techniques and strategies;

• the impact of damage to our brand and reputation resulting from internal or external causes;

• failure to maintain effective internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures; and

• compliance with the rules governing real estate investment trusts.

The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. All forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based on information available to us on the date hereof and we are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report to conform these statements to actual results.

Factors that could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future prospects are set forth in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, included in Part I, Item 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 under the heading “Risk Factors.” The risk factors set forth in our filings with the SEC could cause our actual results to differ significantly from those contained in any forward-looking statement contained in this report.

4

PART I. Financial Information

Item 1.    Financial Statements

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in Thousands)

	September 30, 2015 (Unaudited)			December 31, 2014
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	386,034		$	296,964
Restricted cash	347,616			395,056
Operating real estate, net	13,078,423			10,301,292
Real estate debt investments, net (refer to Note 4)	965,719			1,067,667
Investments in private equity funds, at fair value (refer to Note 5)	1,194,946			962,038
Investments in unconsolidated ventures (refer to Note 6)	154,936			207,777
Real estate securities, available for sale (refer to Note 7)	754,911			878,514
Receivables, net of allowance of $3,569 and $2,020 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	81,072			111,358
Receivables, related parties	1,801			3,158
Unbilled rent receivable, net of allowance of $116 and $4,037 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	43,176			16,404
Derivative assets, at fair value	24,054			3,247
Deferred costs and intangible assets, net	1,043,540			812,583
Assets of properties held for sale	372,715			29,012
Other assets	173,971			241,286
Total assets(1)	$	18,622,914		$	15,326,356
Liabilities
Mortgage and other notes payable	$	10,596,175		$	8,535,863
Credit facilities	785,903			732,780
Senior notes	340,000			—
CDO bonds payable, at fair value	343,553			390,068
Securitization bonds payable	—			41,823
Exchangeable senior notes	29,374			41,762
Junior subordinated notes, at fair value	184,679			215,172
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	227,444			188,330
Due to related party (refer to Note 10)	52,023			47,430
Escrow deposits payable	17,377			67,750
Derivative liabilities, at fair value	133,382			17,915
Liabilities of properties held for sale	273,360			28,962
Other liabilities	418,462			304,845
Total liabilities(2)	13,401,732			10,612,700
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $986,640 aggregate liquidation preference as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014	939,118			939,118
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 181,838,809 and 150,842,021 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively(3)	1,818			1,508
Additional paid-in capital	5,879,680			4,828,928
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(2,095,339		)	(1,422,399		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	54,746			49,540
Total NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. stockholders’ equity	4,780,023			4,396,695
Non-controlling interests	441,159			316,961
Total equity	5,221,182			4,713,656
Total liabilities and equity	$	18,622,914		$	15,326,356

Refer to accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

		September 30, 2015 (Unaudited)		December 31, 2014
(1)	Assets of consolidated VIEs included in the total assets above:
	Restricted cash	$	8,711	$	4,601
	Operating real estate, net	—		7,137
	Real estate debt investments, net	24,684		25,325
	Real estate securities, available for sale	433,861		463,050
	Receivables	1,919		2,304
	Other assets	446		242
	Total assets of consolidated VIEs	$	469,621	$	502,659
(2)	Liabilities of consolidated VIEs included in the total liabilities above:
	CDO bonds payable, at fair value	$	343,553	$	390,068
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	1,309		1,761
	Derivative liabilities, at fair value	10,389		17,707
	Other liabilities	856		1,784
	Total liabilities of consolidated VIEs	$	356,107	$	411,320

_______________________________

(3) Adjusted for the one-for-two reverse stock split completed on November 1, 2015. Refer to Note 12. “Stockholders’ Equity” for additional disclosure.

Refer to accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share and Dividends Data)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015(1)			2014(1)			2015(1)			2014(1)
Property and other revenues
Rental and escalation income	$	235,588		$	86,648		$	613,882		$	232,749
Hotel related income	219,427			79,194			594,284			101,720
Resident fee income	70,257			25,027			199,463			40,087
Other revenue	2,920			3,456			10,207			10,035
Total property and other revenues	528,192			194,325			1,417,836			384,591
Net interest income
Interest income (refer to Note 10)	60,844			80,915			185,990			235,461
Interest expense on debt and securities	1,735			2,979			5,691			9,368
Net interest income on debt and securities	59,109			77,936			180,299			226,093
Expenses
Management fee, related party (refer to Note 10)	51,285			39,363			151,260			39,363
Other interest expense	141,232			59,923			381,225			143,836
Real estate properties—operating expenses	263,529			93,124			698,890			165,858
Other expenses	6,706			2,457			17,043			4,282
Transaction costs	5,583			44,410			134,029			84,170
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses, net	53			—			820			2,719
General and administrative expenses
Salaries and related expense	1,861			3,160			7,554			23,880
Equity-based compensation expense(2)	6,178			8,478			24,713			20,262
Other general and administrative expenses	4,984			2,821			13,742			10,923
Total general and administrative expenses	13,023			14,459			46,009			55,065
Depreciation and amortization	137,674			51,775			375,208			112,496
Total expenses	619,085			305,511			1,804,484			607,789
Other income (loss)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	(141,243		)	(15,377		)	(189,417		)	(214,322		)
Realized gain (loss) on investments and other	1,492			(15,938		)	14,607			(61,770		)
Gain (loss) from deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs (refer to Note 17)	—			—			—			(31,423		)
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures and income tax benefit (expense)	(171,535		)	(64,565		)	(381,159		)	(304,620		)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	60,359			41,694			171,738			109,630
Income tax benefit (expense)	2,659			(3,460		)	2,285			(8,224		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(108,517		)	(26,331		)	(207,136		)	(203,214		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (refer to Note 9)(2)(3)	(11		)	(278		)	(11		)	(6,989		)
Net income (loss)	(108,528		)	(26,609		)	(207,147		)	(210,203		)
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests	3,477			1,144			15,110			7,392
Preferred stock dividends	(21,060		)	(21,060		)	(63,178		)	(52,241		)
Net income (loss) attributable to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. common stockholders	$	(126,111	)	$	(46,525	)	$	(255,215	)	$	(255,052	)
Earnings (loss) per share:(4)
Income (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	(0.69	)	$	(0.46	)	$	(1.49	)	$	(2.78	)
Income (loss) per share from discontinued operations	—			—			—			(0.08		)
Basic	$	(0.69	)	$	(0.46	)	$	(1.49	)	$	(2.86	)
Diluted	$	(0.69	)	$	(0.46	)	$	(1.49	)	$	(2.86	)
Weighted average number of shares:(4)
Basic	182,343,301			100,213,445			171,137,667			89,260,193
Diluted	184,187,524			100,213,445			172,475,489			90,634,691
Dividends per share of common stock(4)	$	0.75		$	0.80		$	2.35		$	2.80

____________________

(1) The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

(2) Refer to Note 9. “Spin-offs” for disclosure related to the NSAM Spin-off.

(3) The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes $13.7 million of equity-based compensation recorded in discontinued operations.

(4) Adjusted for the one-for-two reverse stock split completed on November 1, 2015. Refer to Note 12. “Stockholders’ Equity” for additional disclosure. The dividend per share for the third quarter 2015 represents the first dividend declared subsequent to the NRE Spin-off.

Refer to accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

7

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net income (loss)	$	(108,528	)	$	(26,609	)	$	(207,147	)	$	(210,203	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale, net	(8,037		)	18,931			(28,947		)	64,867
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net	2,094			(119		)	33,515			(119		)
Reclassification of swap (gain) loss into other interest expense (refer to Note 15)	223			228			711			685
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,720		)	19,040			5,279			65,433
Comprehensive income (loss)	(114,248		)	(7,569		)	(201,868		)	(144,770		)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests	3,935			1,144			15,037			5,696
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.	$	(110,313	)	$	(6,425	)	$	(186,831	)	$	(139,074	)

Refer to accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

8

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(Dollars and Shares in Thousands)

	Preferred Stock			Common Stock(1)					Additional Paid-in Capital(1)			Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total NorthStar Stockholders’ Equity			Non-controlling Interests
																								Total Equity
	Shares	Amount		Shares		Amount
Balance as of December 31, 2013	29,466	$	697,352	77,202		$	772		$	2,650,222		$	(685,936	)	$	(4,334	)	$	2,658,076		$	39,387		$	2,697,463
Net proceeds from offering of common stock	—	—		27,625		276			1,191,030			—			—			1,191,306			—			1,191,306
Net proceeds from offering of preferred stock	10,000	241,766		—		—			—			—			—			241,766			—			241,766
Common stock related to transactions	—	—		30,854		308			1,082,422			—			—			1,082,730			—			1,082,730
Issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of warrants	—	—		399		4			12			—			—			16			—			16
Non-controlling interests—contributions	—	—		—		—			—			—			—			—			321,455			321,455
Non-controlling interests—distributions	—	—		—		—			—			—			—			—			(13,593		)	(13,593		)
Dividend reinvestment plan	—	—		4		—			240			—			—			240			—			240
Amortization of equity-based compensation	—	—		—		—			21,053			—			—			21,053			16,322			37,375
Equity component of exchangeable senior notes	—	—		—		—			(296,382		)	—			—			(296,382		)	—			(296,382		)
Conversion of exchangeable senior notes	—	—		12,454		125			320,180			—			—			320,305			—			320,305
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—	—		—		—			—			—			53,874			53,874			758			54,632
Conversion of LTIP Units	—	—		2,304		23			18,588			—			—			18,611			(18,611		)	—
Spin-off of NSAM	—	—		—		—			(158,437		)	—			—			(158,437		)	—			(158,437		)
Dividends on common stock and equity-based awards (refer to Note 11)	—	—		—		—			—			(364,956		)	—			(364,956		)	(5,878		)	(370,834		)
Dividends on preferred stock	—	—		—		—			—			(73,300		)	—			(73,300		)	—			(73,300		)
Net income (loss)	—	—		—		—			—			(298,207		)	—			(298,207		)	(22,879		)	(321,086		)
Balance as of December 31, 2014	39,466	$	939,118	150,842		$	1,508		$	4,828,928		$	(1,422,399	)	$	49,540		$	4,396,695		$	316,961		$	4,713,656
Net proceeds from offering of common stock	—	—		30,875		309			1,086,023			—			—			1,086,332			—			1,086,332
Non-controlling interests—contributions	—	—		—		—			—			—			—			—			117,854			117,854
Non-controlling interests—distributions	—	—		—		—			—			—			—			—			(29,397		)	(29,397		)
Non-controlling interests—reallocation of interest in Operating Partnership (refer to Note 13)	—	—		—		—			(24,776		)	—			—			(24,776		)	24,776			—
Dividend reinvestment plan	—	—		4		—			135			—			—			135			—			135
Amortization of equity-based compensation	—	—		—		—			13,541			—			—			13,541			9,620			23,161
Conversion of exchangeable senior notes	—	—		829		8			13,582			—			—			13,590			—			13,590
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—	—		—		—			—			—			5,206			5,206			73			5,279
Conversion of Deferred LTIP Units to LTIP Units (refer to Note 13)	—	—		—		—			(18,730		)	—			—			(18,730		)	18,730			—
Retirement of shares of common stock	—	—		(743	)	(7		)	(18,176		)	—			—			(18,183		)	—			(18,183		)
Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax withholding	—	—		32		—			(847		)	—			—			(847		)	—			(847		)
Dividends on common stock and equity-based awards (refer to Note 11)	—	—		—		—			—			(417,725		)	—			(417,725		)	(2,348		)	(420,073		)
Dividends on preferred stock	—	—		—		—			—			(63,178		)	—			(63,178		)	—			(63,178		)
Net income (loss)	—	—		—		—			—			(192,037		)	—			(192,037		)	(15,110		)	(207,147		)
Balance as of September 30, 2015 (Unaudited)	39,466	$	939,118	181,839		$	1,818		$	5,879,680		$	(2,095,339	)	$	54,746		$	4,780,023		$	441,159		$	5,221,182

_______________________

(1) Adjusted for the one-for-two reverse stock split completed on November 1, 2015. Refer to Note 12. “Stockholders’ Equity” for additional disclosure.

Refer to accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

9

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(207,147	)	$	(210,203	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in (earnings) losses of PE Investments	(155,670		)	(99,041		)
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated ventures	(16,068		)	(10,589		)
Depreciation and amortization	375,208			112,496
Amortization of premium/accretion of discount on investments	(46,498		)	(58,402		)
Interest accretion on investments	(12,904		)	(13,110		)
Amortization of deferred financing costs	37,485			11,005
Amortization of equity-based compensation	23,161			33,256
Unrealized (gain) loss on investments and other	180,428			200,527
Realized (gain) loss on investments and other	(14,607		)	61,770
(Gain) loss on deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs	—			31,423
Impairment from discontinued operations	—			543
Distributions from PE Investments (refer to Note 5)	155,670			99,041
Distributions from unconsolidated ventures	6,456			2,201
Distributions from equity investments	20,770			11,463
Amortization of capitalized above/below market leases	9,806			(255		)
Straight line rental income, net	(26,842		)	(3,627		)
Deferred income taxes, net	(19,986		)	—
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses, net	820			2,719
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	2,156			10,090
Other	804			—
Discount received	—			3,416
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	(20,566		)	(41,488		)
Receivables	26,097			(20,914		)
Receivables, related parties	1,357			7,086
Other assets	11,337			(24,507		)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	17,377			59,554
Due to related party	4,593			40,518
Other liabilities	34,594			15,781
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	387,831			220,753
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of operating real estate	(3,227,505		)	(2,482,416		)
Improvements of operating real estate	(90,510		)	(18,317		)
Proceeds from sale of operating real estate	19,683			—
Deferred costs and intangible assets	(4,610		)	(1,840		)
Origination of or fundings for real estate debt investments	(68,799		)	(276,630		)
Acquisition of real estate debt investments	(72,950		)	—
Proceeds from sale of real estate debt investments	—			13,952
Repayment on real estate debt investments	306,331			128,690
Investment in PE Investments (refer to Note 5)	(552,395		)	(179,750		)
Distributions from PE Investments (refer to Note 5)	353,129			133,367
Investment in unconsolidated ventures	(3,702		)	(72,747		)
Distributions from unconsolidated ventures	21,341			11,737
Acquisition of real estate securities, available for sale	(23,808		)	(22,261		)
Proceeds from the sale of real estate securities, available for sale	95,664			68,537
Repayment of real estate securities, available for sale	76,243			53,577
Change in restricted cash	11,070			(117,125		)
Investment deposits and pending deal costs	(13,226		)	(89,668		)
Other assets	(15,747		)	(37,457		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(3,189,791		)	(2,888,351		)

Refer to accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

10

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings from mortgage and other notes payable	$	2,097,089		$	1,514,882
Repayment of mortgage and other notes payable	(37,757		)	(47,391		)
Repayment of CDO bonds	(52,825		)	(60,042		)
Repurchase of CDO bonds	(20,491		)	—
Repayment of securitization bonds payable	(41,831		)	(20,831		)
Borrowings from credit facilities	885,000			772,540
Repayment of credit facilities	(831,877		)	(19,990		)
Proceeds from NRE Senior Notes	340,000			—
Repayment of 2014 Senior Notes	—			(481,118		)
Payment of financing costs	(106,191		)	(38,820		)
Purchase of derivative instruments	(29,666		)	(741		)
Change in restricted cash	302			2,351
Net proceeds from common stock offering	1,086,332			787,771
Net proceeds from preferred stock offering	—			241,766
Proceeds from dividend reinvestment plan	135			205
Spin-off of NSAM (refer to Note 9)	—			(118,728		)
Dividends	(479,968		)	(327,095		)
Contributions from non-controlling interests	116,393			27,346
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(29,397		)	(9,329		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	2,895,248			2,222,776
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents	(4,218		)	(277		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	89,070			(445,099		)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period	296,964			635,990
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$	386,034		$	190,891

Refer to accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

11

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. Business and Organization

NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. is a diversified commercial real estate company (the “Company” or “NorthStar Realty”).  The Company invests in multiple asset classes across commercial real estate (“CRE”) that it expects will generate attractive risk-adjusted returns and may take the form of acquiring real estate, originating or acquiring senior or subordinate loans, as well as pursuing opportunistic CRE investments, both in the United States and internationally. The Company is a Maryland corporation and completed its initial public offering in October 2004. The Company conducts its operations so as to continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

On March 13, 2015, the Company formed NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership and the operating partnership of the Company (the “Operating Partnership”). The Company contributed substantially all of its assets to the Operating Partnership in exchange for all of the common and preferred limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership and the assumption of certain of the Company’s liabilities. The Operating Partnership holds, directly or indirectly, substantially all of the Company’s assets and the Company conducts its operations, directly or indirectly, through the Operating Partnership.

All references herein to the Company refer to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including the Operating Partnership, collectively, unless the context otherwise requires.

Spin-offs

On June 30, 2014, the Company completed the spin-off of its historical asset management business (“NSAM Spin-off”) in the form of a tax-free distribution (the “NSAM Distribution”). Effective upon the NSAM Spin-off, the Company is externally managed and advised by an affiliate of NorthStar Asset Management Group Inc. (NYSE: NSAM), which together with its affiliates is referred to as NSAM.

On October 31, 2015, the Company completed the previously announced spin-off of its European real estate business (the “NRE Spin-off”) into a separate publicly-traded REIT, NorthStar Realty Europe Corp. (“NorthStar Europe”), in the form of a taxable distribution (the “NRE Distribution”). In connection with the NRE Distribution, each of the Company’s common stockholders received shares of NorthStar Europe’s common stock on a one-for-six basis, before giving effect to a one-for-two reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock (this or any such reverse stock split herein referred to as the “Reverse Split”). The Company contributed to NorthStar Europe approximately $2.6 billion of European real estate, at cost (excluding the Company’s European healthcare properties), comprised of 52 properties spanning across some of Europe’s top markets (“European Portfolio”) and $250 million of cash. NSAM manages NorthStar Europe pursuant to a long-term management agreement, on substantially similar terms as the Company’s management agreement with NSAM. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure.

The NRE Spin-off and the NSAM Spin-off are herein collectively referred to as “Spin-offs.” Refer to Note 9. “Spin-offs” for further disclosure.

12

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Quarterly Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and note disclosures normally included in the consolidated financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included and are of a normal and recurring nature. The operating results presented for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Operating Partnership and their consolidated subsidiaries. The Company consolidates variable interest entities (“VIE”) where the Company is the primary beneficiary and voting interest entities which are generally majority owned or otherwise controlled by the Company. All significant intercompany balances are eliminated in consolidation.

Variable Interest Entities

A VIE is an entity that lacks one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A VIE is defined as an entity in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The determination of whether an entity is a VIE includes both a qualitative and quantitative analysis. The Company bases its qualitative analysis on its review of the design of the entity, its organizational structure including decision-making ability and relevant financial agreements and the quantitative analysis on the forecasted cash flow of the entity.

The Company reassesses its initial evaluation of an entity as a VIE upon the occurrence of certain reconsideration events.

A VIE must be consolidated only by its primary beneficiary, which is defined as the party who, along with its affiliates and agents has both the: (i) power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (ii) obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE or the right to receive the benefits from the VIE, which could be significant to the VIE. The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by considering qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: which activities most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and which party controls such activities; the amount and characteristics of its investment; the obligation or likelihood for the Company or other interests to provide financial support; consideration of the VIE’s purpose and design, including the risks the VIE was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders and the similarity with and significance to the business activities of the Company and the other interests. The Company reassesses its determination of whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE each reporting period. Significant judgments related to these determinations include estimates about the current and future fair value and performance of investments held by these VIEs and general market conditions.

The Company evaluates its CRE debt and securities, investments in unconsolidated ventures and securitization financing transactions, such as its collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) and its liabilities to subsidiary trusts issuing preferred securities (“junior subordinated notes”) to determine whether they are a VIE. The Company analyzes new investments and financings, as well as reconsideration events for existing investments and financings, which vary depending on type of investment or financing.

13

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Voting Interest Entities

A voting interest entity is an entity in which the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable it to finance its activities independently and the equity holders have the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact its economic performance, the obligation to absorb the losses of the entity and the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. The usual condition for a controlling financial interest in a voting interest entity is ownership of a majority voting interest. If the Company has a majority voting interest in a voting interest entity, the entity will generally be consolidated. The Company does not consolidate a voting interest entity if there are substantive participating rights by other parties and/or kick-out rights by a single party.

The Company performs on-going reassessments of whether entities previously evaluated under the voting interest framework have become VIEs, based on certain events, and therefore subject to the VIE consolidation framework.

Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures

A non-controlling, unconsolidated ownership interest in an entity may be accounted for using the equity method, at fair value or the cost method.

Under the equity method, the investment is adjusted each period for capital contributions and distributions and its share of the entity’s net income (loss). Capital contributions, distributions and net income (loss) of such entities are recorded in accordance with the terms of the governing documents. An allocation of net income (loss) may differ from the stated ownership percentage interest in such entity as a result of a preferred return and allocation formula, if any, as described in such governing documents.

The Company may account for an investment in an unconsolidated entity at fair value by electing the fair value option. The Company elected the fair value option for its investments (directly or indirectly in joint ventures) that own limited partnership interests in real estate private equity funds (“PE Investments”) and certain investments in unconsolidated ventures (refer to Note 6). The Company records the change in fair value for its share of the projected future cash flow of such investments from one period to another in equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated ventures in the consolidated statements of operations. Any change in fair value attributed to market related assumptions is considered unrealized gain (loss).

The Company may account for an investment that does not qualify for equity method accounting or for which the fair value option was not elected using the cost method if the Company determines the investment in the unconsolidated entity is insignificant. Under the cost method, equity in earnings is recorded as dividends are received to the extent they are not considered a return of capital, which is recorded as a reduction of cost of the investment.

Non-controlling Interests

A non-controlling interest in a consolidated subsidiary is defined as the portion of the equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Company. A non-controlling interest is required to be presented as a separate component of equity on the consolidated balance sheets and presented separately as net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) attributable to controlling and non-controlling interests. An allocation to a non-controlling interest may differ from the stated ownership percentage interest in such entity as a result of a preferred return and allocation formula, if any, as described in such governing documents.

Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that could affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates and assumptions.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified in the consolidated financial statements to conform to current period presentation.

14

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company reports consolidated comprehensive income (loss) in separate statements following the consolidated statements of operations. Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity resulting from net income (loss) and OCI. The components of OCI principally include: (i) unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities available for sale for which the fair value option is not elected; (ii) the reclassification of unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities available for sale for which the fair value option was not elected to realized gain (loss) upon sale or realized event; (iii) the reclassification of unrealized gain (loss) to interest expense on derivative instruments that are or were deemed to be effective hedges; (iv) foreign currency translation adjustment; and (v) reclassification of foreign currency translation into realized gain (loss) on investments and other upon realized event.

15

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

The following tables present the components of accumulated OCI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015	Cumulative Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities			Interest Rate Swap Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Earnings			Foreign Currency Translation			Total
Balance as of June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)	$	35,185		$	(1,208	)	$	26,031		$	60,008
Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale	(7,520		)	—			—			(7,520		)
Reclassification of unrealized (gain) loss on real estate securities, available for sale into realized gain (loss) on investments and other	(517		)	—			—			(517		)
Reclassification of swap (gain) loss into other interest expense (refer to Note 15)	—			223			—			223
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			—			2,094			2,094
Non-controlling interests	80			(2		)	380			458
Balance as of September 30, 2015 (Unaudited)	$	27,228		$	(987	)	$	28,505		$	54,746
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	56,072		$	(1,694	)	$	(4,838	)	$	49,540
Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale	(14,820		)	—			—			(14,820		)
Reclassification of unrealized (gain) loss on real estate securities, available for sale into realized gain (loss) on investments and other	(14,127		)	—			—			(14,127		)
Reclassification of swap (gain) loss into other interest expense (refer to Note 15)	—			711			—			711
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			—			32,818			32,818
Reclassification of foreign currency translation into realized gain (loss) on investments and other	—			—			697			697
Non-controlling interests	103			(4		)	(172		)	(73		)
Balance as of September 30, 2015 (Unaudited)	$	27,228		$	(987	)	$	28,505		$	54,746

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014	Cumulative Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities			Interest Rate Swap Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Earnings			Foreign Currency Translation			Total
Balance as of June 30, 2014 (Unaudited)	$	43,136		$	(2,151	)	$	—		$	40,985
Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale	15,887			—			—			15,887
Reclassification of unrealized (gain) loss on real estate securities, available for sale into realized gain (loss) on investments and other	3,044			—			—			3,044
Reclassification of swap (gain) loss into other interest expense (refer to Note 15)	—			228			—			228
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			—			(119		)	(119		)
Balance as of September 30, 2014 (Unaudited)	$	62,067		$	(1,923	)	$	(119	)	$	60,025
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(1,736	)	$	(2,598	)	$	—		$	(4,334	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale	62,790			—			—			62,790
Reclassification of unrealized (gain) loss on real estate securities, available for sale into realized gain (loss) on investments and other	2,077			—			—			2,077
Reclassification of swap (gain) loss into other interest expense (refer to Note 15)	—			685			—			685
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			—			(119		)	(119		)
Non-controlling interests	(1,064		)	(10		)	—			(1,074		)
Balance as of September 30, 2014 (Unaudited)	$	62,067		$	(1,923	)	$	(119	)	$	60,025

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash primarily consists of amounts related to operating real estate and CRE debt investments. The following table presents a summary of restricted cash as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

16

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(Unaudited)
Capital expenditures reserves	$	186,130	$	211,010
Operating real estate escrow reserves(1)	139,647		123,017
CRE debt escrow deposits	13,148		56,342
Cash in CDOs(2)	8,691		4,687
Total	$	347,616	$	395,056

__________________________________________________

(1) Primarily represents insurance, real estate tax, repair and maintenance, tenant security deposits and other escrows related to operating real estate.

(2) Represents proceeds from repayments and/or sales pending distribution.

Fair Value Option

The fair value option provides an election that allows a company to irrevocably elect fair value for certain financial assets and liabilities on an instrument-by-instrument basis at initial recognition. The Company may elect to apply the fair value option for certain investments due to the nature of the instrument. Any change in fair value for assets and liabilities for which the election is made is recognized in earnings.

Operating Real Estate

Operating real estate is carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Major replacements and betterments which improve or extend the life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their useful life. Operating real estate is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

The Company follows the purchase method for an acquisition of operating real estate, where the purchase price is allocated to tangible assets such as land, building, tenant and land improvements and other identified intangibles, such as goodwill.  Costs directly related to an acquisition deemed to be a business combination are expensed and included in transaction costs in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company evaluates whether real estate acquired in connection with a foreclosure, UCC/deed in lieu of foreclosure or a consentual modification of a loan (herein collectively referred to as taking title to collateral) (“REO”) constitutes a business and whether business combination accounting is appropriate. Any excess upon taking title to collateral between the carrying value of a loan over the estimated fair value of the property is charged to provision for loan losses.

Operating real estate, including REO, which has met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, is separately presented on the consolidated balance sheets. Such operating real estate is recorded at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value less the cost to sell. Once a property is determined to be held for sale, depreciation is no longer recorded.

Real Estate Debt Investments

CRE debt investments are generally intended to be held to maturity and, accordingly, are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan fees, premium, discount and unfunded commitments. CRE debt investments that are deemed to be impaired are carried at amortized cost less a loan loss reserve, if deemed appropriate, which approximates fair value. CRE debt investments where the Company does not have the intent to hold the loan for the foreseeable future or until its expected payoff are classified as held for sale and recorded at the lower of cost or estimated value.

Real Estate Securities

The Company classifies its CRE securities investments as available for sale on the acquisition date, which are carried at fair value. The Company historically elected to apply the fair value option for its CRE securities investments. For those CRE securities for which the fair value option was elected, any unrealized gains (losses) from the change in fair value is recorded in unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company may decide to not elect the fair value option for certain CRE securities due to the nature of the particular instrument. For those CRE securities for which the fair value option was not elected, any unrealized gain (loss) from the change in fair value is recorded as a component of accumulated OCI in the consolidated statements of equity, to the extent impairment losses are considered temporary.

17

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Deferred Costs and Intangible Assets

Deferred Costs

Deferred costs primarily include deferred financing costs and deferred lease costs. Deferred financing costs represent commitment fees, legal and other third-party costs associated with obtaining financing. These costs are amortized to interest expense over the term of the financing using either the effective interest method or straight-line method depending on the type of financing. Unamortized deferred financing costs are expensed when the associated borrowing is repaid before maturity. Costs incurred in seeking financing transactions, which do not close, are expensed in the period such financing transaction was terminated. Deferred lease costs consist of fees incurred to initiate and renew operating leases, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term and is recorded to depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of operations.

Identified Intangibles

The Company records acquired identified intangibles, which includes intangible assets (such as value of the above-market leases, in-place leases, goodwill and other intangibles) and intangible liabilities (such as the value of below-market leases), based on estimated fair value. The value allocated to the above or below-market leases is amortized over the remaining lease term as a net adjustment to rental income. Other intangible assets are amortized into depreciation and amortization expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination and is not amortized. The Company performs an annual impairment test for goodwill and evaluates the recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be fully recoverable. In making such assessment, qualitative factors are used to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then an impairment charge is recorded.

Identified intangible assets are recorded in deferred costs and intangible assets and identified intangible liabilities are recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

The following table presents a summary of deferred costs and intangible assets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(Unaudited)
Intangible assets:
In-place lease value, net	$	379,504	$	268,587
Above-market lease value, net	288,239		263,792
Goodwill	104,123		75,806
Other intangible assets, net	112,091		51,260
Subtotal intangible assets	883,957		659,445
Deferred financing costs, net	154,851		150,926
Other deferred costs, net	4,732		2,212
Total	$	1,043,540	$	812,583

18

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Other Assets and Other Liabilities

The following table presents a summary of other assets and other liabilities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(Unaudited)
Other assets:
Notes receivable, net	$	56,056	$	48,932
Investment-related reserves	41,219		23,086
Deferred tax assets	27,310		7,730
Prepaid expenses	25,472		27,595
Investment deposits and pending deal costs	13,741		62,867
Due from servicer	1,145		64,583
Other	9,028		6,493
Total	$	173,971	$	241,286
	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(Unaudited)
Other liabilities:
Intangible liabilities, net	$	186,750	$	176,528
PE Investments deferred purchase price (refer to Note 5)	84,061		39,759
Deferred tax liabilities	65,530		38,303
Prepaid rent and unearned revenue	35,576		17,668
Tenant security deposits	34,670		27,854
Other	11,875		4,733
Total	$	418,462	$	304,845

Revenue Recognition

Operating Real Estate

Rental and escalation income from operating real estate is derived from leasing of space to various types of tenants and healthcare operators. The leases are for fixed terms of varying length and generally provide for annual rentals and expense reimbursements to be paid in monthly installments. Rental income from leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective leases. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases are included in unbilled rent receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. Escalation income represents revenue from tenant/operator leases which provide for the recovery of all or a portion of the operating expenses and real estate taxes paid by the Company on behalf of the respective property. This revenue is accrued in the same period as the expenses are incurred.

The Company generates operating income from healthcare and hotel properties permitted by the REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 (“RIDEA”). Revenue related to healthcare properties includes resident room and care charges and other resident charges. Revenue related to operating hotel properties primarily consists of room and food and beverage sales. Revenue is recognized when such services are provided, generally defined as the date upon which a resident or guest occupies a room or uses the healthcare property or hotel services and is recorded in resident fee income for healthcare properties and hotel related income for hotel properties in the consolidated statements of operations.

Real Estate Debt Investments

Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis and any related premium, discount, origination costs and fees are amortized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. The amortization is reflected as an adjustment to interest income in the consolidated statements of operations. The amortization of a premium or accretion of a discount is discontinued if such loan is reclassified to held for sale.

Real Estate Securities

Interest income is recognized using the effective interest method with any premium or discount amortized or accreted through earnings based on expected cash flow through the expected maturity date of the security. Changes to expected cash flow may result in a change to the yield which is then applied retrospectively for high-credit quality securities that cannot be prepaid or otherwise settled in such a way that the holder would not recover substantially all of the investment or prospectively for all other securities to recognize interest income.

19

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Credit Losses and Impairment on Investments

Operating Real Estate

The Company’s real estate portfolio is reviewed on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as necessary, to assess whether there are any indicators that the value of its operating real estate may be impaired or that its carrying value may not be recoverable. A property’s value is considered impaired if the Company’s estimate of the aggregate expected future undiscounted cash flow to be generated by the property is less than the carrying value of the property. In conducting this review, the Company considers global macroeconomic factors and real estate sector conditions together with investment specific and other factors. To the extent an impairment has occurred, the loss is measured as the excess of the carrying value of the property over the estimated fair value of the property and recorded in impairment on operating real estate in the consolidated statements of operations.

An allowance for a doubtful account for a tenant/operator receivable is established based on a periodic review of aged receivables resulting from estimated losses due to the inability of tenant/operator to make required rent and other payments contractually due. Additionally, the Company establishes, on a current basis, an allowance for future tenant/operator/resident/guest credit losses on unbilled rent receivable based on an evaluation of the collectability of such amounts.

Real Estate Debt Investments

Loans are considered impaired when based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect principal and interest amounts due according to the contractual terms. The Company assesses the credit quality of the portfolio and adequacy of loan loss reserves on a quarterly basis or more frequently as necessary. Significant judgment of the Company is required in this analysis. The Company considers the estimated net recoverable value of the loan as well as other factors, including but not limited to the fair value of any collateral, the amount and the status of any senior debt, the quality and financial condition of the borrower and the competitive situation of the area where the underlying collateral is located. Because this determination is based on projections of future economic events, which are inherently subjective, the amount ultimately realized may differ materially from the carrying value as of the balance sheet date. If upon completion of the assessment, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral is less than the net carrying value of the loan, a loan loss reserve is recorded with a corresponding charge to provision for loan losses. The loan loss reserve for each loan is maintained at a level that is determined to be adequate by management to absorb probable losses.

Income recognition is suspended for a loan at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90-days past due or when, in the opinion of the Company, a full recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired loan is in doubt, all payments are applied to principal under the cost recovery method. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired loan is not in doubt, contractual interest is recorded as interest income when received, under the cash basis method until an accrual is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. A loan is written off when it is no longer realizable and/or legally discharged.

Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures

The Company reviews its investments in unconsolidated ventures for which the Company did not elect the fair value option on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as necessary, to assess whether there are any indicators that the value may be impaired or that its carrying value may not be recoverable. An investment is considered impaired if the projected net recoverable amount over the expected holding period is less than the carrying value. In conducting this review, the Company considers U.S. macroeconomic factors, including real estate sector conditions, together with asset specific and other factors. To the extent an impairment has occurred and is considered to be other than temporary, the loss is measured as the excess of the carrying value of the investment over the estimated fair value and recorded in provision for loss on equity investment in the consolidated statements of operations.

Real Estate Securities

CRE securities for which the fair value option is elected are not evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) as any change in fair value is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Realized losses on such securities are reclassified to realized gain (loss) on investments and other as losses occur.

CRE securities for which the fair value option is not elected are evaluated for OTTI quarterly. Impairment of a security is considered to be other-than-temporary when: (i) the holder has the intent to sell the impaired security; (ii) it is more likely than not the holder will be required to sell the security; or (iii) the holder does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost of the security. When a CRE security has been deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to (i) or (ii), the security is written down to its fair value and an OTTI is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. In the case of (iii), the security is written down to its fair value and the amount of OTTI is then bifurcated into: (a) the amount related to expected credit losses; and (b) the amount

20

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

related to fair value adjustments in excess of expected credit losses. The portion of OTTI related to expected credit losses is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. The remaining OTTI related to the valuation adjustment is recognized as a component of accumulated OCI in the consolidated statements of equity. The portion of OTTI recognized through earnings is accreted back to the amortized cost basis of the security through interest income, while amounts recognized through OCI are amortized over the life of the security with no impact on earnings. CRE securities which are not high-credit quality are considered to have an OTTI if the security has an unrealized loss and there has been an adverse change in expected cash flow. The amount of OTTI is then bifurcated as discussed above.

Troubled Debt Restructuring

CRE debt investments modified in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) are modifications granting a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties where a lender agrees to terms that are more favorable to the borrower than is otherwise available in the current market. Management judgment is necessary to determine whether a loan modification is considered a TDR. Troubled debt that is fully satisfied via taking title to collateral, repossession or other transfers of assets is generally included in the definition of TDR. Loans acquired as a pool with deteriorated credit quality that have been modified are not considered a TDR.

Equity-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for equity-based compensation awards, including awards granted to co-employees, using the fair value method, which requires an estimate of fair value of the award. Awards may be based on a variety of measures such as time, performance, market or a combination thereof. For time-based awards, fair value is determined based on the stock price on the grant date. The Company recognizes compensation expense over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. For performance-based awards, fair value is determined based on the stock price at the date of grant and an estimate of the probable achievement of such measure. The Company recognizes compensation expense over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures, using the accelerated attribution expense method. For market-based measures, fair value is determined using a Monte Carlo analysis under a risk-neutral premise using a risk-free interest rate. The Company recognizes compensation expense, over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis. For awards with a combination of performance or market measures, the Company estimates the fair value as if it were two separate awards. First, the Company estimates the probability of achieving the performance measure. If it is not probable the performance condition will be met, the Company records the compensation expense based on the fair value of the market measure, as described above. This expense is recorded even if the market-based measure is never met. If the performance-based measure is subsequently estimated to be achieved, the Company records compensation expense based on the performance-based measure. The Company would then record a cumulative catch-up adjustment for any additional compensation expense.

Equity-based compensation issued to non-employees is accounted for using the fair value of the award at the earlier of the performance commitment date or performance completion date. The awards are remeasured every quarter based on the stock price as of the end of the reporting period until such awards vest, if any.

Foreign Currency

Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency for which the functional currency is a foreign currency are translated using the currency exchange rate in effect at the end of the period presented and the results of operations for such entities are translated into U.S. dollars using the average currency exchange rate in effect during the period. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated OCI in the consolidated statements of equity.

Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency for which the functional currency is the U.S. dollar are remeasured using the currency exchange rate in effect at the end of the period presented and the results of operations for such entities are remeasured into U.S. dollars using the average currency exchange rate in effect during the period. The resulting foreign currency remeasurement adjustment is recorded in unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other in the consolidated statements of operations.

Earnings Per Share

The Company’s basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common stock outstanding. Diluted EPS includes restricted stock and the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding restricted stock units (“RSUs”) or other contracts to issue common stock, assuming performance hurdles have been met, were converted to common stock (including limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership which are structured as profits interests (“LTIP Units”)) (refer to Note 11), where such exercise or conversion would result in a lower EPS. The dilutive effect of such RSUs and LTIP Units is calculated assuming all units are converted to common stock.

21

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Income Taxes

The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT and to comply with the related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the (“Code”). Accordingly, the Company generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent of its distributions to stockholders and as long as certain asset, income and share ownership tests are met. To maintain its qualification as a REIT, the Company must annually distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders and meet certain other requirements. The Company may also be subject to certain state, local and franchise taxes. Under certain circumstances, federal income and excise taxes may be due on its undistributed taxable income. If the Company were to fail to meet these requirements, it would be subject to U.S. federal income tax, which could have a material adverse impact on its results of operations and amounts available for distributions to its stockholders. The Company believes that all of the criteria to maintain the Company’s REIT qualification have been met for the applicable periods, but there can be no assurance that these criteria will continue to be met in subsequent periods.

The Company maintains various taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”) which may be subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes and foreign taxes. In general, a TRS of the Company may perform non-customary services for tenants, hold assets that the REIT cannot hold directly and may engage in most real estate or non-real estate-related business. The Company has established several TRSs in jurisdictions for which no taxes are assessed on corporate earnings. However, the Company generally must include in earnings the income from these TRSs even if it has received no cash distributions. Additionally, the Company has invested in certain real estate assets in Europe, for which local country level taxes will be due on earnings (or other measure) and in some cases withholding taxes for the repatriation of earnings back to the REIT. The REIT will not generally be subject to any additional U.S. taxes on the repatriation of its earnings.

Current and deferred taxes are recorded on the portion of earnings (losses) recognized by the Company with respect to its interest in TRSs and taxable foreign subsidiaries. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are calculated based on temporary differences between the Company’s U.S. GAAP consolidated financial statements and the federal, state, local and foreign tax basis of assets and liabilities as of the consolidated balance sheet date. The Company evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets (e.g., net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards) and recognizes a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. When evaluating the realizability of its deferred tax assets, the Company considers estimates of expected future taxable income, existing and projected book/tax differences, tax planning strategies available and the general and industry specific economic outlook. This realizability analysis is inherently subjective, as it requires the Company to forecast its business and general economic environment in future periods. Changes in estimate of deferred tax asset realizability, if any, are included in provision for income tax expense included in income tax benefit (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $2.7 million and an expense of $3.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $2.3 million and an expense of $8.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Other

Refer to Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 for further disclosure of the Company’s significant accounting policies.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting update requiring a company to recognize as revenue the amount of consideration it expects to be entitled to in connection with the transfer of promised goods or services to customers.  The accounting standard update will replace most of the existing revenue recognition guidance currently promulgated by U.S. GAAP.  In July 2015, the FASB decided to delay the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year. The effective date of the new revenue standard for the Company will be January 1, 2018. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, of the update on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

In February 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance that changes the rules regarding consolidation. The pronouncement eliminates specialized guidance for limited partnerships and similar legal entities and removes the indefinite deferral for certain investment funds. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting update changing the presentation of financing costs in financial statements. Under the new guidance, an entity would present these costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related liability rather

22

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

than as an asset.  Amortization of the costs would continue to be reported as interest expense.  The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

In September 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance that eliminates the requirement that an acquirer in a business combination account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively.  Under the new guidance, an acquirer will recognize a measurement-period adjustment during the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustment. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance in the third quarter 2015 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

3. Operating Real Estate

The following table presents operating real estate, net as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015 (Unaudited)			December 31, 2014
Land	$	2,066,221		$	1,490,613
Land improvements	1,072,130			1,070,507
Buildings and improvements	9,341,898			7,035,567
Building leasehold interests and improvements	589,490			591,626
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	362,175			286,340
Tenant improvements	233,887			159,159
Construction in progress	40,772			17,054
Subtotal	13,706,573			10,650,866
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(628,150		)	(349,574		)
Operating real estate, net	$	13,078,423		$	10,301,292

Real Estate Acquisitions

The following table summarizes the Company’s acquisitions for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 (dollars in millions):

Acquisition Date	Type	Description	Name	Purchase Price(1)		Properties	Financing		Equity		Ownership Interest			Transaction Costs
NorthStar Realty
February - March 2015	Office	Multi-tenant office	Legacy Properties	$	98.1	7	$	67.3	$	28.2	95	%		$	0.6
May 2015	Healthcare	Independent living facilities	ILF Portfolio	892.6		32	648.2		148.1		60	%	(2)	8.4
June 2015	Healthcare	Medical office building	Griffin-American Portfolio(3)	15.6		1	11.5		4.1		86	%	(2)	0.1
June 2015	Hotel	Upscale extended stay and premium branded select service	NE Portfolio	175.5		9	132.3		45.2		100	%		2.1
July 2015	Hotel	Upscale extended stay and premium branded select and full service	Miami Hotel Portfolio	154.2		3	115.5		38.7		100	%		1.5
NorthStar Europe(4)
April 2015	Office	Pan-European office	SEB Portfolio(5)	1,257.3		11	713.2		596.0		95	%	(6)	77.6
April 2015	Primarily Office	Pan-European office	Internos Portfolio(5)	209.9		12	101.7		126.2		100	%	(7)	18.9
April 2015	Primarily Office	Pan-European office	IVG Portfolio(5)	212.5		15	94.5		125.6		100	%	(7)	12.6
April 2015	Primarily Office	Pan-European office	Deka Portfolio(5)	92.3		10	52.4		47.1		100	%	(7)	7.4
July 2015	Office	Frankfurt office tower	Trianon Tower(5)	654.5		3	371.0		260.2		95	%	(6)	3.7

______________________________________

(1) Includes escrows and reserves and excludes transaction costs.

(2) NorthStar Healthcare Income, Inc. (“NorthStar Healthcare”), a sponsored company of NSAM, is the non-controlling interest holder of the remaining 40% of the ILF Portfolio and 14% of the Griffin-American Portfolio.

(3) Represents an additional acquisition related to the Griffin-American Portfolio.

(4) The Company’s new European investments in 2015 (“New European Portfolio”) were contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure.

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NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(5) Translated using the currency exchange rate as of September 30, 2015.

(6) The Company is entitled to 100% of net income (loss) based on the allocation formula, as set forth in the governing documents.

(7) In October 2015, the Company entered into a joint venture arrangement with a third party for an approximate 5% ownership interest in all of the Deka Portfolio, $97 million of the Internos Portfolio and $24 million of the IVG Portfolio.

The following table presents the initial allocation of the purchase price of the assets acquired and the liabilities issued or assumed upon the closing of the following acquisitions: the New European Portfolio (excluding the U.K. Complex); Legacy Properties, the ILF Portfolio, an additional acquisition related to the Griffin-American Portfolio, NE Portfolio and Miami Hotel Portfolio (collectively referred to as “Other Portfolios”) that continue to be subject to refinement upon receipt of all information (dollars in thousands):

	New European Portfolio(4)		Other Portfolios
Assets:
Land and improvements	$	483,671	$	169,764
Buildings, leasehold interests and improvements	1,642,741		1,036,584
Acquired intangibles (1)	247,478		54,167
Other assets acquired	52,606		75,630
Total assets acquired	$	2,426,496	$	1,336,145
Liabilities:
Mortgage and other notes payable	$	1,332,866	$	974,715
Other liabilities assumed (2)	57,076		9,458
Total liabilities	1,389,942		984,173
Total NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. stockholders’ equity(3)	1,034,957		251,761
Non-controlling interests	1,597		100,211
Total equity	1,036,554		351,972
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,426,496	$	1,336,145

______________________________________

(1) Acquired intangibles include in-place leases, above-market leases and goodwill.

(2) Other liabilities assumed include below-market lease intangibles and deferred tax liabilities.

(3) Stockholders’ equity excludes transaction costs incurred in connection with the acquisitions.

(4) The New European Portfolio was contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure.

For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, the Company recorded aggregate revenue of $146.1 million and a net loss $137.8 million related to these acquisitions. Net loss is primarily related to transaction costs, depreciation and amortization.

The following table presents the final allocation of the purchase price of the assets acquired and liabilities issued and assumed upon the closing of the following portfolios (dollars in thousands):

	Hotel Portfolios(1)		U.K. Complex(2)
Assets:
Land and improvements	$	159,640	$	76
Buildings and improvements	635,668		55,449
Acquired intangibles	2,076		35,272
Other assets acquired	142,969		9,736
Total assets acquired	$	940,353	$	100,533
Liabilities:
Mortgage and other notes payable	$	723,682	$	78,515
Other liabilities assumed	4,625		737
Total liabilities	728,307		79,252
Total NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. stockholders’ equity	210,721		19,797
Non-controlling interests	1,325		1,484
Total equity	212,046		21,281
Total liabilities and equity	$	940,353	$	100,533

______________________________________

(1) Includes a $259.3 million hotel portfolio acquired in August 2014 (“K Partners Portfolio”) and a $681.0 million hotel portfolio acquired in September 2014 (“Courtyard Portfolio”).

(2) The U.K. Complex was contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure.

24

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

The following presents unaudited consolidated pro forma results of operations based on the Company’s historical financial statements and adjusted for the following acquisitions: the New European Portfolio and the Other Portfolios and related borrowings as if they occurred on January 1, 2014. The unaudited pro forma amounts were prepared for comparable purposes only and are not indicative of what actual consolidated results of operations of the Company would have been, nor are they indicative of the consolidated results of operations in the future and exclude transaction costs (dollars in thousands, except per share data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Pro forma total revenues	$	593,640		$	367,023		$	1,745,893		$	895,402
Pro forma net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	(125,775	)	$	(47,471	)	$	(252,982	)	$	(265,002	)
Pro forma EPS - basic	$	(0.69	)	$	(0.47	)	$	(1.48	)	$	(2.97	)
Pro forma EPS - diluted	$	(0.69	)	$	(0.47	)	$	(1.48	)	$	(2.97	)

25

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

4. Real Estate Debt Investments

The following table presents CRE debt investments as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

								Weighted Average(7)						Floating Rate as % of Principal Amount(6)
	Number	Principal Amount		Carrying Value		Allocation by Investment Type(6)		Fixed Rate		Spread Over LIBOR(8)		Yield(9)
Asset Type:
First mortgage loans(1)(2)	15	$	392,186	$	365,052	39.0	%	10.54	%	6.32	%	6.75	%	64.1	%
Mezzanine loans	9	101,873		98,151		10.1	%	13.85	%	11.72	%	12.26	%	27.5	%
Subordinate interests	5	170,600		170,040		16.9	%	13.11	%	10.93	%	12.48	%	27.5	%
Corporate loans(3)	8	301,596		307,792		30.0	%	12.44	%	—		12.19	%	—
Subtotal/Weighted average(4)(5)	37	966,255		941,035		96.0	%	12.33	%	7.44	%	10.14	%	33.7	%
CRE debt in N-Star CDOs
First mortgage loans	2	26,957		11,360		2.7	%	—		1.27	%	3.09	%	100.0	%
Mezzanine loans	1	11,000		10,966		1.1	%	8.00	%	—		8.02	%	—
Corporate loans	6	2,358		2,358		0.2	%	6.74	%	—		6.74	%	—
Subtotal/Weighted average	9	40,315		24,684		4.0	%	7.78	%	1.27	%	5.63	%	66.9	%
Total	46	$	1,006,570	$	965,719	100.0	%	12.23	%	6.96	%	10.03	%	35.1	%

____________________________________________________________

(1) Includes a Sterling denominated loan of £66.7 million, of which £30.9 million is outstanding as of September 30, 2015. This loan has various maturity dates depending upon the timing of advances; however, will be no later than March 2022.

(2) Includes three loans that pursuant to certain terms and conditions which may or may not be satisfied, where the Company has an option to purchase the properties securing these loans.

(3) In October 2015, RXR Realty repaid the preferred equity investment of $80.0 million, which was recorded at fair value, and two loans of $136.6 million principal amount.

(4) Certain CRE debt investments serve as collateral for financing transactions including carrying value of $114.0 million for credit facilities. The remainder is unleveraged. Assuming that all loans that have future fundings meet the terms to qualify for such funding, the Company’s cash requirement on future fundings would be $9.3 million.

(5) In September 2015, the Company purchased four CRE debt investments for $72.9 million from N-Star CDO IV, at fair value. Refer to Note 7 for further disclosure.

(6) Based on principal amount.

(7) Excludes two CRE debt investments with an aggregate principal amount of $9.2 million that were originated prior to 2008.

(8) $211.4 million principal amount (excluding CRE debt in N-Star CDOs) has a weighted average LIBOR floor of 0.58%. Includes one first mortgage loan with a principal amount of $5.8 million with a spread over the prime rate.

(9) Based on initial maturity and for floating-rate debt, calculated using one-month LIBOR as of September 30, 2015 and for CRE debt with a LIBOR floor, using such floor.

The following table presents CRE debt investments as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

								Weighted Average(8)						Floating Rate  as % of Principal Amount(7)
	Number	Principal Amount		Carrying Value		Allocation by Investment Type(7)		Fixed Rate		Spread Over LIBOR(9)		Yield(10)
Asset Type:
First mortgage loans(1)(2)(6)	13	$	434,671	$	313,590	36.6	%	9.51	%	6.66	%	9.34	%	57.2	%
Mezzanine loans	8	149,816		146,088		12.6	%	13.79	%	13.83	%	14.05	%	53.3	%
Subordinate interests	8	201,564		200,237		17.0	%	13.11	%	12.33	%	13.01	%	40.7	%
Corporate loans(3)(4)	8	360,343		382,427		30.3	%	12.37	%	—		12.99	%	—
Subtotal/Weighted average(5)	37	1,146,394		1,042,342		96.5	%	11.89	%	9.15	%	12.00	%	35.6	%
CRE debt in N-Star CDOs
First mortgage loans	2	26,957		11,360		2.3	%	—		1.27	%	3.08	%	100.0	%
Mezzanine loans	1	11,000		11,000		0.9	%	8.00	%	—		8.00	%	—
Corporate loans	6	2,965		2,965		0.3	%	6.74	%	—		6.74	%	—
Subtotal/Weighted average	9	40,922		25,325		3.5	%	7.73	%	1.27	%	5.64	%	65.9	%
Total	46	$	1,187,316	$	1,067,667	100.0	%	11.82	%	8.65	%	11.85	%	36.7	%

____________________________________________________________

(1) Includes a Sterling denominated loan of £66.7 million, of which £16.1 million is outstanding as of December 31, 2014. This loan has various maturity dates depending upon the timing of advances; however, will be no later than March 2022.

(2) Includes three loans that pursuant to certain terms and conditions which may or may not be satisfied, where the Company has an option to purchase the properties securing these loans.

26

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(3) Includes $112.0 million of preferred equity investments for which the Company elected the fair value option.

(4) Includes four revolving loans of $156.4 million, of which $60.7 million is outstanding as of December 31, 2014.

(5) Certain CRE debt investments serve as collateral for financing transactions including carrying value of $35.8 million for Securitization 2012-1 and $140.6 million for credit facilities. The remainder is unleveraged.

(6) There are no loans on non-accrual status except for one first mortgage loan acquired with deteriorated credit quality with a carrying value of $5.7 million as of December 31, 2014. Certain loans have an accrual of interest at a specified rate that may be in addition to a current rate. Such loans represent an aggregate $3.2 million carrying value where the Company does not recognize interest income on the accrual rate but does recognize interest income based on the current rate.

(7) Based on principal amount.

(8) Excludes three CRE debt investments with an aggregate principal amount of $10.7 million that were originated prior to 2008.

(9) $357.9 million principal amount (excluding CRE debt in N-Star CDOs) has a weighted average LIBOR floor of 0.84%. Includes one first mortgage loan with a principal amount of $6.2 million with a spread over prime rate.

(10) Based on initial maturity and for floating-rate debt, calculated using one-month LIBOR as of December 31, 2014 and for CRE debt with a LIBOR floor, using such floor.

The following table presents maturities of CRE debt investments based on principal amount as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

	Initial Maturity		Maturity Including Extensions(1)
October 1 to December 31, 2015(2)	$	367,917	$	357,959
Years ending December 31:
2016	317,152		129,282
2017	102,832		112,706
2018	2,076		184,976
2019	—		—
Thereafter	216,593		221,647
Total	$	1,006,570	$	1,006,570

____________________________________________________________

(1) Assumes that all debt with extension options will qualify for extension at such maturity according to the conditions stipulated in the governing documents.

(2) The Company had two non-performing loans (“NPLs”) with an aggregate principal amount of $42.4 million as of September 30, 2015 due to maturity defaults.

As of September 30, 2015, the weighted average maturity, including extensions, of CRE debt investments was 2.7 years.

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities as certain borrowers may have the right to prepay with or without prepayment penalty. The Company may also extend certain contractual maturities in connection with loan modifications.

The principal amount of CRE debt investments differs from the carrying value primarily due to unamortized origination fees and costs, unamortized premium and discount and loan loss reserves recorded as part of the carrying value of the investment. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had $29.9 million of net unamortized discount and $2.5 million of net unamortized origination fees and costs.

Provision for Loan Losses

The following table presents activity in loan loss reserves on CRE debt investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014		2015			2014
Beginning balance	$	5,799		$	5,599	$	5,599		$	2,880
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses, net	—		(1)	—		200		(1)	2,719
Ending balance	$	5,799		$	5,599	$	5,799		$	5,599

____________________________________________________________

(1) Excludes $0.1 million and $0.7 million of provision for loan losses relating to manufactured housing notes receivables recorded in other assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

27

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Credit Quality Monitoring

CRE debt investments are typically loans secured by direct senior priority liens on real estate properties or by interests in entities that directly own real estate properties, which serve as the primary source of cash for the payment of principal and interest. The Company evaluates its debt investments at least quarterly and differentiates the relative credit quality principally based on: (i) whether the borrower is currently paying contractual debt service in accordance with its contractual terms; and (ii) whether the Company believes the borrower will be able to perform under its contractual terms in the future, as well as the Company’s expectations as to the ultimate recovery of principal at maturity.

The Company categorizes a debt investment for which it expects to receive full payment of contractual principal and interest payments as a “loan with no loan loss reserve.” The Company categorizes a debt investment as an NPL if it is in maturity default and/or past due at least 90 days on its contractual debt service payments. The Company considers the remaining debt investments to be of weaker credit quality and categorizes such loans as “other loans with a loan loss reserve/non-accrual status.” These loans are not considered NPLs because such loans are performing in accordance with contractual terms but the loans have a loan loss reserve and/or are on non-accrual status. Even if a borrower is currently paying contractual debt service or debt service is not due in accordance with its contractual terms, the Company may still determine that the borrower may not be able to perform under its contractual terms in the future and make full payment upon maturity. The Company’s definition of an NPL may differ from that of other companies that track NPLs.

The following table presents the carrying value of CRE debt investments, by credit quality indicator, as of each applicable balance sheet date (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
Credit Quality Indicator:
Loans with no loan loss reserve:
First mortgage loans	$	332,969	$	324,251
Mezzanine loans	109,117		157,089
Subordinate interests	170,040		200,236
Corporate loans	310,150		385,391
Subtotal	922,276		1,066,967
Other loans with a loan loss reserve/non-accrual status:
First mortgage loans(1)	500		700
Mezzanine loans(2)	—		—
Subtotal	500		700
Non-performing loans	42,943		—
Total	$	965,719	$	1,067,667

____________________________________________________________

(1) Excludes two first mortgage loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality with a carrying value of $8.9 million and $5.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and manufactured housing notes receivables recorded in other assets.

(2) Includes one mezzanine loan with a 100% loan loss reserve with a principal amount of $3.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Such loan is not considered a NPL as debt service is currently being received.

Impaired Loans

The Company considers impaired loans to generally include NPLs, loans with a loan loss reserve, loans on non-accrual status (excluding loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality) and TDRs. The following table presents impaired loans as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015							December 31, 2014
	Number	Principal Amount(1)		Carrying Value(1)		Loan Loss Reserve		Number	Principal Amount(1)		Carrying Value(1)		Loan Loss Reserve
Class of Debt:
First mortgage loans	3	$	44,904	$	43,443	$	2,033	1	$	2,533	$	700	$	1,833
Mezzanine loans	1	3,766		—		3,766		1	3,766		—		3,766
Total	4	$	48,670	$	43,443	$	5,799	2	$	6,299	$	700	$	5,599

____________________________________________________________

(1) Principal amount differs from carrying value primarily due to unamortized origination fees and costs, unamortized premium or discount and loan loss reserves included in the carrying value of the investment. Excludes two first mortgage loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality with an aggregate carrying value of $8.9 million and $5.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

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NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

The following table presents average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015					September 30, 2014
	Number	Average Carrying Value		Quarter Ended Income		Number	Average Carrying Value		Quarter Ended Income
Class of Debt:
First mortgage loans	3	$	43,443	$	—	1	$	700	$	—
Mezzanine loans	1	—		—		1	—		2
Total/weighted average	4	$	43,443	$	—	2	$	700	$	2

The following table presents average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015					September 30, 2014
	Number	Average Carrying Value		Nine Months Ended Income		Number	Average Carrying Value		Nine Months Ended Income
Class of Debt:
First mortgage loans	3	$	43,443	$	2,946	1	$	1,241	$	—
Mezzanine loans	1	—		3		1	471		3
Total/weighted average	4	$	43,443	$	2,949	2	$	1,712	$	3

As of September 30, 2015, the Company had two loans past due greater than 90 days.

5.Investments in Private Equity Funds

The following is a description of investments in private equity funds that own PE Investments either through unconsolidated ventures (“PE Investment I” and “PE Investment II”) or consolidated ventures and direct investments (“PE Investment III to XIV,” collectively “Direct PE Investments”) which are recorded as investments in private equity funds at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company elected the fair value option for PE Investments. As a result, the Company records equity in earnings (losses) based on the change in fair value for its share of the projected future cash flow from one period to another. All PE Investments are considered voting interest entities, except for two fund interests in PE Investment XIII (refer to Note 17). PE Investment I and II are not consolidated by the Company due to the substantive participating rights of the partners in joint ventures that own the interests in the real estate private equity funds. The Company does not consolidate any of the underlying real estate private equity funds owned in Direct PE Investments as it does not own a majority voting interest in any such funds or is not the primary beneficiary of such funds.

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NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

The following tables summarize the Company’s PE Investments as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in millions):

PE Investment(1)	Initial Closing Date	NAV Reference Date(2)	Number of Funds		Purchase Price		Expected Future Funding(3)
PE Investment I	February 15, 2013	June 30, 2012	49		$	282.1	$	6
PE Investment II	July 3, 2013	September 30, 2012	24		353.4		2
PE Investment III (4)	December 31, 2013	June 30, 2013	8		39.8		—
PE Investment IV	May 30, 2014	December 31, 2013	1		8.0		—
PE Investment V	July 1, 2014	September 30, 2013	3		12.0		—
PE Investment VI	July 30, 2014	June 30, 2014	20		90.2		1
PE Investment VII	August 15, 2014	December 31, 2013	14		54.9		1
PE Investment IX	October 2, 2014	March 31, 2014	11		217.7		3
PE Investment X	December 4, 2014	June 30, 2014	13		152.4		—
PE Investment XI	May 1, 2015	September 30, 2014	2		6.4		—
PE Investment XII	May 5, 2015	June 30, 2014	1		6.2		—
PE Investment XIII	May 22, 2015	December 31, 2014	11		441.1		6
PE Investment XIV(5)	September 9, 2015	December 31, 2014	15		50.2		2
Total			172	(6)	$	1,714.4	$	21

____________________________________________________________

(1) On August 19, 2014, the Company, through a subsidiary, entered into a joint venture with a third party to source and invest in real estate private equity funds. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, PE Investment VIII has not made any investments.

(2) Represents the net asset value (“NAV”) date on which the Company agreed to acquire the respective PE Investment.

(3) Represents the estimated amount of expected future contributions to funds as of September 30, 2015. The actual amount of future contributions underlying the fund interests that may be called and funded by the Company could vary materially from the Company’s expectations.

(4) PE Investment III paid $39.8 million to the seller for all of the fund interests, or 50% of the June 30, 2013 NAV, and will pay the remaining $39.8 million, or 50% of the June 30, 2013 NAV, by December 31, 2015 to two third parties. Such amount is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

(5) PE Investment XIV paid $50.2 million to the seller for all of the fund interests, or 50% of the December 31, 2014 NAV, and will pay the remaining $47.8 million in equal installments one year and two years after the initial closing date, respectively. Such amount is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company expects closing the fund interests in the fourth quarter 2015 once the Company receives consent from the general partners of the underlying funds.

(6) The total number includes 27 funds held across multiple PE Investments.

	Carrying Value				Three Months Ended September 30, 2015						Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
PE Investment(1)(5)	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014		Equity in Earnings(2)		Distributions		Contributions		Equity in Earnings(2)		Distributions		Contributions
PE Investment I(3)	$	175.0	$	218.6	$	9.9	$	8.8	$	0.6	$	15.5	$	18.0	$	0.9
PE Investment II(4)	199.0		231.6		12.0		41.4		—		15.5		40.7		—
PE Investment III	43.2		51.0		0.4		3.1		—		1.4		5.4		—
PE Investment IV	8.6		7.8		0.3		0.3		—		0.4		0.9		—
PE Investment V	7.9		8.0		0.4		—		—		0.6		5.0		—
PE Investment VI	80.4		86.3		2.7		4.4		0.2		2.3		3.9		0.3
PE Investment VII	35.7		42.7		1.9		4.8		0.1		1.3		8.9		0.1
PE Investment IX	136.0		174.6		7.5		23.7		0.3		—		—		—
PE Investment X	125.9		141.4		5.3		9.6		0.1		—		—		—
PE Investment XI	4.1		—		0.3		—		—		—		—		—
PE Investment XII	2.8		—		0.1		0.2		—		—		—		—
PE Investment XIII	308.1		—		13.7		58.5		0.6		—		—		—
PE Investment XIV	68.2		—		0.6		27.5		0.3		—		—		—
Total(4)	$	1,194.9	$	962.0	$	55.1	$	182.3	$	2.2	$	37.0	$	82.8	$	1.3

____________________________________________________________

(1) On August 19, 2014, the Company, through a subsidiary, entered into a joint venture with a third party to source and invest in PE Investments. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, PE Investment VIII has not made any investments.

(2) Equity in earnings is recorded gross of a current income tax benefit of $0.3 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015.

(3) The Company recorded an unrealized loss of $9.1 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 representing a partial reversal of an unrealized gain recorded in the fourth quarter 2014.

(4) Excludes the remaining deferred purchase price of $243.3 million for PE Investment II.

(5) As of September 30, 2015, cash flow is expected through June 30, 2024, with a weighted average expected remaining life of 1.7 years.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

.

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015						Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
PE Investment	Equity in Earnings(1)		Distributions		Contributions		Equity in Earnings(1)		Distributions		Contributions
PE Investment I(2)	$	36.1	$	59.1	$	1.8	$	45.9	$	64.7	$	1.0
PE Investment II(3)	39.7		115.3		42.9		44.0		90.2		4.9
PE Investment III	1.6		9.5		0.1		4.4		15.4		0.2
PE Investment IV	0.9		0.3		—		0.5		0.9		—
PE Investment V	1.5		1.5		—		0.6		5.0		—
PE Investment VI	8.9		15.4		0.7		2.3		3.9		0.3
PE Investment VII	6.0		13.1		0.1		1.3		8.8		0.1
PE Investment IX	24.1		63.6		0.9		—		—		—
PE Investment X	16.7		32.5		0.3		—		—		—
PE Investment XI	0.4		1.3		—		—		—		—
PE Investment XII	0.3		3.8		0.1		—		—		—
PE Investment XIII	18.9		154.6		2.7		—		—		—
PE Investment XIV	0.6		27.5		0.3		—		—		—
Total	$	155.7	$	497.5	$	49.9	$	99.0	$	188.9	$	6.5

____________________________________________________________

(1) Equity in earnings is recorded gross of a current provision for income tax of $4.6 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015.

(2) The Company recorded an unrealized loss of $22.5 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 representing a partial reversal of an unrealized gain recorded in the fourth quarter 2014.

(3) Contributions for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 represents a payment of the deferred purchase price for PE Investment II.

Unconsolidated PE Investments

PE Investment I

In February 2013, the Company completed the initial closing (“PE I Initial Closing”) of PE Investment I which owns a portfolio of limited partnership interests in real estate private equity funds managed by institutional-quality sponsors. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, at the PE I Initial Closing, the full purchase price was funded, excluding future capital commitments. Accordingly, the Company funded $282.1 million and NorthStar Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. (“NorthStar Income”) (together with the Company, the “NorthStar Entities”) funded $118.0 million. The NorthStar Entities have an aggregate ownership interest in PE Investment I of 51%, of which the Company owns 70.5%. The Company assigned its rights to the remaining 29.5% to a subsidiary of NorthStar Income. Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (the “Class B Partner”) contributed its interests in 49 funds subject to the transaction in exchange for all of the Class B partnership interests in PE Investment I.

PE Investment I provides for all cash distributions on a priority basis to the NorthStar Entities as follows: (i) first, 85% to the NorthStar Entities and 15% to the Class B Partner until the NorthStar Entities receive a 1.5x multiple on all of their invested capital, including amounts funded in connection with future capital commitments; (ii) second, 15% to the NorthStar Entities and 85% to the Class B Partner until the Class B Partner receives a return of its then remaining June 30, 2012 capital; and (iii) third, 51% to the NorthStar Entities and 49% to the Class B Partner. All amounts paid to and received by the NorthStar Entities are based on each partner’s proportionate interest.

The Company guaranteed all of its funding obligations that may be due and owed under PE Investment I agreements directly to PE Investment I entities. The Company and NorthStar Income each agreed to indemnify the other proportionately for any losses that may arise in connection with the funding and other obligations as set forth in the governing documents in the case of a joint default by the Company and NorthStar Income. The Company and NorthStar Income further agreed to indemnify each other for all of the losses that may arise as a result of a default that is solely caused by the Company or NorthStar Income, as the case may be.

PE Investment II

In June 2013, the Company, NorthStar Income and funds managed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management (“Vintage Funds”) (each a “Partner”) formed joint ventures and entered into an agreement with Common Pension Fund E, a common trust fund created under New Jersey law (“PE II Seller”), to acquire a portfolio of limited partnership interests in 24 real estate private equity funds managed by institutional-quality sponsors. The aggregate reported NAV acquired was $910.0 million as of September 30, 2012. The Company, NorthStar Income and the Vintage Funds each have an ownership interest in PE Investment II of 70%, 15% and 15%, respectively. All amounts paid and received are based on each Partner’s proportionate interest.

PE Investment II paid $504.8 million to PE II Seller for all of the fund interests, or 55% of the September 30, 2012 NAV (the “Initial Amount”), and agreed to pay the remaining $411.4 million, or 45% of the September 30, 2012 NAV (the “Deferred

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NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Amount”), by the last day of the fiscal quarter after the four-year anniversary following the closing date of each fund interest. As of September 30, 2015, the Company’s share of the Deferred Amount was $243.3 million. In April 2015, PE Investment II paid $61.3 million of the Deferred Amount to PE II Seller, of which the Company’s share was $42.9 million. The Company funded $353.4 million, all of its proportionate share of the Initial Amount, at the initial closing on July 3, 2013. The Deferred Amount is a liability of PE Investment II. Each Partner, directly or indirectly, guaranteed its proportionate interest of the Deferred Amount. The Company determined there was an immaterial amount of fair value related to the guarantee.

On March 31st of each year, commencing on March 31, 2015 and for a period of two years thereafter, PE Investment II will pay, within ten business days of March 31st, an amount necessary to reduce the Deferred Amount by the greater of 15% of the then outstanding Deferred Amount or 15% of the aggregate distributions received by PE Investment II during the preceding 12 month period.

On the last day of the fiscal quarter after the four-year anniversary of the applicable closing date of each fund interest, PE Investment II will be required to pay to PE II Seller the then outstanding unpaid Deferred Amount. PE Investment II will receive 100% of all distributions following the payment of the Deferred Amount.

The Company guaranteed all of its funding obligations that may be due and owed under PE Investment II agreements directly to PE Investment II entities. The Company and NorthStar Income each agreed to indemnify the other proportionately for any losses that may arise in connection with the funding and other obligations as set forth in the governing documents in the case of a joint default by the Company and NorthStar Income. The Company and NorthStar Income further agreed to indemnify each other for all of the losses that may arise as a result of a default that was solely caused by the Company or NorthStar Income, as the case may be.

6. Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures

The following is a description of investments in unconsolidated ventures. The investments in RXR Realty LLC (“RXR Realty”), Aerium Group (“Aerium”) and SteelWave, LLC (formerly known as Legacy Partners Commercial, LLC) (“SteelWave”) are accounted for at fair value due to the election of the fair value option (refer to Note 14). The investments in the NSAM Sponsored Companies (as defined below) were accounted for under the equity method prior to the NSAM Spin-off and are accounted for under the cost method subsequent to the NSAM Spin-off. All other investments in unconsolidated ventures are accounted for under the equity method.

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments in unconsolidated ventures as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in millions):

						Equity in Earnings (Losses)
		Carrying Value				Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
Investment	Ownership Interest	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014		2015			2014			2015		2014
RXR Realty(1)	27%	$	86.3	$	90.0	$	4.3		$	2.5		$	12.0	$	5.5
Aerium(2)	15%	18.2		62.8		—			1.8			1.3		1.8
LandCap(3)	49%	9.0		10.8		0.5			0.3			1.1		0.8
SteelWave(4)	40%	6.3		5.0		0.5			—			1.3		—
CS/Federal(5)	50%	5.6		5.7		0.1			—			0.1		—
NSAM Sponsored Companies(6)	0.4% to 0.6%	14.2		11.5		—			0.2			0.2		0.2
NorthStar Realty Finance Trusts(7)	N/A	3.7		3.7		—			—			—		—
Multifamily Joint Venture(8)	90%	3.1		9.9		(0.1		)	(0.1		)	—		(0.3		)
Other	Various	8.5		8.4		—			—			—		2.6
Total		$	154.9	$	207.8	$	5.3		$	4.7		$	16.0	$	10.6

___________________________________________________________

(1) In December 2013, the Company entered into a strategic transaction with RXR Realty, a leading real estate owner, developer and investment management company focused on high-quality real estate in the New York Tri-State area. The Company’s equity interest in RXR Realty is structured so that NSAM is entitled to certain fees in connection with RXR Realty’s investment management business.  Refer to Note 10. “Related Party Arrangements - NorthStar Asset Management Group - Management Agreement” for further disclosure.

(2) Aerium is a pan-European real estate investment manager specializing in commercial real estate properties. The Company recorded an unrealized loss on its interest in Aerium of $30.5 million and $39.8 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. The Company’s equity interest in Aerium is structured so that NSAM is entitled to certain fees in connection with Aerium’s asset management business. Refer to Note 10. “Related Party Arrangements - NorthStar Asset Management Group - Management Agreement” for further disclosure.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(3) In October 2007, the Company entered into a joint venture with Whitehall Street Global Real Estate Limited Partnership 2007 (“Whitehall”) to form LandCap Partners and LandCap LoanCo. (collectively referred to as “LandCap”). The joint venture is managed by a third-party management group. The Company and Whitehall agreed to no longer provide additional new investment capital in the LandCap joint venture.

(4) In September 2014, the Company entered into an investment with SteelWave, a real estate investment manager, owner and operator with a portfolio of commercial assets focused in key markets in the western United States.

(5) CS Federal Drive, LLC (“CS/Federal”) owns three adjacent class A office/flex buildings in Colorado. The properties were acquired for $54.3 million and were financed with two separate non-recourse mortgages totaling $38.0 million and the remainder in cash. The mortgages mature on February 11, 2016 and have a fixed interest rate of 5.51% and 5.46%, respectively.

(6) Affiliates of NSAM also manage the Company’s previously sponsored companies: NorthStar Income, NorthStar Healthcare and NorthStar Real Estate Income II, Inc. (“NorthStar Income II”) and together with any new sponsored company, (herein collectively referred to as the “NSAM Sponsored Companies”).

(7) The Company owns all of the common stock of NorthStar Realty Finance Trusts I through VIII (collectively, the “Trusts”). The Trusts were formed to issue trust preferred securities. Refer to Note 17 for further disclosure.

(8) In July 2013, the Company through a joint venture with a private investor, acquired a multifamily property with 498 units, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for an aggregate purchase price of $41.0 million, including all costs, escrows and reserves. The property was financed with a non-recourse mortgage note of $29.5 million and the remainder in cash. In April 2015, the property obtained additional non-recourse financing of $7.0 million. Both financings mature on July 1, 2023 and have a weighted average fixed interest rate of 3.87%.

NSAM Sponsored Companies

The Company committed to purchase up to $10 million in shares of each of NSAM’s Sponsored Companies’ common stock during the two year period from when each offering was declared effective through the end of their respective offering period, in the event that NSAM Sponsored Companies’ distributions to its stockholders, on a quarterly basis, exceeds its modified funds from operations (as defined in accordance with the current practice guidelines issued by the Investment Program Association).

In connection with the Company’s commitment to purchase shares of the NSAM Sponsored Companies, the Company acquired an aggregate of $15.2 million of shares of NorthStar Income, NorthStar Healthcare and NorthStar Income II through September 30, 2015. In addition, pursuant to the management agreement with NSAM, the Company committed up to $10 million to invest as distribution support consistent with past practice in each future public non-traded NSAM Sponsored Company, up to a total of five new companies per year.

The Company has committed to invest as distribution support in the following NSAM Sponsored Companies:

• NorthStar/RXR New York Metro Real Estate, Inc. - In October 2015, NorthStar/RXR New York Metro Real Estate, Inc. (“NorthStar/RXR New York Metro”) filed an amended registration statement with the SEC, seeking to offer an additional class of common shares related to its $2 billion public offering. NorthStar/RXR New York Metro expects to begin raising capital at the beginning of 2016.

• NorthStar Corporate - In June 2015, NorthStar Corporate Income, Inc. confidentially submitted an amended registration statement on Form N-2 to the SEC seeking to raise up to $1 billion in a public offering of common stock.

• NorthStar Global - In October 2015, NorthStar Global Corporate Income Fund filed an amended registration statement on Form N-2 with the SEC seeking to raise up to $3 billion in a public offering of common stock.

• NorthStar Credit Fund - In October 2015, NorthStar Real Estate Credit Fund filed its registration statement on Form N-2 with the SEC seeking to raise up to $3 billion in a public offering of common stock.

33

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

7. Real Estate Securities, Available for Sale

The following table presents CRE securities as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

						Cumulative Unrealized							Allocation by		Weighted		Weighted
	Number	Principal  Amount(3)		Amortized Cost		Gains		(Losses)			Fair Value		Investment Type(3)		Average Coupon		Average Yield(4)
Asset Type:
N-Star CDO bonds(1)(8)	26	$	377,783	$	173,759	$	30,380	$	(2,455	)	$	201,684	28.8	%	2.05	%	23.41	%
N-Star CDO equity(5)(8)	4	76,700		76,700		6,435		(21,670		)	61,465		5.8	%	NA		12.56	%
CMBS and other securities(6)	15	119,287		63,911		16,024		(21,434		)	58,501		9.1	%	2.22	%	7.43	%
Subtotal(2)	45	573,770		314,370		52,839		(45,559		)	321,650		43.7	%	2.09	%	17.51	%
CRE securities in N-Star CDOs(5)(7)
CMBS	130	562,591		416,081		38,197		(97,324		)	356,954		42.9	%	3.78	%	10.78	%
Third-party CDO notes	9	74,117		67,283		159		(43,896		)	23,546		5.6	%	0.27	%	1.38	%
Agency debentures	8	87,172		31,415		7,244		(630		)	38,029		6.6	%	—		3.32	%
Unsecured REIT debt	1	8,000		8,314		838		—			9,152		0.6	%	7.50	%	5.88	%
Trust preferred securities	2	7,225		7,225		—		(1,645		)	5,580		0.6	%	2.25	%	2.25	%
Subtotal	150	739,105		530,318		46,438		(143,495		)	433,261		56.3	%	3.01	%	8.95	%
Total	195	$	1,312,875	$	844,688	$	99,277	$	(189,054	)	$	754,911	100.0	%	2.64	%	12.14	%

____________________________________________________________

(1) Excludes $135.4 million principal amount of N-Star CDO bonds payable that are eliminated in consolidation.

(2) All securities are unleveraged.

(3) Based on amortized cost for N-Star CDO equity and principal amount for remaining securities.

(4) Based on expected maturity and for floating-rate securities, calculated using the applicable LIBOR as of September 30, 2015.

(5) The fair value option was elected for these securities (refer to Note 14).

(6) The fair value option was elected for $48.7 million carrying value of these securities (refer to Note 14).

(7) Investments in the same securitization tranche held in separate CDO financing transactions are reported as separate investments.

(8) As of September 30, 2015, the weighted average remaining life of the N-Star CDO bonds and N-Star CDO equity is 2.4 and 4.2 years, respectively.

The Company sponsored nine CDOs, three of which were primarily collateralized by CRE debt and six of which were primarily collateralized by CRE securities. The Company acquired equity interests of two CRE debt focused CDOs, the CSE RE 2006-A CDO (“CSE CDO”) and the CapLease 2005-1 CDO (“CapLease CDO”) sponsored by third parties. These CDOs are collectively referred to as the N-Star CDOs and their assets are referred to as legacy investments. All N-Star CDOs are considered VIEs (refer to Note 17). At the time of issuance of the sponsored CDOs, the Company retained the below investment grade bonds, which are referred to as subordinate bonds, and preferred shares and equity notes, which are referred to as equity interests. In addition, the Company repurchased CDO bonds originally issued to third parties at discounts to par. These repurchased CDO bonds and retained subordinate bonds are herein collectively referred to as N-Star CDO bonds.

In September 2015, N-Star CDO IV was liquidated and the third-party senior bondholders of N-Star CDO IV were re-paid in full. In connection with the liquidation, the Company purchased one CMBS for $5.8 million from N-Star CDO IV at fair value. Additionally, the Company received $41.0 million from its equity interest in N-Star CDO IV, resulting in a net realized gain of $8.8 million, a portion of which related to equity distributions that would have been received had N-Star CDO IV not been liquidated.

As of September 30, 2015, the Company’s CRE securities portfolio is comprised of N-Star CDO bonds and N-Star CDO equity and other securities which are predominantly conduit commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), meaning each asset is a pool backed by a large number of commercial real estate loans. As a result, this portfolio is typically well-diversified by collateral type and geography. As of September 30, 2015, contractual maturities of CRE securities investments ranged from one month to 37 years, with a weighted average expected maturity of 3.6 years.

34

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

The following table presents CRE securities as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

						Cumulative Unrealized							Allocation by		Weighted		Weighted
	Number	Principal Amount(3)		Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses			Fair Value		Investment Type(3)		Average Coupon		Average Yield(4)
Asset Type:
N-Star CDO bonds(1)	32	$	461,974	$	205,463	$	58,116	$	(1,270	)	$	262,309	30.1	%	1.83	%	24.13	%
N-Star CDO equity(5)	5	137,143		137,143		522		(35,198		)	102,467		8.9	%	NA		18.21	%
CMBS and other securities(6)	15	119,089		64,616		12,241		(24,934		)	51,923		7.8	%	2.48	%	5.51	%
Subtotal(2)	52	718,206		407,222		70,879		(61,402		)	416,699		46.8	%	1.97	%	19.18	%
CRE securities in N-Star CDOs(5)(7)
CMBS	144	636,035		458,186		50,432		(125,751		)	382,867		41.5	%	3.69	%	9.96	%
Third-party CDO notes	10	76,253		68,821		—		(45,603		)	23,218		5.1	%	0.26	%	1.32	%
Agency debentures	8	87,172		30,371		10,164		(6		)	40,529		5.7	%	—		4.56	%
Unsecured REIT debt	1	8,000		8,396		955		—			9,351		0.5	%	7.50	%	5.88	%
Trust preferred securities	2	7,225		7,225		—		(1,373		)	5,850		0.4	%	2.25	%	2.32	%
Subtotal	165	814,685		572,999		61,551		(172,733		)	461,815		53.2	%	3.00	%	8.48	%
Total	217	$	1,532,891	$	980,221	$	132,430	$	(234,135	)	$	878,514	100.0	%	2.57	%	12.92	%

_________________________________________________________

(1) Excludes $108.0 million principal amount of N-Star CDO bonds payable that are eliminated in consolidation.

(2) All securities are unleveraged.

(3) Based on amortized cost for N-Star CDO equity and principal amount for remaining securities.

(4) Based on expected maturity and for floating-rate securities, calculated using the applicable LIBOR as of December 31, 2014.

(5) The fair value option was elected for these securities (refer to Note 14).

(6) The fair value option was elected for $42.6 million carrying value of these securities (refer to Note 14).

(7) Investments in the same securitization tranche held in separate CDO financing transactions are reported as separate investments.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, proceeds from the sale of CRE securities was $14.9 million and $95.7 million resulting in a net realized gain of $0.3 million and $14.1 million. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, proceeds from the sale of CRE securities was $42.6 million and $68.5 million, resulting in a net realized gain of $5.6 million and $17.4 million, respectively.

CRE securities investments, not held in N-Star CDOs, include 28 securities for which the fair value option was not elected. As of September 30, 2015, the aggregate carrying value of these securities was $211.5 million, representing $28.0 million of accumulated net unrealized gains included in OCI. The Company held one security with a carrying value of $3.5 million with an unrealized loss of $2.2 million as of September 30, 2015, which was in an unrealized loss position for a period of greater than 12 months. Based on management’s quarterly evaluation, the Company recorded OTTI of $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, which was recorded in realized gain (loss) on investments and other in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity.

35

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

8. Borrowings

The following table presents borrowings as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

				September 30, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Recourse vs. Non-Recourse	Final Maturity	Contractual Interest Rate(1)(2)	Principal Amount		Carrying Value(3)		Principal Amount		Carrying Value(3)
Mortgage and other notes payable:(4)
Healthcare
East Arlington, TX	Non-recourse	May-17	5.89%	$	3,115	$	3,115	$	3,157	$	3,157
Ohio Portfolio	Non-recourse	Jan-19	LIBOR + 5.00%	20,018		19,938		20,230		20,230
Lancaster, OH	Non-recourse	Jan-19	LIBOR + 5.00%	2,308		2,299		2,442		2,442
Wilkinson Portfolio	Non-recourse	Jan-19	6.99%	147,811		147,225		150,024		150,024
Tuscola/Harrisburg, IL	Non-recourse	Jan-19	7.09%	7,304		7,275		7,412		7,412
Formation Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	May-19(6)/Jan-25	LIBOR + 4.25%(7)/4.54%	702,848		701,062		705,608		700,958
Minnesota Portfolio	Non-recourse	Nov-19	3.50%	37,800		37,800		37,800		37,800
Griffin-American - U.K.(5)	Non-recourse	Dec-19(6)	LIBOR + 4.25%(7)	336,758		336,758		348,588		348,588
Griffin-American - U.S. - Fixed(5)	Non-recourse	Dec-19(6)/ Jun-25 / Dec-35	4.68%	1,763,048		1,706,604		1,750,000		1,750,000
Griffin-American - U.S. - Floating(5)	Non-recourse	Dec-19(6)	LIBOR + 3.05%(7)	862,468		862,468		868,797		868,797
Wakefield Portfolio	Non-recourse	April-20	LIBOR + 4.00%	54,809		54,312		54,751		54,751
Healthcare Preferred(8)	Non-recourse	Jul-21	LIBOR + 7.75%	75,000		75,000		75,000		75,000
Indiana Portfolio(8)	Non-recourse	Sept-21	LIBOR + 4.50%	121,130		121,130		121,130		121,130
ILF Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	May-25	4.17%	648,211		648,211		—		—
Subtotal Healthcare/weighted average			4.43%(7)	4,782,628		4,723,197		4,144,939		4,140,289
Hotel
Innkeepers Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Jun-19(6)	LIBOR + 3.39%(7)	840,000		840,000		840,000		840,000
K Partners Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Aug-19(6)	LIBOR + 3.25%(7)	211,681		211,681		211,681		211,681
Courtyard Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Oct-19(6)	LIBOR + 3.05%(7)	512,000		512,000		512,000		512,000
Inland Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Nov-19(6)	LIBOR + 3.60%(7)	817,000		817,000		817,000		817,000
NE Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Jun-20(6)	LIBOR + 3.85%(7)	132,250		132,250		—		—
Miami Hotel Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Jul-20(6)	LIBOR + 3.90%(7)	115,500		115,500		—		—
Subtotal Hotel/weighted average			3.60%(7)	2,628,431		2,628,431		2,380,681		2,380,681
European Portfolio/weighted average(9)			2.11%(7)	1,518,017		1,518,017		77,660		77,660
Manufactured housing communities
Manufactured Housing Portfolio 3(5)	Non-recourse	Dec-21/ Jan-24/ Sept-24	4.923%(7)	297,271		299,320		297,428		299,716
Manufactured Housing Portfolio 1(5)	Non-recourse	Jan-23	4.387%(7)	234,406		234,406		236,900		236,900
Manufactured Housing Portfolio 2(5)	Non-recourse	May-23	4.016%(7)	639,909		639,909		639,909		639,909
Subtotal Manufactured housing communities/weighted average			4.32%(7)	1,171,586		1,173,635		1,174,237		1,176,525
Net lease
Fort Wayne, IN	—	—	—	—		—		2,909		2,909
Columbus, OH	—	—	—	—		—		21,934		21,934
EDS Portfolio(10)	Non-recourse	Oct-15	5.37%	41,997		41,997		42,738		42,738
Keene, NH	Non-recourse	Feb-16	5.85%	6,001		6,001		6,105		6,105
Green Pond, NJ	Non-recourse	Apr-16	5.68%	15,566		15,566		15,799		15,799
Aurora, CO	Non-recourse	Jul-16	6.22%	30,315		30,315		30,720		30,720
DSG Portfolio	Non-recourse	Oct-16	6.17%	30,650		30,650		31,126		31,126
Indianapolis, IN	Non-recourse	Feb-17	6.06%	25,797		25,797		26,151		26,151
Milpitas, CA	Non-recourse	Mar-17	5.95%	18,990		18,990		19,459		19,459
Fort Mill, SC	Non-recourse	Apr-17	5.63%	27,700		27,700		27,700		27,700
Fort Mill, SC - Mezzanine	Non-recourse	Apr-17	6.21%	774		774		1,079		1,079
Industrial Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Jul-17/Dec-17	4.21%(7)	221,125		226,152		221,131		228,071
Salt Lake City, UT	Non-recourse	Sept-17	5.16%	12,783		12,783		13,181		13,181
South Portland, ME	Non-recourse	Jul-23	LIBOR + 2.15%(7)	3,332		3,332		3,597		3,597
Subtotal Net lease/weighted average			4.97%(7)	435,030		440,057		463,629		470,569

36

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

				September 30, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Recourse vs. Non-Recourse	Final Maturity	Contractual Interest Rate(1)(2)	Principal Amount		Carrying Value(3)		Principal Amount		Carrying Value(3)
Multifamily(11)
Memphis, TN	—	—	—	—		—		39,600		39,600
Southeast Portfolio	—	—	—	—		—		158,417		158,417
Scottsdale, AZ	—	—	—	—		—		46,538		46,538
Subtotal Multifamily				—		—		244,555		244,555
Multi-tenant Office
Legacy Properties(5)	Non-recourse	Nov-19/Feb-20(6)	LIBOR + 2.15%(7)	112,838		112,838		45,584		45,584
Subtotal Multi-tenant Office/weighted average			2.35%(7)	112,838		112,838		45,584		45,584
Subtotal Mortgage and other notes payable(4)				10,648,530		10,596,175		8,531,285		8,535,863
Credit facilities:
Corporate Revolving Credit Facility(12)	Recourse	Aug-17	LIBOR + 3.50%(7)	295,000		295,000		215,000		215,000
Corporate Term Facility	Recourse	Sept-17	4.60% / 4.55%(13)	425,000		425,000		425,000		425,000
Loan Facility	—	—	—	—		—		14,850		14,850
Loan Facility 1	Partial Recourse(14)	Mar-18(6)	2.95%(7)	65,903		65,903		77,930		77,930
Subtotal Credit facilities				785,903		785,903		732,780		732,780
Senior Notes:
NRE Senior Notes	Recourse	Dec-16	4.63%	340,000		340,000		—		—
CDO bonds payable:
N-Star I	Non-recourse	Aug-38	7.01%	14,047		14,047		15,020		14,504
N-Star IX	Non-recourse	Aug-52	LIBOR + 0.46%(7)	466,687		329,506		545,939		375,564
Subtotal CDO bonds payable—VIE				480,734		343,553		560,959		390,068
Securitization bonds payable:
Securitization 2012-1	—	—	—	—		—		41,831		41,823
Subtotal Securitization financing transaction				—		—		41,831		41,823
Exchangeable senior notes:
7.25% Notes	Recourse	Jun-27	7.25%	12,955		12,955		12,955		12,955
8.875% Notes	Recourse	Jun-32	8.875%	1,000		985		1,000		983
5.375% Notes	Recourse	Jun-33	5.375%	17,405		15,434		31,633		27,824
Subtotal Exchangeable senior notes				31,360		29,374		45,588		41,762
Junior subordinated notes:(15)
Trust I	Recourse	Mar-35	LIBOR + 3.25%(7)	41,240		29,066		41,240		32,992
Trust II	Recourse	Jun-35	LIBOR + 3.25%(7)	25,780		18,175		25,780		20,753
Trust III	Recourse	Jan-36	7.81%	41,238		27,436		41,238		32,784
Trust IV	Recourse	Jun-36	7.95%	50,100		33,967		50,100		39,830
Trust V	Recourse	Sept-36	LIBOR + 2.70%(7)	30,100		18,924		30,100		21,823
Trust VI	Recourse	Dec-36	LIBOR + 2.90%(7)	25,100		16,323		25,100		18,700
Trust VII	Recourse	Apr-37	LIBOR + 2.50%(7)	31,459		18,875		31,459		22,492
Trust VIII	Recourse	Jul-37	LIBOR + 2.70%(7)	35,100		21,913		35,100		25,798
Subtotal Junior subordinated notes				280,117		184,679		280,117		215,172
Borrowings of properties held for sale:
Multifamily(4)(12)	Non-recourse	Apr-23 / May-23 / Jul-23	4.08%(7)	249,777		249,777		—		—
Subtotal Borrowings of properties, held for sale				249,777		249,777		—		—
Grand Total				$	12,816,421	$	12,529,461	$	10,192,560	$	9,957,468

____________________________________________________________

(1) Refer to Note 15 for further disclosure regarding derivative instruments which are used to manage interest rate exposure.

(2) For borrowings with a contractual interest rate based on LIBOR, except for the European portfolios, represents three-month LIBOR for the Wakefield Portfolio and one-month LIBOR for the other borrowings.

(3) Carrying value represents fair value with respect to CDO bonds payable and junior subordinated notes due to the election of the fair value option (refer to Note 14) and amortized cost for the other borrowings.

(4) Mortgage and other notes payable are subject to customary non-recourse carveouts.

37

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(5) An aggregate principal amount of $8.4 billion is comprised of 72 senior mortgage notes totaling $7.0 billion and 16 mezzanine mortgage notes totaling $1.5 billion.

(6) Represents final maturity taking into consideration the Company’s extension options.

(7) Contractual interest rate represents a weighted average. For borrowings with variable interest rates, the weighted average includes the current LIBOR as of September 30, 2015.

(8) Represents borrowings in N-Star CDOs.

(9)    The Company’s European Portfolio was contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure. The following table presents borrowings for the European Portfolio as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

			September 30, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Final Maturity	Contractual Interest Rate	Principal Amount		Carrying Value		Principal Amount		Carrying Value
Mortgage and other notes payable(i)
U.K. Complex	Dec-19	(ii)	$	75,820	$	75,820	$	77,660	$	77,660
Internos Portfolio	Apr-20	(iii)	102,056		102,056		—		—
IVG Portfolio	Apr-20	(iii)	93,937		93,937		—		—
Deka Portfolio	Apr-20	(iii)	52,601		52,601		—		—
SEB Portfolio	Apr-22	(iv)	703,408		703,408		—		—
SEB Portfolio - Preferred	Apr-60	3.00%	119,176		119,176		—		—
Trianon Tower	Jul-23	(v)	371,019		371,019		—		—
Total mortgage and other notes payable		2.11%(7)	$	1,518,017	$	1,518,017	$	77,660	$	77,660

(i) All borrowings are non-recourse to NorthStar Europe and are interest-only through maturity, subject to compliance with covenants of the respective borrowing.

(ii) Comprised of $61.6 million principal amount of floating rate borrowing at GBP LIBOR plus 2.0%, with a related $61.6 million notional value interest rate cap at 2.0% and $14.2 million fixed rate borrowing at 8.0%.

(iii) Represents a cross-collateralized borrowing between the IVG Portfolio, Internos Portfolio and Deka Portfolio. Comprised of $209.0 million principal amount of floating rate borrowing at EURIBOR plus 2.7%, with a related $209.0 million notional value interest rate cap at 2.0% and $39.5 million floating rate borrowing at GBP LIBOR plus 2.7%, with a related $39.5 million notional value interest rate cap at 2.0%.

(iv) Comprised of $398.4 million principal amount of floating rate borrowing at EURIBOR plus 1.8%, with a related $398.4 million notional value interest rate cap at 0.5%, $287.8 million of floating rate borrowing at GBP LIBOR plus 1.8%, with a related $287.8 million notional value interest rate cap at 2.0% and $17.2 million floating rate borrowing at STIBOR plus 1.8%.

(v) Comprised of $371.0 million principal amount of floating rate borrowing at EURIBOR plus 1.5%, with a related $371.0 million notional value interest rate cap at 2.0%.

(10) In October 2015, the mortgage matured and the Company is currently in negotiations with the lender.

(11) In September 2015, the Company elected to classify the multifamily portfolio as held for sale, and as such, reclassified borrowings of $249.8 million to liabilities of assets held for sale.

(12) Secured by collateral relating to a borrowing base comprised primarily of unlevered CRE debt, net lease and securities investments with a carrying value of $758.1 million as of September 30, 2015.

(13) Represents the respective fixed rate applicable to each borrowing under the Corporate Term Facility.

(14) Recourse solely with respect to certain types of loans as defined in the governing documents.

(15) Junior subordinated notes Trust II had a fixed interest rate through September 30, 2015 when it changed to floating rate. Trusts III and IV have a fixed interest rate until January 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively, when the rate will change to floating and reset quarterly to three-month LIBOR plus 2.83% to 2.80%, respectively.

The following table presents scheduled principal on borrowings, based on final maturity as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

	Total		Mortgage and Other Notes Payable		CDO Bonds Payable		Credit Facilities		NRE Senior Notes		Exchangeable Senior Notes(1)		Junior Subordinated Notes
October 1 to December 31, 2015	$	46,436	$	46,436	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Years ending December 31:
2016	446,495		106,495		—		—		340,000		—		—
2017	1,066,452		333,497		—		720,000		—		12,955		—
2018	95,925		30,022		—		65,903		—		—		—
2019	6,038,130		6,037,130		—		—		—		1,000		—
Thereafter	4,873,206		4,094,950		480,734		—		—		17,405		280,117
Total	$	12,566,644	$	10,648,530	$	480,734	$	785,903	$	340,000	$	31,360	$	280,117

____________________________________________________________

(1) The 7.25% Notes, 8.875% Notes and 5.375% Notes have a final maturity date of June 15, 2027, June 15, 2032 and June 15, 2033, respectively. The above table reflects the holders’ repurchase rights which may require the Company to repurchase the 7.25% Notes, 8.875% Notes and 5.375% Notes on June 15, 2017, June 15, 2019 and June 15, 2023, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Credit Facilities

Corporate Facilities

In August 2014, the Company obtained a corporate revolving credit facility (as amended, the “Corporate Revolving Credit Facility”) with certain commercial bank lenders, with a total commitment amount of $500.0 million and a three-year term. The Corporate Revolving Credit Facility is secured by collateral relating to a borrowing base and guarantees by certain subsidiaries of the Company. As of September 30, 2015, $205.0 million of financing remains undrawn under the Corporate Revolving Credit Facility. In May 2015, the Company amended and restated the Corporate Revolving Credit Facility to substitute the Operating Partnership as the borrower, with the Company becoming a guarantor. The Operating Partnership must maintain at least $25.0 million of minimum liquidity based on the sum of unrestricted cash or cash equivalents and undrawn availability during the term of the Corporate Revolving Credit Facility.

In September 2014, the Company entered into a corporate facility agreement (as amended, the “Corporate Term Facility”) with a commercial bank lender to establish term borrowings, with an aggregate principal amount of up to $500.0 million. In March 2015, the Company amended and restated the Corporate Term Facility to substitute the Operating Partnership as the borrower, with the Company becoming a guarantor. Borrowings may be prepaid at any time subject to customary breakage costs. In September and December 2014, the Company entered into a credit agreement providing for a term borrowing under the Corporate Term Facility in a principal amount of $275.0 million and $150.0 million, respectively, with a fixed interest rate of 4.60% and 4.55%, respectively, with each maturing on September 19, 2017. As of September 30, 2015, the Company borrowed $425.0 million under the Corporate Term Facility. There is no available financing remaining under the Corporate Term Facility.

The Corporate Revolving Credit Facility and the Corporate Term Facility and related agreements contain representations, warranties, covenants, conditions precedent to funding, events of default and indemnities that are customary for agreements of these types.

Loan Facility

In March 2013, a subsidiary of the Company entered into a master repurchase agreement (“Loan Facility 1”) of $200.0 million to finance first mortgage loans and senior interests secured by commercial real estate. In connection with Loan Facility 1, the Company entered into a guaranty agreement under which the Company guaranteed certain of the obligations under Loan Facility 1. Loan Facility 1 and related agreements contain representations, warranties, covenants, conditions precedent to funding, events of default and indemnities that are customary for agreements of these types. More specifically, the Company must maintain at least $20.0 million in unrestricted cash or cash equivalents at all times during the term of Loan Facility 1. In addition, the Company has agreed to guarantee certain customary obligations under Loan Facility 1 if the Company or an affiliate of the Company engage in certain customary bad acts.

As of September 30, 2015, the Company had $114.0 million carrying value of loans financed with $65.9 million on Loan Facility 1, with $134.1 million of available borrowing.

During the initial term, Loan Facility 1 acts as a revolving credit facility that can be paid down as assets repay or are sold and re-drawn upon for new investments. As of September 30, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants.

Senior Notes

In March 2014, $172.5 million principal amount of the 7.50% Notes were exchanged for $481.1 million principal amount of senior notes that matured on September 30, 2014 (the “2014 Senior Notes”). In connection with this exchange, the Company recorded a loss of $22.4 million in realized gain (loss) on investments and other in the consolidated statements of operations. On September 30, 2014, the Company repaid the 2014 Senior Notes in cash, including interest, in the amount of $488.3 million.

In July 2015, NorthStar Europe, a current wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, issued $340 million principal amount of 4.625% senior notes due December 2016 (“NRE Senior Notes”). The Company received aggregate net proceeds of $331 million, after deducting the underwriters’ discount and other expenses. NorthStar Europe loaned the Company the net proceeds from the issuance of the NRE Senior Notes, which were used for general corporate purposes, including, among other things, the funding of acquisitions, including the Trianon Tower and the repayment of the Company’s borrowings. The terms of the loan are materially the same as those of the NRE Senior Notes and were deemed repaid to NorthStar Europe uponthe completion of the NRE Spin-off. On October 31, 2015, as part of the NRE Spin-off, the loan to the Company was extinguished. The NRE Senior Notes are senior unsubordinated and unsecured obligations of NorthStar Europe and the Company and the Operating Partnership continue to guarantee payments on the NRE Senior Notes subsequent to the NRE Spin-off.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Exchangeable Senior Notes

In March 2015, $11.7 million principal amount of the 5.375% Notes were exchanged for 0.7 million shares of common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split. In September 2015, $2.5 million principal amount of the 5.375% Notes were exchanged for 0.2 million shares of common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split. In connection with these conversions, the Company recorded a loss of $0.2 million and $1.3 million in realized gain (loss) on investments and other in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

9. Spin-offs

Spin-off of Asset Management Business

Upon completion of the NSAM Spin-off, the asset management business of the Company is owned and operated by NSAM and the Company is externally managed by an affiliate of NSAM through a management contract with an initial term of 20 years. Subsequent to the NSAM Spin-off, the Company continues to operate its CRE debt origination business. Most of the employees of the Company at the time of the NSAM Spin-off became employees of NSAM and executive officers, employees engaged in the Company’s loan origination business at the time of the NSAM Spin-off and certain other employees became co-employees of both the Company and NSAM.

For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, the Company recorded a $6.1 million loss included in discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations associated with NSAM which represented a carve-out of revenues of $56.0 million and expenses of $62.1 million. Such amounts exclude the effect of any fees that NSAM began earning in connection with the management agreement with the Company upon completion of the NSAM Spin-off.

Total revenues included asset management and other fee income from NSAM Sponsored Companies earned prior to the NSAM Spin-off. In connection with the spin-off, the advisory agreements between the Company and each of the NSAM Sponsored Companies were terminated and affiliates of NSAM entered into new advisory agreements with each of the NSAM Sponsored Companies on substantially the same terms as those in effect at the time of the NSAM Spin-off. 

Total revenues also included selling commissions and dealer manager fees earned by selling equity in the NSAM Sponsored Companies through NorthStar Securities. As part of the NSAM Distribution, NorthStar Securities became a subsidiary of NSAM. Pursuant to dealer manager agreements between NorthStar Securities and the NSAM Sponsored Companies, the Company generally received selling commissions of up to 7% of gross offering proceeds raised. The Company reallowed all selling commissions earned to participating broker-dealers. In addition, the Company also generally received a dealer manager fee of up to 3% of gross offering proceeds raised, a portion of which is typically reallowed to participating broker-dealers. Total expenses include commission expense representing fees to participating broker-dealers with whom NorthStar Securities has selling agreements and commissions to employees of NorthStar Securities.

In addition, total expenses primarily included an allocation of indirect expenses of the Company to NSAM related to managing the NSAM Sponsored Companies and owning NorthStar Securities, including salaries, equity-based compensation and other general and administrative expenses (primarily occupancy and other costs) based on an estimate had the asset management business been run as an independent entity.

Spin-off of European Real Estate Business

On October 31, 2015, the Company completed the NRE Spin-off into a separate publicly-traded REIT, NorthStar Europe, in the form of the NRE Distribution. In connection with the NRE Distribution, each of the Company’s common stockholders received shares of NorthStar Europe’s common stock on a one-for-six basis, before giving effect to the Reverse Split. The Company contributed to NorthStar Europe approximately $2.6 billion of European real estate, at cost (excluding the Company’s European healthcare properties), comprised of 52 properties spanning across some of Europe’s top markets and $250 million of cash. NSAM manages NorthStar Europe pursuant to a long-term management agreement, on substantially similar terms as the Company’s management agreement with NSAM.

10.Related Party Arrangements

NorthStar Asset Management Group

Management Agreement

Upon completion of the spin-off of the Company’s asset management business on June 30, 2014, the Company entered into a management agreement with an affiliate of NSAM for an initial term of 20 years, which will be automatically renewed for additional

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(Unaudited)

20-year terms each anniversary thereafter unless earlier terminated. As asset manager, NSAM is responsible for the Company’s day-to-day operations, subject to the supervision of the Company’s board of directors. Through its global network of subsidiaries and branch offices, NSAM performs services and activities relating to, among other things, investments and financing, portfolio management and other administrative services, such as accounting and investor relations, to the Company and its subsidiaries other than the Company’s CRE loan origination business. The management agreement with NSAM provides for a base management fee and incentive fee.

In connection with the NRE Spin-off, NorthStar Europe entered into a management agreement with NSAM with an initial term of 20 years on terms substantially consistent with the terms of the Company’s management agreement with NSAM. The Company’s management agreement with NSAM was amended and restated in connection with the NRE Spin-off to, among other things, commensurately adjust the annual base management fee and incentive fee hurdles for the NRE Spin-off.

Base Management Fee

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company incurred $49.0 million and $38.1 million, respectively, related to the base management fee. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company incurred $142.5 million related to the base management fee. As of September 30, 2015, $49.0 million is recorded in due to related party on the consolidated balance sheets. The management contract with NSAM commenced on July 1, 2014, and as such, there were no management fees incurred for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The base management fee to NSAM will increase subsequent to September 30, 2015 by an amount equal to 1.5% per annum of the sum of:

• cumulative net proceeds of all future common equity and preferred equity issued by the Company, including the remaining 7.1 million shares, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, of the forward contract which was issued in October 2015;

• equity issued by the Company in exchange or conversion of exchangeable senior notes based on the stock price at the date of issuance;

• any other issuances by the Company of common equity, preferred equity or other forms of equity, including but not limited to LTIP Units (excluding equity-based compensation, but including issuances related to an acquisition, investment, joint venture or partnership); and

• cumulative cash available for distribution (“CAD”) of the Company in excess of cumulative distributions paid on common stock, LTIP units or other equity awards beginning the first full calendar quarter after the spin-off.

Additionally, the Company’s equity interest in RXR Realty and Aerium is structured so that NSAM is entitled to the portion of distributable cash flow from each investment in excess of the $10 million minimum annual base amount.

In connection with the NRE Spin-off and the related amendments to the Company’s management agreement with NSAM, the Company’s annual base management fee payable to NSAM was reduced by $14 million, effective as of November 1, 2015, commensurate with the base management fee that will be paid by NorthStar Europe pursuant to its management agreement with NSAM.

Incentive Fee

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company incurred $2.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively, related to the incentive fee. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company incurred $8.7 million related to the incentive fee. As of September 30, 2015, $2.3 million is recorded in due to related party on the consolidated balance sheets. The incentive fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears in cash, equal to:

• the product of: (a) 15% and (b) the Company’s CAD before such incentive fee, divided by the weighted average shares outstanding for the calendar quarter, when such amount is in excess of $0.78 per share but less than $0.90 per share, after giving effect to the Reverse Split (“15% Hurdle”); plus

• the product of: (a) 25% and (b) the Company’s CAD before such incentive fee, divided by the weighted average shares outstanding for the calendar quarter, when such amount is equal to or in excess of $0.90 per share, after giving effect to the Reverse Split (“25% Hurdle”);

• multiplied by the Company’s weighted average shares outstanding for the calendar quarter.

In addition, NSAM may also earn an incentive fee from the Company’s healthcare investments in connection with NSAM’s Healthcare Strategic Partnership (refer to below).

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Weighted average shares represents the number of shares of the Company’s common stock, LTIP Units or other equity-based awards (with some exclusions), outstanding on a daily weighted average basis. With respect to the base management fee, all equity issuances are allocated on a daily weighted average basis during the fiscal quarter of issuance.

In connection with the NRE Spin-off and the related amendments to the Company’s management agreement with NSAM, the incentive fee range for the 15% Hurdle was adjusted to CAD per share in excess of $0.68 and up to $0.78 per share and the 25% Hurdle was adjusted to CAD in excess of $0.78 per share, effective as of November 1, 2015, commensurate with the incentive fee that will be paid by NorthStar Europe pursuant to its management agreement with NSAM.

Furthermore, if the Company were to spin-off any asset or business in the future, such entity would be managed by NSAM on terms substantially similar to those set forth in the management agreement between the Company and NSAM. The management agreement further provides that the aggregate base management fee in place immediately after any future spin-off will not be less than the aggregate base management fee in place at the Company immediately prior to such spin-off.

Payment of Costs and Expenses and Expense Allocation

The Company is responsible for all of its direct costs and expenses and will reimburse NSAM for costs and expenses incurred by NSAM on its behalf. In addition, NSAM may allocate indirect costs to the Company related to employees, occupancy and other general and administrative costs and expenses in accordance with the terms of, and subject to the limitations contained in, the Company’s management agreement with NSAM (the “G&A Allocation”).  The Company’s management agreement with NSAM provides that the amount of the G&A Allocation will not exceed the following: (i) 20% of the combined total of: (a) the Company’s general and administrative expenses as reported in its consolidated financial statements excluding: (1) equity-based compensation expense, (2) non-recurring items, (3) fees payable to NSAM under the terms of the management agreement and (4) any allocation of expenses to the Company (“NorthStar Realty G&A”); and (b) NSAM’s general and administrative expenses as reported in its consolidated financial statements, excluding equity-based compensation expense and adding back any costs or expenses allocated to any managed company of NSAM; less (ii) the NorthStar Realty G&A. The G&A Allocation may include the Company’s allocable share of NSAM’s compensation and benefit costs associated with dedicated or partially dedicated personnel who spend all or a portion of their time managing the Company’s affairs. The G&A Allocation may also include rental and occupancy, technology, office supplies and other general and administrative costs and expenses. In addition, the Company will pay directly or reimburse NSAM for an allocable portion of any severance paid pursuant to any employment, consulting or similar service agreements in effect between NSAM and any of its executives, employees or other service providers.

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, NSAM allocated $0.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively, to the Company. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, NSAM allocated $3.5 million to the Company. As of September 30, 2015, $0.8 million is recorded in due to related party on the consolidated balance sheets.

In connection with the NRE Spin-off and the related amendments to the Company’s management agreement with NSAM, the Company’s obligation to reimburse NSAM for the G&A Allocation and any severance will be shared with NorthStar Europe, at NSAM’s discretion, and the 20% cap on the G&A Allocation, as described above, will apply on an aggregate basis between the Company and NorthStar Europe.

Investment Opportunities

Under the management agreement, the Company agreed to make available to NSAM for the benefit of NSAM and its managed companies, including the Company, all investment opportunities sourced by the Company. NSAM agreed to fairly allocate such opportunities among NSAM’s managed companies, including the Company and NSAM in accordance with an investment allocation policy. Pursuant to the management agreement, the Company is entitled to fair and reasonable compensation for its services in connection with any loan origination opportunities sourced by the Company, which may include first mortgage loans, subordinate mortgage interests, mezzanine loans and preferred equity interests, in each case relating to commercial real estate.  

NSAM provides services with regard to such areas as payroll, human resources and employee benefits, financial systems management, treasury and cash management, accounts payable services, telecommunications services, information technology services, property management services, legal and accounting services and various other corporate services to the Company as it relates to its loan origination business for CRE debt.

Credit Agreement

In connection with the NSAM Distribution, the Company entered into a revolving credit agreement with NSAM pursuant to which the Company makes available to NSAM, on an “as available basis,” up to $250 million of financing with a maturity of June 30, 2019 at LIBOR plus 3.50%. The revolving credit facility is unsecured. NSAM expects to use the proceeds for general corporate

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

purposes, including potential future acquisitions.  In addition, NSAM may use the proceeds to acquire assets on behalf of its managed companies, including the Company, that it intends to allocate to such managed company but for which such managed company may not then have immediately available funds. The terms of the revolving credit facility contain various representations, warranties, covenants and conditions, including the condition that the Company’s obligation to advance proceeds to NSAM is dependent upon the Company and its affiliates having at least $100 million of either unrestricted cash and cash equivalents or amounts available under committed lines of credit, after taking into account the amount NSAM seeks to draw under the facility. As of September 30, 2015, the Company has not funded any amounts to NSAM in connection with this agreement.

Healthcare Strategic Joint Venture

In January 2014, NSAM entered into a long-term strategic partnership with James F. Flaherty III, former Chief Executive Officer of HCP, Inc., focused on expanding the Company’s healthcare business into a preeminent healthcare platform (“Healthcare Strategic Partnership”). In connection with the partnership, Mr. Flaherty oversees and seeks to grow both the Company’s healthcare real estate portfolio and the portfolio of NorthStar Healthcare. In connection with entering into the partnership, the Company granted Mr. Flaherty certain RSUs (refer to Note 11). The Healthcare Strategic Partnership is entitled to incentive fees ranging from 20% to 25% above certain hurdles for new and existing healthcare real estate investments held by the Company. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not incur any incentive fees related to the Healthcare Strategic Partnership.

N-Star CDOs

The Company earns certain collateral management fees from the N-Star CDOs primarily for administrative services. Such fees are recorded in other revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. For the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company earned $1.3 million and $1.3 million in fee income, respectively, of which $0.6 million and $0.6 million were eliminated in consolidation. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company earned $4.1 million and $4.5 million in fee income, respectively, of which $1.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively, were eliminated in consolidation. Prior to the third quarter 2013, all amounts were eliminated in consolidation as all of the N-Star CDOs were consolidated by the Company.

Additionally, the Company earns interest income from the N-Star CDO bonds and N-Star CDO equity in deconsolidated N-Star CDOs. For the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company earned $16.8 million and $20.0 million, respectively, of interest income from such investments in deconsolidated N-Star CDOs. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company earned $46.4 million and $53.9 million, respectively, of interest income from such investments in deconsolidated N-Star CDOs. Refer to Note 7 and Note 17 for additional disclosure regarding the N-Star CDOs.

Securitization 2012-1

The Company entered into an agreement with NorthStar Income that provided that both the Company and NorthStar Income receive the economic benefit and bear the economic risk associated with the investments each contributed into Securitization 2012-1, a securitization transaction entered into by the Company and NorthStar Income. In both cases, the respective retained equity interest of the Company and NorthStar Income is subordinate to interests of the investment-grade bondholders of Securitization 2012-1 and the investment-grade bondholders have no recourse to the general credit of the Company or NorthStar Income. In the event that either the Company or NorthStar Income suffer a complete loss of the retained equity interests in Securitization 2012-1, any additional losses would be borne by the remaining retained equity interests held by the Company or NorthStar Income, as the case may be, prior to the investment-grade bondholders. In January 2015, the securitization was repaid in full.

American Healthcare Investors

In December 2014, NSAM acquired a 43% interest in American Healthcare Investors LLC (“AHI”) and James F. Flaherty III, a strategic partner of NSAM, acquired a 12% interest in AHI. AHI is a healthcare-focused real estate investment management firm that co-sponsored and advised Griffin-American Healthcare REIT II, Inc. (“Griffin-American”), until Griffin-American was acquired by the Company and NorthStar Healthcare.  In connection with this acquisition, AHI provides certain management and related services, including property management, to NSAM, NorthStar Healthcare and the Company assisting NSAM in managing the current and future healthcare assets (excluding any joint venture assets) acquired by the Company and, subject to certain conditions, other NSAM managed companies.

Island Hospitality Management

In January 2015, NSAM acquired a 45% interest in Island Hospitality Management Inc. (“Island”). Island is a leading, independent select service hotel management company that currently manages 161 hotel properties, representing $3.9 billion, of which 110

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(Unaudited)

hotel properties are owned by the Company. Island provides certain asset management, property management and other services to the Company to assist in managing the Company’s hotel properties. Island receives a base management fee of 2.5% to 3.0% of the monthly revenue of the hotel properties it manages for the Company. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company paid $4.7 million and $12.6 million, respectively, of base management fees to Island, which are recorded in real estate properties—operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

11. Equity-Based Compensation

The Company has issued equity-based awards to directors, officers, employees, consultants and advisors pursuant to the NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. 2004 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Plan”) and the NorthStar Realty Executive Incentive Bonus Plan, as amended (the “Plan” and collectively the “NorthStar Realty Equity Plans”).

Prior to the NSAM Spin-off, the Company conducted substantially all of its operations and made its investments through an operating partnership which issued LTIP Units as equity-based compensation. Additionally, prior to the NSAM Spin-off, the Company completed an internal corporate reorganization whereby the Company collapsed its three tier holding company structure, including such operating partnership, into a single tier (the “Reorganization”). All of the vested and unvested equity-based awards granted by the Company prior to the NSAM Spin-off remain outstanding following the Reorganization and the NSAM Spin-off. Appropriate adjustments were made to all awards to reflect the Reorganization, the Reverse Split and the Spin-offs. Pursuant to the Reorganization, such LTIP Units were converted into an equal number of shares of common stock of the Company (refer to Note 13), which are referred to as restricted stock, and holders of such shares received an equal number of shares of NSAM’s common stock in connection with the NSAM Spin-off, all of which generally remain subject to the same vesting and other terms that applied prior to the NSAM Spin-off. In connection with the NSAM Spin-off, equity and equity-based awards relating to the Company’s common stock, such as RSUs and Deferred LTIP Units, were adjusted to also relate to an equal number of shares of NSAM’s common stock, but otherwise generally remain subject to the same vesting and other terms that applied prior to the NSAM Spin-off. Vesting conditions for outstanding awards have been adjusted to reflect the impact of NSAM in terms of employment for service based on awards and total stockholder return for performance-based awards with respect to periods after the NSAM Spin-off.

In connection with the formation of the Operating Partnership, the Operating Partnership issued LTIP Units to each holder of the Company’s outstanding Deferred LTIP Units, which were equity awards representing the right to receive either LTIP units in the Company’s successor operating partnership or, if such LTIP units were not available upon settlement of the award, shares of common stock of the Company, in settlement of such Deferred LTIP Units on a one for one basis in accordance with the terms of the outstanding Deferred LTIP Units. Conditioned upon minimum allocations to the capital account of the LTIP Unit for federal income tax purposes, each LTIP Unit will be convertible, at the election of the holder, into one common unit of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership (“OP Unit”). Each of the OP Units underlying these LTIP Units will be redeemable at the election of the OP Unit holder for: (i) cash equal to the then fair market value of one share of the Company’s common stock; or (ii) at the option of the Company in its capacity as general partner of the Operating Partnership, one share of the Company’s common stock. LTIP Units issued remain subject to the same vesting terms as the Deferred LTIP Units.

In connection with the NRE Spin-off, equity and equity-based awards relating to the Company’s common stock, such as RSUs, were adjusted to also relate to one share of NorthStar Europe common stock for each six shares of the Company’s common stock, but otherwise generally remain subject to the same vesting and other terms that applied prior to the NRE Spin-off. Appropriate adjustments were also made to all awards to reflect the Reverse Split.

Following the Spin-offs, the Company and the compensation committee of its board of directors (the “Committee”) continues to administer all awards issued under the NorthStar Realty Equity Plans but NSAM and NorthStar Europe are obligated to issue shares of their common stock or other equity awards of their subsidiaries or make cash payments in lieu thereof with respect to dividend or distribution equivalent obligations to the extent required by such awards previously issued under the NorthStar Realty Equity Plans. These awards will continue to be governed by the NorthStar Realty Equity Plans, as applicable, and shares of NSAM’s common stock or NorthStar Europe’s common stock issued pursuant to these awards will not be issued pursuant to, or reduce availability, under the NorthStar Realty Equity Plans.

Pursuant to the management agreement with NSAM, the Company, together with NorthStar Europe and any company spun-off from the Company or NorthStar Europe, will pay directly or reimburse NSAM for up to 50% of any long-term bonus or other compensation that NSAM’s compensation committee determines shall be paid and/or settled in the form of equity and/or equity-based compensation to executives, employees and service providers of NSAM during any year. Subject to this limitation and limitations contained in any applicable management agreement between NSAM and NorthStar Europe or any company spun-off from the Company or NorthStar Europe, the amount paid by the Company, NorthStar Europe and any company spun-off from the

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(Unaudited)

Company or NorthStar Europe will be determined by NSAM in its discretion. At the discretion of NSAM’s compensation committee, this compensation may be granted in shares of the Company’s restricted stock, restricted stock units, LTIP Units or other forms of equity compensation or stock-based awards; provided that if at any time a sufficient number of shares of the Company’s common stock are not available for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plan, such compensation shall be paid in the form of RSUs, LTIP Units or other securities that may be settled in cash. The Company’s equity compensation for each year may be allocated on an individual-by-individual basis at the discretion of the NSAM compensation committee and, as long as the aggregate amount of the equity compensation for such year does not exceed the limits set forth in the management agreement, the proportion of any particular individual’s equity compensation may be greater or less than 50%.

The Company was responsible for paying approximately 50% of the 2014 long-term bonuses earned under the NorthStar Asset Management Group Inc. Executive Incentive Bonus Plan (“NSAM Bonus Plan”). Long-term bonuses were paid to executives in the form of equity-based awards of both the Company and NSAM, subject to performance-based and time-based vesting conditions over the four-year performance period from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2017. The long-term bonuses paid in the form of equity-based awards of the Company were adjusted for the NRE Spin-off and Reverse Split in the same manner as all other equity-based awards of the Company.

All of the adjustments made in connection with the Reorganization, the Spin-offs and the Reverse Split were deemed to be equitable adjustments pursuant to anti-dilution provisions in accordance with the terms of the NorthStar Realty Equity Plans. As a result, there was no incremental value attributed to these adjustments and these adjustments do not impact the amount recorded for equity-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

The following summarizes the equity-based compensation plans and related expenses.

All share amounts and related information disclosed below have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Reverse Split.

NorthStar Realty Equity Plans

Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan

In September 2004, the board of directors of the Company adopted the Stock Plan, and such plan, as amended and restated, was further adopted by the board of directors of the Company on April 17, 2013 and approved by the stockholders on May 29, 2013. The Stock Plan provides for the issuance of stock-based incentive awards, including incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, shares of common stock of the Company, in the form of restricted stock and other equity-based awards such as LTIP Units or any combination of the foregoing. The eligible participants in the Stock Plan include directors, officers, employees, consultants and advisors of the Company.

As of September 30, 2015, 92,397 unvested shares of restricted stock issued under the Stock Plan were outstanding and 1,568,499 shares of common stock remained available for issuance pursuant to the Stock Plan, which includes shares reserved for issuance upon settlement of outstanding LTIP Units and RSUs, after giving effect to the Reverse Split. Holders of shares of restricted stock or LTIP Units are entitled to receive dividends or distributions with respect to the Company’s shares of restricted stock and vested and unvested LTIP Units for as long as such shares and LTIP Units remain outstanding.

Incentive Compensation Plan

In July 2009, the Committee approved the material terms of the Plan for the Company’s executive officers and other employees. Pursuant to the Plan, an incentive pool was established each calendar year through 2013. The size of the incentive pool was calculated as the sum of: (a) 1.75% of the Company’s “adjusted equity capital” for the year; and (b) 25% of the Company’s adjusted funds from operations, as adjusted, above a 9% return hurdle on adjusted equity capital. Payout from the incentive pool is or was subject to achievement of additional performance and/or time-based goals summarized below.

The portion of the incentive pool for the executive officers was divided into the following three separate incentive compensation components: (a) an annual cash bonus, tied to annual performance of the Company and paid prior to or shortly after completion of the year-end audit (“Annual Bonus”); (b) a deferred bonus, determined based on the same year’s performance, but paid 50% following the close of each of the first and second years after such incentive pool is determined, subject to the participant’s continued employment through each payment date (“Deferred Bonus”); and (c) a long-term incentive in the form of RSUs, LTIP Units and/or Deferred LTIP Units. RSUs are subject to the Company achieving cumulative performance hurdles and/or total stockholder return hurdles established by the Committee for a three- or four-year period, subject to the participant’s continued employment through the payment date. Upon the conclusion of the applicable performance period, each executive officer will receive a payout, if any, equal to the value of one share of common stock at the time of such payout, including the dividends paid with respect to a share of common stock following the first year of the applicable performance period, for each RSU actually earned (the “Long-

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Term Amount Value”). The Long-Term Amount Value, if any, other than the portion related to dividends paid, will be paid in the form of shares of common stock of the Company or LTIP Units in the Operating Partnership, to the extent available under the NorthStar Realty Equity Plans, or in cash to the extent shares of common stock of the Company or LTIP Units in the Operating Partnership are unavailable under the NorthStar Realty Equity Plans, and, pursuant to adjustments made in connection with the NSAM Spin-off and the NRE Spin-off, shares of NSAM’s common stock or LTIP Units in NSAM’s operating partnership and shares of NorthStar Europe’s common stock or LTIP Units in NorthStar Europe’s operating partnership (the “Long Term Amount Payout”). These performance-based RSUs were adjusted to refer to combined total stockholder return of the Company and NSAM with respect to periods after the NSAM Spin-off. These performance-based RSUs were again adjusted to refer to combined total stockholder return of the Company, NorthStar Europe and NSAM after the NRE Spin-off. Restricted stock or LTIP Units granted as a portion of the long-term incentive are subject to vesting based on continued employment during the performance period, but are not subject to performance-based vesting hurdles.

Under the Plan, for 2011, the Company issued 381,449 RSUs to executive officers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, which were subject to vesting based on continued employment and achieving total stockholder return hurdles for the four-year period ended December 31, 2014. The grant date fair value was $10.80 per RSU, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, determined using a risk-free interest rate of 0.42%. As of December 31, 2014, the Company determined the performance hurdle was met which resulted in all of these RSUs vesting. To settle these RSUs, the Company issued 24,575 shares of common stock, net of the minimum statutory tax withholding requirements, on January 1, 2015, after giving effect to the Reverse Split and the Operating Partnership issued 334,871 LTIP Units, after giving effect to the Reverse Split. Under the Plan, for 2011, the Company also granted 381,449 LTIP Units to executive officers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, which were subject to vesting in four annual installments ending on January 29, 2015, subject to the executive officer’s continued employment through the applicable vesting date, and were converted into shares of restricted stock pursuant to the Reorganization. The Company also granted 151,334 shares of restricted stock (net of forfeitures occurring through September 30, 2015), after giving effect to the Reverse Split, to certain non-executive employees, which were subject to vesting quarterly over three years beginning April 2012, subject to continued employment through the applicable vesting date.

Under the Plan, for 2012, the Company issued 352,418 RSUs to executive officers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, which are subject to vesting based on continued employment and achieving total stockholder return hurdles for the four-year period ending December 31, 2015. The grant date fair value was $24.64 per RSU, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, determined using a risk-free interest rate of 0.44%. Under the Plan, for 2012, the Company also granted 352,418 LTIP Units to executive officers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, which were subject to vesting in four annual installments beginning on January 29, 2013, subject to the executive officer’s continued employment through the applicable vesting date, and were converted into shares of restricted stock pursuant to the Reorganization. The Company also granted 144,883 LTIP Units (net of forfeitures occurring through September 30, 2015), after giving effect to the Reverse Split, to certain non-executive employees which are subject to vesting quarterly over three years beginning April 2013, subject to continued employment through the applicable vesting date, and were converted into shares of restricted stock pursuant to the Reorganization.

Under the Plan, for 2013, the Company issued 250,184 RSUs to executive officers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, which are subject to vesting based on continued employment and achieving total stockholder return hurdles for the four-year period ending December 31, 2016. The grant date fair value was $53.92 per RSU, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, determined using a risk-free interest rate of 0.63%. Under the Plan, for 2013, the Company also granted 250,184 Deferred LTIP Units to executive officers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, which are subject to vesting in four annual installments beginning on January 29, 2014, subject to the executive officer’s continued employment through the applicable vesting date and 130,787 Deferred LTIP Units, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, which were subject to vesting based on continued employment through December 31, 2015. The Company also granted 137,330 Deferred LTIP Units (net of forfeitures occurring through September 30, 2015), after giving effect to the Reverse Split, to certain non-executive employees which were subject to vesting quarterly over three years beginning April 2014, subject to continued employment through the applicable vesting date. Such Deferred LTIP Units were subsequently settled as LTIP Units in the Operating Partnership or shares of restricted stock, which remain subject to the same vesting terms that applied to the Deferred LTIP Units.

NSAM Bonus Plan

In connection with the NSAM Bonus Plan, for 2014, approximately 31.65% of the long-term bonus was paid in Deferred LTIP Units and approximately 18.35% of the long-term bonus was paid by the Company by issuing RSUs. In connection with the long-term bonuses to be paid by the Company, in February 2015, the Company granted 519,115 Deferred LTIP Units to executive officers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, of which 25% were vested upon grant and the remainder was subject to vesting in three equal annual installments beginning on December 31, 2015, subject to the executive officer’s continued employment

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

through the applicable vesting dates. The Company also granted 292,438 RSUs to executive officers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, subject to vesting based on continued employment and achieving total stockholder return hurdles for the four-year period ending December 31, 2017. The grant date fair value of such RSUs was $23.30 per RSU, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, determined using a risk-free interest rate of 1.00%. After the NRE Spin-off, these performance-based RSUs were adjusted to refer to combined total stockholder return of the Company and NorthStar Europe. In the first quarter 2015, the Company also granted 344,408 Deferred LTIP Units (net of forfeitures occurring through September 30, 2015), after giving effect to the Reverse Split, to certain non-executive employees, with substantially similar terms to the executive awards subject to time based vesting conditions. Such Deferred LTIP Units were settled as LTIP Units in the Operating Partnership or shares of restricted stock, which remain subject to the same vesting terms that applied to the Deferred LTIP Units.

Other Issuances

Healthcare Strategic Joint Venture

In connection with entering into the Healthcare Strategic Partnership, the Company granted Mr. Flaherty 250,000 RSUs on January 22, 2014, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, which vest on January 22, 2019, unless certain conditions are met. In connection with the Spin-offs, the RSUs granted to Mr. Flaherty were adjusted to also relate to shares of NSAM’s common stock and NorthStar Europe’s common stock. The RSUs are entitled to dividend equivalents prior to vesting and may be settled either in shares of common stock of the Company, NSAM and NorthStar Europe or in cash at the option of the Company.

Summary

Equity-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and for the three months ended September 30, 2014 represents the Company’s equity-based compensation following the NSAM Spin-off. The Company’s historical equity-based compensation for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, represents the Company’s expense after an allocation to NSAM related to the Company’s historical asset management business had it been run as an independent entity. Such amount is reported in discontinued operations.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded $6.2 million and $24.7 million of equity-based compensation expense (including $0.6 million and $4.3 million of fair value adjustments related to non-employees and $0.5 million and $1.6 million of dividends associated with non-employees, respectively). For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded $8.5 million and $20.3 million of equity-based compensation expense, respectively, which excludes $13.7 million of expense allocated to NSAM for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014 which is recorded in discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.

The following table presents a summary of restricted stock and LTIP Units. The balance as of September 30, 2015 represents unvested shares of restricted stock and LTIP Units that are outstanding, whether vested or not (grants in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
	Grants		Weighted Average Grant Price(2)
January 1, 2015	936		$	46.50
Granted	1,294		37.15
Converted to common stock	(3	)	31.02
Forfeited	(8	)	34.66
Vesting of restricted stock	(256	)	28.26
September 30, 2015(1)	1,963		$	42.79

____________________________________________________________

(1) Includes 92,397 shares of restricted stock and 1,870,528 LTIP Units as of September 30, 2015, after giving effect to the Reverse Split.

(2) Amounts have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Reverse Split.

As of September 30, 2015, equity-based compensation expense to be recognized over the remaining vesting period through January 2019 is $38.2 million, provided there are no forfeitures and not taking into account any impact of the NRE Spin-off.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

12. Stockholders’ Equity

Reverse Split

On November 1, 2015, the Company effected a Reverse Split of its common stock with any fractional shares settled in cash. As a result of the Reverse Split, common stock was reduced by dividing the par value prior to the Reverse Split by two (including retrospective adjustment of prior periods) with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. The par value per share of common stock remained unchanged.

Share and per share amounts disclosed in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Reverse Split, including common stock outstanding, earnings per share and shares or units outstanding related to equity-based compensation, where applicable (refer to Note 11).

Common Stock

In February 2015, the Company issued the remaining 3.5 million shares of common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, under the forward sale agreement entered into in 2014, for net proceeds of $122.2 million.

In March 2015, the Company issued 6.0 million shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $37.30 per share, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, and received net proceeds of $217.1 million. In connection with this offering, the Company entered into a forward sale agreement with a financial institution to issue an aggregate of 28.5 million shares of its common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, subject to certain conditions. The forward sale agreement generally provides for settlement on one or more dates specified by the Company on or prior to November 30, 2015, subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of certain events. On a settlement date, if the Company decides to physically settle all or a portion of the forward sale agreement, it will issue common stock to such financial institution at the then-applicable forward sale price multiplied by 0.995. The initial forward sale price is equal to $36.28 per share, after giving effect to the Reverse Split. The forward sale agreement provides that the forward sale price will be adjusted based on the federal funds rate less the stock loan rate specified in the forward sale agreement and will be decreased by amounts related to expected dividends on the Company’s common stock during the term of the forward sale agreement. As of September 30, 2015, the Company issued 21.4 million shares of common stock under this forward sale agreement, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, for net proceeds of $747.0 million. In October 2015, the Company issued the remaining 7.1 million shares of common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, under this forward sale agreement, for net proceeds of $239.9 million.

Share Repurchase

In September 2015, the Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of its outstanding common stock. The authorization expires in September 2016, unless otherwise extended by the Company’s board of directors. As of September 30, 2015, the Company repurchased 0.7 million shares of its common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, for approximately $18.2 million.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

In April 2007, as amended effective January 1, 2012, the Company implemented a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “DRP”), pursuant to which it registered with the SEC and reserved for issuance 3,569,962 shares of its common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split. Pursuant to the amended terms of the DRP, stockholders are able to automatically reinvest all or a portion of their dividends for additional shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company expects to use the proceeds from the DRP for general corporate purposes. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, the Company issued 4,018 shares of its common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, pursuant to the DRP for gross proceeds of $0.1 million.

Dividends

The following table presents dividends declared (on a per share basis) for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015:

Common Stock			Preferred Stock
	Dividend			Dividend Per Share
Declaration Date	Per Share(1)		Declaration Date	Series A		Series B		Series C		Series D		Series E
February 25	$	0.80	January 30	$	0.54688	$	0.51563	$	0.55469	$	0.53125	$	0.54688
May 5	$	0.80	April 29	$	0.54688	$	0.51563	$	0.55469	$	0.53125	$	0.54688
August 4	$	0.80	July 31	$	0.54688	$	0.51563	$	0.55469	$	0.53125	$	0.54688

____________________________________________________________

(1) Adjusted for the Reverse Split effected on November 1, 2015.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Earnings Per Share

The following table presents EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. common stockholders	$	(126,111	)	$	(46,525	)	$	(255,215	)	$	(255,052	)
Net income (loss) attributable to LTIP Units non-controlling interest	(1,301		)	—			(2,370		)	(5,296		)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders and LTIP Units(1)	$	(127,412	)	$	(46,525	)	$	(257,585	)	$	(260,348	)
Denominator:(2)(3)
Weighted average shares of common stock	182,343			100,213			171,138			89,260
Weighted average LTIP Units(1)	1,844			—			1,338			1,374
Weighted average shares of common stock and LTIP Units(2)	184,187			100,213			172,476			90,634
Earnings (loss) per share:(3)
Basic	$	(0.69	)	$	(0.46	)	$	(1.49	)	$	(2.86	)
Diluted	$	(0.69	)	$	(0.46	)	$	(1.49	)	$	(2.86	)

____________________________________________________________

(1) The EPS calculation takes into account LTIP Units, which receive non-forfeitable dividends from the date of grant, share equally in the Company’s net income (loss) and convert on a one-for-one basis into common stock.

(2) Excludes the effect of exchangeable senior notes, shares under the forward sale agreement, restricted stock and RSUs outstanding that were not dilutive as of September 30, 2015. These instruments could potentially impact diluted EPS in future periods, depending on changes in the Company’s stock price and other factors.

(3) Adjusted for the Reverse Split effected on November 1, 2015.

13. Non-controlling Interests

Operating Partnership

Non-controlling interests include the aggregate LTIP Units held by limited partners (the “Unit Holders”) in the Operating Partnership and the Company’s former operating partnership prior to the NSAM Spin-off. Net income (loss) attributable to this non-controlling interest is based on the weighted average Unit Holders’ ownership percentage of the Operating Partnership for the respective period. The issuance of additional common stock or LTIP Units changes the percentage ownership of both the Unit Holders and the Company. Since an LTIP Unit is generally redeemable for cash or common stock at the option of the Company, it is deemed to be equivalent to common stock. Therefore, such transactions are treated as capital transactions and result in an allocation between stockholders’ equity and non-controlling interests on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets to account for the change in the ownership of the underlying equity in the Operating Partnership. On a quarterly basis, the carry value of such non-controlling interest is allocated based on the number of LTIP Units held by Unit Holders in total in proportion to the number of LTIP Units in total plus the number of shares of common stock. In connection with the formation of the Operating Partnership in March 2015, the Company recorded a non-controlling interest of $18.7 million related to LTIP Units. As of September 30, 2015, LTIP Units of 1,870,528 were outstanding, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, representing a 1.0% ownership and non-controlling interest in the Operating Partnership. Net income (loss) attributable to the Operating Partnership non-controlling interest for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was a net loss of $1.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively. Net income (loss) attributable to the Company’s former operating partnership non-controlling interest for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was a loss of $5.3 million. Since the Operating Partnership was not formed until March 2015, there was no allocation of net income (loss) attributable to the Operating Partnership non-controlling interest for the three months ended September 30, 2014.

Other

Other non-controlling interests represent third-party equity interests in ventures that are consolidated with the Company’s financial statements. Net income (loss) attributable to the other non-controlling interests for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 was a net loss of $2.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Net income (loss) attributable to the other non-controlling interests for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 was a net loss of $12.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

The following table presents net income (loss) attributable to the Company’s common stockholders for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(126,100	)	$	(46,247	)	$	(255,204	)	$	(248,063	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(11		)	(278		)	(11		)	(6,989		)
Net income (loss) attributable to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. common stockholders	$	(126,111	)	$	(46,525	)	$	(255,215	)	$	(255,052	)

14. Fair Value

Fair Value Measurement

The fair value of financial instruments is categorized based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique and categorized into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure the financial instruments fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:

Level 1. Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.

Level 2. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on the following:

(a) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets.

(b) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets.

(c) Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

(d) Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3. Prices or valuation techniques based on inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

Determination of Fair Value

The following is a description of the valuation techniques used to measure fair value of assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis and the general classification of these instruments pursuant to the fair value hierarchy.

PE Investments

The Company accounts for PE Investments at fair value which is determined based on a valuation model using assumptions for the timing and amount of expected future cash flow for income and realization events for the underlying assets in the funds and discount rate. This fair value measurement is generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, is classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company is not using the NAV (practical expedient) of the underlying funds for purposes of determining fair value.

Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures

The Company accounts for certain investments in unconsolidated ventures at fair value determined based on a valuation model using assumptions for the timing and amount of expected future cash flow for income and realization events for the underlying assets, discount rate and foreign currency exchange rates. Additionally, the Company accounts for certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures at fair value, which is determined based on comparing the current yield to the estimated yield for newly originated loans with similar credit risk. These fair value measurements are generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Real Estate Securities

N-Star CDO Bonds

The fair value of subordinate N-Star CDO bonds is determined using an internal price interpolated based on third party prices of the more senior N-Star CDO bonds of the respective CDO. For the remaining N-Star CDO bonds, fair value is determined using quotations from nationally recognized financial institutions that generally acted as underwriter for the transactions. These quotations are not adjusted and are generally based on a valuation model with observable inputs such as interest rate and other unobservable inputs for assumptions related to the timing and amount of expected future cash flow, discount rate, estimated prepayments and projected losses. All N-Star CDO bonds are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

N-Star CDO Equity

The fair value of N-Star CDO equity is determined based on a valuation model using assumptions for the timing and amount of expected future cash flow for income and realization events for the underlying collateral of these CDOs and discount rate. This fair value measurement is generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, is classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Other CRE Securities

Other CRE securities are generally valued using a third-party pricing service or broker quotations. These quotations are not adjusted and are based on observable inputs that can be validated, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Certain CRE securities may be valued based on a single broker quote or an internal price which may have less observable pricing, and as such, would be classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Management determines the prices are representative of fair value through a review of available data, including observable inputs, recent transactions as well as its knowledge of and experience in the market.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative instruments are valued using a third-party pricing service. These quotations are not adjusted and are generally based on valuation models with observable inputs such as interest rates and contractual cash flow, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Derivative instruments are also assessed for credit valuation adjustments due to the risk of non-performance by the Company and derivative counterparties. Derivatives held in non-recourse CDO financing structures where, by design, the derivative contracts are senior to all the CDO bonds payable, there is no material impact of a credit valuation adjustment.

CDO Bonds Payable

CDO bonds payable are valued using quotations from nationally recognized financial institutions that generally acted as underwriter for the transactions. These quotations are not adjusted and are generally based on a valuation model with observable inputs such as interest rate and other unobservable inputs for assumptions related to the timing and amount of expected future cash flow, discount rate, estimated prepayments and projected losses. CDO bonds payable are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Junior Subordinated Notes

Junior subordinated notes may be valued using quotations from nationally recognized financial institutions or an internal model. A quotation from a financial institution is not adjusted. The fair value is generally based on a valuation model with observable inputs such as interest rate and other unobservable inputs for assumptions related to the implied credit spread of the Company’s other borrowings and the timing and amount of expected future cash flow. Junior subordinated notes are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

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NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Fair Value Hierarchy

Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following tables present financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 by level within the fair value hierarchy (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
PE Investments	$	—	$	—	$	1,194,946	$	1,194,946
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	—		—		206,626		206,626
Real estate securities, available for sale:
N-Star CDO bonds					201,684		201,684
N-Star CDO equity	—		—		61,465		61,465
CMBS and other securities	—		15,027		43,474		58,501
CRE securities in N-Star CDOs
CMBS	—		291,533		65,421		356,954
Third-party CDO notes	—		—		23,546		23,546
Agency debentures	—		38,029		—		38,029
Unsecured REIT debt	—		9,152		—		9,152
Trust preferred securities	—		—		5,580		5,580
Subtotal CRE securities in N-Star CDOs	—		338,714		94,547		433,261
Subtotal real estate securities, available for sale	—		353,741		401,170		754,911
Derivative assets	—		24,054		—		24,054
Total assets	$	—	$	377,795	$	1,802,742	$	2,180,537
Liabilities:
CDO bonds payable	$	—	$	—	$	343,553	$	343,553
Junior subordinated notes	—		—		184,679		184,679
Derivative liabilities	—		133,382		—		133,382
Total liabilities	$	—	$	133,382	$	528,232	$	661,614

_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

	December 31, 2014
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
PE Investments	$	—	$	—	$	962,038	$	962,038
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	—		—		276,437		276,437
Real estate securities, available for sale:
N-Star CDO bonds	—		—		262,309		262,309
N-Star CDO equity	—		—		102,467		102,467
CMBS and other securities	—		17,243		34,680		51,923
CRE securities in N-Star CDOs
CMBS	—		329,815		53,052		382,867
Third-party CDO notes	—		—		23,218		23,218
Agency debentures	—		40,529		—		40,529
Unsecured REIT debt	—		9,351		—		9,351
Trust preferred securities	—		—		5,850		5,850
Subtotal CRE securities in N-Star CDOs	—		379,695		82,120		461,815
Subtotal real estate securities, available for sale	—		396,938		481,576		878,514
Derivative assets	—		3,247		—		3,247
Total assets	$	—	$	400,185	$	1,720,051	$	2,120,236
Liabilities:
CDO bonds payable	$	—	$	—	$	390,068	$	390,068
Junior subordinated notes	—		—		215,172		215,172
Derivative liabilities	—		17,915		—		17,915
Total liabilities	$	—	$	17,915	$	605,240	$	623,155

_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

The following table presents the changes in fair value of financial assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs to determine fair value for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
	PE Investments			Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures(1)			Real Estate Securities			CDO Bonds Payable			Junior Subordinated Notes
January 1, 2015	$	962,038		$	276,437		$	481,576		$	390,068		$	215,172
Transfers into Level 3(2)	—			—			12,136			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3(2)	—			—			(3,052		)	—			—
Purchases / borrowings / amortization / contributions	597,250			(301		)	66,401			(20,491		)	—
Sales	—			—			(77,230		)	—			—
Paydowns / distributions	(497,515		)	(40,870		)	(93,638		)	(52,825		)	—
Gains:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures	155,670			16,068			—			—			—
Unrealized gains included in earnings	—			—			76,936			—			(30,493		)
Realized gains included in earnings	—			—			20,521			—			—
Unrealized gain on real estate securities, available for sale included in OCI	—			—			254			—			—
Losses:
Unrealized losses included in earnings	(22,497		)	(44,708		)	(51,580		)	23,572			—
Realized losses included in earnings	—			—			(1,950		)	3,229			—
Unrealized losses on real estate securities, available for sale included in OCI	—			—			(29,204		)	—			—
September 30, 2015	$	1,194,946		$	206,626		$	401,170		$	343,553		$	184,679
Gains (losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets or liabilities still held.	$	(22,497	)	$	(44,708	)	$	25,356		$	(23,572	)	$	30,493

____________________________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 represent a fair value measurement from a third-party pricing service or broker quotations that have become more or less observable during the period. Transfers are assumed to occur at the beginning of the year.

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NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

The following table presents the changes in fair value of financial assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs to determine fair value for the year ended December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	PE Investments			Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures(1)			Real Estate Securities			CDO Bonds Payable			Junior Subordinated Notes
January 1, 2014	$	586,018		$	192,419		$	484,840		$	384,183		$	201,203
Transfers into Level 3(2)	—			—			17,513			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3(2)	—			—			—			—			—
Purchases / borrowings / amortization / contributions	548,961			84,206			64,104			(15,320		)	—
Sales	—			—			(65,504		)	—			—
Paydowns / distributions	(339,598		)	(2,507		)	(48,511		)	(87,859		)	—
Gains:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures	134,036			10,494			—			—			—
Unrealized gains included in earnings	32,621			—			44,308			—			—
Realized gains included in earnings	—			—			15,626			—			—
Unrealized gain on real estate securities, available for sale included in OCI	—			—			61,045			—			—
Deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs(3)	—			—			873			(122,486		)	—
Losses:
Unrealized losses included in earnings	—			(8,175		)	(64,977		)	217,608			13,969
Realized losses included in earnings	—			—			(3,152		)	13,942			—
Unrealized losses on real estate securities, available for sale included in OCI	—			—			(3,519		)	—			—
Deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs(3)	—			—			(21,070		)	—			—
December 31, 2014	$	962,038		$	276,437		$	481,576		$	390,068		$	215,172
Gains (losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets or liabilities still held.	$	32,621		$	(8,175	)	$	(37,487	)	$	(217,608	)	$	(13,969	)

____________________________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 represent a fair value measurement from a third-party pricing service or broker quotations that have become more or less observable during the period. Transfers are assumed to occur at the beginning of the year.

(3) Represents amounts recorded as a result of the deconsolidation of certain N-Star CDOs. Refer to Note 17 for further disclosure.

There were no transfers, other than those identified in the table above, during the periods ended September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

The Company relies on the third-party pricing exception with respect to the requirement to provide quantitative disclosures about significant Level 3 inputs being used to determine fair value measurements related to CRE securities (including N-Star CDO bonds) and CDO bonds payable. The Company believes such pricing service or broker quotation for such items may be based on a market transaction of comparable securities, inputs including forecasted market rates, contractual terms, observable discount rates for similar securities and credit (such as credit support and delinquency rates).

For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, quantitative information about the Company’s remaining Level 3 fair value measurements on a recurring basis are as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Key Unobservable Inputs(2)	Weighted Average
PE Investments	$	1,194,946	Discounted Cash Flow Model	Discount Rate	17%
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	$	206,626	Discounted Cash Flow Model/Credit Spread	Discount Rate/Credit Spread	14%
N-Star CDO equity	$	61,465	Discounted Cash Flow Model	Discount Rate	18%

_________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) Includes timing and amount of expected future cash flow.

54

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Significant increases (decreases) in any one of the inputs described above in isolation may result in a significantly different fair value for the financial assets and liabilities using such Level 3 inputs.

Fair Value Option

The Company has historically elected to apply the fair value option for the following financial assets and liabilities existing at the time of adoption or at the time the Company recognizes the eligible item for the purpose of consistent accounting application: CRE securities financed in N-Star CDOs; CDO bonds payable; and junior subordinated notes. Given past market volatility the Company had observed that the impact of electing the fair value option would generally result in additional variability to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations which management believes is not a useful presentation for such financial assets and liabilities. Therefore, the Company more recently has not elected the fair value option for new investments in CRE securities and securitization financing transactions. The Company may elect the fair value option for certain of its financial assets or liabilities due to the nature of the instrument. In the case of PE Investments, certain investments in unconsolidated ventures (refer to Note 6) and N-Star CDO equity, the Company elected the fair value option because management believes it is a more useful presentation for such investments. The Company determined recording such investments based on the change in fair value of projected future cash flow from one period to another better represents the underlying economics of the respective investment.

The following table presents the fair value of financial instruments for which the fair value option was elected as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
Assets:
PE Investments	$	1,194,946	$	962,038
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	206,626		276,437
Real estate securities, available for sale:(2)
N-Star CDO equity	61,465		102,467
CMBS and other securities	48,715		42,613
CRE securities in N-Star CDOs
CMBS	356,954		382,867
Third-party CDO notes	23,546		23,218
Agency debentures	38,029		40,529
Unsecured REIT debt	9,152		9,351
Trust preferred securities	5,580		5,850
Subtotal CRE securities in N-Star CDOs	433,261		461,815
Subtotal real estate securities, available for sale	543,441		606,895
Total assets	$	1,945,013	$	1,845,370
Liabilities:
CDO bonds payable	$	343,553	$	390,068
Junior subordinated notes	184,679		215,172
Total liabilities	$	528,232	$	605,240

___________________________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) September 30, 2015 excludes 28 CRE securities including $201.7 million of N-Star CDO bonds and $9.8 million of CRE securities, for which the fair value option was not elected. December 31, 2014 excludes 34 CRE securities including $262.3 million of N-Star CDO bonds and $9.3 million of CRE securities, for which the fair value option was not elected.

The Company attributes the change in the fair value of floating-rate liabilities to changes in instrument-specific credit spreads. For fixed-rate liabilities, the Company attributes the change in fair value to interest rate-related and instrument-specific credit spread changes.

55

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Change in Fair Value Recorded in the Statements of Operations

The following table presents unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other related to the change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale(1)	$	(8,805	)	$	(6,667	)	$	13,252		$	3,671
PE Investments(1)	(9,148		)	—			(22,497		)	—
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	(30,446		)	—			(39,789		)	—
Foreign currency remeasurement(2)	(6,850		)	(2,927		)	(13,029		)	(3,727		)
Liabilities:
CDO bonds payable(1)	(9,998		)	(8,397		)	(23,572		)	(190,176		)
Junior subordinated notes(1)	22,576			2,193			30,493			(18,050		)
Subtotal unrealized gain (loss), excluding derivatives	(42,671		)	(15,798		)	(55,142		)	(208,282		)
Derivatives	(95,641		)	3,523			(125,286		)	7,755
Subtotal unrealized gain (loss)	(138,312		)	(12,275		)	(180,428		)	(200,527		)
Net cash payments on derivatives (refer to Note 15)	(2,931		)	(3,102		)	(8,989		)	(13,795		)
Total	$	(141,243	)	$	(15,377	)	$	(189,417	)	$	(214,322	)

____________________________________________________________

(1) Represents financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) Represents foreign currency remeasurement on investments, cash and deposits primarily denominated in Euros.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

In addition to the above disclosures regarding financial assets or liabilities which are recorded at fair value, U.S. GAAP requires disclosure of fair value about all financial instruments. The following disclosure of estimated fair value of financial instruments was determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and develop estimated fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize on disposition of the financial instruments. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on estimated fair value.

The following table presents the principal amount, carrying value and fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015						December 31, 2014
	Principal / Notional Amount		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Principal / Notional Amount		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Financial assets:(1)
Real estate debt investments, net	$	1,006,570	$	965,719	$	964,873	$	1,187,316	$	1,067,667	$	1,066,911
Real estate securities, available for sale(2)	1,312,875		754,911		754,911		1,532,891		878,514		878,514
Derivative assets(2)(3)	5,551,398		24,054		24,054		3,848,859		3,247		3,247
Financial liabilities:(1)
Mortgage and other notes payable	$	10,648,530	$	10,596,175	$	10,622,650	$	8,531,285	$	8,535,863	$	8,539,363
Credit facilities	785,903		785,903		785,903		732,780		732,780		732,780
NRE Senior notes	340,000		340,000		333,200		—		—		—
CDO bonds payable(2)(4)	480,734		343,553		343,553		560,959		390,068		390,068
Securitization bonds payable	—		—		—		41,831		41,823		41,929
Exchangeable senior notes	31,360		29,374		50,121		45,588		41,762		82,443
Junior subordinated notes(2)(4)	280,117		184,679		184,679		280,117		215,172		215,172
Derivative liabilities(2)(3)	2,451,743		133,382		133,382		318,726		17,915		17,915
Borrowings of properties held for sale	249,777		249,777		246,527		N/A		N/A		N/A

____________________________________________________________

(1) The fair value of other financial instruments not included in this table is estimated to approximate their carrying value.

(2) Refer to “Determination of Fair Value” above for disclosures of methodologies used to determine fair value.

(3) Derivative assets and liabilities exclude timing swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $28.0 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

(4) The fair value option has been elected for these liabilities.

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NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Disclosure about fair value of financial instruments is based on pertinent information available to management as of the reporting date. Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect fair value, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these consolidated financial statements since that date and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.

Real Estate Debt Investments

For CRE debt investments, fair value was approximated by comparing the current yield to the estimated yield for newly originated loans with similar credit risk or the market yield at which a third party might expect to purchase such investment. Fair value was determined assuming fully-extended maturities regardless of structural or economic tests required to achieve such extended maturities. For any CRE debt investments that are deemed impaired, carrying value approximates fair value. These fair value measurements of CRE debt are generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and Other Notes Payable

For mortgage and other notes payable, the Company primarily uses rates currently available with similar terms and remaining maturities to estimate fair value. These measurements are determined using comparable U.S. Treasury rates as of the end of the reporting period. These fair value measurements are based on observable inputs, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Securitization Bonds Payable

Securitization bonds payable are valued using quotations from nationally recognized financial institutions that generally acted as underwriter for the transactions. These quotations are not adjusted and are generally based on observable inputs that can be validated, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Credit Facilities

As of the reporting date, the Company believes the carrying value of its credit facilities approximates fair value. These fair value measurements are based on observable inputs, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Exchangeable Senior Notes

For the exchangeable senior notes, the Company uses available market information, which includes quoted market prices or recent transactions, if available, to estimate their fair value and are, therefore, based on observable inputs, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Borrowings of Properties Held for Sale

For the borrowings of properties held for sale, the Company uses available market information, which includes quoted market prices or recent transactions, if available, to estimate their fair value and are, therefore, based on observable inputs, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

15. Risk Management and Derivative Activities

Derivatives

The Company uses derivative instruments primarily to manage interest rate risk and such derivatives are not considered speculative. These derivative instruments are typically in the form of interest rate swap, cap and foreign currency forward agreements and the primary objective is to minimize interest rate risks associated with investment and financing activities. The counterparties of these arrangements are major financial institutions with which the Company may also have other financial relationships. The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by these counterparties and it monitors their financial condition; however, the Company currently does not anticipate that any of the counterparties will fail to meet their obligations.

57

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

The following tables present derivative instruments that were not designated as hedges under U.S. GAAP as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Number	Notional Amount(1)		Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)				Range of Fixed LIBOR / Forward Rate	Range of Maturity
As of September 30, 2015:
NorthStar Realty
Interest rate caps	14	$	4,183,873	$	217			2.50% - 5.00%	January 2016 - December 2017
Interest rate swaps - N-Star CDOs	9	225,907		(10,389		)	(2)	5.02% - 5.25%	January 2017 - July 2018
Interest rate swaps - other	3	2,081,821		(119,565		)		0.62% - 4.17%	January 2016 - December 2029
Subtotal	26	6,491,601		(129,737		)
NorthStar Europe(3)
Interest rate caps	7	1,367,525		23,837				0.50% - 2.00%	October 2015 - July 2023
Foreign currency forwards	3	144,015		(3,428		)		N/A	November 2015 - August 2017
Subtotal	10	1,511,540		20,409
Total	36	$	8,003,141	$	(109,328	)
As of December 31, 2014:
NorthStar Realty
Interest rate swaps - N-Star CDOs	10	$	235,929	$	(17,707	)	(2)	5.00% - 5.25%	June 2015 - July 2018
Interest rate swaps - other	2	82,797		(208		)		0.62% - 5.00%	January 2016 - July 2023
Interest rate caps	21	3,808,234		2,132				2.50% - 5.00%	January 2015 - December 2017
Subtotal	33	4,126,960		(15,783		)
NorthStar Europe
Interest rate cap	1	40,625		1,115				2.00%	January 2020
Total	34	$	4,167,585	$	(14,668	)

____________________________________________________________

(1) Excludes timing swaps with a notional amount of $28.0 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

(2) Interest rate swaps in consolidated N-Star CDOs are liabilities and are only subject to the credit risks of the respective CDO transaction. As the interest rate swaps are senior to all the liabilities of the respective CDO and the fair value of each of the CDO’s investments exceeded the fair value of the CDO’s derivative liabilities, a credit valuation adjustment was not recorded.

(3) The Company’s European Portfolio and related derivative instruments were contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure.

The change in number and notional amount of derivative instruments from December 31, 2014 relates to derivatives entered into at the corporate level and in connection with new acquisitions, offset by contractual notional amortization and the maturity of a corporate interest rate cap and floor. The Company had no derivative financial instruments that were designated as hedges in qualifying hedging relationships as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments, as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheets, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Balance Sheet	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Location
Interest rate caps	Derivative assets	$	24,054	$	3,247
Interest rate swaps/foreign currency forwards	Derivative liabilities	$	133,382	$	17,915

58

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

The following table presents the effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Statements of Operations Location	2015			2014			2015			2014
NorthStar Realty
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings (loss):
Adjustment to fair value of interest rate swaps and caps	Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	$	(86,890	)	$	3,523		$	(114,036	)	$	7,755
Net cash payment on derivatives	Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	$	(2,931	)	$	(3,102	)	$	(8,989	)	$	(13,795	)
Amount of swap gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into earnings	Other interest expense	$	(223	)	$	(228	)	$	(711	)	$	(685	)
NorthStar Europe
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings (loss):
Adjustment to fair value of interest rate swaps and caps	Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	$	(9,576	)	$	—		$	(7,821	)	$	—
Adjustment to fair value of foreign currency forwards	Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	$	825		$	—		$	(3,429	)	$	—

The Company’s counterparties held no cash margin as collateral against the Company’s derivative contracts as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

16. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of its business. Although the Company is unable to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, in the opinion of management, the legal proceedings are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In connection with certain hotel acquisitions, the Company entered into guaranty agreements with various hotel franchisors, pursuant to which the Company guaranteed the franchisees’ obligations, including payments of franchise fees and marketing fees, for the term of the agreements, which expires from 2029 to 2034. As of September 30, 2015, the aggregate amount remaining under these guarantees is $7.4 million.

17. Variable Interest Entities

As of September 30, 2015, the Company has identified certain consolidated and unconsolidated VIEs. Assets of each of the VIEs may only be used to settle obligations of the respective VIE. Creditors of each of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of the Company.

Consolidated VIEs

N-Star CDOs

As of September 30, 2015, the Company serves as collateral manager and/or special servicer for N-Star CDOs I and IX which are primarily collateralized by CRE securities. The Company consolidates these entities as the Company has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these CDOs, and therefore, continues to be the primary beneficiary.

The Company is not contractually required to provide financial support to any of these consolidated VIEs, however, the Company, in its capacity as collateral manager and/or special servicer, may in its sole discretion provide support such as protective and other advances it deems appropriate. The Company did not provide any other financial support to any of its consolidated VIEs for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014.

Unconsolidated VIEs

N-Star CDOs

The Company delegated the collateral management rights for N-Star CDOs IV, VI and VIII and the CapLease CDO on September 30, 2013 and the CSE CDO on December 31, 2013 to a third-party collateral manager/collateral manager delegate who is entitled

59

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

to a percentage of the senior and subordinate collateral management fees. The Company continues to receive fees as named collateral manager or collateral manager delegate and retained administrative responsibilities. The Company evaluated the fees paid to the third-party collateral manager/collateral manager delegate and concluded that such fees represented a variable interest in the deconsolidated loan CDOs and that the third party was functioning as a principal. The Company determined that the delegation of the Company’s collateral management power in the CDOs was a VIE reconsideration event and concluded that these CDOs were still VIEs as the equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The Company then reconsidered if it was the primary beneficiary of such VIEs and determined that it no longer has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these CDOs, which includes but is not limited to selling collateral, and therefore is no longer the primary beneficiary of such CDOs. As a result, the Company does not consolidate the assets and liabilities for N-Star CDOs IV, VI and VIII, CSE CDO and the CapLease CDO. In September 2015, N-Star CDO IV was liquidated.

In March 2014, the Company determined it no longer had the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of N-Star CDO V due to the ability of a single party to remove the Company as collateral manager as a result of an existing event of default. The Company was no longer the primary beneficiary of N-Star CDO V, and as a result, in the first quarter 2014, the Company deconsolidated the assets and liabilities of this CDO.

In May 2014, the Company determined it no longer had the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of N-Star CDO III due to the ability of a single party to remove the Company as collateral manager as a result of an existing event of default. The Company was no longer the primary beneficiary of N-Star CDO III, and as a result, in the second quarter 2014, the Company deconsolidated the assets and liabilities of this CDO.

Similar events of default in the future, if they occur, could cause the Company to deconsolidate additional CDO financing transactions.

For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, the deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs III and V resulted in an aggregate non-cash realized loss on deconsolidation of $31.4 million recorded in the consolidated statement of operations, which was the result of the deconsolidation of an aggregate $192.5 million of assets, $149.0 million of liabilities, net of $8.8 million of fair value of N-Star CDO bonds recorded that no longer eliminated in consolidation and the reclassification of $3.3 million of unrealized gain to loss from deconsolidation.

Other Unconsolidated VIEs

Based on management’s analysis, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs summarized below and as such, these VIEs are not consolidated into the Company’s financial statements as of September 30, 2015. These unconsolidated VIEs are summarized as follows:

Real Estate Debt Investments

The Company identified four CRE debt investments with an aggregate carrying value of $77.4 million as variable interests in a VIE. The Company determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of such VIEs, and as such, the VIEs are not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. For all other CRE debt investments, the Company determined that these investments are not VIEs and, as such, the Company continues to account for all CRE debt investments as loans.

Real Estate Securities

The Company identified two CRE securities, other than investments in N-Star CDOs, with an aggregate fair value of $46.5 million as variable interests in VIEs. In connection with certain CMBS investments, the Company became the controlling class and/or was named directing certificate holder of a securitization it did not sponsor. For one of these securitizations, an affiliate of NSAM was appointed as special servicer. The special servicing business for certain securitizations was transferred to NSAM in connection with the NSAM Spin-off. The Company determined each securitization was a VIE. However, the Company determined at that time and continues to believe that it does not currently or potentially hold a significant interest in any of these securitizations and, therefore, is not the primary beneficiary.

NorthStar Realty Finance Trusts

The Company owns all of the common stock of the Trusts. The Trusts were formed to issue trust preferred securities. The Company determined that the holders of the trust preferred securities were the primary beneficiaries of the Trusts. As a result, the Company did not consolidate the Trusts and has accounted for the investment in the common stock of the Trusts under the equity method. As of September 30, 2015, the Company’s carrying value and maximum exposure to loss related to its investment in the Trusts is $3.7 million and is recorded in investments in unconsolidated ventures on the consolidated balance sheets.

60

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

PE Investments

In May 2015, in connection with the Company’s investment in PE Investment XIII, the Company determined that two of the underlying funds are VIEs. The Company determined that the funds are a VIE as there is insufficient equity at risk in each limited partnership and the general partner in each fund has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the funds’ economic performance as the general partner performs such activities. As of September 30, 2015, the Company’s investment in both funds is $38.8 million. As of September 30, 2015, the amount of expected future contributions to both funds is $3.1 million.

Summary of Unconsolidated VIEs

The following table presents the classification, carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

	Junior Subordinated Notes, at Fair Value			Real Estate Debt Investments, Net		Real Estate Securities, Available for Sale		PE Investments		Total		Maximum Exposure to Loss(1)
Real estate debt investments, net	$	—		$	77,438	$	—	$	—	$	77,438	$	77,438
Investments in unconsolidated ventures	3,742			—		—		—		3,742		3,742
Investments in private equity funds, at fair value	—			—		—		38,772		38,772		38,772
Real estate securities, available for sale:
N-Star CDO bonds	—			—		201,684		—		201,684		201,684
N-Star CDO equity	—			—		61,465		—		61,465		61,465
CMBS	—			—		46,482		—		46,482		46,482
Subtotal real estate securities, available for sale	—			—		309,631		—		309,631		309,631
Total assets	3,742			77,438		309,631		38,772		429,583		429,583
Junior subordinated notes, at fair value	184,679			—		—		—		184,679		NA
Total liabilities	184,679			—		—		—		184,679		NA
Net	$	(180,937	)	$	77,438	$	309,631	$	38,772	$	244,904	$	429,583

____________________________________________________________

(1) The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as of September 30, 2015 would not exceed the carrying value of its investment.

The Company is not contractually required to provide financial support to any of its unconsolidated VIEs during the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 however, the Company, in its capacity as collateral manager/collateral manager delegate and/or special servicer of the deconsolidated N-Star CDOs, may in its sole discretion provide support such as protective and other advances it deems appropriate. As of September 30, 2015, there were no explicit arrangements or implicit variable interests that could require the Company to provide financial support to any of its unconsolidated VIEs.

18. Segment Reporting

Effective April 1, 2015, the Company redefined its segments to conform with its management of such businesses by presenting its European business as a separate segment, excluding the Company’s European healthcare properties. Accordingly, the Company has reclassified the prior period segment financial results to conform to the current year presentation.

The Company currently conducts its business through the following six segments (excluding the asset management business which the Company spun off on June 30, 2014 which is no longer a separate operating segment), based on how management reviews and manages its business:

• U.S. Real Estate - The U.S. real estate business concentrates on various types of investments in commercial real estate located throughout the United States that includes healthcare, hotel, manufactured housing communities, net lease, multifamily and multi-tenant office properties. In addition, it includes certain healthcare properties located outside of the United States and PE Investments diversified by property type and geography.

• Healthcare - The healthcare properties are comprised of a diverse portfolio of senior housing, skilled nursing, medical office buildings and other healthcare properties. The majority of the healthcare properties are structured under a net lease to healthcare operators. In addition, the Company also owns healthcare properties that operate through management agreements with independent third party operators, predominantly through RIDEA structures that permit the Company, through a TRS, to have direct exposure to resident fee income and incur customary related operating expenses.

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NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

• Hotel - The hotel portfolio is a geographically diverse portfolio primarily comprised of extended stay hotels and premium branded select service hotels primarily located in major metropolitan markets with the majority affiliated with top hotel brands.

• Manufactured Housing - The manufactured housing portfolio consists of communities that lease pad rental sites for placement of factory built homes located throughout the United States. In addition, the portfolio includes manufactured homes and receivables related to the financing of homes sold to residents.

• Net Lease - The net lease properties are primarily industrial, office and retail properties typically under net leases to corporate tenants.

• Multifamily - The multifamily portfolio primarily focuses on properties located in suburban markets that are well suited to capture the formation of new households. Currently, the Company is exploring the sale of its multifamily portfolio.

• Multi-tenant Office - The Company pursues the acquisition of multi-tenant office properties.

• PE Investments - The real estate business also includes investments (directly or indirectly in joint ventures) owning limited partnership interests in real estate private equity funds, managed by institutional quality sponsors and diversified by property type and geography.

• European Real Estate - The Company’s European Portfolio is predominantly focused on office properties and may expand by acquiring other types of commercial real estate located throughout Europe. On October 31, 2015, in connection with the NRE Spin-off, the Company contributed the European Portfolio to NorthStar Europe.  Refer to Note 1 and Note 20 for further disclosure.

• Commercial Real Estate Debt - The CRE debt business is focused on originating, acquiring and asset managing senior and subordinate debt investments secured primarily by commercial real estate and includes first mortgage loans, subordinate mortgage and mezzanine loans and participations in such loans and preferred equity interests. The Company may from time to time take title to collateral in connection with a CRE debt investment as REO which would be included in the CRE debt business.

• Commercial Real Estate Securities - The CRE securities business is predominately comprised of N-Star CDO bonds and N-Star CDO equity of deconsolidated N-Star CDOs and includes other securities, mostly conduit commercial mortgage-backed securities, or CMBS. The Company also invests in opportunistic CRE securities such as an investment in a “B-piece” CMBS.

• N-Star CDOs -The Company historically originated or acquired CRE debt and securities investments that were predominantly financed through permanent, non-recourse CDOs. The Company’s remaining consolidated CDOs are past the reinvestment period and given the nature of these transactions, these CDOs are amortizing over time as the underlying assets paydown or are sold. The Company has been winding down its legacy CDO business and investing in a broad and diverse range of CRE assets. As a result, this distinct business is a significantly smaller portion of its business today than in the past. As of September 30, 2015, only N-Star securities CDOs I and IX continue to be consolidated. Refer to Note 17 for further disclosure regarding deconsolidated N-Star CDOs. The Company continues to receive collateral management fees related to administrative responsibilities for deconsolidated N-Star CDO financing transactions, which are recorded in other revenue and included in the N-Star CDOs segment.

• Corporate - The corporate segment includes corporate level interest income, interest expense and general and administrative expenses.

The Company primarily generates revenue from rental income from its real estate properties, operating income from healthcare and hotel properties permitted by the RIDEA and net interest income on the CRE debt and securities portfolios. Additionally, the Company records equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures, including from PE Investments. The Company’s income is primarily derived through the difference between revenue and the cost at which the Company is able to finance its investments. The Company may also acquire investments which generate attractive returns without any leverage.

Prior to the NSAM Spin-off, the Company generated fee income from asset management activities. The asset management segment represents the consolidated results of operations and balance sheet of such asset management business which was transferred to NSAM in connection with the NSAM Spin-off. Amounts related to the asset management business are reported in discontinued operations and include an allocation of indirect expenses related to managing the NSAM Sponsored Companies and owning NorthStar Securities, including salaries, equity-based compensation and other general and administrative expenses (primarily occupancy and other costs) based on an estimate had the asset management business been run as an independent entity.

62

NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

The following tables present segment reporting for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Statement of Operations:															N-Star CDOs(1)
Three months ended September 30, 2015	U.S. Real Estate				European Real Estate				CRE Debt			CRE Securities			CRE Securities			Corporate				Consolidated Total
Rental and escalation income	$	194,269			$	41,319			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—			$	235,588
Hotel related income	219,427				—				—			—			—			—				219,427
Resident fee income	70,257				—				—			—			—			—				70,257
Net interest income on debt and securities	2,661			(2)	—				23,737			17,228			12,407			3,076			(3)	59,109
Other interest expense	113,351				14,558				—			—			—			13,323				141,232
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)	(52,137		)	(4)	(32,971		)	(5)	24,871			15,465			(5,160		)	(121,603		)	(6)	(171,535		)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	60,359				—				—			—			—			—				60,359
Income tax benefit (expense)	2,391				504				(154		)	(82		)	—			—				2,659
Income (loss) from continuing operations	10,613				(32,467		)		24,717			15,383			(5,160		)	(121,603		)		(108,517		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(11		)		—				—			—			—			—				(11		)
Net income (loss)	10,602				(32,467		)		24,717			15,383			(5,160		)	(121,603		)		(108,528		)

___________________________________

(1) Based on CDO financing transactions that were primarily collateralized by CRE securities and may include other types of investments. $1.3 million of collateral management fees were earned from CDO financing transactions for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015, of which $0.6 million were eliminated in consolidation. The eliminated amounts are recorded as other revenue in the Corporate segment and as an expense in the N-Star CDO segment.

(2) Primarily represents interest income earned from notes receivable on manufactured homes and interest income on loans in the Griffin-American portfolio.

(3) Represents income earned from CDO bonds repurchased at a discount, recognized using the effective interest method, that is eliminated in consolidation. The corresponding interest expense is recorded in net interest income in the N-Star CDOs segment.

(4) Primarily relates to transaction costs of $3.7 million and depreciation and amortization of $118.4 million.

(5) Primarily relates to depreciation and amortization of $18.8 million.

(6) Includes management fees to NSAM of $51.3 million.

Statement of Operations:												N-Star CDOs(1)
Three months ended September 30, 2014	U.S. Real Estate				European Real Estate			CRE Debt		CRE Securities		CRE Securities		Corporate				Consolidated Total
Rental and escalation income	$	86,236			$	135		$	—	$	—	$	277	$	—			$	86,648
Hotel related income	79,194				—			—		—		—		—				79,194
Resident fee income	25,027				—			—		—		—		—				25,027
Net interest income on debt and securities	1,223			(3)	—			37,541		24,748		14,424		—			(4)	77,936
Other interest expense	49,567				—			—		—		—		10,356				59,923
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)	(38,697		)	(5)	(4,244		)	35,224		34,196		7,203		(98,247		)		(64,565		)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	41,544				—					—		—		150				41,694
Income tax benefit (expense)	(3,460		)		—			—		—		—		—				(3,460		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(4,554		)		(4,244		)	39,315		34,196		7,203		(98,247		)		(26,331		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(278		)		—			—		—		—		—				(278		)
Net income (loss)	(4,832		)		(4,244		)	39,315		34,196		7,203		(98,247		)		(26,609		)

___________________________________

(1) Based on CDO financing transactions that were primarily collateralized by CRE securities and may include other types of investments. $1.3 million of collateral management fees were earned from CDO financing transactions for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2014, of which $0.6 million were eliminated in consolidation. The eliminated amounts are recorded as other revenue in the Corporate segment and as an expense in the N-Star CDO segment.

(2) Represents the consolidated statements of operations of NSAM reported in discontinued operations and includes an allocation of indirect expenses from the Company (refer to Note 9).

(3) Primarily represents interest income earned from notes receivable on manufactured homes.

(4) Represents income earned from CDO bonds repurchased at a discount, recognized using the effective interest method, that is eliminated in consolidation. The corresponding interest expense is recorded in net interest income in the N-Star CDOs segment.

(5) Includes depreciation and amortization of $51.3 million.

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NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Statement of Operations:															N-Star CDOs(1)
Nine months ended September 30, 2015	U.S. Real Estate				European Real Estate				CRE Debt			CRE Securities			CRE Securities			Corporate				Consolidated Total
Rental and escalation income	$	538,385			$	75,195			$	—		$	—		$	302		$	—			$	613,882
Hotel related income	594,284				—				—			—			—			—				594,284
Resident fee income	199,463				—				—			—			—			—				199,463
Net interest income on debt and securities	7,589			(2)	—				79,061			49,671			35,723			8,255			(3)	180,299
Other interest expense	318,904				21,367				—			—			—			40,954				381,225
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)	(103,677		)	(4)	(141,300		)	(5)	80,652			87,827			(823		)	(303,838		)	(6)	(381,159		)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	171,738				—				—			—			—			—				171,738
Income tax benefit (expense)	(9,096		)		11,882				(382		)	(119		)	—			—				2,285
Income (loss) from continuing operations	58,965				(129,418		)		80,270			87,708			(823		)	(303,838		)		(207,136		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(11		)		—				—			—			—			—				(11		)
Net income (loss)	58,954				(129,418		)		80,270			87,708			(823		)	(303,838		)		(207,147		)

___________________________________

(1) Based on CDO financing transactions that were primarily collateralized by CRE securities and may include other types of investments. $4.1 million of collateral management fees were earned from CDO financing transactions for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, of which $1.8 million were eliminated in consolidation. The eliminated amounts are recorded as other revenue in the Corporate segment and as an expense in the N-Star CDO segment.

(2) Primarily represents interest income earned from notes receivable on manufactured homes and interest income on loans in the Griffin-American portfolio.

(3) Represents income earned from CDO bonds repurchased at a discount, recognized using the effective interest method, that is eliminated in consolidation. The corresponding interest expense is recorded in net interest income in the N-Star CDOs segment.

(4) Primarily relates to transaction costs of $22.9 million and depreciation and amortization of $338.8 million.

(5) Primarily relates to transaction costs of $127.2 million and depreciation and amortization of $35.0 million.

(6) Includes management fees to NSAM of $151.3 million.

Statement of Operations:												N-Star CDOs(1)
Nine months ended September 30, 2014	U.S. Real Estate				European Real Estate			CRE Debt		CRE Securities		CRE Securities			Corporate				Asset Management(2)			Consolidated Total
Rental and escalation income	$	231,664			$	135		$	—	$	—	$	950		$	—			$	—		$	232,749
Hotel related income	101,720				—			—		—		—			—				—			101,720
Resident fee income	40,087				—			—		—		—			—				—			40,087
Net interest income on debt and securities	3,589			(3)	—			104,955		64,001		44,740			8,808			(4)	—			226,093
Other interest expense	106,942				—			—		—		—			36,894				—			143,836
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)	(87,073		)	(5)	(4,244		)	100,267		72,284		(168,256		)	(217,598		)		—			(304,620		)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	106,813				—			2,644		—		—			173				—			109,630
Income tax benefit (expense)	(8,224		)		—			—		—		—			—				—			(8,224		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	6,014				(4,244		)	108,586		72,284		(168,256		)	(217,598		)		—			(203,214		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(915		)		—			—		—		—			—				(6,074		)	(6,989		)
Net income (loss)	5,099				(4,244		)	108,586		72,284		(168,256		)	(217,598		)		(6,074		)	(210,203		)

___________________________________

(1) Based on CDO financing transactions that were primarily collateralized by CRE securities and may include other types of investments. $4.5 million of collateral management fees were earned from CDO financing transactions for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, of which $2.0 million were eliminated in consolidation. The eliminated amounts are recorded as other revenue in the Corporate segment and as an expense in the N-Star CDO segment.

(2) Represents the consolidated statements of operations of NSAM reported in discontinued operations and includes an allocation of indirect expenses from the Company (refer to Note 9).

(3) Primarily represents interest income earned from notes receivable on manufactured homes.

(4) Represents income earned from CDO bonds repurchased at a discount, recognized using the effective interest method, that is eliminated in consolidation. The corresponding interest expense is recorded in net interest income in the N-Star CDOs segment.

(5) Includes depreciation and amortization of $110.4 million.

The following table presents total assets by segment as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

											N-Star CDOs(1)
Total Assets	U.S. Real Estate		European Real Estate		CRE Debt		Corporate		CRE Securities		CRE Securities		Consolidated Total
September 30, 2015	$	14,018,749	$	2,651,493	$	975,965	$	180,493	$	326,591	$	469,623	$	18,622,914
December 31, 2014	$	12,902,611	$	162,182	$	1,160,763	$	176,300	$	421,840	$	502,660	$	15,326,356

_____________________________________

(1) Based on CDO financing transactions that are primarily collateralized by CRE securities and may include other types of investments.

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19. Supplemental Disclosures of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities

The following table presents non-cash investing and financing activities for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014
Reclassification of operating real estate to assets held for sale	$	364,435	$	—
Reclassification of mortgage note payable to liabilities held for sale	273,360		—
Assumption of mortgage note payable upon purchase	273,023		870,871
Reclassification of operating real estate to deferred costs and intangible assets	216,345		132,197
Acquired assets and liabilities in connection with the New European Portfolio	49,942		—
Deferred purchase price for PE Investment XIV (refer to Note 5)	47,808		—
Escrow deposit payable related to CRE debt investments	42,996		50,360
Reduction of assets and liabilities held for sale via taking title	28,962		—
Reclassification of other assets to operating real estate	25,577		—
Non-controlling interests—reallocation of interest in Operating Partnership (refer to Note 13)	24,776		—
Conversion of Deferred LTIP Units to LTIP Units (refer to Note 13)	18,730		—
Retirement of shares of common stock	18,183		—
Conversion of exchangeable senior notes	13,590		310,463
Non-cash related to PE Investments	8,008		1,847
Dividends payable related to RSUs	3,283		1,143
Contribution from non-controlling interest	1,461		73,486
Exchangeable senior notes exchanged for 2014 Senior Notes (refer to Note 8)	—		296,382
PE Investment IX purchase price payable	—		186,454
Net assets distributed in NSAM Spin-off (refer to Note 9)	—		39,709
Conversion of LTIP Units (refer to Note 11)	—		18,611
Reclassification of CRE debt investment to held for sale	—		15,223
Reclassification of operating real estate to other assets	—		14,141
Issuance of common stock related to transactions	—		6,803

20. Subsequent Events

Dividends

On November 3, 2015, the Company declared a dividend of $0.75 per share of common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split. The common stock dividend will be paid on November 20, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 16, 2015. On October 28, 2015, the Company declared a dividend of $0.54688 per share of Series A preferred stock, $0.51563 per share of Series B preferred stock, $0.55469 per share of Series C preferred stock, $0.53125 per share of Series D Preferred Stock and $0.54688 per share of Series E Preferred Stock. Dividends will be paid on all series of preferred stock on November 16, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 9, 2015.

Spin-off of European Real Estate Business

On October 31, 2015, the Company completed the NRE Spin-off into a separate publicly-traded REIT, NorthStar Europe, in the form of the NRE Distribution. In connection with the NRE Distribution, each of the Company’s common stockholders received shares of NorthStar Europe’s common stock on a one-for-six basis, before giving effect to the Reverse Split. The Company contributed to NorthStar Europe approximately $2.6 billion of European real estate, at cost (excluding the Company’s European healthcare properties), comprised of 52 properties spanning across some of Europe’s top markets and $250 million of cash. NSAM manages NorthStar Europe pursuant to a long-term management agreement, on substantially similar terms as the Company’s management agreement with NSAM. In connection with the NRE Spin-off, the Company’s management agreement with NSAM was amended and restated to, among other things, commensurately adjust the annual base management fee and incentive fee hurdles for the NRE Spin-off.

Reverse Stock Spit

On November 1, 2015, the Company completed a one-for-two reverse stock split.

65

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this report. References to “N-Star,” “we,” “us”, “NorthStar Realty” or “our” refer to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and its subsidiaries unless the context specifically requires otherwise.

Introduction

NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. is a diversified commercial real estate company, with 85% of its total assets invested in real estate, of which 76% is invested in direct real estate, excluding our European Portfolio (as defined below). We generated 88% of our revenue from our real estate portfolio for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, excluding our European Portfolio. We invest in multiple asset classes across commercial real estate, or CRE, that we expect will generate attractive risk-adjusted returns and may take the form of acquiring real estate, originating or acquiring senior or subordinate loans, as well as pursuing opportunistic CRE investments, both in the United States and internationally. We seek to generate stable cash flow for distribution to our stockholders through our diversified portfolio of global commercial real estate assets and in turn build long-term franchise value. We are a Maryland corporation and completed our initial public offering in October 2004. We conduct our operations so as to continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Spin-offs

On June 30, 2014, we completed the spin-off of our historical asset management business, or the NSAM Spin-off, in the form of a tax-free distribution, or the NSAM Distribution. Effective upon the NSAM Spin-off, we are externally managed and advised by an affiliate of NorthStar Asset Management Group Inc. (NYSE: NSAM), which together with its affiliates is referred to as NSAM.

On October 31, 2015, we completed the previously announced spin-off of our European real estate business, or the NRE Spin-off, into a separate publicly-traded REIT, NorthStar Realty Europe Corp., or NorthStar Europe, in the form of a taxable distribution, or the NRE Distribution. In connection with the NRE Distribution, each of our common stockholders received shares of NorthStar Europe’s common stock on a one-for-six basis, before giving effect to a one-for-two reverse stock split of our common stock, or the Reverse Split. We contributed to NorthStar Europe approximately $2.6 billion of European real estate, at cost (excluding our European healthcare properties), comprised of 52 properties spanning across some of Europe’s top markets, or our European Portfolio and $250 million of cash. NSAM manages NorthStar Europe pursuant to a long-term management agreement, on substantially similar terms as our management agreement with NSAM.

Summary of Business

Our primary business lines are as follows:

• U.S. Real Estate - Our U.S. real estate business concentrates on various types of investments in commercial real estate located throughout the United States that includes healthcare, hotel, manufactured housing communities, net lease, multifamily and multi-tenant office properties. In addition, it includes certain healthcare properties located outside of the United States and limited partnership interests in real estate private equity funds, or PE Investments, diversified by property type and geography.

• Healthcare - Our healthcare properties are comprised of a diverse portfolio of senior housing, skilled nursing, medical office buildings and other healthcare properties. The majority of our healthcare properties are structured under a net lease to healthcare operators. In addition, we also own healthcare properties that we operate through management agreements with independent third party operators, predominantly through the REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007, or RIDEA, structures that permit us, through a taxable REIT subsidiary, or TRS, to have direct exposure to resident fee income and incur customary related operating expenses.

• Hotel - Our hotel portfolio is a geographically diverse portfolio primarily comprised of extended stay hotels and premium branded select service hotels primarily located in major metropolitan markets with the majority affiliated with top hotel brands.

• Manufactured Housing - Our manufactured housing portfolio consists of communities that lease pad rental sites for placement of factory built homes located throughout the United States. In addition, the portfolio includes manufactured homes and receivables related to the financing of homes sold to residents.

• Net Lease - Our net lease properties are primarily industrial, office and retail properties typically under net leases to corporate tenants.

• Multifamily - Our multifamily portfolio primarily focuses on properties located in suburban markets that are well suited to capture the formation of new households. Currently, we are exploring the sale of our multifamily portfolio.

• Multi-tenant Office - We pursue the acquisition of multi-tenant office properties.

66

• PE Investments - Our real estate business also includes investments (directly or indirectly in joint ventures) owning PE Investments managed by institutional quality sponsors and diversified by property type and geography.

• European Real Estate - Our European Portfolio is predominantly focused on office properties and may expand by acquiring other types of commercial real estate located throughout Europe. On October 31, 2015, in connection with the NRE Spin-off, we contributed our European Portfolio to NorthStar Europe.  Refer to “Our Investments - European” and “Recent Developments” for further discussion.

• Commercial Real Estate Debt - Our CRE debt business is focused on originating, acquiring and asset managing senior and subordinate debt investments secured primarily by commercial real estate and includes first mortgage loans, subordinate mortgage and mezzanine loans and participations in such loans and preferred equity interests. We may from time to time take title to collateral in connection with a CRE debt investment as real estate owned, or REO, which would be included in our CRE debt business.

• Commercial Real Estate Securities - Our CRE securities business is predominately comprised of N-Star CDO bonds and N-Star CDO equity of deconsolidated N-Star CDOs and includes other securities, mostly conduit commercial mortgage-backed securities, or CMBS, meaning each asset is a pool backed by a large number of commercial real estate loans. We also invest in opportunistic CRE securities such as an investment in a “B-piece” CMBS.

We have the ability to invest in a broad spectrum of global commercial real estate assets and seek to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns. Our ability to invest across the CRE market creates complementary and overlapping sources of investment opportunities based upon common reliance on real estate fundamentals and application of similar portfolio management skills to maximize value and to protect capital. Additionally, we may pursue opportunistic investments across all our business lines including CRE equity and debt investments. Examples of opportunistic investments include PE Investments, strategic joint ventures and repurchasing our CDO bonds at a discount to their principal amount.

To date in 2015, we issued aggregate capital of $1.3 billion. In 2014, we issued aggregate net capital of $2.6 billion, including $1.3 billion from the issuance of common equity (including the remaining shares issued under a forward sale agreement in February 2015 for net proceeds of $122 million), $1.1 billion as part of the consideration for the merger of Griffin-American Healthcare REIT II, Inc., or Griffin-American, and $242 million from the issuance of preferred equity.

We predominantly use investment-level financing as part of our strategy to prudently leverage our investments and deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders. We pursue a variety of financing arrangements such as mortgage notes from the CMBS market, government-sponsored agencies, finance companies and European banks and securitization financing transactions. In addition, we use corporate-level financing such as credit facilities and other term borrowings. We generally seek to limit our reliance on recourse borrowings. Borrowing levels for our CRE investments may be dependent upon the nature of the assets and the related financing that is available.

The current availability of attractive long-term, non-recourse, non mark-to-market, assignable financing through the CMBS and agency financing markets has bolstered opportunities to acquire real estate. For longer duration, stable investment cash flow such as those derived from net lease assets, we tend to use fixed rate financing. For investment cash flow with greater growth potential such as hotels and healthcare under a RIDEA structure, we tend to use floating rate financing which provides prepayment flexibility and may provide a better match between underlying cash flow and potential increases in interest rates.

Our financing strategy for debt investments is to obtain match-funded borrowing at rates that provide a positive net spread. In late 2011, we began using secured term credit facilities provided by major financial institutions to partially finance CRE debt which currently provide for an aggregate of up to $200 million. Then, in November 2012 and August 2013, we, and on behalf of NorthStar Real Estate Income Trust, Inc., or NorthStar Income, entered into securitization financing transactions to provide permanent, non-recourse, non-mark-to-market financing for newly-originated CRE debt investments. We will continue to seek to use the capital markets to finance our debt investments. In January 2015, the securitization of $228 million original bonds was repaid in full.

With respect to corporate-level financing, in August 2014, we entered into a corporate revolving credit facility with certain commercial bank lenders, with a total commitment amount of $500 million for a three-year term. In September 2014, we entered into a corporate term facility with a commercial bank lender with respect to the establishment of term borrowings with an aggregate principal amount of up to $500 million. As of November 5, 2015, $335 million of financing remains undrawn under our corporate revolving credit facility. There is no available financing remaining under our corporate term facility.

We believe that we maintain a competitive advantage through a combination of deep industry relationships and access to market leading CRE credit underwriting and capital markets expertise which enables us to manage credit risk across our business lines as well as to structure and finance our assets efficiently. Our ability to invest across the spectrum of commercial real estate investments allows us to take advantage of complementary and overlapping sources of investment opportunities based on a common reliance on CRE fundamentals and application of similar underwriting and asset management skills as we seek to maximize stockholder value and to protect our capital.

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Our Investments

The following table presents our investments as of September 30, 2015, adjusted for acquisitions and commitments to purchase real estate through November 5, 2015 (refer to the below and Recent Developments) (dollars in thousands):

	Amount(1)		%
Real Estate
Healthcare(2)	$	6,753,356	33.7	%
Hotel	3,412,132		17.1	%
Manufactured housing communities(3)	1,746,517		8.7	%
Net lease	782,055		3.9	%
Multifamily	382,435		1.9	%
Multi-tenant office	171,658		0.9	%
Subtotal	13,248,153		66.2	%
Private equity fund investments	1,438,269		7.2	%
Corporate investments(4)	110,739		0.6	%
Total real estate	14,797,161		74.0	%
CRE Debt
First mortgage loans	392,186		2.0	%
Mezzanine loans	101,873		0.5	%
Subordinate interests	170,600		0.9	%
Corporate loans	301,596		1.5	%
Subtotal	966,255		4.9	%
CRE debt of consolidated N-Star CDOs	40,315		0.2	%
Other	26,418		0.1	%
Total CRE debt	1,032,988		5.2	%
CRE Securities
N-Star CDO bonds(5)	513,170		2.6	%
N-Star CDO equity	76,700		0.4	%
Other securities	119,287		0.6	%
Total CRE securities	709,157		3.6	%
Subtotal	16,539,306		82.8	%
Assets underlying deconsolidated CRE Debt CDOs(6)	959,870		4.7	%
NorthStar Realty Subtotal	17,499,176		87.5	%
European real estate(7)	2,496,532		12.5	%
Grand total	$	19,995,708	100.0	%

____________________________________________________________

(1) Based on cost for real estate investments which includes net purchase price allocation related to net intangibles, deferred costs and other assets, if any, fair value for our investments (directly or indirectly in joint ventures) owning PE Investments and includes the deferred purchase price for PE Investment II, principal amount for our CRE debt and securities investments and amortized cost for N-Star CDO equity. Represents 100% of all real estate assets in consolidated joint ventures.

(2) Includes $475 million of Sterling denominated real estate in the United Kingdom owned in connection with the acquisition of the Griffin-American Portfolio.

(3) Includes a commitment to acquire a $138 million portfolio of manufactured housing communities consisting of 4,025 pad sites across 13 communities.

(4) Represents our investments in RXR Realty LLC, or RXR Realty, Aerium Group, or Aerium, and SteelWave, LLC (formerly known as Legacy Partners Commercial LLC), or SteelWave.

(5) Includes N-Star CDO bonds with a principal amount of $135 million related to CRE securities CDOs that are eliminated in consolidation.

(6) Includes assets of deconsolidated CRE debt CDOs, referred to as N-Star CDOs. Based on the respective remittance report issued on date nearest to September 30, 2015. This amount excludes $455 million of aggregate N-Star CDO equity and N-Star CDO bonds included in CRE securities.

(7) Our European Portfolio was contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off.  Refer to “Recent Developments” for further discussion.

We have the ability to invest in a broad spectrum of global commercial real estate assets and seek to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders. As a result, we pursue opportunistic investments across all our business lines including CRE equity and debt investments.

For financial information regarding our reportable segments, refer to Note 18. “Segment Reporting” in our accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements.”

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Real Estate

Overview

As part of our real estate strategy, we explore a variety of real estate investments, both directly and through joint ventures. Opportunities to purchase real estate have been bolstered by attractive long-term, non-recourse, non mark-to-market financing available through CMBS and agency financing markets. Our portfolio is primarily comprised of healthcare, hotel, manufactured housing communities, net lease, multifamily properties and international real estate. We also invest in other opportunistic real estate investments such as indirect interests in real estate through PE Investments. We also acquire hotel and certain healthcare properties through structures permitted by RIDEA, where we participate directly in the operational cash flow of a property.  Our real estate equity investments that operate under the RIDEA structure generate resident and hotel guest related income from short-term residential agreements and incur customary related operating expenses.

Our Portfolio

As of September 30, 2015, adjusted for acquisitions and commitments to purchase through November 5, 2015, $14.8 billion, or 85%, of our assets were invested directly in real estate properties and indirectly through our PE Investments and our corporate interests, excluding our European Portfolio which was contributed to NorthStar Europe in connection with the NRE Spin-off. The following table presents our direct investments in real estate properties as of September 30, 2015, adjusted for acquisitions and commitments to purchase through November 5, 2015 (refer to Recent Developments) (dollars in thousands):

Type	Number	Amount(1)		%		Capacity		Primary Locations
Healthcare
Medical office buildings (MOB)	149	$	2,153,982	16.3	%	6.0 million	square feet	IN, TX, GA, CO, IL
Skilled nursing facilities (SNF)(2)	108	1,358,111		10.3	%	12,700	beds	FL, PA, IL, IN, VA
Assisted living facilities - RIDEA (ALF-RIDEA)	109	1,190,724		9.0	%	6,300	units	IL, OR, OH, TX, MA, WA
Independent living facilities (ILF)	32	896,524		6.8	%	4,000	units	CA, TX, WA
Assisted living facilities - Net lease (ALF-Net Lease)	83	867,420		6.5	%	4,300	units	UK, NC, OR, MN, IN
Hospital (HOS)	14	286,595		2.2	%	800	beds	CA, MO, TX
Subtotal	495	6,753,356		51.1	%
Hotel	167	3,412,132		25.7	%	22,088	rooms	VA, NJ, CA, TX
Manufactured housing communities	136	1,746,517		13.2	%	33,061	pad sites	CO, UT, FL, TX, WY, NY
Net lease
Industrial	35	378,130		2.9	%	6.1 million	square feet	CA, IL, FL, GA, MI
Office(3)	19	339,371		2.6	%	2.3 million	square feet	CA, FL, NJ, UT
Retail	10	64,554		0.5	%	467,971	square feet	NH, MA, ME
Subtotal	64	782,055		6.0	%
Multifamily(3)	12	382,435		2.8	%	4,514	units	TN, GA, FL
Multi-tenant office	13	171,658		1.2	%	1.0 million	square feet	CO, TX, CA
NorthStar Realty subtotal	887	13,248,153		100.0	%
European real estate(4)	52	2,496,532				520,323	square meters	UK, France, Germany
Total	939	$	15,744,685

___________________________________________________________

(1) Represents cost, which includes net purchase price allocation of $1.0 billion related to net intangibles. Additionally, includes $57 million of notes receivable and $380 million of escrows and other assets.

(2) Includes three properties with a cost of $14 million owned pursuant to a RIDEA structure.

(3) Includes our interest in joint ventures that own a net lease property and multifamily property of $27 million and $39 million, respectively.

(4) Our European Portfolio was contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off.  Refer to “Recent Developments” for further discussion.

Healthcare Properties

Our healthcare properties are comprised of a diverse portfolio of senior housing, skilled nursing, medical office buildings and other healthcare properties. The majority of our healthcare properties are structured under a net lease to healthcare operators. In addition, we own healthcare properties that we operate through management agreements with independent third party operators, predominantly through RIDEA structures that permit us, through a TRS, to have direct exposure to resident fee income and incur customary related operating expenses.

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As of September 30, 2015, $6.8 billion, or 33.7%, of our assets were invested in healthcare properties. The following presents a summary of our healthcare portfolio and diversity across property type based on net cash flow:

			Healthcare by Property Type
Total Healthcare Portfolio	$6.8 billion
Number of facilities	495
Number of units/beds(1)	28,104
Weighted average occupancy	87	%
Weighted average lease coverage	1.5x
Weighted average lease term	8.7 years
Net cash flow related to:
Medical office buildings/net lease/hospitals	83	%
RIDEA	17	%

___________________________________

(1) Represents number of units for ALF/ILF property types and number of beds for SNF property types.

Hotel Portfolio

Our hotel portfolio is a geographically diverse portfolio primarily comprised of extended stay hotels and premium branded select service hotels primarily located in major metropolitan markets with the majority affiliated with top hotel brands.

As of September 30, 2015, $3.4 billion, or 17.1%, of our assets were invested in hotel properties. The following presents a summary of our hotel portfolio and diversity across geographic location based on number of rooms:

			Hotel by Geographic Location
Total Hotel Portfolio	$3.4 billion
Number of hotels	167
Number of rooms	22,088
Weighted average occupancy(1)	75	%
Rooms by brand:
Marriott	75	%
Hilton	16	%
Starwood	4	%
Hyatt	3	%
Intercontinental	2	%

___________________________________

(1) Represents projected weighted average occupancy for 2015.

European Real Estate

Our European commercial real estate business is currently predominantly focused on office properties and may expand by acquiring other types of commercial real estate located throughout Europe and excludes our European healthcare properties.  On October 31, 2015, we completed the NRE Spin-off into a separate publicly-traded REIT, NorthStar Europe. Refer to “Recent Developments” for further discussion.

As of September 30, 2015, $2.5 billion, or 12.5%, of our assets were invested in our European Portfolio.

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The following presents a summary of our European Portfolio and diversity across geographic location based on purchase price:

			European Real Estate by Geographic Location
Total European Portfolio, at cost(1)	$2.6 billion
Number of properties	52
Number of countries	9
Total square meters	520,323
Weighted average occupancy	87	%
Weighted average lease term	5.1 years
In-place rental income related to:(2)
Office properties	94	%
Other	6	%

___________________________________

(1) Includes transaction costs incurred of approximately $100 million.

(2) In-place rental income represents gross rent contractually due from the properties.

Manufactured Housing Communities

Our manufactured housing portfolio consists of communities that lease pad rental sites for placement of factory built homes located throughout the United States. The manufactured housing industry has traditionally demonstrated low cash flow volatility and steady annual rent increases, although there is no assurance that will continue to be the case.

As of September 30, 2015, adjusted for a commitment to acquire through November 5, 2015, $1.7 billion, or 8.7%, of our assets were invested in manufactured housing communities. In October 2015, we committed to acquire a $138 million portfolio of manufactured housing communities consisting of 4,025 pad sites across 13 communities.

The following presents a summary of our manufactured housing communities portfolio and diversity across geographic location based on net cash flow:

			Manufactured Housing Communities by Geographic Location
Total Manufactured Housing Portfolio	$1.7 billion
Number of communities	136
Number of pad rental sites	33,061
Number of manufactured homes	4,100
Number of states	14
Weighted average occupancy	85	%
Net cash flow related to:
Pad rental sites	89	%
Other	11	%

Net Lease Properties

Our real estate that is net leased to corporate tenants is primarily comprised of industrial, office and retail properties. These net lease properties are typically leased to a single tenant who agrees to pay basic rent, plus all taxes, insurance, capital and operating expenses arising from the use of the leased property generally leaving us, as owner, with minimal ongoing operational or expense obligations. We may also invest in properties that are leased to tenants for which we are responsible for some of the operating expenses and capital costs. At the end of the lease term, the tenant typically has a right to renew the lease at market rates or to vacate the property with no further ongoing obligation.

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As of September 30, 2015, $782 million, or 3.9%, of our assets were invested in net lease properties, including one property owned through an unconsolidated joint venture. The following presents a summary of our net lease portfolio and diversity across geographic location based on number of properties:

			Net Lease by Geographic Location
Total Net Lease Portfolio	$782 million
Number of properties	64
Number of states	23
Total square feet	8.8 million
Weighted average occupancy	96	%
Weighted average lease term	9.0 years
Net cash flow related to:
Industrial	49	%
Office	43	%
Retail	8	%

Multifamily Properties

Our multifamily portfolio primarily focuses on properties located in suburban markets that we believe are well suited to capture the formation of new households.

As of September 30, 2015, $382 million, or 1.9%, of our assets were invested in multifamily properties, including one property owned through an unconsolidated joint venture. Currently, we are exploring the sale of our multifamily portfolio. The following presents a summary of our multifamily portfolio and diversity across geographic location based on net cash flow:

			Multifamily by Geographic Location
Total Multifamily Portfolio	$382 million
Number of properties	12
Number of states	6
Number of units	4,514
Weighted average occupancy	93	%

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Multi-tenant Office

We, through a joint venture with SteelWave, are focused on acquiring multi-tenant office properties in the western United States.

As of September 30, 2015, $172 million, or 0.9%, of our assets were invested in multi-tenant office properties. The following presents a summary of our multi-tenant office portfolio and diversity across geographic location based on cost:

			Multi-tenant Office by Geographic Location
Total Multi-tenant Office Portfolio	$172 million
Number of properties	13
Number of states	3
Total square feet	1,021,000
Weighted average occupancy	89	%

PE Investments

Our PE Investments own limited partnership interests in real estate private equity funds acquired in the secondary market and are managed by institutional-quality sponsors, which we refer to as fund interests.

As of September 30, 2015, $1.4 billion, or 7.2%, of our assets were invested in PE Investments through unconsolidated ventures or direct investments. The following tables present a summary of our PE Investments (dollars in millions):

																Underlying Fund Interests
PE Investment (1)(9)	Initial Closing Date	Amount			Number of Funds		Number of General Partners		Initial NAV			Initial NAV as a Percentage of Cost (2)		NAV Growth(3)		Assets, at Cost		Implied Leverage(4)		Expected Future Funding (5)
PE Investment I(6)	February 15, 2013	$	175.0		49		26		$	802.4		66.2	%	28.3	%	$	18,500	46.4	%	$	6
PE Investment II(7)	July 3, 2013	442.2		(8)	24		15		910.0		(8)	73.5	%	21.6	%	20,900		37.6	%	2
PE Investment III	December 31, 2013	43.2			8		4		80.3			119.0	%	12.5	%	2,300		39.5	%	—
PE Investment IV	May 30, 2014	8.6			1		1		8.8			113.4	%	8.6	%	500		54.2	%	—
PE Investment V	July 1, 2014	7.9			3		1		23.0			57.8	%	6.5	%	700		61.1	%	—
PE Investment VI	July 30, 2014	80.4			20		12		98.3			77.5	%	7.5	%	9,100		44.8	%	1
PE Investment VII	August 15, 2014	35.7			14		12		65.7			79.2	%	12.0	%	1,000		40.9	%	1
PE Investment IX	October 2, 2014	136.0			11		7		232.8			135.3	%	12.7	%	21,200		25.6	%	3
PE Investment X	December 4, 2014	125.9			13		7		160.4			108.1	%	6.3	%	4,600		50.2	%	—
PE Investment XI	May 1, 2015	4.1			2		1		7.9			64.0	%	9.4	%	1,600		34.8	%	—
PE Investment XII	May 5, 2015	2.8			1		1		6.1			212.0	%	9.8	%	800		25.8	%	—
PE Investment XIII	May 22, 2015	308.1			11		5		454.8			90.5	%	8.5	%	3,000		57.3	%	6
PE Investment XIV	September 9, 2015	68.2			15		5		100.4			51.8	%	14.7	%	9,300		59.0	%	2
Total		$	1,438.1		172	(10)	97	(10)	$	2,950.9						$	93,500			$	21

____________________________________________________________

(1) Based on financial data reported by the underlying funds as of June 30, 2015, which is the most recent financial information from the underlying funds, except as otherwise noted.

(2) Net cost represents total funded capital less distributions received.

(3) The net asset value, or NAV, growth is measured from the agreed upon NAV at date of acquisition, or Initial NAV. The NAV growth for PE Investments owned for less than twelve months is annualized based on actual reported income from the Initial NAV through June 30, 2015.

(4) Represents implied leverage for funds with investment-level financing, calculated as the underlying borrowing divided by assets at fair value.

(5) Represents the estimated amount of expected future contributions to funds as of September 30, 2015.

(6) We, together with NorthStar Income, have an ownership interest in PE Investment I of 51%, of which we own 70.5% and NorthStar Income owns 29.5%.

(7) We, NorthStar Income and funds managed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management each have an ownership interest in PE Investment II of 70%, 15% and 15%, respectively. PE Investment II paid an initial amount of $505 million and will pay the remaining $411 million, or 45% of the purchase price, or the Deferred Amount, by the last day of the fiscal quarter after the four year anniversary of the applicable closing date of each fund interest. As of September 30, 2015, our share of the Deferred Amount was $243 million. In April 2015, PE Investment II paid $61 million of the Deferred Amount to PE II Seller, of which our share was $43 million.

(8) Includes the Deferred Amount for PE Investment II.

(9) On August 19, 2014, we, through a subsidiary, entered into a joint venture with a third party to source and invest in real estate private equity funds, or PE Investment VIII. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, PE Investment VIII has not made any investments.

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(10) Includes 27 funds and 20 general partners held across multiple PE Investments.

	Our Proportionate Share of PE Investments
	September 30, 2015
	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended		From Various to(1)
Income	$	55.1	$	155.7	$	372.4
Return of Capital	127.2		341.8		708.3
Total Distributions	182.3		497.5		1,080.7
Contributions(2)	2.2		49.9		96.4
Net	$	180.1	$	447.6	$	984.3

_______________________________________________________

(1) Represents activity from the respective initial closing date through September 30, 2015.

(2) Contributions for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 represents a payment of the deferred purchase price for PE Investment II.

The following presents the underlying fund interests in our PE Investments by investment type and geographic location based on NAV as of June 30, 2015:

PE Investments by Underlying Investment Type(1)	PE Investments by Underlying Geographic Location(1)

____________________________________________________________

(1) Based on individual fund financial statements.

Corporate Investments

RXR Realty

In December 2013, we entered into a strategic transaction with RXR Realty, a leading real estate owner, developer and investment management company focused on high-quality real estate investments in the New York Tri-State area. The investment includes an approximate 27% equity interest in RXR Realty, which represented $86 million as of September 30, 2015.

Aerium

In June 2014, we acquired a 15% interest in Aerium, a pan-European real estate investment manager specializing in commercial real estate properties. The investment in Aerium represented $18 million as of September 30, 2015.

SteelWave

In September 2014, we entered into a debt and equity investment with SteelWave, comprised of a 40% interest in the common equity of certain entities affiliated with SteelWave. SteelWave is a leading real estate investment manager, owner and operator with a portfolio of commercial assets focused in key markets in the western United States. The investment in SteelWave represented $6 million as of September 30, 2015.

Commercial Real Estate Debt

Overview

Our CRE debt investment strategy is focused on originating, acquiring and asset managing CRE debt investments, including first mortgage loans, subordinate mortgage and mezzanine loans and participations in such loans and preferred equity interests.

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We emphasize direct origination of our debt investments as this allows us a greater degree of control over how they are underwritten and structured and it provides us the opportunity to syndicate senior or subordinate interests in the loan to maximize returns, if desired. Further, it facilitates a more direct relationship with our borrowers which helps us maintain a robust pipeline, provides an opportunity for us to earn origination and other fees and offers us an important advantage when considering any potential future modifications or restructurings.

We believe the supply/demand imbalance driven by the large amount of maturing CRE loans creates an opportunity for us. Even with some increased supply by lenders, demand for debt capital is allowing investors with capital and real estate expertise, such as us, the opportunity to make investments with attractive risk/return profiles.

We believe we have built a franchise with a reputation for providing capital to high-quality real estate owners who want a responsive and flexible balance sheet lender. Given that we are a lender who generally retains control of the loans we originate, we are able to maintain flexibility in how we structure loans to meet the needs of our borrowers. Typical CMBS and other capital markets driven lenders generally cannot provide these types of loans due to constraints within their funding structures and because of their requirement to sell the entire loan to third parties and relinquish all control. Even when we finance our investments through securitizations, we maintain a significant capital investment in our loans. Our centralized investment organization has enabled senior management to review potential new loans early in the origination process which, unlike many large institutional lenders with several levels of approval required to commit to a loan, allows us to respond quickly and provide a high degree of certainty to our borrowers that we would close a loan on terms substantially similar to those initially proposed. We believe that this level of service has enhanced our reputation in the marketplace. In addition, we believe the early and active role of senior management in our portfolio management process has been key to maximizing recoveries of invested capital from our investments and our ability to be responsive to changing market conditions.

Our Portfolio

As of September 30, 2015, $966 million, or 4.9%, of assets were invested in CRE debt, excluding CRE debt financed in consolidated N-Star CDOs and other CRE debt accounted for as joint ventures, consisting of 37 loans with an average investment size of $24 million and weighted average extended maturity of 4.0 years. We directly originated approximately 92% of our current portfolio of CRE debt investments (excluding debt investments acquired in connection with Griffin-American). The following table presents a summary of our CRE debt investments as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

								Weighted Average(3)						Floating Rate as % of Principal Amount(3)
	Number(1)	Principal Amount		Carrying Value		Allocation by Investment Type(2)		Fixed Rate		Spread Over LIBOR		Yield
Asset Type:
First mortgage loans	15	$	392,186	$	365,052	40.6	%	10.54	%	6.32	%	6.75	%	64.1	%
Mezzanine loans	9	101,873		98,151		10.6	%	13.85	%	11.72	%	12.26	%	27.5	%
Subordinate interests	5	170,600		170,040		17.7	%	13.11	%	10.93	%	12.48	%	27.5	%
Corporate loans	8	301,596		307,792		31.1	%	12.44	%	—		12.19	%	—
Total/Weighted average	37	$	966,255	$	941,035	100.0	%	12.33	%	7.44	%	10.14	%	33.7	%

____________________________________________________________

(1) Excludes amounts related to joint ventures and CRE debt underlying our CDOs.

(2) Based on principal amount.

(3) Excludes two CRE debt investments with an aggregate principal amount of $9 million that were originated prior to 2008.

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The following presents our $966.3 million CRE debt portfolio’s diversity across property type and geographic location based on principal amount.

Debt Investments by Property Type	Debt Investments by Geographic Location

Commercial Real Estate Securities

We historically originated or acquired CRE debt and securities investments that were predominately financed through permanent, non-recourse CDOs. We sponsored nine CDOs, three of which were primarily collateralized by CRE debt and six of which were primarily collateralized by CRE securities. In addition, we acquired the equity interests of two CRE debt focused CDOs, the CSE RE 2006-A CDO, or CSE CDO, and the CapLease 2005-1 CDO, or the CapLease CDO. We refer to those CRE debt and securities investments that serve as collateral for N-Star CDO financing transactions as legacy CRE debt and securities, respectively. At the time of issuance of the N-Star CDOs, we retained the below investment grade bonds, which are referred to as subordinate bonds, and preferred shares and equity notes, which are referred to as equity interests. In addition, since the initial issuance of the N-Star CDOs, we repurchased CDO bonds originally issued to third parties at discounts to par. These repurchased CDO bonds and retained subordinate bonds are herein collectively referred to as N-Star CDO bonds. We own the equity interests in all of our N-Star CDO financing transactions whether or not we consolidate these transactions on our balance sheet. Substantially all of our N-Star CDO equity is invested in our CRE debt CDOs. In fact, our CRE debt CDOs have distributed regular cash flow since their inception. We do not, however, own undivided interests in any of the assets within our N-Star CDOs and all senior and junior bondholders of the CDOs have economic interests that are senior to our equity interests.

We historically consolidated these CDO financing transactions under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. Our legacy CDO business is winding down, resulting in liquidation and deconsolidation of certain of our N-Star CDOs. Repurchased N-Star CDO bonds that are consolidated are not presented as an investment but rather are eliminated in our consolidated financial statements and, as a result, the interest and realization of any discount will generally not be recorded as income in our consolidated statements of operations under U.S. GAAP. All of our CRE debt CDOs were deconsolidated in 2013 and currently only N-Star securities CDOs I and IX continue to be consolidated. All N-Star CDOs are past their reinvestment period and given the nature of these transactions, these CDOs are amortizing over time as the underlying assets paydown or are sold.

Our CRE securities portfolio is predominately comprised of N-Star CDO bonds and N-Star CDO equity of our deconsolidated N-Star CDOs and includes other securities, mostly conduit CMBS, meaning each asset is a pool backed by a large number of commercial real estate loans. We also invest in opportunistic CRE securities such as an investment in a “B-piece” CMBS.

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The following table presents our interest in the N-Star CDOs as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

	Number	Amount(1)
N-Star CDO bonds(2)(3)
AAA	2	$	101,900
AA through BBB	20	250,823
Below investment grade	10	160,447
	32	513,170
N-Star CDO equity(4)	4	76,700
Total	36	$	589,870

_______________________________________________________

(1) Based on principal amount for N-Star CDO bonds and amortized cost for N-Star CDO equity. There is no assurance we will receive the maximum amount of principal proceeds.

(2) Based on original credit rating. Includes eight N-Star CDO bonds with a principal amount of $135 million related to our securities CDOs that are eliminated in consolidation.

(3) Unencumbered N-Star CDO bonds are owned by us, of which $379 million of principal amount were repurchased at a discount to par at a weighted average original credit rating of A / A2 and a weighted average purchase price of 37%.

(4) Represents our equity interests in the deconsolidated CRE debt N-Star CDOs. In September 2015, N-Star CDO IV was liquidated and the third-party senior bondholders of N-Star CDO IV were repaid in full.

The following table presents a summary of our deconsolidated N-Star CRE debt CDOs as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

Issue/Acquisition Date	N-Star VI Mar-06		N-Star VIII Dec-06		CapLease Aug-11			CSE Jul-10				Total
Balance sheet as of September 30, 2015(1)
Assets, principal amount	$	258,556	$	744,522	$	123,378		$	484,915			$	1,611,371
CDO bonds, principal amount(2)	209,925		589,699		109,101			410,500				1,319,225
Net assets	$	48,631	$	154,823	$	14,277		$	74,415			$	292,146
CDO quarterly cash distributions and coverage tests(3)
Equity notes and subordinate bonds	$	3,061	$	10,431	$	591		$	1,552			$	15,635
Collateral management and other fees(4)	278		665		61			494				1,617
Interest coverage cushion (IC)(1)	2,705		3,441		372			1,583
Overcollateralization cushion (OC)(1)	52,524		118,146		9,753			88,505
At offering	17,412		42,193		5,987		(5)	(151,595		)	(6)

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(1) Based on remittance report issued on date nearest to September 30, 2015.

(2) Includes all outstanding CDO bonds payable to third parties and all CDO bonds owned by us.

(3) IC and OC coverage to the most constrained class.

(4) Based on cash receipts and total includes $0.1 million of fees earned by N-Star CDO IV prior to its liquidation in September 2015.

(5) Based on trustee report as of August 31, 2011, closest to the date of acquisition.

(6) Based on trustee report as of June 24, 2010, closest to the date of acquisition.

The following presents the diversity across property type and geographic location of the CRE debt in our deconsolidated N-Star CDOs, based on principal amount, as of September 30, 2015:

CRE Debt in N-Star CDOs by Property Type	CRE Debt in N-Star CDOs by Geographic Location

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Sources of Operating Revenues and Cash Flows

Since the spin-off of our asset management business, we primarily generate revenue from rental and other operating income from our real estate properties and net interest income on our CRE debt and securities portfolios. Additionally, we record equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures, including from PE Investments. Our income is primarily derived through the difference between revenue and the cost at which we are able to finance our investments. We may also acquire investments which generate attractive returns without any leverage.

Operations of our hotel portfolio are affected by seasonal patterns resulting from overall economic cycles, geographic locations, weather and customer mix at the hotels. Generally, we expect our hotel portfolio to have higher revenue, operating income and cash flow in the second and third quarters of each year and lower revenue, operating income and cash flow in the first and fourth quarters of each year.

For financial information regarding our asset management segment prior to the NSAM Spin-off, refer to Note 18. “Segment Reporting” in our accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Item 1. “Financial Statements.”

Profitability and Performance Metrics

We calculate cash available for distribution, or CAD, and net operating income, or NOI, as metrics to evaluate the profitability and performance of our business (refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a description of these metrics).

Outlook and Recent Trends

The Great Recession, which lasted from December 2007 to June 2009, began with the bursting of an $8 trillion housing bubble and had a dramatic negative impact globally on properly functioning capital markets and liquidity across all asset classes and markets. It was not until the beginning of 2012 that liquidity and capital started to become more available in the commercial real estate markets to stronger sponsors and both Wall Street and commercial banks began to more actively provide credit to real estate borrowers accelerating the pace of investment in real estate. In late 2012, in order to stimulate growth, several of the world’s largest central banks acted in a coordinated effort through massive injections of stimulus in the financial markets, which has facilitated keeping interest rates low since then.

A proxy for the liquidity in the commercial real estate market is non-agency CMBS issuance. Approximately $80 billion and $88 billion of non-agency CMBS was issued in the United States in 2013 and 2014, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, approximately $72 billion of new CMBS issuance occurred in the United States, with a current projection of $95 billion for 2015, slightly below the original projection of $100 billion for 2015. We believe the U.S. economy is on a healthy growth path. However, there are concerns about low inflation in the United States, a stronger U.S. dollar, slow global growth and international market volatility. Many other global central banks are easing monetary conditions to combat their own problems with low inflation and slow growth.

The European economy has also been steadily recovering.  However, regional disparities continue to persist as economies recover at different speeds. We believe that the European Central Bank’s €1.1 trillion “quantitative easing” program, along with historically low interest rates and the depreciation of the euro, has nonetheless created a compelling long-term investment environment in Europe.  Real estate transaction volume in Europe has continued to climb, with office transactions representing over one-third of the volume in 2014. As financial institutions continue to deleverage, we anticipate that there will be further opportunities to acquire portfolios and assets at an attractive long term basis.

Valuations in the commercial real estate markets have generally improved since bottoming out in 2009 and some assets in certain markets are at or through peak 2007 levels. Robust investor demand in 2014 for commercial real estate increased transaction activity and prices as rent and vacancy fundamentals improved across most property sectors and are forecasted to continue to improve in 2015. However, global economic and political headwinds remain. For instance, global market instability and the risk that maturing commercial real estate debt may have difficulties being refinanced, among other factors, may continue to cause periodic volatility in the CRE market for some time. It is currently estimated that approximately $1.4 trillion of commercial real estate debt in the United States will mature through 2018. While there is an increased supply of liquidity and improved fundamentals in the commercial real estate market, we still anticipate that certain of these loans will not be able to be refinanced, potentially inhibiting growth and contracting credit.

Virtually all commercial real estate property types were adversely impacted by the credit crisis and subsequent recession, while some such as land, condominium and other commercial property types were more severely impacted. Our commercial real estate equity, debt and securities investments could be negatively impacted by weak real estate markets and economic conditions. While the U.S. economy is stronger today, a return to weak economic conditions in the future could reduce a tenant’s/operator’s/resident’s/guest’s ability to make payments in accordance with the contractual terms and for companies to lease or occupy new space. To the extent that market rental and occupancy rates are reduced, property-level cash flow could be negatively affected. Recent volatility in the equity markets may diminish our capital raising activity.

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Our Strategy

Our primary business objectives are to invest in global commercial real estate property and other real estate assets that we expect will generate attractive risk-adjusted returns and in turn will generate stable cash flow for distribution to our stockholders. We currently anticipate that most of our investment activity and uses of available cash liquidity will be focused on acquiring real estate, originating or acquiring loans, as well as pursuing opportunistic CRE investments across our businesses, both in the United States and internationally. Opportunistic investments may include investing in real estate private equity funds, strategic joint ventures and repurchasing our N-Star CDO bonds at discounts to par.

Availability and cost of capital will impact our profitability and earnings since we would be required to raise new capital to fund a majority of this growth.

We actively raise capital. To date in 2015, we issued aggregate capital of $1.3 billion. We issued aggregate capital of $2.6 billion in 2014 (including the remaining shares issued under our forward sale agreement in February 2015 for net proceeds of $122 million). Further, we have access to other forms of corporate-level financing. In August 2014, we entered into a corporate revolving credit facility with certain commercial bank lenders, with a total commitment amount of $500 million for a three-year term. In September 2014, we entered into a corporate term facility with a commercial bank lender with respect to the establishment of term borrowings to be made to us with an aggregate principal amount of up to $500 million.

In addition, as of September 30, 2015, we have a loan facility of $200 million to finance the origination of CRE first mortgage loans. Additionally, in November 2012 and August 2013, we, and on behalf of NorthStar Income, entered into securitization financing transactions to finance debt investments on a permanent, non-recourse, non-mark-to-market basis that were previously financed on credit facilities.

Financing Strategy

We seek to access a wide range of secured and unsecured debt and public and private equity capital sources to fund our investment activities and asset growth.

We predominantly use investment-level financing as part of our strategy to prudently leverage our investments and deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders. We pursue a variety of financing arrangements such as mortgage notes from the CMBS market, government-sponsored agencies, finance companies and European banks and securitization financing transactions. In addition, we use corporate-level financing such as credit facilities and other term borrowings. We generally seek to limit our reliance on recourse borrowings. Borrowing levels for our CRE investments may be dependent upon the nature of the assets and the related financing that is available.

The current availability of attractive long-term, non-recourse, non mark-to-market assignable financing through the CMBS and agency financing markets has bolstered opportunities to acquire real estate. For longer duration, stable investment cash flow such as those derived from net lease assets, we tend to use fixed rate financing. For investment cash flow with greater growth potential such as hotels and healthcare under a RIDEA structure, we tend to use floating rate financing which provides prepayment flexibility and may provide a better match between underlying cash flow and potential increases in interest rates.

Our financing strategy for debt investments is to obtain match-funded borrowing at rates that provide a positive net spread. In late 2011, we began using secured term credit facilities provided by major financial institutions to partially finance CRE debt, which currently provide for up to $200 million. Then, in November 2012 and August 2013, we, and on behalf of NorthStar Income, entered into securitized financing transactions to provide permanent, non-recourse, non-mark-to-market financing for newly-originated CRE debt investments. In January 2015, the securitization was repaid in full. We will continue to seek to use the capital markets to finance our debt investments. As of September 30, 2015, we had $134 million available borrowing under our loan facility.

With respect to corporate-level financing, in August 2014, we entered into a corporate revolving credit facility with certain commercial bank lenders, with a total commitment amount of $500 million for a three-year term. In September 2014, we entered into a corporate term facility with a commercial bank lender with respect to the establishment of term borrowings. As of November 5, 2015, $335 million of financing remains undrawn under our corporate revolving credit facility. There is no available financing remaining under our corporate term facility.

Historically, we used CDOs to finance legacy CRE debt and securities investments. Our legacy CDO business is winding down as we invest in a broader, more diverse range of CRE assets. As a result, such legacy business is a significantly smaller portion of our business today than in the past.

Portfolio Management

Subsequent to the spin-off, NSAM performs portfolio management on our behalf. The comprehensive portfolio management process that generally includes day-to-day oversight by the portfolio management and servicing team, regular management meetings and an exhaustive quarterly credit review process. These processes are designed to enable management to evaluate and proactively

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identify asset-specific credit issues and trends on a portfolio-wide basis. Nevertheless, we cannot be certain that such review will identify all issues within our portfolio due to, among other things, adverse economic conditions or events adversely affecting specific assets; therefore, potential future losses may also stem from investments that are not identified during these credit reviews. The portfolio management team, under the direction of the Investment Committee, uses many methods to actively manage our asset base to preserve our income and capital. Credit risk management is the ability to manage our assets in a manner that preserves principal/cost and income and minimizes credit losses that could decrease income and portfolio value. For CRE equity and debt investments, frequent re-underwriting and dialogue with borrowers/tenants/operators/partners and regular inspections of our collateral and owned properties have proven to be an effective process for identifying issues early. With respect to our healthcare properties, we consider the impact of regulatory changes on operator performance and property values. During the quarterly credit review, or more frequently as necessary, investments are put on highly-monitored status and identified for possible asset impairment/loan loss reserves, as appropriate, based upon several factors, including missed or late contractual payments, significant declines in collateral performance and other data which may indicate a potential issue in our ability to recover our invested capital from an investment. The portfolio management process related to CRE debt and securities underlying our deconsolidated CDOs is limited to monitoring the CDO bonds and equity interests in such CDO financing transactions.

Critical Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership, or the Operating Partnership, and their consolidated subsidiaries. We consolidate variable interest entities, or VIEs, where we are the primary beneficiary and voting interest entities which are generally majority owned or otherwise controlled by us. All significant intercompany balances are eliminated in consolidation.

Variable Interest Entities

A VIE is an entity that lacks one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A VIE is defined as an entity in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The determination of whether an entity is a VIE includes both a qualitative and quantitative analysis. We base the qualitative analysis on our review of the design of the entity, its organizational structure including decision-making ability and relevant financial agreements and the quantitative analysis on the forecasted cash flow of the entity. We reassess the initial evaluation of an entity as a VIE upon the occurrence of certain reconsideration events.

A VIE must be consolidated only by its primary beneficiary, which is defined as the party who, along with its affiliates and agents has both the: (i) power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (ii) obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE or the right to receive the benefits from the VIE, which could be significant to the VIE. We determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE by considering qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: which activities most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and which party controls such activities; the amount and characteristics of its investment; the obligation or likelihood for us or other interests to provide financial support; consideration of the VIE’s purpose and design, including the risks the VIE was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders and the similarity with and significance to our business activities and the other interests. We reassess the determination of whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE each reporting period. Significant judgments related to these determinations include estimates about the current and future fair value and performance of investments held by these VIEs and general market conditions.

We evaluate our CRE debt and securities, investments in unconsolidated ventures and securitization financing transactions, such as our CDOs and our liabilities to subsidiary trusts issuing preferred securities to determine whether they are a VIE. We analyze new investments and financings, as well as reconsideration events for existing investments and financings, which vary depending on type of investment or financing.

Voting Interest Entities

A voting interest entity is an entity in which the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable it to finance its activities independently and the equity holders have the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact its economic performance, the obligation to absorb the losses of the entity and the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. The usual condition for a controlling financial interest in a voting interest entity is ownership of a majority voting interest. If we have a majority voting interest in a voting interest entity, the entity will generally be consolidated. We do not consolidate a voting interest entity if there are substantive participating rights by other parties and/or kick-out rights by a single party.

We perform on-going reassessments of whether entities previously evaluated under the voting interest framework have become VIEs, based on certain events, and therefore subject to the VIE consolidation framework.

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Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures

A non-controlling, unconsolidated ownership interest in an entity may be accounted for using the equity method, at fair value or the cost method.

Under the equity method, the investment is adjusted each period for capital contributions and distributions and its share of the entity’s net income (loss). Capital contributions, distributions and net income (loss) of such entities are recorded in accordance with the terms of the governing documents. An allocation of net income (loss) may differ from the stated ownership percentage interest in such entity as a result of a preferred return and allocation formula, if any, as described in such governing documents.

We may account for an investment in an unconsolidated entity at fair value by electing the fair value option. We elected the fair value option for PE Investments and certain investments in unconsolidated ventures. PE Investments are recorded as investments in private equity funds, at fair value. We record the change in fair value for our share of the projected future cash flow of such investments from one period to another in equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated ventures in the consolidated statements of operations. Any change in fair value attributed to market related assumptions is considered unrealized gain (loss).

We may account for an investment that does not qualify for equity method accounting or for which the fair value option was not elected using the cost method if we determine the investment in the unconsolidated entity is insignificant. Under the cost method, equity in earnings is recorded as dividends are received to the extent they are not considered a return of capital, which is recorded as a reduction of cost of the investment.

Fair Value Option

The fair value option provides an election that allows a company to irrevocably elect fair value for certain financial assets and liabilities on an instrument-by-instrument basis at initial recognition. We may elect to apply the fair value option for certain investments due to the nature of the instrument. Any change in fair value for assets and liabilities for which the election is made is recognized in earnings.

Operating Real Estate

Operating real estate is carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Major replacements and betterments which improve or extend the life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their useful life. Operating real estate is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

We follow the purchase method for an acquisition of operating real estate, where the purchase price is allocated to tangible assets such as land, building, tenant and land improvements and other identified intangibles, such as goodwill. Costs directly related to an acquisition deemed to be a business combination are expensed and included in transaction costs in our consolidated statements of operations. We evaluate whether REO constitutes a business and whether business combination accounting is appropriate. Any excess upon taking title to collateral between the carrying value of a loan over the estimated fair value of the property is charged to provision for loan losses.

Operating real estate, including REO, which has met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, is separately presented on the consolidated balance sheets. Such operating real estate is recorded at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value less the cost to sell. Once a property is determined to be held for sale, depreciation is no longer recorded.

Real Estate Debt Investments

CRE debt investments are generally intended to be held to maturity and, accordingly, are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan fees, premium, discount and unfunded commitments. CRE debt investments that are deemed to be impaired are carried at amortized cost less a loan loss reserve, if deemed appropriate, which approximates fair value. CRE debt investments where we do not have the intent to hold the loan for the foreseeable future or until its expected payoff are classified as held for sale and recorded at the lower of cost or estimated value.

Real Estate Securities

We classify our CRE securities investments as available for sale on the acquisition date, which are carried at fair value. We have historically elected to apply the fair value option for our CRE securities investments. For those CRE securities for which the fair value option was elected, any unrealized gains (losses) from the change in fair value is recorded in unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other in the consolidated statements of operations.

We may decide to not elect the fair value option for certain CRE securities due to the nature of the particular instrument. For those CRE securities for which the fair value option was not elected, any unrealized gain (loss) from the change in fair value is recorded

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as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, or OCI, in the consolidated statements of equity, to the extent impairment losses are considered temporary.

Fair Value Measurement

The fair value of financial instruments is categorized based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique and categorized into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure the financial instruments fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:

Level 1. Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.

Level 2. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on the following:

(a) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets.

(b) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets.

(c) Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

(d) Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3. Prices or valuation techniques based on inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair

value measurement.

Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Management determines the prices are representative of fair value through a review of available data, including observable inputs, recent transactions as well as our knowledge and experience of the market.

With respect to valuation for CRE securities, we generally obtain at least one quote from a pricing service or broker. Furthermore, we may use internal pricing models to establish arm’s length prices. Generally, the quote from the pricing service is used to determine fair value for the securities. The quotes are not adjusted. The pricing service uses market-based measurements based on valuation techniques that reflect market participants’ assumptions and maximize the use of relevant observable inputs including prices for similar assets, benchmark yield curves and market corroborated inputs such as contractual terms, discount rates for similar securities and credit (such as credit support and delinquency rates). We believe such broker quote is generally based on a market transaction of comparable securities.

To determine the fair value of CRE securities, we maintain a comprehensive quarterly process that includes a valuation committee comprised of senior members of the investment and accounting teams that is designed to enable management to ensure the prices used are representative of fair value and the instruments are properly classified pursuant to the fair value hierarchy.

Initially, a member of the investment team on the valuation committee reviews the prices at quarter end to ensure current market conditions are fairly presented. The investment team is able to assess these values because they are actively engaged in the market, reviewing bid lists, recent sales and frequently have discussions with various banks and other financial institutions regarding the state of the market. We then perform a variety of analyses to ensure the quotes are in a range which we believe to be representative of fair value and to validate the quotes obtained and used in determining the ultimate value used in the financial statements. At the portfolio level, we evaluate the overall change in fair value versus the overall change in the market. We review significant changes in fair value for individual instruments, both positive and negative, from the prior period. We perform back testing on any securities sold to validate the quotes used for the prior quarter. Where multiple quotes are available, we evaluate any large variance between the high and low price. We obtain any available market data that provides insight into the price through recent or comparable security trades, multiple broker bids and other pertinent information. This data may be available through the pricing service or based on data directly available to us. If as part of any of these processes, we are aware of data which we believe better supports the fair value, we challenge the quote provided by either the pricing service or broker. Any discrepancy identified from our processes are reviewed and resolved. The valuation committee approves the final prices. We believe these procedures are designed to enable us to estimate fair value.

Once we determine fair value of CRE securities, we review to ensure the instrument is properly classified pursuant to the fair value hierarchy consistent with U.S. GAAP through our understanding of the valuation methodologies used by the pricing service via discussion with representatives of the pricing service and review of any documentation describing its valuation methodology.

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Generally, when fair value is based on the pricing service or multiple broker quotes, we believe, based on our analysis, such quotes are based on observable inputs and are therefore classified as Level 2. Where the price is based on either a single broker quote or an internal pricing model, we generally consider such price to be based on less observable data and therefore classify such instruments as Level 3.

Revenue Recognition

Operating Real Estate

Rental and escalation income from operating real estate is derived from leasing of space to various types of tenants and healthcare operators. The leases are for fixed terms of varying length and generally provide for annual rentals and expense reimbursements to be paid in monthly installments. Rental income from leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective leases. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases are included in unbilled rent receivable on our consolidated balance sheets. Escalation income represents revenue from tenant/operator leases which provide for the recovery of all or a portion of the operating expenses and real estate taxes paid by us on behalf of the respective property. This revenue is accrued in the same period as the expenses are incurred.

We generate operating income from healthcare and hotel properties under a RIDEA structure. Revenue related to healthcare properties includes resident room and care charges and other resident charges. Revenue related to operating hotel properties primarily consists of room and food and beverage sales. Revenue is recognized when such services are provided, generally defined as the date upon which a resident or guest occupies a room or uses the healthcare property or hotel services and is recorded in resident fee income for healthcare properties and hotel related income for hotel properties in the consolidated statements of operations.

Real Estate Debt Investments

Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis and any related premium, discount, origination costs and fees are amortized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. The amortization is reflected as an adjustment to interest income in our consolidated statements of operations. The amortization of a premium or accretion of a discount is discontinued if such loan is reclassified to held for sale.

Real Estate Securities

Interest income is recognized using the effective interest method with any premium or discount amortized or accreted through earnings based on expected cash flow through the expected maturity date of the security. Changes to expected cash flow may result in a change to the yield which is then applied retrospectively for high-credit quality securities that cannot be prepaid or otherwise settled in such a way that the holder would not recover substantially all of the investment or prospectively for all other securities to recognize interest income.

Credit Losses and Impairment on Investments

Operating Real Estate

Our real estate portfolio is reviewed on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as necessary, to assess whether there are any indicators that the value of our operating real estate may be impaired or that its carrying value may not be recoverable. A property’s value is considered impaired if management’s estimate of the aggregate expected future undiscounted cash flow to be generated by the property is less than the carrying value of the property. In conducting this review, management considers global macroeconomic factors and real estate sector conditions together with investment specific and other factors. To the extent an impairment has occurred, the loss is measured as the excess of the carrying value of the property over the estimated fair value of the property and recorded in impairment on operating real estate in our consolidated statements of operations.

An allowance for a doubtful account for a tenant/operator receivable is established based on a periodic review of aged receivables resulting from estimated losses due to the inability of tenant/operator to make required rent and other payments contractually due. Additionally, we establish, on a current basis, an allowance for future tenant/operator/resident/guest credit losses on unbilled rent receivable based on an evaluation of the collectability of such amounts.

Real Estate Debt Investments

Loans are considered impaired when based on current information and events, it is probable that we will not be able to collect principal and interest amounts due according to the contractual terms. We assess the credit quality of the portfolio and adequacy of loan loss reserves on a quarterly basis or more frequently as necessary. Significant judgment of management is required in this analysis. We consider the estimated net recoverable value of the loan as well as other factors, including but not limited to the fair value of any collateral, the amount and the status of any senior debt, the quality and financial condition of the borrower and the

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competitive situation of the area where the underlying collateral is located. Because this determination is based on projections of future economic events, which are inherently subjective, the amount ultimately realized may differ materially from the carrying value as of the balance sheet date. If upon completion of the assessment, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral is less than the net carrying value of the loan, a loan loss reserve is recorded with a corresponding charge to provision for loan losses. The loan loss reserve for each loan is maintained at a level that is determined to be adequate by management to absorb probable losses.

Income recognition is suspended for a loan at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90-days past due or when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired loan is in doubt, all payments are applied to principal under the cost recovery method. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired loan is not in doubt, contractual interest is recorded as interest income when received, under the cash basis method until an accrual is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. A loan is written off when it is no longer realizable and/or legally discharged.

Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures

We review our investments in unconsolidated ventures for which we did not elect the fair value option on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as necessary, to assess whether there are any indicators that the value may be impaired or that its carrying value may not be recoverable. An investment is considered impaired if the projected net recoverable amount over the expected holding period is less than the carrying value. In conducting this review, we consider global macroeconomic factors, including real estate sector conditions, together with investment specific and other factors. To the extent an impairment has occurred and is considered to be other than temporary, the loss is measured as the excess of the carrying value of the investment over the estimated fair value and recorded in provision for loss on equity investment in our consolidated statements of operations.

Real Estate Securities

CRE securities for which the fair value option is elected are not evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment, or OTTI, as any change in fair value is recorded in our consolidated statements of operations. Realized losses on such securities are reclassified to realized gain (loss) on investments and other as losses occur.

CRE securities for which the fair value option is not elected are evaluated for OTTI quarterly. Impairment of a security is considered to be other-than-temporary when: (i) the holder has the intent to sell the impaired security; (ii) it is more likely than not the holder will be required to sell the security; or (iii) the holder does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost of the security. When a CRE security has been deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to (i) or (ii), the security is written down to its fair value and an OTTI is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. In the case of (iii), the security is written down to its fair value and the amount of OTTI is then bifurcated into: (a) the amount related to expected credit losses; and (b) the amount related to fair value adjustments in excess of expected credit losses. The portion of OTTI related to expected credit losses is recognized in our consolidated statements of operations. The remaining OTTI related to the valuation adjustment is recognized as a component of accumulated OCI in our consolidated statements of equity. The portion of OTTI recognized through earnings is accreted back to the amortized cost basis of the security through interest income, while amounts recognized through OCI are amortized over the life of the security with no impact on earnings. CRE securities which are not high-credit quality are considered to have an OTTI if the security has an unrealized loss and there has been an adverse change in expected cash flow. The amount of OTTI is then bifurcated as discussed above.

Other

Refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 for a complete discussion of our critical accounting policies.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued an accounting update requiring a company to recognize as revenue the amount of consideration it expects to be entitled to in connection with the transfer of promised goods or services to customers.  The accounting standard update will replace most of the existing revenue recognition guidance currently promulgated by U.S. GAAP.  In July 2015, the FASB decided to delay the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year. The effective date of the new revenue standard for us will be January 1, 2018. We are in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, of the update on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

In February 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance that changes the rules regarding consolidation. The pronouncement eliminates specialized guidance for limited partnerships and similar legal entities and removes the indefinite deferral for certain investment funds. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the guidance on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

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In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting update changing the presentation of financing costs in financial statements. Under the new guidance, an entity would present these costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related liability rather than as an asset.  Amortization of the costs would continue to be reported as interest expense.  The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the guidance on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

In September 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance that eliminates the requirement that an acquirer in a business combination account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively.  Under the new guidance, an acquirer will recognize a measurement-period adjustment during the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustment. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this guidance in the third quarter 2015 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

Results of Operations

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 to September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 represent our results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off.

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Increase (Decrease)
	2015			2014			Amount			%
Property and other revenues
Rental and escalation income	$	235,588		$	86,648		$	148,940		171.9	%
Hotel related income	219,427			79,194			140,233			177.1	%
Resident fee income	70,257			25,027			45,230			180.7	%
Other revenue	2,920			3,456			(536		)	(15.5	)%
Total property and other revenues	528,192			194,325			333,867			171.8	%
Net interest income
Interest income	60,844			80,915			(20,071		)	(24.8	)%
Interest expense on debt and securities	1,735			2,979			(1,244		)	(41.8	)%
Net interest income on debt and securities	59,109			77,936			(18,827		)	(24.2	)%
Expenses
Management fee, related party	51,285			39,363			11,922			30.3	%
Other interest expense	141,232			59,923			81,309			135.7	%
Real estate properties—operating expenses	263,529			93,124			170,405			183.0	%
Other expenses	6,706			2,457			4,249			172.9	%
Transaction costs	5,583			44,410			(38,827		)	(87.4	)%
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses, net	53			—			53			NA
General and administrative expenses
Salaries and related expense	1,861			3,160			(1,299		)	(41.1	)%
Equity-based compensation expense	6,178			8,478			(2,300		)	(27.1	)%
Other general and administrative expenses	4,984			2,821			2,163			76.7	%
Total general and administrative expenses	13,023			14,459			(1,436		)	(9.9	)%
Depreciation and amortization	137,674			51,775			85,899			165.9	%
Total expenses	619,085			305,511			313,574			102.6	%
Other income (loss)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	(141,243		)	(15,377		)	(125,866		)	818.5	%
Realized gain (loss) on investments and other	1,492			(15,938		)	17,430			(109.4	)%
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures and income tax benefit (expense)	(171,535		)	(64,565		)	(106,970		)	165.7	%
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	60,359			41,694			18,665			44.8	%
Income tax benefit (expense)	2,659			(3,460		)	6,119			(176.8	)%
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(108,517		)	(26,331		)	(82,186		)	312.1	%
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(11		)	(278		)	267			(96.0	)%
Net income (loss)	$	(108,528	)	$	(26,609	)	$	(81,919	)	307.9	%

Property and Other Revenues

Rental and Escalation Income

Rental and escalation income increased$148.9 million, primarily attributable to new acquisitions in 2014 and 2015 including healthcare, industrial and multi-tenant office investments ($107.8 million) and increased income from our manufactured housing and multifamily investments, all in our U.S. real estate segment ($2.5 million) and new acquisitions in 2014 and 2015 in our

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European real estate segment ($41.2 million), offset by lower income from our net lease and remaining healthcare properties in our U.S. real estate segment ($2.3 million).

Hotel Related Income

Hotel related income increased$140.2 million related to new hotel acquisitions in 2014 and 2015 in our U.S. real estate segment.

Resident Fee Income

Resident fee income increased$45.2 million, primarily related to the healthcare RIDEA properties acquired in 2014 in our U.S. real estate segment.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is generated on our interest-earning assets less related interest-bearing liabilities and is recorded as part of our CRE debt and securities segments and our N-Star CDO segments. For assets financed in a CDO, also referred to as legacy investments, the N-Star CDO segments are based on the primary collateral of the CDO financing transaction and as such may include other types of investments.

The following table presents the average balance of interest-earning assets less related interest-bearing liabilities, associated interest income and expense and corresponding yield earned and incurred for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014. Amounts presented have been impacted by the timing of new investments and repayments during the periods (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2015							2014
	Average Carrying Value(1)		Interest Income/ Expense(2)		WA Yield/ Financing Cost(3)			Average Carrying Value(1)		Interest Income/ Expense(2)		WA Yield/ Financing Cost(3)
Interest-earning assets:
CRE debt investments	$	909,582	$	26,759	11.77	%		$	1,190,289	$	44,591	14.98	%
CRE securities investments	880,432		34,085		15.49	%		1,023,821		36,324		14.19	%
	$	1,790,014	60,844		13.60	%		$	2,214,110	80,915		14.62	%
Interest-bearing liabilities:
CDO bonds payable	$	509,761	$	1,072	3.14	%	(4)	$	619,926	$	1,340	2.87	%	(4)
Securitization bonds payable	—		—		—	%		71,721		604		3.37	%
Loan facilities	65,903		663		4.03	%		99,378		1,035		4.17	%
	$	575,664	1,735		3.24	%		$	791,025	2,979		3.08	%
Net interest income			$	59,109						$	77,936

____________________________________________________________

(1) Based on amortized cost for CRE debt and securities investments, principal amount for N-Star CDOs, securitization bonds payable and credit facilities. All amounts are calculated based on quarterly averages.

(2) Includes the effect of amortization of premium or accretion of discount and deferred fees and interest income earned on notes receivable from sales of manufactured homes included in other assets.

(3) Calculated as interest income or expense divided by average carrying value.

(4) We use interest rate swaps in CDO financing transactions to manage interest rate risk. Weighted average financing cost includes $2.9 million and $3.1 million of net cash payments on interest rate swaps recorded in unrealized gain (loss) in our consolidated statements of operations for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Interest income decreased$20.1 million, primarily attributable to decreased income on debt investments in our CRE debt segment ($14.1 million), decreased income on investments in deconsolidated N-Star CDO bonds and equity notes in our CRE securities segment ($3.3 million) and decreased interest income on CRE securities in our N-Star CDOs segment ($2.0 million).

Interest expense decreased$1.2 million, primarily attributable to reduced interest on other borrowings in the CRE debt segment ($1.0 million) and the deconsolidation of N-Star CDO bonds payable in our CRE securities segment ($0.3 million).

Expenses

Management Fee, Related Party

For the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015, we recorded $49.0 million related to the base management fee and $2.3 million related to the incentive fee to NSAM in our corporate segment. For the three months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded $38.1 million related to the base management fee and $1.3 million related to the incentive fee to NSAM in our corporate segment.

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Other Interest Expense

Other interest expense increased$81.3 million, primarily attributable to increased interest expense related to new mortgage and other notes payable associated with new property acquisitions in 2014 and 2015 in our U.S. real estate segment ($66.1 million), our European real estate segment ($9.2 million), increased interest expense on our corporate credit facilities ($9.8 million) and NRE Senior Notes ($3.8 million), offset by decreased interest expense on the senior notes that were repaid in September 2014 ($5.8 million) and lower interest expense at the corporate level primarily due to conversions of exchangeable senior notes ($1.5 million).

Real Estate Properties—Operating Expenses

Real estate properties operating expenses increased$170.4 million, primarily attributable to new acquisitions in 2014 and 2015 comprised of healthcare, hotel, industrial and multi-tenant office investments in our U.S. real estate segment ($163.1 million) and in our European real estate segment ($9.4 million).

Other Expenses

Other expenses primarily represents third-party asset management fees. Other expenses increased$4.2 million related to new acquisitions in 2014 and 2015 in our U.S. real estate segment and European real estate segment.

Transaction Costs

Transaction costs represent costs such as professional fees associated with new investments and restructuring charges related to existing investments. For the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015, transaction costs of $5.6 million primarily related to real estate acquisitions and restructurings, which includes transaction costs related to acquisitions in our European real estate segment ($2.8 million) and our hotel and healthcare portfolios ($1.4 million), in our U.S. real estate segment. For the three months endedSeptember 30, 2014, transaction costs of $44.4 million primarily related to real estate acquisitions and restructurings ($41.4 million) and our acquisition of certain PE Investments ($3.0 million), in our U.S. real estate segment.

Provision for (Reversal of) Loan Losses, Net

For the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015, provision for loan losses, net primarily related to a provision for loan loss relating to manufactured housing notes receivable in our U.S. real estate segment. There was no provision for loan loss for the three months ended September 30, 2014.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses are principally incurred at the corporate level. General and administrative expenses decreased$1.4 million primarily attributable to the following:

Salaries and related expense decreased$1.3 million.

Equity-based compensation expense for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 represents our expense following the NSAM Spin-off. For the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015, we recorded $6.2 million of equity-based compensation expense (including $0.6 million of fair value adjustments related to non-employees and $0.5 million of dividends associated with non-employees). For the three months endedSeptember 30, 2014, we recorded $8.5 million of equity-based compensation expense, (including $0.4 million of fair value adjustments related to non-employees and $0.3 million of dividends associated with non-employees).

Other general and administrative expenses increased$2.2 million related to higher corporate expenses.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense increased$85.9 million, primarily related to new acquisitions in 2014 and 2015 in our U.S. real estate segment ($67.0 million) and our European real estate segment ($18.8 million).

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Other Income (Loss)

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Other

Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other is primarily related to the non-cash change in fair value adjustments and the remaining amount is related to net cash payments on interest rate swaps. The following table presents a summary of unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other by operating segment for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
										N-Star CDOs
	U.S. Real Estate			European Real Estate			CRE Securities			CRE Securities			Corporate			Total
Change in fair value of:
Real estate securities, available for sale(1)	$	—		$	—		$	(7,644	)	$	(1,161	)	$	—		$	(8,805	)
PE Investments(1)	(9,148		)	—			—			—			—			(9,148		)
CDO bonds payable, at fair value(1)	—			—			—			(9,998		)	—			(9,998		)
Junior subordinated notes, at fair value(1)	—			—			—			—			22,576			22,576
Derivatives, at fair value	(649		)	(8,751		)	—			2,432			(88,673		)	(95,641		)
Foreign currency remeasurement(2)	(6,000		)	(6,283		)	—			—			5,433			(6,850		)
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	(30,446		)	—			—			—			—			(30,446		)
Subtotal unrealized gain (loss)	(46,243		)	(15,034		)	(7,644		)	(8,727		)	(60,664		)	(138,312		)
Net cash payments on derivatives	(82		)	—			—			(2,849		)	—			(2,931		)
Total unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	$	(46,325	)	$	(15,034	)	$	(7,644	)	$	(11,576	)	$	(60,664	)	$	(141,243	)

__________________________________________________________

(1) Represents financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) Represents foreign currency remeasurement on investments, cash and deposits primarily denominated in Euros.

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
										N-Star CDOs
	U.S. Real Estate			CRE Debt			CRE Securities			CRE Securities			Corporate		Total
Change in fair value of:
Real estate securities, available for sale(1)	$	—		$	—		$	604		$	(7,271	)	$	—	$	(6,667	)
CDO bonds payable, at fair value(1)	—			—			—			(8,397		)	—		(8,397		)
Junior subordinated notes, at fair value(1)	—			—			—			—			2,193		2,193
Derivatives, at fair value	187			—			—			3,336			—		3,523
Foreign currency remeasurement(2)	(740		)	(2,187		)	—			—			—		(2,927		)
Subtotal unrealized gain (loss)	(553		)	(2,187		)	604			(12,332		)	2,193		(12,275		)
Net cash payments on derivatives	—			—			(92		)	(3,010		)	—		(3,102		)
Total unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	$	(553	)	$	(2,187	)	$	512		$	(15,342	)	$	2,193	$	(15,377	)

__________________________________________________________

(1) Represents financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) Primarily represents foreign currency remeasurement on an investment denominated in Euros.

Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Other

Realized gains of $1.5 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 primarily related to a gain from the liquidation of N-Star CDO IV ($8.8 million) and gains from sales/repayments from N-Star CDO bonds ($0.5 million), both in our CRE securities segment, gains on the sale of manufactured homes ($0.1 million) in our U.S. real estate segment, offset by a net loss on securities in our N-Star CDO CRE securities segment ($6.0 million), foreign exchange losses related to our European Portfolio ($0.8 million), loss on conversion of exchangeable senior notes ($0.2 million) in our corporate segment and a loss related to a healthcare portfolio ($0.9 million), in our U.S. real estate segment.

Realized losses of $15.9 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2014 primarily related to losses on exchangeable senior notes ($21.1 million) in the corporate segment, and net losses from the sale of CRE securities investments ($0.6 million) in our CRE securities segment, offset by gains from sales/repayments from N-Star CDO bonds ($4.6 million) in our CRE securities segment and gains on the sale of manufactured homes ($1.1 million) in our U.S. real estate segment.

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Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Ventures and Income Tax Benefit (Expense)

Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Ventures

Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures increased$18.7 million, primarily attributable to increased earnings from PE Investments ($18.1 million) and other indirect interests in real estate ($0.6 million), all in our U.S. real estate segment.

Income Tax Benefit (Expense)

The income tax benefit for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 represents a net benefit of $2.7 million primarily related to deferred tax benefits for acquisitions in our European Portfolio, offset by a provision for income tax for our PE Investments in our U.S. real estate segment. The income tax expense for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2014 of $3.5 million represents a provision for income tax for our PE Investments in our U.S. real estate segment.

Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations

Income (loss) from operating real estate in discontinued operations represents an immaterial amount for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and primarily represents the operations of two healthcare properties classified as held for sale in our U.S. real estate segment.

Comparison of the Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2015 to September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

The consolidated financial statements for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 represent our results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) our results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented. The following table represents our results of operations for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

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	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Increase (Decrease)
	2015			2014			Amount			%
Property and other revenues
Rental and escalation income	$	613,882		$	232,749		$	381,133		163.8	%
Hotel related income	594,284			101,720			492,564			484.2	%
Resident fee income	199,463			40,087			159,376			397.6	%
Other revenue	10,207			10,035			172			1.7	%
Total property and other revenues	1,417,836			384,591			1,033,245			268.7	%
Net interest income
Interest income	185,990			235,461			(49,471		)	(21.0	)%
Interest expense on debt and securities	5,691			9,368			(3,677		)	(39.3	)%
Net interest income on debt and securities	180,299			226,093			(45,794		)	(20.3	)%
Expenses
Management fee, related party	151,260			39,363			111,897			284.3	%
Other interest expense	381,225			143,836			237,389			165.0	%
Real estate properties—operating expenses	698,890			165,858			533,032			321.4	%
Other expenses	17,043			4,282			12,761			298.0	%
Transaction costs	134,029			84,170			49,859			59.2	%
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses, net	820			2,719			(1,899		)	(69.8	)%
General and administrative expenses
Salaries and related expense	7,554			23,880			(16,326		)	(68.4	)%
Equity-based compensation expense	24,713			20,262			4,451			22.0	%
Other general and administrative expenses	13,742			10,923			2,819			25.8	%
Total general and administrative expenses	46,009			55,065			(9,056		)	(16.4	)%
Depreciation and amortization	375,208			112,496			262,712			233.5	%
Total expenses	1,804,484			607,789			1,196,695			196.9	%
Other income (loss)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	(189,417		)	(214,322		)	24,905			(11.6	)%
Realized gain (loss) on investments and other	14,607			(61,770		)	76,377			(123.6	)%
Gain (loss) from deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs	—			(31,423		)	31,423			(100.0	)%
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures and income tax benefit (expense)	(381,159		)	(304,620		)	(76,539		)	25.1	%
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	171,738			109,630			62,108			56.7	%
Income tax benefit (expense)	2,285			(8,224		)	10,509			(127.8	)%
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(207,136		)	(203,214		)	(3,922		)	1.9	%
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(11		)	(6,989		)	6,978			(99.8	)%
Net income (loss)	$	(207,147	)	$	(210,203	)	$	3,056		(1.5	)%

Property and Other Revenues

Rental and Escalation Income

Rental and escalation income increased$381.1 million, primarily attributable to new acquisitions in 2014 and 2015 including healthcare, industrial and multi-tenant office investments ($306.5 million) and increased income from our manufactured housing and multifamily investments ($12.7 million), all in our U.S. real estate segment, new acquisitions in 2014 and 2015 in our European real estate segment ($75.1 million), offset by lower income from our net lease and remaining healthcare properties in our U.S. real estate segment ($12.5 million) and lower income due to the sale of REO in the first quarter 2015 in our CRE debt segment ($0.6 million).

Hotel Related Income

Hotel related income increased$492.6 million related to new hotel acquisitions in 2014 and 2015 in our U.S. real estate segment.

Resident Fee Income

Resident fee income increased$159.4 million, primarily related to the healthcare RIDEA properties acquired in 2014 in our U.S. real estate segment.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is generated on our interest-earning assets less related interest-bearing liabilities and is recorded as part of our CRE debt and securities segments and our N-Star CDO segments. For assets financed in a CDO, also referred to as legacy investments, the N-Star CDO segments are based on the primary collateral of the CDO financing transaction and as such may include other types of investments.

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The following table presents the average balance of interest-earning assets less related interest-bearing liabilities, associated interest income and expense and corresponding yield earned and incurred for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014. Amounts presented have been impacted by the timing of new investments and repayments during the periods (dollars in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015							2014
	Average Carrying Value(1)		Interest Income/ Expense(2)		WA Yield/ Financing Cost(3)			Average Carrying Value(1)		Interest Income/ Expense(2)		WA Yield/ Financing Cost(3)
Interest-earning assets:
CRE debt investments	$	970,862	$	95,068	13.06	%		$	1,142,428	$	120,491	14.06	%
CRE securities investments	918,601		90,922		13.20	%		1,142,315		114,970		13.42	%
	$	1,889,463	185,990		13.12	%		$	2,284,743	235,461		13.74	%
Interest-bearing liabilities:
CDO bonds payable	$	531,324	$	3,251	3.07	%	(4)	$	737,499	$	4,684	3.34	%	(4)
Securitization bonds payable	20,585		150		—	%		77,037		1,970		3.41	%
Loan facilities	66,937		2,290		4.56	%		82,706		2,714		4.38	%
	$	618,846	5,691		3.13	%		$	897,242	9,368		3.44	%
Net interest income			$	180,299						$	226,093

____________________________________________________________

(1) Based on amortized cost for CRE debt and securities investments, principal amount for N-Star CDOs, securitization bonds payable and credit facilities. All amounts are calculated based on quarterly averages.

(2) Includes the effect of amortization of premium or accretion of discount and deferred fees and interest income earned on notes receivable from sales of manufactured homes included in other assets.

(3) Calculated as interest income or expense divided by average carrying value.

(4) We use interest rate swaps in CDO financing transactions to manage interest rate risk. Weighted average financing cost includes $8.7 million and $13.8 million of net cash payments on interest rate swaps recorded in unrealized gain (loss) in our consolidated statements of operations for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Interest income decreased$49.5 million, primarily attributable to decreased income on debt investments in our CRE debt segment ($24.6 million), decreased income on investments in deconsolidated N-Star CDO bonds and equity notes in our CRE securities segment ($14.1 million) and decreased interest income on CRE securities in our N-Star CDOs segment ($10.2 million), offset by increased income on manufactured housing notes ($1.4 million).

Interest expense decreased$3.7 million, primarily attributable to reduced interest on other borrowings in our CRE debt segment ($2.3 million) and the deconsolidation of N-Star CDO bonds payable ($1.4 million).

Expenses

Management Fee, Related Party

For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, we recorded $142.5 million related to the base management fee and $8.7 million related to the incentive fee to NSAM in our corporate segment. For the three months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded $38.0 million related to the base management fee and $1.3 million related to the incentive fee to NSAM in our corporate segment. There was no base management fee and incentive fee for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Other Interest Expense

Other interest expense increased$237.4 million, primarily attributable to increased interest expense related to new mortgage and other notes payable associated with new property acquisitions in 2014 and 2015 in our U.S. real estate segment ($211.9 million) and our European real estate segment ($16.0 million), increased interest expense on our corporate credit facilities ($28.2 million) and NRE Senior Notes ($3.8 million), offset by lower interest expense due to conversions of exchangeable senior notes ($11.2 million) and repayment of senior notes in September 2014 at the corporate level ($11.5 million).

Real Estate Properties—Operating Expenses

Real estate properties operating expenses increased$533.0 million, primarily attributable to new acquisitions in 2014 and 2015 comprised of healthcare, hotel, industrial and multi-tenant office investments in our U.S. real estate segment ($518.6 million) and in our European real estate segment ($16.9 million).

Other Expenses

Other expenses primarily represents third-party asset management fees. Other expenses increased$12.8 million related to new acquisitions in 2014 and 2015 in our U.S. real estate segment and European real estate segment.

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Transaction Costs

Transaction costs represent costs such as professional fees associated with new investments and restructuring charges related to existing investments. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, transaction costs of $134.0 million primarily related to real estate acquisitions and restructurings, which includes transaction costs related to acquisitions in our European real estate segment ($109.0 million) and acquisitions and restructurings related to our healthcare portfolios ($17.4 million), our hotel portfolios ($4.6 million) and our multi-tenant office acquisitions ($0.5 million), all in our U.S. real estate segment. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, transaction costs of $84.2 million primarily related to our acquisition of the Innkeepers Portfolio ($19.7 million), the Formation Portfolio ($7.5 million), the investment in Aerium ($3.6 million) and other real estate acquisitions, all in our U.S. real estate segment ($9.0 million).

Provision for (Reversal of) Loan Losses, Net

For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, provision for loan losses, net primarily related to a provision for loan loss for an existing first mortgage loan and a provision for loan loss relating to manufactured housing notes receivable in our U.S. real estate segment. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, provision for loan losses, net of $2.7 million related to a provision for loan loss for an existing mezzanine loan and an existing first mortgage loan.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses are principally incurred at the corporate level. General and administrative expenses decreased$9.1 million primarily attributable to the following:

Salaries and related expense decreased$16.3 million related to the NSAM Spin-off when most of our employees at the time of the NSAM Spin-off became employees of NSAM.

Equity-based compensation expense for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 represents our expense following the NSAM Spin-off. Equity-based compensation expense for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014 represents our expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 following the NSAM Spin-off and an allocation to NSAM related to our historical asset management business had it been run as an independent entity reported in discontinued operations. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, we recorded $24.7 million of equity-based compensation expense (including $4.3 million of fair value adjustments related to non-employees and $1.6 million of dividends associated with non-employees). For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, we recorded $20.3 million of equity-based compensation expense, which excludes $13.7 million of expense allocated to NSAM which is recorded in discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.

Other general and administrative expenses increased$2.8 million related to higher corporate expenses.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense increased$262.7 million, primarily related to new acquisitions in 2014 and 2015 in our U.S. real estate segment ($228.4 million) and our European real estate segment ($34.9 million).

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Other Income (Loss)

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Other

Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other is primarily related to the non-cash change in fair value adjustments and the remaining amount is related to net cash payments on interest rate swaps. The following table presents a summary of unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other by operating segment for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
									N-Star CDOs
	U.S. Real Estate			European Real Estate			CRE Securities		CRE Securities			Corporate			Total
Change in fair value of:
Real estate securities, available for sale(1)	$	—		$	—		$	15,010	$	(3,967	)	$	2,209		$	13,252
PE Investments(1)	(22,497		)	—			—		—			—			(22,497		)
CDO bonds payable, at fair value(1)	—			—			—		(23,572		)	—			(23,572		)
Junior subordinated notes, at fair value(1)	—			—			—		—			30,493			30,493
Derivatives, at fair value	(1,951		)	(11,249		)	—		7,318			(119,404		)	(125,286		)
Foreign currency remeasurement(2)	(9,642		)	78			—		—			(3,465		)	(13,029		)
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	(39,789		)	—			—		—			—			(39,789		)
Subtotal unrealized gain (loss)	(73,879		)	(11,171		)	15,010		(20,221		)	(90,167		)	(180,428		)
Net cash payments on derivatives	(253		)	—			—		(8,736		)	—			(8,989		)
Total unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	$	(74,132	)	$	(11,171	)	$	15,010	$	(28,957	)	$	(90,167	)	$	(189,417	)

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(1) Represents financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) Represents foreign currency remeasurement on investments, cash and deposits primarily denominated in Euros.

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
										N-Star CDOs
	U.S. Real Estate			CRE Debt			CRE Securities			CRE Securities			Corporate			Total
Change in fair value of:
Real estate securities, available for sale(1)	$	—		$	—		$	(6,896	)	$	10,567		$	—		$	3,671
CDO bonds payable, at fair value(1)	—			—			—			(190,176		)	—			(190,176		)
Junior subordinated notes, at fair value(1)	—			—			—			—			(18,050		)	(18,050		)
Derivatives, at fair value	(822		)	—			—			8,577			—			7,755
Foreign currency remeasurement(2)	(740		)	(2,987		)	—			—			—			(3,727		)
Subtotal unrealized gain (loss)	(1,562		)	(2,987		)	(6,896		)	(171,032		)	(18,050		)	(200,527		)
Net cash payments on derivatives	—			—			—			(13,795		)	—			(13,795		)
Total unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	$	(1,562	)	$	(2,987	)	$	(6,896	)	$	(184,827	)	$	(18,050	)	$	(214,322	)

__________________________________________________________

(1) Represents financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) Primarily represents foreign currency remeasurement on an investment denominated in Euros.

Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Other

Realized gains of $14.6 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 primarily related to gains from sales/repayments from N-Star CDO bonds ($15.4 million) and a net gain from the liquidation of N-Star CDO IV ($8.8 million), both in our CRE securities segment, a gain related to the sale of REO ($3.0 million) in our CRE debt segment, gains on the sale of manufactured homes ($0.1 million) in our U.S. real estate segment, offset by losses from the sale of CRE securities, including N-Star CDO bonds ($8.6 million), losses on exchangeable senior notes ($1.3 million) in our corporate segment, foreign exchange losses related to acquisitions in our European Portfolio ($2.3 million) and a loss from the sale of CRE debt ($0.8 million).

Realized losses of $61.8 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014 primarily related to losses on exchangeable senior notes ($65.8 million) in our corporate segment, losses on the sale of manufactured homes ($3.4 million) in our U.S. real estate segment, offset by realized gains from the sale of timeshare units ($0.5 million) in our U.S. real estate segment and net gains from the sale of CRE securities investments ($7.0 million) in our CRE securities segment.

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Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Ventures and Income Tax Benefit (Expense)

Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Ventures

Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures increased$62.1 million, primarily attributable to increased earnings from PE Investments ($56.6 million) and other indirect interests in real estate ($8.1 million), all in our U.S. real estate segment, offset by a decrease in earnings from equity investments in our CRE debt segment ($2.6 million).

Income Tax Benefit (Expense)

The income tax benefit for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 represents a net benefit of $2.3 million primarily related to deferred tax benefits for acquisitions in our European Portfolio, offset by a provision for income tax for our PE Investments in our U.S. real estate segment. The income tax expense for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014 of $8.2 million represents a provision for income tax for our PE Investments in our U.S. real estate segment.

Gain (Loss) from Deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs

For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, the loss of $31.4 million related to the deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs III and V in 2014, which was predominately due to the reversal of prior unrealized gains on CDO bonds payable recorded in prior periods due to the election of the fair value option.

Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations

For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, we recorded a $6.1 million loss included in discontinued operations associated with NSAM which represented a carve-out of revenues of $56.0 million and expenses of $62.1 million. Such amounts exclude the effect of any fees that NSAM began earning in connection with the management agreement with us upon completion of the spin-off.

Income (loss) from operating real estate in discontinued operations represents an immaterial amount and a $0.9 million loss for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and primarily represents the operations of two healthcare properties classified as held for sale in our U.S. real estate segment.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We require capital to fund our operating expenses and investment activities, including the repurchase of our common stock. Our capital sources may include cash flow from operations, net proceeds from asset repayments and sales, borrowings under credit facilities, financings secured by our assets such as mortgage notes, securitization financing transactions, long-term senior and subordinate corporate capital such as revolving credit facilities, senior term loans, senior notes, senior exchangeable notes, trust preferred securities, perpetual preferred stock and common stock. For instance, we are currently exploring the sale of our multifamily portfolio. In addition, in connection with the NSAM Spin-off, we entered into a revolving credit agreement with NSAM pursuant to which we make available, on an “as available basis,” up to $250 million of financing to NSAM subject to certain conditions (refer to Related Party Arrangements). In connection with the NRE Spin-off, we provided NorthStar Europe with an initial capitalization of $250 million.

We seek to meet our long-term liquidity requirements, including the repayment of borrowings and our investment funding needs, through existing cash resources, issuance of debt or equity capital, return of capital from investments and the liquidation or refinancing of assets. Nonetheless, our ability to meet a long-term (beyond one year) liquidity requirement may be subject to obtaining additional debt and equity financing. Any decision by our lenders and investors to provide us with financing will depend upon a number of factors, such as our compliance with the terms of our existing credit arrangements, our financial performance, industry or market trends, the general availability of and rates applicable to financing transactions, such lenders’ and investors’ resources and policies concerning the terms under which they make capital commitments and the relative attractiveness of alternative investment or lending opportunities.

As a REIT, we are required to distribute at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income to our stockholders, including taxable income where we do not receive corresponding cash, and we intend to distribute all or substantially all of our REIT taxable income in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and to avoid federal income tax and the non-deductible excise tax. On a quarterly basis, our board of directors determines an appropriate common stock dividend based upon numerous factors, including CAD, REIT qualification requirements, availability of existing cash balances, borrowing capacity under existing credit agreements, access to cash in the capital markets and other financing sources, our view of our ability to realize gains in the future through appreciation in the value of our assets, general economic conditions and economic conditions that more specifically impact our business or prospects. Future dividend levels are subject to adjustment based upon our evaluation of the factors described above, as well as other factors that our board of directors may, from time-to-time, deem relevant to consider when determining an appropriate common stock dividend.

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We currently believe that our existing sources of funds should be adequate for purposes of meeting our short-term liquidity needs. Unrestricted cash as of November 5, 2015 was approximately $340 million. In addition, as of November 5, 2015, $335 million of financing remains undrawn under our corporate revolving credit facility. There is no available financing remaining under our corporate term facility. However, we may seek to raise additional capital in order to finance new acquisitions.

Capital Raise

To date in 2015, we issued aggregate capital of $1.3 billion from the issuance of common equity.

Securitization Financing Transactions

We, and on behalf of NorthStar Income, entered into two securitization financing transactions in 2012 and 2013 that provide permanent, non-recourse, non-mark-to-market financing for a portion of our CRE debt investments. We expect to execute similar transactions to finance our newly-originated debt investments that might initially be financed on our credit facilities.

Securitization 2012-1

In November 2012, we closed Securitization 2012-1, a $351 million securitization financing transaction which provided permanent, non-recourse, non-mark-to-market financing that was collateralized by CRE debt investments originated by us and on behalf of NorthStar Income. A total of $228 million of investment grade bonds were issued, $98 million of which was used to finance the assets we contributed, representing an advance rate of 65% and a weighted average coupon of LIBOR plus 1.63%. In January 2015, the securitization was repaid in full.

Securitization 2013-1

In August 2013, we bifurcated three first mortgage loans with an aggregate principal amount of $142 million into senior loans of $79 million and subordinate interests of $63 million to facilitate the financing of the senior loans in Securitization 2013-1, a securitization financing transaction entered into by NorthStar Income. We transferred the senior loans at cost to Securitization 2013-1. We did not retain any interest in such senior loans and retained the subordinate interests on an unleveraged basis.

Corporate Credit Facilities

Corporate Revolving Credit Facility

In August 2014, we entered into a corporate revolving credit facility with certain commercial bank lenders, with a total commitment amount of $500 million for a three year term. As of November 5, 2015, $335 million of financing remains undrawn under our revolving credit facility.

Corporate Term Facility

In September 2014, we entered into a corporate term facility with respect to the establishment of term borrowings with an aggregate principal amount of up to $500 million. As of November 5, 2015, we borrowed $425 million under our corporate term facility. There is no available financing remaining under our corporate term facility.

Loan Facility

With respect to investment-level financing, we maintain a loan facility that provides up to $200 million to finance the origination of first mortgage loans and senior loan participations secured by commercial real estate. The interest rate and advance rate depend on asset type and characteristic. The maturity date for the facility is March 2016 and has extensions available at our option, subject to the satisfaction of certain customary conditions, with a maturity date extending through March 2018.

Our loan facility contains representations, warranties, covenants, conditions precedent to funding, events of default and indemnities that are customary for agreements of this type. We are currently in compliance with all of our financial covenants under our loan facility.

Senior Notes and Exchangeable Senior Notes

In March 2014, $172.5 million principal amount of the 7.50% Notes were exchanged for $481 million principal amount of senior notes due September 30, 2014, or the 2014 Senior Notes. On September 30, 2014, we repaid the 2014 Senior Notes in cash, including interest, in the amount of $488 million.

In July 2015, NorthStar Europe issued $340 million principal amount of 4.625% senior notes due December 2016, or NRE Senior Notes. NorthStar Europe received aggregate net proceeds of $331 million, after deducting the underwriters’ discount and other expenses and loaned us the net proceeds from the issuance of the NRE Senior Notes, which were used for general corporate purposes, including, among other things, the funding of acquisitions, including the Trianon Tower and the repayment of our

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borrowings. The terms of the loan are materially the same as those of the NRE Senior Notes and were deemed repaid uponthe completion of the NRE Spin-off. On October 31, 2015, as part of the NRE Spin-off, the loan to us was extinguished. The NRE Senior Notes are senior unsubordinated and unsecured obligations of NorthStar Europe and we and our Operating Partnership continue to guarantee payments on the NRE Senior Notes subsequent to the NRE Spin-off.

For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, holders exchanged $14 million principal amount of our 5.375% Exchangeable Senior Notes for an aggregate 0.9 million shares of our common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split.

Cash Flows

The following presents a summary of our consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
Cash flow provided by (used in):	2015			2014
Operating activities	$	387,831		$	220,753
Investing activities	(3,189,791		)	(2,888,351		)
Financing activities	2,895,248			2,222,776
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents	(4,218		)	(277		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	89,070		$	(445,099	)

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2015 Compared to September 30, 2014

Net cash provided by operating activities was $388 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $221 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014. The increase was primarily due to new investment activity.

Net cash used in investing activities was $3.2 billion for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $2.9 billion for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014. The increase in net cash used was primarily due to acquisitions of European real estate and PE Investments.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $2.9 billion for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $2.2 billion for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014. The primary cash inflows for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 was $1.1 billion of net new capital, $2.1 billion of net new borrowings, $340 million of proceeds from NRE Senior Notes and $87 million of net contributions from non-controlling interests, offset by $480 million for the payment of dividends, $106 million for the payment of financing costs and $73 million for net repurchase/repayment of CDO bonds. The primary cash outflows for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014 was $1.0 billion of net new capital, $2.2 billion of net new borrowings and $18 million of net contributions from non-controlling interests, offset by $327 million for the payment of dividends, $119 million distributed to NSAM in connection with the spin-off, $481 million for the repayment of the 2014 Senior Notes and $58 million for net repurchase/repayment of CDO bonds.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of September 30, 2015, we had off-balance sheet arrangements with respect to retained interests in certain deconsolidated N-Star CDOs. Refer to Note 17. “Variable Interest Entities” in Item 1. “Financial Statements” for a discussion of such retained interests in such N-Star CDOs in our consolidated financial statements. In each case, our exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of our investment.

Additionally, we have certain arrangements which do not meet the definition of off-balance sheet arrangements, but do have some of the characteristics of off-balance sheet arrangements. We have made investments in unconsolidated ventures. Refer to Note 5. “Investments in Private Equity Funds” and Note 6. “Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures” in Item 1. “Financial Statements” for a discussion of such unconsolidated ventures in our consolidated financial statements. In each case, our exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of our investment.

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Related Party Arrangements

NorthStar Asset Management Group

Management Agreement

Upon completion of the spin-off of our asset management business on June 30, 2014, we entered into a management agreement with an affiliate of NSAM for an initial term of 20 years, which will be automatically renewed for additional 20-year terms each anniversary thereafter unless earlier terminated. As asset manager, NSAM is responsible for our day-to-day operations, subject to the supervision of our board of directors. Through its global network of subsidiaries and branch offices, NSAM performs services and activities relating to, among other things, investments and financing, portfolio management and other administrative services, such as accounting and investor relations, to us and our subsidiaries other than our CRE loan origination business. The management agreement with NSAM provides for a base management fee and incentive fee.

In connection with the NRE Spin-off, NorthStar Europe entered into a management agreement with NSAM with an initial term of 20 years on terms substantially consistent with the terms of our management agreement with NSAM.  Our management agreement with NSAM was amended and restated in connection with the NRE Spin-off to, among other things, commensurately adjust the annual base management fee and incentive fee hurdles for the NRE Spin-off.

Base Management Fee

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we incurred $49 million and $38 million, respectively, related to the base management fee. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we incurred $143 million related to the base management fee. The management contract with NSAM commenced on July 1, 2014, as as such, there was no management fees incurred for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The base management fee to NSAM will increase subsequent to September 30, 2015 by an amount equal to 1.5% per annum of the sum of:

• cumulative net proceeds of all future common equity and preferred equity issued by us, including the remaining 7.1 million shares, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, of the forward contract which was issued in October 2015;

• equity issued by us in exchange or conversion of exchangeable senior notes based on the stock price at the date of issuance;

• any other issuances by us of common equity, preferred equity or other forms of equity, including but not limited to limited partnership interests in an operating partnership (excluding equity-based compensation, but including issuances related to an acquisition, investment, joint venture or partnership); and

• cumulative CAD in excess of cumulative distributions paid on common stock, LTIP units or other equity awards beginning the first full calendar quarter after the spin-off.

Additionally, our equity interest in RXR Realty and Aerium is structured so that NSAM is entitled to the portion of distributable cash flow from each investment in excess of the $10 million minimum annual base amount.

In connection with the NRE Spin-off and the related amendments to our management agreement with NSAM, our annual base management fee payable to NSAM was reduced by $14 million, effective as of November 1, 2015, commensurate with the base management fee that will be paid by NorthStar Europe pursuant to its management agreement with NSAM.

Incentive Fee

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we incurred $2 million and $1 million, respectively, related to the incentive fee. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we incurred $9 million related to the incentive fee. The incentive fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears in cash, equal to:

• the product of: (a) 15% and (b) our CAD before such incentive fee, divided by the weighted average shares outstanding for the calendar quarter, when such amount is in excess of $0.78 per share but less than $0.90 per share, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, or the 15% Hurdle; plus

• the product of: (a) 25% and (b) our CAD before such incentive fee, divided by the weighted average shares outstanding for the calendar quarter, when such amount is equal to or in excess of $0.90 per share, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, or the 25% Hurdle;

• multiplied by our weighted average shares outstanding for the calendar quarter.

In addition, NSAM may also earn an incentive fee from our healthcare investments in connection with NSAM’s Healthcare Strategic Partnership (refer to below).

Weighted average shares represents the number of shares of our common stock, LTIP Units or other equity-based awards (with some exclusions), outstanding on a daily weighted average basis. With respect to the base management fee, all equity issuances are allocated on a daily weighted average basis during the fiscal quarter of issuance.

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In connection with the NRE Spin-off and the related amendments to our management agreement with NSAM, the incentive fee range for the 15% Hurdle was adjusted to CAD per share in excess of $0.68 and up to $0.78 per share and the 25% Hurdle was adjusted to CAD in excess of $0.78 per share, effective as of November 1, 2015, commensurate with the incentive fee that will be paid by NorthStar Europe pursuant to its management agreement with NSAM.

Furthermore, if we were to spin-off any asset or business in the future, such entity would be managed by NSAM on terms substantially similar to those set forth in the management agreement between us and NSAM. The management agreement further provides that the aggregate base management fee in place immediately after any future spin-off will not be less than our aggregate base management fee in place immediately prior to such spin-off.

Payment of Costs and Expenses and Expense Allocation

We are responsible for all of our direct costs and expenses and will reimburse NSAM for costs and expenses incurred by NSAM on our behalf. In addition, NSAM may allocate indirect costs to us related to employees, occupancy and other general and administrative costs and expenses in accordance with the terms of, and subject to the limitations contained in, our management agreement with our manager, or the G&A Allocation. Our management agreement with NSAM provides that the amount of the G&A Allocation will not exceed the following: (i) 20% of the combined total of: (a) our general and administrative expenses as reported in its consolidated financial statements excluding: (1) equity-based compensation expense, (2) non-recurring items, (3) fees payable to NSAM under the terms of the management agreement and (4) any allocation of expenses to us, or NorthStar Realty G&A; and (b) NSAM’s general and administrative expenses as reported in its consolidated financial statements, excluding equity-based compensation expense and adding back any costs or expenses allocated to any managed company of NSAM; less (ii) the NorthStar Realty G&A. The G&A Allocation may include our allocable share of NSAM’s compensation and benefit costs associated with dedicated or partially dedicated personnel who spend all or a portion of their time managing our affairs, based upon the percentage of time devoted by such personnel to our affairs. The G&A Allocation may also include rental and occupancy, technology, office supplies and other general and administrative costs and expenses. In addition, we will pay directly or reimburse NSAM for an allocable portion of any severance paid pursuant to any employment, consulting or similar service agreements in effect between NSAM and any of its executives, employees or other service providers.

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, NSAM allocated $1 million and $1 million, respectively, to us. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, NSAM allocated $4 million to us.

In connection with the NRE Spin-off and the related amendments to our management agreement with NSAM, our obligation to reimburse NSAM for the G&A Allocation will be shared with NorthStar Europe, at NSAM’s discretion, and the 20% cap on the G&A Allocation, as described above, will apply on an aggregate basis between us and NorthStar Europe.

Investment Opportunities

Under the management agreement, we agreed to make available to NSAM for the benefit of NSAM and its managed companies, including us, all investment opportunities that we source. NSAM agreed to fairly allocate such opportunities among NSAM’s managed companies, including us, and NSAM in accordance with an investment allocation policy. Pursuant to the management agreement, we are entitled to fair and reasonable compensation for our services in connection with any loan origination opportunities sourced by us, which may include first mortgage loans, subordinate mortgage interests, mezzanine loans and preferred equity interests, in each case relating to commercial real estate.

NSAM provides services with regard to such areas as payroll, human resources and employee benefits, financial systems management, treasury and cash management, accounts payable services, telecommunications services, information technology services, property management services, legal and accounting services and various other corporate services to us as it relates to our loan origination business for CRE debt.

Credit Agreement

In connection with the spin-off, we entered into a revolving credit agreement with NSAM pursuant to which we make available to NSAM, on an “as available basis,” up to $250 million of financing with a maturity of June 30, 2019 at LIBOR plus 3.50%. The revolving credit facility is unsecured. NSAM expects to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including potential future acquisitions.  In addition, NSAM may use the proceeds to acquire assets on behalf of its managed companies, including us, that it intends to allocate to such managed company but for which such managed company may not then have immediately available funds. The terms of the revolving credit facility contain various representations, warranties, covenants and conditions, including the condition that our obligation to advance proceeds to NSAM is dependent upon us and its affiliates having at least $100 million of either unrestricted cash and cash equivalents or amounts available under committed lines of credit, after taking into account the amount NSAM seeks to draw under the facility. As of September 30, 2015, we have not funded any amounts to NSAM in connection with this agreement.

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Healthcare Strategic Joint Venture

In January 2014, NSAM entered into a long-term strategic partnership with James F. Flaherty III, former Chief Executive Officer of HCP, Inc., focused on expanding our healthcare business into a preeminent healthcare platform, or the Healthcare Strategic Partnership. In connection with the partnership, Mr. Flaherty oversees and seeks to grow both our healthcare real estate portfolio and the portfolio of NorthStar Healthcare. In connection with entering into the partnership, we granted Mr. Flaherty certain RSUs (refer to Note 11. “Equity-Based Compensation” in Item 1. “Financial Statements”). The Healthcare Strategic Partnership is entitled to incentive fees ranging from 20% to 25% above certain hurdles for new and existing healthcare real estate investments held by us. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we have not incurred any incentive fees related to the Healthcare Strategic Partnership.

NSAM Sponsored Companies

Prior to the spin-off of our asset management business, we had agreements with each of our previously sponsored companies: NorthStar Income, NorthStar Healthcare and NorthStar Real Estate Income II, Inc., or NorthStar Income II, collectively referred to as the NSAM Sponsored Companies, to manage their day-to-day operations, including identifying, originating and acquiring investments on their behalf and earning fees for our services. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, we earned $22 million of fees related to these agreements, which are recorded in discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations. In addition, we were entitled to certain expense allocation for costs paid on behalf of the NSAM Sponsored Companies. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, we received $14 million of reimbursement from the NSAM Sponsored Companies.

We committed to purchase up to $10 million in shares of each of NSAM’s Sponsored Companies’ common stock during the two year period from when each offering was declared effective through the end of their respective offering period, in the event that NSAM Sponsored Companies’ distributions to its stockholders, on a quarterly basis, exceeds its modified funds from operations (as defined in accordance with the current practice guidelines issued by the Investment Program Association).

We acquired an aggregate of $15 million of shares of NorthStar Income, NorthStar Healthcare and NorthStar Income II through September 30, 2015. In addition, pursuant to the management agreement with NSAM, we committed up to $10 million to invest as distribution support consistent with past practice in each future public non-traded NSAM Sponsored Company, up to a total of five new companies per year. We have committed to invest as distribution support in the following NSAM Sponsored Companies:

• NorthStar/RXR New York Metro - In October 2015, NorthStar/RXR New York Metro Real Estate, Inc., or NorthStar/RXR New York Metro, filed an amended registration statement with the SEC, seeking to offer an additional class of common shares related to its $2 billion public offering. NorthStar/RXR New York Metro expects to begin raising capital at the beginning of 2016.

• NorthStar Corporate - In June 2015, NorthStar Corporate Income, Inc. confidentially submitted its amended registration statement on Form N-2 to the SEC seeking to raise up to $1 billion in a public offering of common stock. 

• NorthStar Global - In October 2015, NorthStar Global Corporate Income Fund filed its amended registration statement on Form N-2 with the SEC seeking to raise up to $3 billion in a public offering of common stock.

• NorthStar Credit Fund - In October 2015, NorthStar Real Estate Credit Fund filed its registration statement on Form N-2 with the SEC seeking to raise up to $3 billion in a public offering of common stock.

NorthStar Securities

Prior to the spin-off of our asset management business, we earned selling commissions and dealer manager fees for selling equity in the NSAM Sponsored Companies through NorthStar Securities, LLC, or NorthStar Securities, our previously owned captive broker-dealer platform, and paid commission expense to participating broker-dealers with whom NorthStar Securities has selling agreements and commissions to employees of NorthStar Securities. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, commission expense was $32 million, of which $4 million related to employees of NorthStar Securities. These amounts are recorded in discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.

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N-Star CDOs

We earn certain collateral management fees from the N-Star CDOs primarily for administrative services. For the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, we earned $1 million and $1 million in fee income, respectively, of which $1 million and $1 million were eliminated in consolidation. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, we earned $4 million and $5 million in fee income, respectively, of which $2 million and $2 million, respectively, were eliminated in consolidation. Prior to the third quarter 2013, all amounts were eliminated in consolidation as all of the N-Star CDOs were consolidated by us.

Additionally, we earn interest income from the N-Star CDO bonds and N-Star CDO equity in deconsolidated N-Star CDOs. For the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, we earned $17 million and $20 million, respectively, of interest income from such investments in deconsolidated N-Star CDOs. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, we earned $46 million and $54 million, respectively, of interest income from such investments in deconsolidated N-Star CDOs.

American Healthcare Investors

In December 2014, NSAM acquired a 43% interest in American Healthcare Investors LLC, or AHI, and James F. Flaherty III, a strategic partner of NSAM, acquired a 12% interest in AHI. AHI is a healthcare-focused real estate investment management firm that co-sponsored and advised Griffin-American, until Griffin-American was acquired by us and NorthStar Healthcare. In connection with this acquisition, AHI provides certain management and related services, including property management, to NSAM, NorthStar Healthcare and us assisting NSAM in managing the current and future healthcare assets (excluding any joint venture assets) acquired by us and, subject to certain conditions, other NSAM managed companies.

Island Hospitality Management

In January 2015, NSAM acquired a 45% interest in Island Hospitality Management Inc., or Island. Island is a leading, independent select service hotel management company that currently manages 161 hotel properties, representing $4 billion, of which 110 hotel properties are owned by us. Island provides certain asset management, property management and other services to us to assist in managing our hotel properties. Island receives a base management fee of 2.5% to 3.0% of the monthly revenue of our hotel properties it manages for us. For the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, we paid $5 million and $13 million, respectively, of base management fees to Island.

Recent Developments

Appointment of new Chief Executive Officer

In August 2015, our board of directors appointed Jonathan A. Langer as our Chief Executive Officer and President. In connection with this appointment, David Hamamoto will continue to serve as our Chairman.

Dividends

On November 3, 2015, we declared a dividend of $0.75 per share of common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split. The common stock dividend will be paid on November 20, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 16, 2015. On October 28, 2015, we declared a dividend of $0.54688 per share of Series A preferred stock, $0.51563 per share of Series B preferred stock, $0.55469 per share of Series C preferred stock, $0.53125 per share of Series D Preferred Stock and $0.54688 per share of Series E Preferred Stock. Dividends will be paid on all series of preferred stock on November 16, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 9, 2015.

Spin-off of European Real Estate Business

On October 31, 2015, we completed the NRE Spin-off, into a separate publicly-traded REIT, NorthStar Europe, in the form of the NRE Distribution. In connection with the NRE Distribution, each of our common stockholders received shares of NorthStar Europe’s common stock on a one-for-six basis, before giving effect to the Reverse Split. We contributed to NorthStar Europe approximately $2.6 billion of European real estate, at cost (excluding our European healthcare properties), comprised of 52 properties spanning across some of Europe’s top markets and $250 million of cash. NSAM manages NorthStar Europe pursuant to a long-term management agreement, on substantially similar terms as our management agreement with NSAM.

Reverse Stock Spit

On November 1, 2015, we completed a one-for-two reverse stock split.

Inflation

Virtually all of our assets and liabilities are interest rate sensitive in nature. As a result, interest rates and other factors influence our performance significantly more than inflation does. A change in interest rates may correlate with inflation rates. Substantially all of the leases at our manufactured housing communities and multifamily properties allow for monthly or annual rent increases which provide us with the opportunity to achieve increases, where justified by the market, as each lease matures. Such types of leases generally minimize the risks of inflation on our manufactured housing communities and multifamily properties.

Refer to Item 3. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for additional details.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We use CAD and NOI, each a non-GAAP measure, to evaluate our profitability.

Cash Available for Distribution

We believe that CAD provides investors and management with a meaningful indicator of operating performance. Management also uses CAD, among other measures, to evaluate profitability. We also believe that CAD is useful because it adjusts for a variety of cash (such as transaction costs and cash flow related to N-Star CDO equity interests) and non-cash items (such as depreciation and amortization, equity-based compensation, realized gain (loss) on investments, provision for loan losses, asset impairment, bad debt expense and non-cash interest income and expense items). We adjust for transaction costs because these costs are not a meaningful indicator of our recurring operating performance. For instance, these transaction costs include costs such as professional fees associated with new investments, which are non-recurring expenses related to specific transactions. We also adjust for the cash flow related to N-Star CDO equity interests which represents the net interest generated from the N-Star CDO equity interests. This net interest is a component of our ongoing return on its investment, and therefore, is adjusted in CAD as it provides investors and management with a meaningful indicator of our recurring operating performance. Furthermore, CAD adjusts N-Star CDO bond discounts to record such investments on an effective yield basis over the expected weighted average life of the investment. N-Star CDO bond discounts relates to repurchased CDO bonds of consolidated CDO financing transactions at a discount to par. These CDO bonds typically have a low interest rate and the majority of the return is generated from repurchasing the CDO bonds at a discount to expected recovery value. Because the return generated through the accretion of the discount is a meaningful contributor to our recurring operating performance, such accretion is adjusted in CAD. The computation for the accretion of the discount under U.S. GAAP and CAD is the same. However, for CDO financing transactions that are consolidated under U.S. GAAP, the CDO bonds are not presented as an investment but rather are eliminated in our consolidated financial statements. In addition, we adjust for distributions and adjustments to joint venture partners, which represent the net return generated from our investments allocated to our non-controlling interests. For our owned hotels, our CAD calculation is equivalent to earnings before interest taxes depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), the hotel industry standard metric, which does not make an adjustment for furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) reserves. CAD may fluctuate from period to period based upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the timing and amount of investments, repayments and asset sales, capital raised, use of leverage, changes in the expected yield of investments and the overall conditions in commercial real estate and the economy generally. Management also believes that quarterly distributions are principally based on operating performance and our board of directors includes CAD as one of several metrics it reviews to determine quarterly distributions to stockholders.

We calculate CAD by subtracting from or adding to net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, non-controlling interests and the following items: depreciation and amortization items including depreciation and amortization, straight-line rental income or expense (excluding amortization of rent free periods), amortization of above/below market leases, amortization of deferred financing costs, amortization of discount on financings and other and equity-based compensation; cash flow related to N-Star CDO equity interests; accretion of consolidated N-Star CDO bond discounts; non-cash net interest income in consolidated N-Star CDOs; unrealized gain (loss) from the change in fair value; realized gain (loss) on investments and other, excluding accelerated amortization related to sales of CDO bonds or other investments; provision for loan losses, net; impairment on depreciable property; bad debt expense; deferred tax benefit (expense); acquisition gains or losses; distributions and adjustments related to joint venture partners; transaction costs; foreign currency gains (losses); impairment on goodwill and other intangible assets; gains (losses) on sales; and one-time events pursuant to changes in U.S. GAAP and certain other non-recurring items. For example, CAD has been adjusted to exclude non-recurring gain (loss) from deconsolidation of certain N-Star CDOs. These items, if applicable, include any adjustments for unconsolidated ventures.

CAD should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as an indicator of operating performance. In addition, our methodology for calculating CAD may differ from the methodologies used by other comparable companies, including other REITs, when calculating the same or similar supplemental financial measures and may not be comparable with these companies.

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The following table presents a reconciliation of CAD to net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015
	Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	(126,111	)	$	(255,215	)
Non-controlling interests	(3,477		)	(15,110		)
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization items(1)	157,982			441,615
N-Star CDO bond discounts(2)	3,076			8,255
Non-cash net interest income in consolidated N-Star CDOs	(11,165		)	(30,726		)
Unrealized (gain) loss from fair value adjustments / Provision for loan losses, net	138,447			181,504
Realized (gain) loss on investments(3)	7,800			9,561
Distributions / adjustments to joint venture partners	(12,383		)	(32,360		)
Transaction costs and other(4)	2,865			145,409
CAD	$	157,034		$	452,933

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(1) The three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 includes depreciation and amortization of $138.4 million (including $0.7 million related to unconsolidated ventures), straight-line rental income of $(7.4) million, amortization of above/below market leases of $4.6 million, amortization of deferred financing costs of $15.5 million, amortization of discount on financings and other of $0.8 million and amortization of equity-based compensation of $6.2 million. The nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 includes depreciation and amortization of $377.3 million (including $2.1 million related to unconsolidated ventures), straight-line rental income of $(23.1) million, amortization of above/below market leases of $10.6 million, amortization of deferred financing costs of $44.4 million, amortization of discount on financings and other of $7.7 million and amortization of equity-based compensation of $24.7 million.

(2) For CAD, realized discounts on CDO bonds are accreted on an effective yield basis based on expected maturity. For CDOs that were deconsolidated, CDO bond accretion is included in net income attributable to common stockholders from the date of deconsolidation.

(3) The three months ended September 30, 2015 excludes $(6.0) million related to securities in our consolidated CDOs, $(0.8) million of foreign currency, $(0.2) million related to conversion of exchangeable notes and $(0.9) million of other and includes $8.8 million related to the liquidation of CDO IV and $0.5 million of accelerated amortization on CDO bonds. The nine months ended September 30, 2015 excludes ($8.6) million related to securities in our consolidated CDOs, $3.0 million related to a real estate asset sale in our consolidated CDO, $(2.3) million of foreign currency, $(1.3) million related to conversion of exchangeable notes and $(0.4) million of other and includes $15.4 million primarily related to accelerated amortization on CDO bonds and $8.8 million related to the liquidation of CDO IV.

(4) The three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 includes $5.6 million of transaction costs, $1.9 million of cash flow related to N-Star CDO equity interests, $(6.0) million of deferred tax expense and $1.4 million of bad debt expense and one-time items. The nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 includes $127.7 million of transaction costs primarily related to costs associated with the acquisition of real estate including $2.5 billion of pan-European primarily office portfolios, $22.7 million of cash flow related to N-Star CDO equity interests, $(14.5) million of deferred tax expense and $9.5 million of bad debt expense and one-time items.

Net Operating Income (NOI)

We believe NOI is a useful metric of the operating performance of our real estate portfolio in the aggregate. Portfolio results and performance metrics represent 100% for all consolidated investments and represents our ownership percentage for unconsolidated joint ventures. Net operating income represents total property and related revenues, adjusted for: (i) amortization of above/below market rent; (ii) straight line rent (except with respect to rent free period for European real estate), (iii) other items such as adjustments related to joint ventures and bad debt expense and (iv) less property operating expenses. However, the usefulness of NOI is limited because it excludes general and administrative costs, interest expense, transaction costs, depreciation and amortization expense, realized gains (losses) from the sale of properties and other items under U.S. GAAP and capital expenditures and leasing costs necessary to maintain the operating performance of properties, all of which may be significant economic costs. NOI may fail to capture significant trends in these components of U.S. GAAP net income (loss) which further limits its usefulness.

NOI should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss), determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as an indicator of operating performance. In addition, our methodology for calculating NOI may differ from the methodologies used by other comparable companies, including other REITs, when calculating the same or similar supplemental financial measures and may not be comparable with these companies.

The following table presents a reconciliation of NOI to property and other related revenues less property operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

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										Manufactured								Multi-tenant
	Total			Healthcare			Hotel			Housing		Net Lease			Multifamily			Office			Europe(1)
Property and other revenues
Rental and escalation income	$	235,588		$	118,047		$	—		$	43,175	$	17,685		$	9,911		$	5,451		$	41,319
Hotel related income	219,427			—			219,427			—		—			—			—			—
Resident fee income	70,257			70,257			—			—		—			—			—			—
Other revenue(2)	2,330			234			146			691		31			661			148			419
Total property and other revenues	527,602			188,538			219,573			43,866		17,716			10,572			5,599			41,738
Real estate properties—operating expenses	263,529			84,553			138,801			19,453		2,243			4,883			2,543			11,053
Adjustments:
Interest income(3)	2,661			1,256			—			1,405		—			—			—			—
Equity in earnings(4)	(77		)	—			—			—		—			(77		)	—			—
Amortization and other items(5)	(425		)	(2,384		)	(199		)	619		(437		)	699			(386		)	1,663
NOI	$	266,232		$	102,857		$	80,573		$	26,437	$	15,036		$	6,311		$	2,670		$	32,348

___________________________________________________________

(1) Our European Portfolio was contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off.  Refer to “Recent Developments” for further discussion.

(2) Certain other revenue earned is not included as part of NOI, including collateral management fees for administrative services in our N-Star CDOs, that are not part of our real estate segment.

(3) Represents interest income earned from notes receivable on manufactured homes and loans in the Griffin-American portfolio.

(4) Includes an adjustment related to an unconsolidated joint venture in a multifamily property.

(5) Primarily includes amortization of straight-line rental income (except with respect to rent free period for European real estate), amortization of above/below market leases and bad debt expense.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are primarily subject to interest rate risk, credit risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. These risks are dependent on various factors beyond our control, including monetary and fiscal policies, domestic and international economic conditions and political considerations. Our market risk sensitive assets, liabilities and related derivative positions are held for investment and not for trading purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

Changes in interest rates affect our net income, which is the difference between the income earned on our investments and the interest expense incurred in connection with our borrowings and derivatives.

Our CRE debt and securities investments bear interest at either a floating or fixed rate. The interest rate on our floating-rate assets is a fixed spread over an index such as LIBOR and typically reprices every 30 days based on LIBOR in effect at the time. Given the frequent and periodic repricing of our floating-rate assets, changes in benchmark interest rates are unlikely to materially affect the value of our floating-rate portfolio. Changes in short-term rates will, however, affect income from these investments. However, some of our non-legacy CRE debt originations have LIBOR floors that are in excess of current LIBOR. We will not benefit from an increase in LIBOR until it is in excess of the floors.

Our general financing strategy has focused on the use of “match-funded” structures. This means that we seek to align the maturities of our liabilities with the maturities on our assets as closely as possible in order to manage the risks of being forced to refinance our liabilities prior to the maturities of our assets. Substantially all of our investments are financed with either non-recourse securitization financing transactions or non-recourse mortgage notes. In addition, we seek to match the interest rate on our assets with like-kind borrowings, so fixed-rate investments are financed with fixed-rate borrowings and floating-rate assets are financed with floating-rate borrowings, directly or indirectly, through the use of interest rate swaps, caps and other financial instruments or through a combination of these strategies. For longer duration, relatively stable investment real estate cash flows such as those derived from net lease assets, we tend to use fixed rate financing. For real estate cash flows with greater growth potential such as hotels and healthcare under a RIDEA structure, we tend to use floating rate financing which provides prepayment flexibility and may provide a better match between underlying cash flow projections and potential increases in interest rates. As of September 30, 2015, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in one-month LIBOR, EURIBOR or the applicable index applied to our floating-rate assets and liabilities (and related derivatives) would result in a decrease in net income of approximately $50 million annually, of which $30 million of the change is attributable to floating rate financing of hotel and healthcare operating real estate and does not reflect the potential increase in rental cash flow associated with economic growth that may be typical in a rising interest rate environment. This hypothetical decrease in net income also includes $9 million related to European floating-rate assets and liabilities (and related derivatives) that will be contributed to NorthStar Europe.

A change in interest rates could affect the value of our fixed-rate CRE debt and securities investments and our real estate investments. For example, increasing interest rates could result in a higher required yield on investments, which could decrease the value on existing fixed-rate investments in order to adjust their yields to current market levels. In addition, the value of our real estate properties may be influenced by changes in interest rates and credit spreads (as discussed below) because value is typically derived by discounting expected future cash flow generated by the property using interest rates (such as the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note yield) plus a risk premium based on the property type and creditworthiness of the tenants/operators. A lower risk-free rate generally results in a lower discount rate and, therefore, a higher valuation, and vice versa; however, an increase in the risk-free rate would not impact our net income.

A change in the interest rate and credit spread may also impact our net book value as CRE securities are marked-to-market each quarter with any change in fair value reflected in unrealized gains (losses) or OCI. Generally, as interest rates increase, the value of fixed-rate securities within our CDO financing transaction, such as CMBS, decreases and as interest rates decrease, the value of these securities will increase. A change in unrealized gains (losses) do not directly affect our operating cash flow or our ability to pay a dividend to stockholders.

We use derivative instruments to manage interest rate exposure. These derivatives are typically in the form of interest rate swap or cap agreements and the primary objective is to minimize interest rate risks associated with our investments and financing activities. The counterparties of these arrangements are major financial institutions with which we may also have other financial relationships. We are exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by these counterparties and we monitor their financial condition. As of September 30, 2015, our counterparties do not hold any cash margin as collateral against our swap contracts. As of September 30, 2015, none of our derivatives qualify for hedge accounting treatment, therefore, gains (losses) resulting from their fair value measurement at the end of each reporting period are recognized as an increase or decrease in unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other in our consolidated statements of operations. In addition, we are, and may in the future be, subject to additional expense based on the notional amount of the derivative and a specified spread over the applicable LIBOR. Because the fair value of these instruments can vary significantly between periods, we may experience significant fluctuations in the amount

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of our unrealized gain (loss) in any given period. As of September 30, 2015, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase (decrease) in the 10-year treasury forward curve applied to our interest rate swap would result in an unrealized gain (loss) of approximately $178 million.

Credit Spread Risk

The value of our fixed and floating-rate investments also changes with market credit spreads. This means that when market-demanded risk premium, or credit spread, increases, the value of our fixed- and floating-rate assets decrease and vice versa. Fixed-rate assets are valued based on a market credit spread over the rate payable on fixed rate U.S. Treasury of like maturity. This means that their value is dependent on the yield demanded on such assets by the market, based on their credit relative to U.S. Treasuries. The floating-rate CRE debt and securities investments are valued based on a market credit spread over the applicable LIBOR. Demand for a higher yield on investments results in higher or “wider” spread over the benchmark rate (usually the applicable U.S. Treasury yield) to value these assets. Under these conditions, the value of our portfolio should decrease. Conversely, if the spread used to value these assets were to decrease or “tighten,” the value of these assets should increase.

Credit Risk

Credit risk in our CRE debt and securities investments relates to each individual borrower’s ability to make required interest and principal payments on scheduled due dates. We seek to manage credit risk through a comprehensive credit analysis prior to making an investment, actively monitoring our portfolio and the underlying credit quality, including subordination and diversification of our portfolio. Our analysis is based on a broad range of real estate, financial, economic and borrower-related factors which we believe are critical to the evaluation of credit risk inherent in a transaction.

Most of our CMBS investments are generally junior in right of payment of interest and principal to one or more senior classes but benefit from the support of one or more subordinate classes of securities or other form of credit support within a securitization transaction. Our CRE debt investments are collateral dependent, meaning the principal source of repayment is from a sale or refinancing of the collateral securing our debt. In the event that a borrower cannot repay our debt, we may exercise our remedies under the debt agreements, which may include taking title to collateral. We describe many of the options available to us in this situation in the “Portfolio Management” section of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. To the extent the value of our collateral exceeds the amount of our debt (including all debt senior to us) and the expense we incur in collecting the debt, we would collect 100% of our debt amount. To the extent the amount of our debt investment plus all senior debt to our position exceeds the realizable value to our collateral (net of expenses), then we would incur a loss.

We are subject to the credit risk of the tenant/operators of our properties. We seek to undertake a rigorous credit evaluation of each tenant and healthcare operator prior to acquiring properties. This analysis includes an extensive due diligence investigation of the tenant/operator’s business as well as an assessment of the strategic importance of the underlying real estate to the tenant/operator’s core business operations. Where appropriate, we may seek to augment the tenant/operator’s commitment to the facility by structuring various credit enhancement mechanisms into the underlying leases. These mechanisms could include security deposit requirements or guarantees from entities we deem creditworthy. In addition, we actively monitor lease coverage at each facility within our healthcare portfolio. Previously announced and potential future changes to these programs may have a material impact on the valuation and financial performance of this portion of our portfolio.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We are subject to risks related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates as a result of our ownership of, or commitments to acquire, properties throughout Europe, predominantly the U.S. dollar/Euro exchange rate and U.S. dollar/U.K. Pounds Sterling exchange rate. As a result, changes in exchange rates may either positively or negatively affect our consolidated revenues and expenses (as expressed in U.S. dollars) from our European real estate business. We may use several strategies to mitigate our exposure to exchange rate risk to hedge our equity and/or net income, including using local currency denominated financing and entering into forward or option foreign currency purchase contracts.

We own properties in Europe and the rent payments under our leases for these properties are denominated in Euro or U.K. Pounds Sterling and we expect that substantially all of our future leases for properties we may acquire in Europe to be denominated in the local currency of the nation in which the underlying property is located. A significant portion of our operating expenses and borrowings with respect to such European properties are also transacted in local currency. We report our results of operations and consolidated financial information in U.S. dollars. As a result, our results of operations as reported in U.S. dollars is impacted by fluctuations in the value of the local currencies in which we conduct our European business.  

In an effort to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, we, our Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries, actively manage our revenues and expenses so that we incur a significant portion of our expenses, including our operating costs and borrowings, in the same local currencies in which we receive our revenues. In addition, subject to satisfying the requirements for qualification as a REIT, we engage in various hedging strategies, which may include currency futures, swaps, forwards and options. We expect that these strategies and instruments may allow us to reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of fluctuations in foreign

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currency exchange rates. The counterparties to these arrangements are major financial institutions with which we may also have other financial relationships.

A hypothetical 10% increase in applicable exchange rate to the U.S dollar applied to our assets and liabilities and related derivatives would result in an increase of net income of approximately $3 million annually.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, management conducted an evaluation as required under Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act).

Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that it will detect or uncover failures to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in the Company’s periodic reports.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

Except as set forth below, there have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

The Company acquired real estate during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, including the Legacy Properties, New European Portfolio, ILF Portfolio, an additional acquisition related to the Griffin-American Portfolio, NE Portfolio and Miami Hotel Portfolio. As these acquisitions occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the scope of our assessment of the effectiveness of certain controls and procedures do not include such real estate acquisitions. This exclusion is in accordance with the SEC’s general guidance that an assessment of a recently acquired business may be omitted from our scope in the year of acquisition.

PART II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of our business. Although we are unable to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, in the opinion of management, our legal proceedings are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table provides the information with respect to purchases made by us of our common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2015:

Period	Total Number of Shares Repurchased(1)	Average Price Paid per Share(1)		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program(1)	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program (2)
September 1- September 30	743,350	$	24.44	743,350	$	481,832,526

__________________

(1) Adjusted for the one-for-two reverse stock split completed on November 1, 2015.

(2) On September 29, 2015, we announced that our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of our outstanding common stock. The authorization expires on September 29, 2016, unless otherwise extended by our board of directors.

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Item 6.    Exhibits

Exhibit Number	Description of Exhibit
2.1	Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 5, 2014, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NRF Healthcare Subsidiary, LLC, NRF OP Healthcare Subsidiary, LLC, Griffin-American Healthcare REIT II Holdings, LP and Griffin-American Healthcare REIT II, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2014).
3.1	Articles of Restatement of NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 7, 2014)
3.2	Articles of Amendment to the Charter of NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., dated October 30, 2015 and effective November 1, 2015(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2015)
3.3	Articles of Amendment to the Charter of NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., dated October 30, 2015 and effective November 1, 2015(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2015)
3.4	Amended and Restated Bylaws of NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2014)
4.1	Registration Rights Agreement relating to the 7.25% Exchangeable Senior Notes due 2027 of NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership, dated June 18, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-146679))
4.2	Indenture dated as of June 18, 2007, among NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership, as Issuer, NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., as Guarantor, and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 22, 2007)
4.3	Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 30, 2014, relating to the 7.25% Exchangeable Senior Notes, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NRFC Sub-REIT Corp. (renamed NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.) and Wilmington Trust, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2014)
4.4	Second Supplemental Indenture, relating to the 7.25% Exchangeable Senior Notes, dated as of March 13, 2015, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership and Wilmington Trust Company, further supplementing the Indenture, dated as of June 18, 2007 and supplemented by the first Supplemental Indenture thereto dated June 30, 2014, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and Wilmington Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2015)
4.5	Registration Rights Agreement relating to the 8.875% Exchangeable Senior Notes due 2032 of NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership, dated as of June 12, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 12, 2012)
4.6	Indenture dated as of June 12, 2012, among NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership, as Issuer, NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and NRFC Sub-REIT Corp., as Guarantors, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 12, 2012)
4.7	Supplemental Indenture, relating to the 8.875% Exchangeable Senior Notes, dated as of June 30, 2014, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NRFC Sub-REIT Corp. (renamed NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.) and Wilmington Trust, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2014)
4.8	Second Supplemental Indenture, relating to the 8.875% Exchangeable Senior Notes, dated as of March 13, 2015 and supplemented on June 30, 2014, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership and Wilmington Trust, National Association, further supplementing the Indenture, dated as of June 12, 2012 and supplemented by the first Supplemental Indenture thereto dated as of June 30, 2014, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and Wilmington Trust, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2015)
4.9	Registration Rights Agreement relating to the 5.375% Exchangeable Senior Notes due 2033 of NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership, dated as of June 19, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 19, 2013)
4.10	Indenture, dated as of June 19, 2013, among NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership, as Issuer, NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and NRFC Sub-REIT Corp., as Guarantors, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 19, 2013)
4.11	Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 30, 2014, relating to the 5.375% Exchangeable Senior Notes, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NRFC Sub-REIT Corp. (renamed NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.) and Wilmington Trust, National Association (incorporated by referent to Exhibit 4.3 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2014)
4.12	Second Supplemental Indenture, relating to the 5.375% Exchangeable Senior Notes, dated as of March 13, 2015, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership and Wilmington Trust, National Association, further supplementing the Indenture, dated as of June 19, 2013 and supplemented by the first Supplemental Indenture thereto dated as of June 30, 2014, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and Wilmington Trust, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2015)
4.13	Indenture, dated as of March 31, 2014, between NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee (including the Form of Security) (incorporated by reference to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 31, 2014)
4.14	Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2015, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., further supplementing the Indenture, dated as of April 12, 2005 and supplemented by the first Supplemental Indenture thereto dated as of June 30, 2014, between NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor trustee to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2015)

107

Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibit
4.15		Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2015, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., further supplementing the Indenture, dated as of May 25, 2005 and supplemented by the first Supplemental Indenture thereto dated as of June 30, 2014, between NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor trustee to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2015)
4.16		Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2015, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., further supplementing the Indenture, dated as of November 22, 2005 and supplemented by the first Supplemental Indenture thereto dated as of June 30, 2014, between NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor trustee to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2015)
4.17		Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2015, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership and Wilmington Trust Company, further supplementing the Indenture, dated as of March 10, 2006 and supplemented by the first Supplemental Indenture thereto dated as of June 30, 2014, between NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and Wilmington Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2015)
4.18		Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2015, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership and Wilmington Trust Company, further supplementing the Indenture, dated as of August 1, 2006 and supplemented by the first Supplemental Indenture thereto dated as of June 30, 2014, between NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and Wilmington Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2015)
4.19		Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2015, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership and Wilmington Trust Company, further supplementing the Indenture, dated as of October 6, 2006 and supplemented by the first Supplemental Indenture thereto dated as of June 30, 2014, between NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and Wilmington Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2015)
4.20		Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2015, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership and Wilmington Trust Company, further supplementing the Indenture, dated as of March 30, 2007 and supplemented by the first Supplemental Indenture thereto dated as of June 30, 2014, between NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and Wilmington Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2015)
4.21		Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2015, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership and Wilmington Trust Company, further supplementing the Indenture, dated as of June 7, 2007 and supplemented by the first Supplemental Indenture thereto dated as of June 30, 2014, between NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and Wilmington Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2015)
4.22		Indenture, dated as of July 1, 2015, by and among NorthStar Realty Europe Corp., NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership and Wilmington Trust, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2015)
4.23		Form of Note of NorthStar Realty Europe Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2, which is included in Exhibit 4.1, to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2015)
4.24		Form of Guarantee of NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3, which is included in Exhibit 4.1, to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2015)
		Certain Instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt securities of the Registrant and its subsidiaries are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish to the SEC, upon request, copies of any such instruments.
10.1	+	NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. Executive Incentive Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009)
10.2	+	Amendment to the NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. Executive Incentive Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011)
10.3	+	Form of Amended and Restated Indemnification Agreement for directors and officers of NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011)
10.4		Subscription Agreement dated as of December 10, 2012, by and among NRFC PE Fund Investor LLC, NRFC Inception, LP, Inception GP, LLC, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America and NRFC PE Fund GP, LLC, portions of which have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to Amendment No. 1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2013)
10.5	+	Amendment to the NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. Executive Incentive Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013)
10.6		Purchase and Sale Agreement, effective as of February 15, 2013 among NRFC MH II Holdings, LLC. ARC Real Estate Holdings, LLC and certain of its affiliates (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed May 6, 2013)
10.7		Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement, made as of March 27, 2013 among NRFC MH II Holdings, LLC, ARC Real Estate Holdings, LLC and certain of its affiliates (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed May 6, 2013)
10.8		Master Repurchase Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2013, by and among NRFC DB Loan, LLC, as master seller, and Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as buyer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 12, 2013)
10.9		Limited Guaranty, dated as of March 11, 2013, executed and delivered by NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership and NRFC Sub-REIT Corp. to Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 12, 2013)

108

Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibit
10.10	+	Second Amended and Restated 2004 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan of NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed April 19, 2013)

Exhibit Number	Description of Exhibit
10.11	Agreement of Purchase and Sale, dated as of June 12, 2013, by and between Project Shore JV I, LLC and Project Shore JV II, LLC, as Buyers, and Common Pensions Fund E, as Seller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013)
10.12	Portfolio Acquisition Agreement and Interest Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of March 14, 2014, by and among Seller (as defined therein) Eclipse Health Holdings-T, LLC, as Purchaser, Formation Capital Asset Management III LLC and Safanad, Inc., as Stakeholder Representatives and Madison Title Agency, LLC, as Escrow Agent (solely for the purposes of Sections 4(b), 11(l) and 34(c)) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 17, 2014)
10.13	Limited Liability Company Agreement of Eclipse Investment, LLC, dated as of May 7, 2014, by and between FC Eclipse Investment, LLC and Eclipse Health Holdings-T, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Portfolio Acquisition Agreement and Interest Purchase and Sale Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 17, 2014)
10.14	Separation Agreement, dated June 30, 2014, between NorthStar Asset Management Group Inc. and NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2014)
10.15	Amended and Restated Asset Management Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2015, between NSAM J-NRF Ltd and NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2015)
10.16	Loan Origination Services Agreement, dated June 30, 2014, between NSAM US LLC and NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2014)
10.17	Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, dated June 30, 2014, between NorthStar Asset Management Group Inc. and NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2014)
10.18	Employee Matters Agreement, dated June 30, 2014, between NorthStar Asset Management Group Inc. and NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2014)
10.19	Contribution Agreement, dated June 30, 2014, between NorthStar Asset Management Group Inc. and NRFC Sub-REIT Corp. (renamed NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2014)
10.20	Credit Agreement, dated June 30, 2014, between NorthStar Asset Management Group Inc. and NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2014)
10.21	Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2015)
10.22	Debt Commitment Letter, dated as of August 5, 2014, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Barclays Bank plc, and Column Financial, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2014)
10.23	Confirmation of Registered Forward Transaction, dated September 3, 2014, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, including the First Amendment thereto dated September 4, 2014(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 9, 2014)
10.24	Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 17, 2014, by and among Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc., as Parent, IHP I Owner JV, LLC, as Buyer I, IHP West Homestead (PA) Owner LLC, as Buyer II, and NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., as Buyer Parent (solely for the purposes of Article V, Section 10.11 and Article X as it relates to Article V and Section 10.11) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2014)
10.25	Amended and Restated Facility Agreement, dated as of March 13, 2015, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership, NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and UBS AG Stamford Branch (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2015)
10.26	Form of Credit Agreement, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership, as borrower, NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., as guarantor, the various lenders party thereto from time to time and UBS AG Stamford Branch, as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2015)
10.27	Loan Agreement dated as of December 3, 2014, among the Borrowers party thereto, as borrowers, and Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp., JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Barclays Bank PLC and Column Financial, Inc., as lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 9, 2014)
10.28	Facility Agreement, dated as of December 3, 2014, among GA HC REIT II CH U.K. Senior Housing Portfolio Limited (as Original Borrower upon its accession in accordance with the terms thereof), the Original Borrower and certain of its subsidiaries (as Original Guarantors upon their accession in accordance with the terms thereof), NorthStar Realty Healthcare, LLC (as Indemnitor) and arranged by Credit Suisse AG, London Branch (as Mandated Lead Arranger and Original Lender), with Elavon Financial Services Limited as Agent, and U.S. Bank Trustees Limited as Security Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 9, 2014)

109

Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibit
10.29		Mezzanine A Loan Agreement dated as of December 3, 2014, among HC Mezz 1-T, LLC, Glenwood Owner MB1-T, LLC, Glenwood Ops MB2-T, LLC, MA Owner MB1-T, LLC, MA Ops MB2-T, LLC, CCRC Owner MB1-T, LLC and CCRC Ops MB2-T, LLC, as borrowers, and Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp., JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Barclays Bank PLC and Column Financial, Inc., as lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 9, 2014)
10.30		Mezzanine B Loan Agreement dated as of December 3, 2014, among HC Mezz 2-T, LLC, Glenwood Owner MB2-T, LLC, Glenwood Ops MB3-T, LLC, MA Owner MB2-T, LLC, MA Ops MB3-T, LLC, CCRC Owner MB2-T, LLC and CCRC Ops MB3-T, LLC, as borrowers, and Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp., JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Barclays Bank PLC and Column Financial, Inc., as lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 9, 2014)
10.31		Mezzanine C Loan Agreement dated as of December 3, 2014, among HC Mezz 3-T, LLC, Glenwood Owner MB3-T, LLC, Glenwood Ops MB4-T, LLC, MA Owner MB3-T, LLC, MA Ops MB4-T, LLC, CCRC Owner MB3-T, LLC and CCRC Ops MB4-T, LLC, as borrowers, and Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp., JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Barclays Bank PLC and Column Financial, Inc., as lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 9, 2014)
10.32		Umbrella Agreement, dated December 22, 2014, by and among Prime Holdco C-T, S.à r.l., Prime GER Drehbahn - T S.à r.l., Prime GER Valentinskamp - T S.à r.l. and Trias Pool II A - T S.à r.l., as Buyers, and SEB Investment GmbH (“SEB”), SEB Investment GmbH, Filiale di Milano, SEB Investment GmbH, French Branch SEB Investment GmbH, Altair Issy S.A.S. and Balni bvba (SPRL), as Sellers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014)
10.33		Umbrella Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 16, 2015, between SEB Investment GmbH, SEB Investment GmbH, Filiale di Milano, SEB Investment GmbH, French Branch SEB Investment GmbH, Altair Issy S.A.S. and Balni bvba (SPRL), collectively as the Sellers, and certain subsidiaries of the Company listed therein, as Buyers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 20, 2015)
10.34		Confirmation of Registered Forward Transaction, dated March 2, 2015, by and among the Company, the Forward Seller and the Forward Counterparty, including the First Amendment thereto dated March 3, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 6, 2015)
10.35		Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2015, by and among NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership, as borrower, NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., as parent guarantor, certain subsidiaries of parent guarantor, as guarantors, the various lenders party thereto from time to time, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015)
10.36		Second Amendment to Registered Forward Transaction, dated August 31, 2015, by and among the Company, the Forward Seller and the Forward Counterparty (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 1, 2015)
10.37		First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership, dated as of November 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2015)
10.38		Separation Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2015, between NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and NorthStar Realty Europe Corp.(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2015)
10.39		Contribution Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2015, between NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and NorthStar Realty Europe Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2015)
31.1	*	Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2	*	Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1	*	Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2	*	Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101	*	The following materials from the NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015 (unaudited) and December 31, 2014; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (unaudited) and year ended December 31, 2014; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

____________________________________________________________

* Filed herewith.

+ Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit hereto.

110

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

		NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.
Date:	November 9, 2015		By:	/s/ JONATHAN A. LANGER
				Jonathan A. Langer
				Chief Executive Officer
			By:	/s/ DEBRA A. HESS
				Debra A. Hess
				Chief Financial Officer

111

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO

17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a),

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Jonathan A. Langer, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	November 9, 2015	By:	/s/ JONATHAN A. LANGER
			Jonathan A. Langer
			Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION BY THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO

17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a),

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Debra A. Hess, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	November 9, 2015	By:	/s/ DEBRA A. HESS
			Debra A. Hess
			Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. (the “Company”) for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Jonathan A. Langer, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:	November 9, 2015	By:	/s/ JONATHAN A. LANGER
			Jonathan A. Langer
			Chief Executive Officer

        This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

      A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION BY THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. (the “Company”) for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Debra A. Hess, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of her knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:	November 9, 2015	By:	/s/ DEBRA A. HESS
			Debra A. Hess
			Chief Financial Officer

        This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

      A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

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Non-controlling Interests (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]

Schedule of net income (loss) attributable to the Company's common stockholders

The following table presents net income (loss) attributable to the Company’s common stockholders for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(126,100	)	$	(46,247	)	$	(255,204	)	$	(248,063	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(11		)	(278		)	(11		)	(6,989		)
Net income (loss) attributable to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. common stockholders	$	(126,111	)	$	(46,525	)	$	(255,215	)	$	(255,052	)

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Operating Real Estate - Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Aggregate revenue	[1]	$ 528,192		$ 194,325		$ 1,417,836		$ 384,591
Net income (loss)		(108,528)	[1]	(26,609)	[1]	(207,147)	[1]	(210,203)	[1]	$ (321,086)
New European and Other Portfolios
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Aggregate revenue						146,100
Net income (loss)						(137,800)
New European Portfolio
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Land and improvements		483,671				483,671
Buildings and improvements		1,642,741				1,642,741
Acquired intangibles		247,478				247,478
Other assets acquired		52,606				52,606
Total assets acquired		2,426,496				2,426,496
Mortgage and other notes payable		1,332,866				1,332,866
Other liabilities assumed		57,076				57,076
Total liabilities		1,389,942				1,389,942
Total NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. stockholders’ equity		1,034,957				1,034,957
Non-controlling interests		1,597				1,597
Total equity		1,036,554				1,036,554
Total liabilities and equity		2,426,496				2,426,496
Other Portfolios
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Land and improvements		169,764				169,764
Buildings and improvements		1,036,584				1,036,584
Acquired intangibles		54,167				54,167
Other assets acquired		75,630				75,630
Total assets acquired		1,336,145				1,336,145
Mortgage and other notes payable		974,715				974,715
Other liabilities assumed		9,458				9,458
Total liabilities		984,173				984,173
Total NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. stockholders’ equity		251,761				251,761
Non-controlling interests		100,211				100,211
Total equity		351,972				351,972
Total liabilities and equity		1,336,145				1,336,145
Hotel Portfolio
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Land and improvements		159,640				159,640
Buildings and improvements		635,668				635,668
Acquired intangibles		2,076				2,076
Other assets acquired		142,969				142,969
Total assets acquired		940,353				940,353
Mortgage and other notes payable		723,682				723,682
Other liabilities assumed		4,625				4,625
Total liabilities		728,307				728,307
Total NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. stockholders’ equity		210,721				210,721
Non-controlling interests		1,325				1,325
Total equity		212,046				212,046
Total liabilities and equity		940,353				940,353
K Partners Portfolio
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Total assets acquired											$ 259,300
Courtyard Portfolio
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Total assets acquired				$ 681,000				$ 681,000
U.K. Complex
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Land and improvements		76				76
Buildings and improvements		55,449				55,449
Acquired intangibles		35,272				35,272
Other assets acquired		9,736				9,736
Total assets acquired		100,533				100,533
Mortgage and other notes payable		78,515				78,515
Other liabilities assumed		737				737
Total liabilities		79,252				79,252
Total NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. stockholders’ equity		19,797				19,797
Non-controlling interests		1,484				1,484
Total equity		21,281				21,281
Total liabilities and equity		$ 100,533				$ 100,533

[1] The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months ended September 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-Deferred Costs and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 104,123	$ 75,806
Subtotal intangible assets	883,957	659,445
Deferred financing costs, net	154,851	150,926
Other deferred costs, net	4,732	2,212
Total	1,043,540	812,583
In-place lease value, net
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	379,504	268,587
Above-market lease value, net
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	288,239	263,792
Other intangible assets, net
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 112,091	$ 51,260

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Equity-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands					1 Months Ended					3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended				21 Months Ended
		Jan. 01, 2015 shares	Jun. 30, 2014 tier	Jan. 22, 2014 shares	Feb. 28, 2015 installment $ / shares shares	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Jul. 31, 2009 component shares	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) shares	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) shares	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013 installment $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2012 installment $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2011 installment $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) shares	Oct. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of tiers in corporate structure | tier			3
Conversion ratio, deferred LTIP units into stock (in shares)												1
Equity-based compensation expense(2) | $	[1],[2]									$ 6,178	$ 8,478	$ 24,713	$ 20,262
Equity-based compensation expense to be recognized over remaining vesting period | $										38,200		38,200						$ 38,200
Fair value adjustments
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense(2) | $										600		4,300
Dividend paid
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense(2) | $										$ 500		$ 1,600
NSAM
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense(2) | $													$ 13,700
Long-term bonus or other compensation plans | NSAM
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Company's responsibility for payment of awards following spin-off												50.00%
Executive Incentive Bonus Plan | NSAM
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Company's responsibility for payment of awards following spin-off														50.00%
Requisite service period																		4 years
Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards issued during period												1,294,000
Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan | Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares outstanding										92,397		92,397						92,397
Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan | Deferred LTIP Units and RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for issuance										1,568,499		1,568,499						1,568,499
Incentive Compensation Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of adjusted equity capital used in calculating size of incentive pool									1.75%
Percentage of adjusted funds from operations used in calculating size of incentive pool									25.00%
Percentage of return hurdle on adjusted equity capital									9.00%
Number of incentive compensation components into which the incentive pool is expected to be divided (components) | component									3
Percentage of deferred cash bonus									50.00%
Incentive Compensation Plan | RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares of common stock given as payout (share)									1
Incentive Compensation Plan | RSUs | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period considered for achieving cumulative performance goals or target stock prices under the Plan									3 years
Incentive Compensation Plan | RSUs | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period considered for achieving cumulative performance goals or target stock prices under the Plan									4 years
Incentive Compensation Plan | Healthcare Strategic Joint Venture | RSUs | Executive officers
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares Issued (shares)				250,000
2011 Plan | RSUs | Executive officers
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards issued during period		334,871															381,449
Period following which employee will receive payout subject to conditions under the Plan																	4 years
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares																	$ 10.80
Risk-free interest rate																	0.42%
Conversion of Old LTIP Units (in shares)		24,575
2011 Plan | LTIP Units | Executive officers
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards issued during period																	381,449
Number of equal annual installments in which units vest (installments) | installment																	4
2011 Plan | LTIP Units | Non-executive employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period								3 years
2011 Plan | LTIP Units | Non-executive employees | Tranche three
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units granted, net of forfeitures (shares)																	151,334
2012 Plan | RSUs | Executive officers
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards issued during period																352,418
Period following which employee will receive payout subject to conditions under the Plan																4 years
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares																$ 24.64
Risk-free interest rate																0.44%
2012 Plan | LTIP Units | Executive officers
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards issued during period																352,418
Number of equal annual installments in which units vest (installments) | installment																4
2012 Plan | LTIP Units | Non-executive employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period							3 years
2012 Plan | LTIP Units | Non-executive employees | Tranche three
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units granted, net of forfeitures (shares)																144,883
2013 Plan | RSUs | Executive officers
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards issued during period															250,184
Period following which employee will receive payout subject to conditions under the Plan															4 years
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares															$ 53.92
Risk-free interest rate															0.63%
2013 Plan | LTIP Units | Executive officers
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards issued during period															250,184
Number of equal annual installments in which units vest (installments) | installment															4
2013 Plan | LTIP Units | Executive officers | Tranche one
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards issued during period															130,787
2013 Plan | LTIP Units | Non-executive employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period						3 years
2013 Plan | LTIP Units | Non-executive employees | Tranche three
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units granted, net of forfeitures (shares)															137,330
NSAM Bonus Plan | RSUs | Executive officers
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite service period					4 years
Awards issued during period					292,438
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares					$ 23.30
Risk-free interest rate					1.00%
NSAM Bonus Plan | LTIP Units | Executive officers
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards issued during period					519,115
Number of equal annual installments in which units vest (installments) | installment					3
Awards vested upon grant					25.00%
NSAM Bonus Plan | LTIP Units | Non-executive employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards issued during period					344,408
NSAM Bonus Plan | NSAM | RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Company's responsibility for payment of awards following spin-off														18.35%
NSAM Bonus Plan | NSAM | LTIP Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Company's responsibility for payment of awards following spin-off														31.65%
NorthStar Realty Europe Corp. (NRE) | Europe | Subsequent event
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Spin-off, ratio of shares issued to stockholders (one-for-six ratio, in shares)																			0.1667

[1] Refer to Note 9. “Spin-offs” for disclosure related to the NSAM Spin-off.

[2] The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months ended September 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

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Operating Real Estate - Pro Forma (Details) - New European and Other Portfolios - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Pro forma total revenues	$ 593,640	$ 367,023	$ 1,745,893	$ 895,402
Pro forma net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$ (125,775)	$ (47,471)	$ (252,982)	$ (265,002)
Pro forma EPS - basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.69)	$ (0.47)	$ (1.48)	$ (2.97)
Pro forma EPS - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.69)	$ (0.47)	$ (1.48)	$ (2.97)

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Risk Management and Derivative Activities (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) instrument	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) instrument	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) instrument
Non-hedge derivatives
Cash margin held by counterparties as collateral	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Interest rate swaps
Derivative liabilities
Interest rate swaps/foreign currency forwards	133,382,000		133,382,000		17,915,000
Interest rate caps
Derivative assets
Interest rate caps	24,054,000		24,054,000		3,247,000
Timing swaps
Derivative instruments
Notional Amount	$ 28,000,000		$ 28,000,000		$ 28,000,000
Not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments
Number (instruments) | instrument	36		36		34
Notional Amount	$ 8,003,141,000		$ 8,003,141,000		$ 4,167,585,000
Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)	$ (109,328,000)		$ (109,328,000)		$ (14,668,000)
Designated as hedge
Derivative instruments
Number (instruments) | instrument	0		0		0
NorthStar Realty | Interest rate swaps | Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other
Non-hedge derivatives
Net cash payment on derivatives	$ (2,931,000)	$ (3,102,000)	$ (8,989,000)	$ (13,795,000)
NorthStar Realty | Interest rate swaps | Other interest expense
Non-hedge derivatives
Amount of swap gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into earnings	(223,000)	(228,000)	(711,000)	(685,000)
NorthStar Realty | Interest rate swaps and caps | Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other | Derivatives
Non-hedge derivatives
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings (loss): Adjustments to fair value	$ (86,890,000)	3,523,000	$ (114,036,000)	7,755,000
NorthStar Realty | Not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments
Number (instruments) | instrument	26		26		33
Notional Amount	$ 6,491,601,000		$ 6,491,601,000		$ 4,126,960,000
Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)	$ (129,737,000)		$ (129,737,000)		$ (15,783,000)
NorthStar Realty | Not designated as hedges | Interest rate swaps
Derivative instruments
Number (instruments) | instrument	3		3		2
Notional Amount	$ 2,081,821,000		$ 2,081,821,000		$ 82,797,000
Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)	$ (119,565,000)		$ (119,565,000)		$ (208,000)
NorthStar Realty | Not designated as hedges | Interest rate swaps | LIBOR
Derivative instruments
Lower Range of Fixed LIBOR	0.62%		0.62%		0.62%
Higher Range of Fixed LIBOR	4.17%		4.17%		5.00%
NorthStar Realty | Not designated as hedges | Interest rate swaps | N-Star CDOs
Derivative instruments
Number (instruments) | instrument	9		9		10
Notional Amount	$ 225,907,000		$ 225,907,000		$ 235,929,000
Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)	$ (10,389,000)		$ (10,389,000)		$ (17,707,000)
NorthStar Realty | Not designated as hedges | Interest rate swaps | N-Star CDOs | LIBOR
Derivative instruments
Lower Range of Fixed LIBOR	5.02%		5.02%		5.00%
Higher Range of Fixed LIBOR	5.25%		5.25%		5.25%
NorthStar Realty | Not designated as hedges | Interest rate caps
Derivative instruments
Number (instruments) | instrument	14		14		21
Notional Amount	$ 4,183,873,000		$ 4,183,873,000		$ 3,808,234,000
Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)	$ 217,000		$ 217,000		$ 2,132,000
NorthStar Realty | Not designated as hedges | Interest rate caps | LIBOR
Derivative instruments
Lower Range of Fixed LIBOR	2.50%		2.50%		2.50%
Higher Range of Fixed LIBOR	5.00%		5.00%		5.00%
NorthStar Europe | Foreign currency forwards | Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other | Derivatives
Non-hedge derivatives
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings (loss): Adjustments to fair value	$ 825,000	0	$ (3,429,000)	0
NorthStar Europe | Interest rate swaps and caps | Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other | Derivatives
Non-hedge derivatives
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings (loss): Adjustments to fair value	$ (9,576,000)	$ 0	$ (7,821,000)	$ 0
NorthStar Europe | Not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments
Number (instruments) | instrument	10		10
Notional Amount	$ 1,511,540,000		$ 1,511,540,000
Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)	$ 20,409,000		$ 20,409,000
NorthStar Europe | Not designated as hedges | Interest rate caps
Derivative instruments
Number (instruments) | instrument	7		7		1
Notional Amount	$ 1,367,525,000		$ 1,367,525,000		$ 40,625,000
Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)	$ 23,837,000		$ 23,837,000		$ 1,115,000
NorthStar Europe | Not designated as hedges | Interest rate caps | LIBOR
Derivative instruments
Lower Range of Fixed LIBOR	0.50%		0.50%
Higher Range of Fixed LIBOR	2.00%		2.00%
Fixed interest rate, LIBOR					2.00%
NorthStar Europe | Not designated as hedges | Foreign currency forwards
Derivative instruments
Number (instruments) | instrument	3		3
Notional Amount	$ 144,015,000		$ 144,015,000
Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)	$ (3,428,000)		$ (3,428,000)

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-Accumulated OCI (Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 60,008	$ 40,985	$ 49,540	$ (4,334)
Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale	(7,520)	15,887	(14,820)	62,790
Foreign currency translation adjustment	2,094	(119)	32,818	(119)
Non-controlling interests	458		(73)	(1,074)
Ending Balance	54,746	60,025	54,746	60,025
Real Estate Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Reclassifications	(517)	3,044	(14,127)	2,077
Debt Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Reclassifications	223	228	711	685
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Reclassification of foreign currency translation into realized gain (loss) on investments and other			697
Cumulative Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	35,185	43,136	56,072	(1,736)
Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale	(7,520)	15,887	(14,820)	62,790
Reclassifications		0
Non-controlling interests	80		103	(1,064)
Ending Balance	27,228	62,067	27,228	62,067
Cumulative Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities | Real Estate Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Reclassifications	(517)	3,044	(14,127)	2,077
Interest Rate Swap Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(1,208)	(2,151)	(1,694)	(2,598)
Non-controlling interests	(2)		(4)	(10)
Ending Balance	(987)	(1,923)	(987)	(1,923)
Interest Rate Swap Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Earnings | Debt Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Reclassifications	223	228	711	685
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	26,031	0	(4,838)	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	2,094	(119)	32,818	(119)
Non-controlling interests	380		(172)
Ending Balance	$ 28,505	$ (119)	28,505	$ (119)
Foreign Currency Translation | Foreign currency translation gain (loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Reclassification of foreign currency translation into realized gain (loss) on investments and other			$ 697

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Investments in Private Equity Funds (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Schedule of Investments in Private Equity Funds

The following tables summarize the Company’s PE Investments as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in millions):

PE Investment(1)	Initial Closing Date	NAV Reference Date(2)	Number of Funds		Purchase Price		Expected Future Funding(3)
PE Investment I	February 15, 2013	June 30, 2012	49		$	282.1	$	6
PE Investment II	July 3, 2013	September 30, 2012	24		353.4		2
PE Investment III (4)	December 31, 2013	June 30, 2013	8		39.8		—
PE Investment IV	May 30, 2014	December 31, 2013	1		8.0		—
PE Investment V	July 1, 2014	September 30, 2013	3		12.0		—
PE Investment VI	July 30, 2014	June 30, 2014	20		90.2		1
PE Investment VII	August 15, 2014	December 31, 2013	14		54.9		1
PE Investment IX	October 2, 2014	March 31, 2014	11		217.7		3
PE Investment X	December 4, 2014	June 30, 2014	13		152.4		—
PE Investment XI	May 1, 2015	September 30, 2014	2		6.4		—
PE Investment XII	May 5, 2015	June 30, 2014	1		6.2		—
PE Investment XIII	May 22, 2015	December 31, 2014	11		441.1		6
PE Investment XIV(5)	September 9, 2015	December 31, 2014	15		50.2		2
Total			172	(6)	$	1,714.4	$	21

____________________________________________________________

(1) On August 19, 2014, the Company, through a subsidiary, entered into a joint venture with a third party to source and invest in real estate private equity funds. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, PE Investment VIII has not made any investments.

(2) Represents the net asset value (“NAV”) date on which the Company agreed to acquire the respective PE Investment.

(3) Represents the estimated amount of expected future contributions to funds as of September 30, 2015. The actual amount of future contributions underlying the fund interests that may be called and funded by the Company could vary materially from the Company’s expectations.

(4) PE Investment III paid $39.8 million to the seller for all of the fund interests, or 50% of the June 30, 2013 NAV, and will pay the remaining $39.8 million, or 50% of the June 30, 2013 NAV, by December 31, 2015 to two third parties. Such amount is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

(5) PE Investment XIV paid $50.2 million to the seller for all of the fund interests, or 50% of the December 31, 2014 NAV, and will pay the remaining $47.8 million in equal installments one year and two years after the initial closing date, respectively. Such amount is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company expects closing the fund interests in the fourth quarter 2015 once the Company receives consent from the general partners of the underlying funds.

(6) The total number includes 27 funds held across multiple PE Investments.

	Carrying Value				Three Months Ended September 30, 2015						Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
PE Investment(1)(5)	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014		Equity in Earnings(2)		Distributions		Contributions		Equity in Earnings(2)		Distributions		Contributions
PE Investment I(3)	$	175.0	$	218.6	$	9.9	$	8.8	$	0.6	$	15.5	$	18.0	$	0.9
PE Investment II(4)	199.0		231.6		12.0		41.4		—		15.5		40.7		—
PE Investment III	43.2		51.0		0.4		3.1		—		1.4		5.4		—
PE Investment IV	8.6		7.8		0.3		0.3		—		0.4		0.9		—
PE Investment V	7.9		8.0		0.4		—		—		0.6		5.0		—
PE Investment VI	80.4		86.3		2.7		4.4		0.2		2.3		3.9		0.3
PE Investment VII	35.7		42.7		1.9		4.8		0.1		1.3		8.9		0.1
PE Investment IX	136.0		174.6		7.5		23.7		0.3		—		—		—
PE Investment X	125.9		141.4		5.3		9.6		0.1		—		—		—
PE Investment XI	4.1		—		0.3		—		—		—		—		—
PE Investment XII	2.8		—		0.1		0.2		—		—		—		—
PE Investment XIII	308.1		—		13.7		58.5		0.6		—		—		—
PE Investment XIV	68.2		—		0.6		27.5		0.3		—		—		—
Total(4)	$	1,194.9	$	962.0	$	55.1	$	182.3	$	2.2	$	37.0	$	82.8	$	1.3

____________________________________________________________

(1) On August 19, 2014, the Company, through a subsidiary, entered into a joint venture with a third party to source and invest in PE Investments. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, PE Investment VIII has not made any investments.

(2) Equity in earnings is recorded gross of a current income tax benefit of $0.3 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015.

(3) The Company recorded an unrealized loss of $9.1 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 representing a partial reversal of an unrealized gain recorded in the fourth quarter 2014.

(4) Excludes the remaining deferred purchase price of $243.3 million for PE Investment II.

(5) As of September 30, 2015, cash flow is expected through June 30, 2024, with a weighted average expected remaining life of 1.7 years.

.

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015						Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
PE Investment	Equity in Earnings(1)		Distributions		Contributions		Equity in Earnings(1)		Distributions		Contributions
PE Investment I(2)	$	36.1	$	59.1	$	1.8	$	45.9	$	64.7	$	1.0
PE Investment II(3)	39.7		115.3		42.9		44.0		90.2		4.9
PE Investment III	1.6		9.5		0.1		4.4		15.4		0.2
PE Investment IV	0.9		0.3		—		0.5		0.9		—
PE Investment V	1.5		1.5		—		0.6		5.0		—
PE Investment VI	8.9		15.4		0.7		2.3		3.9		0.3
PE Investment VII	6.0		13.1		0.1		1.3		8.8		0.1
PE Investment IX	24.1		63.6		0.9		—		—		—
PE Investment X	16.7		32.5		0.3		—		—		—
PE Investment XI	0.4		1.3		—		—		—		—
PE Investment XII	0.3		3.8		0.1		—		—		—
PE Investment XIII	18.9		154.6		2.7		—		—		—
PE Investment XIV	0.6		27.5		0.3		—		—		—
Total	$	155.7	$	497.5	$	49.9	$	99.0	$	188.9	$	6.5

____________________________________________________________

(1) Equity in earnings is recorded gross of a current provision for income tax of $4.6 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015.

(2) The Company recorded an unrealized loss of $22.5 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 representing a partial reversal of an unrealized gain recorded in the fourth quarter 2014.

(3) Contributions for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 represents a payment of the deferred purchase price for PE Investment II.

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Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Hotel Portfolio
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of guarantees	$ 7.4

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Non-controlling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Non-controlling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to LTIP Units non-controlling interest	$ (1,301)	$ 0	$ (2,370)	$ (5,296)
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(126,100)	(46,247)	(255,204)	(248,063)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(11)	(278)	(11)	(6,989)
Net income (loss) attributable to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. common stockholders	(126,111)	(46,525)	(255,215)	(255,052)
Operating Partnership
Non-controlling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to LTIP Units non-controlling interest				(5,300)
Operating Partnership | LTIP Units
Non-controlling interests
Noncontrolling interest, operating partnership	$ 18,700		$ 18,700
Operating partnership units outstanding (in shares)	1,870,528		1,870,528
Non-controlling interests, ownership percentage	1.00%		1.00%
Other non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests
Net income (loss) allocated to other non-controlling interests	$ (2,200)	$ (1,100)	$ (12,700)	$ (2,100)

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Real Estate Debt Investments - CRE Maturities (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) loan	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Total	$ 1,006,570	$ 1,187,316
Weighted average maturity including extensions of CRE debt investments	2 years 8 months
Unamortized discounts and origination fees
Net unamortized discounts	$ 29,900
Net unamortized origination fees and costs	$ 2,500
CRE Debt
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Number of non-performing loans | loan	2
CRE Debt | Nonperforming loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
October 1 to December 31, 2015	$ 42,400
CRE Debt | Initial Maturity
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
October 1 to December 31, 2015	367,917
2016	317,152
2017	102,832
2018	2,076
2019	0
Thereafter	216,593
Total	1,006,570
CRE Debt | Maturity Including Extensions
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
October 1 to December 31, 2015	357,959
2016	129,282
2017	112,706
2018	184,976
2019	0
Thereafter	221,647
Total	$ 1,006,570

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Fair Value - Fair Value Option (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) security	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Assets:
Assets	$ 754,911		$ 754,911		$ 878,514
Subtotal real estate securities, available for sale	543,441		543,441		606,895
Total assets	1,945,013		1,945,013		1,845,370
CDO bonds payable, at fair value	343,553		343,553		390,068
Total liabilities	528,232		528,232		605,240
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities for which fair value option was elected
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other related to the change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected	(138,312)	$ (12,275)	(180,428)	$ (200,527)
Subtotal unrealized gain (loss), excluding derivatives	(42,671)	(15,798)	(55,142)	(208,282)
Net cash payments on derivatives	(2,931)	(3,102)	(8,989)	(13,795)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other related to the change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected	(141,243)	(15,377)	(189,417)	(214,322)
CRE Securities
Assets:
Carrying value of items for which the fair value option was not elected	9,800		9,800		9,300
N-Star CDO bonds
Assets:
Carrying value of items for which the fair value option was not elected	201,700		201,700		262,300
PE Investments
Assets:
Assets	1,194,946		1,194,946		962,038
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities for which fair value option was elected
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other related to the change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected	(9,148)	0	(22,497)	0
Investments in unconsolidated ventures
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities for which fair value option was elected
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other related to the change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected	(30,446)	0	(39,789)	0
Equity and Preferred Equity Interest
Assets:
Assets	206,626		206,626		276,437
CDO Bonds Payable
Assets:
CDO bonds payable, at fair value	343,553		343,553		390,068
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities for which fair value option was elected
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other related to the change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected	(9,998)	(8,397)	(23,572)	(190,176)
Junior Subordinated Notes
Assets:
Junior subordinated notes	184,679		184,679		$ 215,172
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities for which fair value option was elected
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other related to the change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected	22,576	2,193	30,493	(18,050)
Real Estate Securities
Assets:
Number of CRE securities for which the fair value option was not elected (security) | security					34
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities for which fair value option was elected
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other related to the change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected	(8,805)	(6,667)	13,252	3,671
Other
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities for which fair value option was elected
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other related to the change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected	(6,850)	(2,927)	(13,029)	(3,727)
Derivatives
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities for which fair value option was elected
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives related to the change in fair value	(95,641)	3,523	(125,286)	7,755
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Assets:
Assets	321,650		321,650		$ 416,699
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | N-Star CDO Equity
Assets:
Assets	61,465		61,465		102,467
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | CMBS
Assets:
CMBS and other securities	48,715		48,715		42,613
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Assets:
Assets	433,261		433,261		461,815
Subtotal real estate securities, available for sale	433,261		433,261		461,815
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | CMBS
Assets:
CMBS and other securities	356,954		356,954		382,867
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Third-party CDO notes
Assets:
Third-party CDO notes	23,546		23,546		23,218
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Agency debentures
Assets:
Assets	38,029		38,029		40,529
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Unsecured REIT debt
Assets:
Assets	9,152		9,152		9,351
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Trust preferred securities
Assets:
Assets	5,580		5,580		5,850
PE Investments
Fair Value, Option Quantitative Disclosures [Lines Items]
Fair Value	1,194,946	$ 962,038	$ 1,194,946	$ 962,038	962,038	$ 586,018
N-Star CDO Equity
Fair Value, Option Quantitative Disclosures [Lines Items]
Discount rate			12.56%
Recurring basis | Level 3
Fair Value, Option Quantitative Disclosures [Lines Items]
Fair Value	206,626		$ 206,626		276,437
Assets:
Total assets	1,802,742		1,802,742		1,720,051
Junior subordinated notes	184,679		184,679		215,172
Total liabilities	528,232		528,232		605,240
Recurring basis | Level 3 | Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE)
Assets:
CMBS and other securities	43,474		43,474		34,680
Recurring basis | Level 3 | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Assets:
Assets					82,120
Total assets	94,547		94,547
Fair Value
Assets:
Assets	754,911		754,911		878,514
CDO bonds payable, at fair value	343,553		343,553		390,068
Fair Value | Recurring basis
Fair Value, Option Quantitative Disclosures [Lines Items]
Fair Value	206,626		206,626		276,437
Assets:
Total assets	2,180,537		2,180,537		2,120,236
Junior subordinated notes	184,679		184,679		215,172
Total liabilities	661,614		661,614		623,155
Fair Value | Recurring basis | Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE)
Assets:
CMBS and other securities	58,501		58,501		51,923
Fair Value | Recurring basis | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Assets:
Assets					$ 461,815
Total assets	433,261		433,261
Fair Value | Recurring basis | PE Investments | Level 3
Fair Value, Option Quantitative Disclosures [Lines Items]
Fair Value	1,194,946		$ 1,194,946
Discount rate			17.00%
Fair Value | Recurring basis | Equity and Preferred Equity Interest | Level 3
Fair Value, Option Quantitative Disclosures [Lines Items]
Fair Value	206,626		$ 206,626
Discount rate			14.00%
Fair Value | Recurring basis | N-Star CDO Equity | Level 3 | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Fair Value, Option Quantitative Disclosures [Lines Items]
Discount rate			18.00%
Assets:
Assets	$ 61,465		$ 61,465

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Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)		Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)		Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) segment		Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Segment reporting
Number of reporting segments | segment						6
Rental and escalation income	[1]	$ 235,588		$ 86,648		$ 613,882		$ 232,749
Hotel related income	[1]	219,427		79,194		594,284		101,720
Resident fee income	[1]	70,257		25,027		199,463		40,087
Net interest income on debt and securities	[1]	59,109		77,936		180,299		226,093
Other interest expense	[1]	141,232		59,923		381,225		143,836
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)	[1]	(171,535)		(64,565)		(381,159)		(304,620)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	[1]	60,359		41,694		171,738		109,630
Income tax benefit (expense)	[1]	2,659		(3,460)		2,285		(8,224)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	[1]	(108,517)		(26,331)		(207,136)		(203,214)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	[1],[2],[3]	(11)		(278)		(11)		(6,989)
Net income (loss)		(108,528)	[1]	(26,609)	[1]	(207,147)	[1]	(210,203)	[1]	$ (321,086)
Transaction costs	[1]	5,583		44,410		134,029		84,170
Management fee, related party	[1]	51,285		39,363		151,260		39,363
Total Assets	[4]	18,622,914				18,622,914				15,326,356
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Segment reporting
Asset management services fee income		1,300		1,300		4,100		4,500
Eliminations | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Segment reporting
Asset management and other fees, related parties		600		600		1,800		2,000
Real Estate | United States
Segment reporting
Transaction costs		3,700				22,900
Depreciation and amortization		118,400		51,300		338,800		110,400
Real Estate | European
Segment reporting
Transaction costs						127,200
Depreciation and amortization		18,800				35,000
Real Estate | Operating Segments | United States
Segment reporting
Rental and escalation income		194,269		86,236		538,385		231,664
Hotel related income		219,427		79,194		594,284		101,720
Resident fee income		70,257		25,027		199,463		40,087
Net interest income on debt and securities		2,661		1,223		7,589		3,589
Other interest expense		113,351		49,567		318,904		106,942
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)		(52,137)		(38,697)		(103,677)		(87,073)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures		60,359		41,544		171,738		106,813
Income tax benefit (expense)		2,391		(3,460)		(9,096)		(8,224)
Income (loss) from continuing operations		10,613		(4,554)		58,965		6,014
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(11)		(278)		(11)		(915)
Net income (loss)		10,602		(4,832)		58,954		5,099
Total Assets		14,018,749				14,018,749				12,902,611
Real Estate | Operating Segments | European
Segment reporting
Rental and escalation income		41,319		135		75,195		135
Hotel related income		0		0		0		0
Resident fee income		0		0		0		0
Other interest expense		14,558		0		21,367		0
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)		(32,971)		(4,244)		(141,300)		(4,244)
Income tax benefit (expense)		504		0		11,882		0
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(32,467)		(4,244)		(129,418)		(4,244)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		0		0		0		0
Net income (loss)		(32,467)		(4,244)		(129,418)		(4,244)
Total Assets		2,651,493				2,651,493				162,182
CRE Debt
Segment reporting
Total Assets		975,965				975,965				1,160,763
CRE Debt | Operating Segments
Segment reporting
Rental and escalation income		0		0		0		0
Hotel related income		0		0		0		0
Resident fee income		0		0		0		0
Net interest income on debt and securities		23,737		37,541		79,061		104,955
Other interest expense		0		0		0		0
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)		24,871		$ 35,224		80,652		100,267
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures								2,644
Income tax benefit (expense)		(154)		$ 0		(382)		0
Income (loss) from continuing operations		24,717		39,315		80,270		108,586
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		0		0		0		0
Net income (loss)		24,717		39,315		80,270		108,586
CRE Securities
Segment reporting
Total Assets		326,591				326,591				421,840
CRE Securities | Operating Segments
Segment reporting
Rental and escalation income		0		0		0		0
Hotel related income		0		0		0		0
Resident fee income		0		0		0		0
Net interest income on debt and securities		17,228		24,748		49,671		64,001
Other interest expense		0		0		0		0
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)		15,465		34,196		87,827		72,284
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures		0		0		0		0
Income tax benefit (expense)		(82)		0		(119)		0
Income (loss) from continuing operations		15,383		34,196		87,708		72,284
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		0		0		0		0
Net income (loss)		15,383		34,196		87,708		72,284
N-Star CDOs, CRE Securities
Segment reporting
Total Assets		469,623				469,623				502,660
N-Star CDOs, CRE Securities | Operating Segments
Segment reporting
Rental and escalation income				277		302		950
Hotel related income		0		0		0		0
Resident fee income		0		0		0		0
Net interest income on debt and securities		12,407		14,424		35,723		44,740
Other interest expense		0		0		0		0
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)		(5,160)		7,203		(823)		(168,256)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures		0		0		0		0
Income tax benefit (expense)		0		0		0		0
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(5,160)		7,203		(823)		(168,256)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		0		0		0		0
Net income (loss)		(5,160)		7,203		(823)		(168,256)
Corporate
Segment reporting
Total Assets		180,493				180,493				$ 176,300
Corporate | Operating Segments
Segment reporting
Rental and escalation income		0		0		0		0
Hotel related income		0		0		0		0
Resident fee income		0		0		0		0
Net interest income on debt and securities		3,076				8,255		8,808
Other interest expense		13,323		10,356		40,954		36,894
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)		(121,603)		(98,247)		(303,838)		(217,598)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures		0		150		0		173
Income tax benefit (expense)		0		0		0		0
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(121,603)		(98,247)		(303,838)		(217,598)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		0		0		0		0
Net income (loss)		(121,603)		$ (98,247)		(303,838)		(217,598)
Management fee, related party		$ 51,300				$ 151,300
Asset Management | Operating Segments
Segment reporting
Rental and escalation income								0
Hotel related income								0
Resident fee income								0
Other interest expense								0
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)								0
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures								0
Income tax benefit (expense)								0
Income (loss) from continuing operations								0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations								(6,074)
Net income (loss)								$ (6,074)

[1] The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months ended September 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

[2] Refer to Note 9. “Spin-offs” for disclosure related to the NSAM Spin-off.

[3] The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes $13.7 million of equity-based compensation recorded in discontinued operations.

[4] Assets of consolidated VIEs included in the total assets above: •Restricted cash: September 30, 2015 $8,711 ; December 31, 2014: $4,601 •Operating real estate, net: September 30, 2015: $0 ; December 31, 2014: $7,137 •Real estate debt investments, net: September 30, 2015: $24,684 ; December 31, 2014: $25,325 •Real estate securities, available for sale: September 30, 2015: $433,861 ; December 31, 2014: $463,050 •Receivables, net of allowance: September 30, 2015: $1,919 ; December 31, 2014: $2,304•Other assets: September 30, 2015: $446 ; December 31, 2014: $242 •Total assets of consolidated VIEs: September 30, 2015: $469,621 ; December 31, 2014: $502,659

XML

Fair Value - Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial assets:
Real estate debt investments, net	$ 965,719	$ 1,067,667
Real estate securities, available for sale	754,911	878,514
Financial liabilities:
Mortgage and other notes payable	10,596,175	8,535,863
Credit facilities	785,903	732,780
NRE Senior notes	340,000	0
CDO bonds payable	343,553	390,068
Securitization bonds payable	0	41,823
Exchangeable senior notes	29,374	41,762
Junior subordinated notes	184,679	215,172
Derivative liabilities	133,382	17,915
Timing swaps
Financial liabilities:
Notional amount	28,000	28,000
Principal / Notional Amount
Financial assets:
Real estate debt investments, net	1,006,570	1,187,316
Real estate securities, available for sale	1,312,875	1,532,891
Derivative assets	5,551,398	3,848,859
Financial liabilities:
Mortgage and other notes payable	10,648,530	8,531,285
Credit facilities	785,903	732,780
NRE Senior notes	340,000	0
CDO bonds payable	480,734	560,959
Securitization bonds payable	0	41,831
Exchangeable senior notes	31,360	45,588
Junior subordinated notes	280,117	280,117
Derivative liabilities	2,451,743	318,726
Borrowings of properties held for sale	249,777
Carrying Value
Financial assets:
Real estate debt investments, net	965,719	1,067,667
Real estate securities, available for sale	754,911	878,514
Derivative assets	24,054	3,247
Financial liabilities:
Mortgage and other notes payable	10,596,175	8,535,863
Credit facilities	785,903	732,780
NRE Senior notes	340,000	0
CDO bonds payable	343,553	390,068
Securitization bonds payable	0	41,823
Exchangeable senior notes	29,374	41,762
Junior subordinated notes	184,679	215,172
Derivative liabilities	133,382	17,915
Borrowings of properties held for sale	249,777
Fair Value
Financial assets:
Real estate debt investments, net	964,873	1,066,911
Real estate securities, available for sale	754,911	878,514
Derivative assets	24,054	3,247
Financial liabilities:
Mortgage and other notes payable	10,622,650	8,539,363
Credit facilities	785,903	732,780
NRE Senior notes	333,200	0
CDO bonds payable	343,553	390,068
Securitization bonds payable	0	41,929
Exchangeable senior notes	50,121	82,443
Junior subordinated notes	184,679	215,172
Derivative liabilities	133,382	$ 17,915
Borrowings of properties held for sale	$ 246,527

XML

Equity-Based Compensation - Tables (Details) - Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015 $ / shares shares
LTIP Grants
Beginning balance (in units)	936,000
Granted (in units)	1,294,000
Converted to common stock (in units)	(3,000)
Forfeited (in units)	(8,000)
Vesting of restricted stock post-spin (in units)	(256,000)
Ending balance (in units)	1,963,000
Weighted Average Grant Price
Beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 46.50
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	37.15
Converted to common stock (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	31.02
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	34.66
Vesting of restricted stock post-spin (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	28.26
Ending balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 42.79
Restricted stock
LTIP Grants
Ending balance (in units)	92,397
Unvested Deferred LTIP Units
LTIP Grants
Ending balance (in units)	1,870,528

XML

Variable Interest Entities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities

As of September 30, 2015, the Company has identified certain consolidated and unconsolidated VIEs. Assets of each of the VIEs may only be used to settle obligations of the respective VIE. Creditors of each of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of the Company.

Consolidated VIEs

N-Star CDOs

As of September 30, 2015, the Company serves as collateral manager and/or special servicer for N-Star CDOs I and IX which are primarily collateralized by CRE securities. The Company consolidates these entities as the Company has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these CDOs, and therefore, continues to be the primary beneficiary.

The Company is not contractually required to provide financial support to any of these consolidated VIEs, however, the Company, in its capacity as collateral manager and/or special servicer, may in its sole discretion provide support such as protective and other advances it deems appropriate. The Company did not provide any other financial support to any of its consolidated VIEs for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014.

Unconsolidated VIEs

N-Star CDOs

The Company delegated the collateral management rights for N-Star CDOs IV, VI and VIII and the CapLease CDO on September 30, 2013 and the CSE CDO on December 31, 2013 to a third-party collateral manager/collateral manager delegate who is entitled to a percentage of the senior and subordinate collateral management fees. The Company continues to receive fees as named collateral manager or collateral manager delegate and retained administrative responsibilities. The Company evaluated the fees paid to the third-party collateral manager/collateral manager delegate and concluded that such fees represented a variable interest in the deconsolidated loan CDOs and that the third party was functioning as a principal. The Company determined that the delegation of the Company’s collateral management power in the CDOs was a VIE reconsideration event and concluded that these CDOs were still VIEs as the equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The Company then reconsidered if it was the primary beneficiary of such VIEs and determined that it no longer has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these CDOs, which includes but is not limited to selling collateral, and therefore is no longer the primary beneficiary of such CDOs. As a result, the Company does not consolidate the assets and liabilities for N-Star CDOs IV, VI and VIII, CSE CDO and the CapLease CDO. In September 2015, N-Star CDO IV was liquidated.

In March 2014, the Company determined it no longer had the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of N-Star CDO V due to the ability of a single party to remove the Company as collateral manager as a result of an existing event of default. The Company was no longer the primary beneficiary of N-Star CDO V, and as a result, in the first quarter 2014, the Company deconsolidated the assets and liabilities of this CDO.

In May 2014, the Company determined it no longer had the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of N-Star CDO III due to the ability of a single party to remove the Company as collateral manager as a result of an existing event of default. The Company was no longer the primary beneficiary of N-Star CDO III, and as a result, in the second quarter 2014, the Company deconsolidated the assets and liabilities of this CDO.

Similar events of default in the future, if they occur, could cause the Company to deconsolidate additional CDO financing transactions.

For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, the deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs III and V resulted in an aggregate non-cash realized loss on deconsolidation of $31.4 million recorded in the consolidated statement of operations, which was the result of the deconsolidation of an aggregate $192.5 million of assets, $149.0 million of liabilities, net of $8.8 million of fair value of N-Star CDO bonds recorded that no longer eliminated in consolidation and the reclassification of $3.3 million of unrealized gain to loss from deconsolidation.

Other Unconsolidated VIEs

Based on management’s analysis, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs summarized below and as such, these VIEs are not consolidated into the Company’s financial statements as of September 30, 2015. These unconsolidated VIEs are summarized as follows:

Real Estate Debt Investments

The Company identified four CRE debt investments with an aggregate carrying value of $77.4 million as variable interests in a VIE. The Company determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of such VIEs, and as such, the VIEs are not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. For all other CRE debt investments, the Company determined that these investments are not VIEs and, as such, the Company continues to account for all CRE debt investments as loans.

Real Estate Securities

The Company identified two CRE securities, other than investments in N-Star CDOs, with an aggregate fair value of $46.5 million as variable interests in VIEs. In connection with certain CMBS investments, the Company became the controlling class and/or was named directing certificate holder of a securitization it did not sponsor. For one of these securitizations, an affiliate of NSAM was appointed as special servicer. The special servicing business for certain securitizations was transferred to NSAM in connection with the NSAM Spin-off. The Company determined each securitization was a VIE. However, the Company determined at that time and continues to believe that it does not currently or potentially hold a significant interest in any of these securitizations and, therefore, is not the primary beneficiary.

NorthStar Realty Finance Trusts

The Company owns all of the common stock of the Trusts. The Trusts were formed to issue trust preferred securities. The Company determined that the holders of the trust preferred securities were the primary beneficiaries of the Trusts. As a result, the Company did not consolidate the Trusts and has accounted for the investment in the common stock of the Trusts under the equity method. As of September 30, 2015, the Company’s carrying value and maximum exposure to loss related to its investment in the Trusts is $3.7 million and is recorded in investments in unconsolidated ventures on the consolidated balance sheets.

PE Investments

In May 2015, in connection with the Company’s investment in PE Investment XIII, the Company determined that two of the underlying funds are VIEs. The Company determined that the funds are a VIE as there is insufficient equity at risk in each limited partnership and the general partner in each fund has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the funds’ economic performance as the general partner performs such activities. As of September 30, 2015, the Company’s investment in both funds is $38.8 million. As of September 30, 2015, the amount of expected future contributions to both funds is $3.1 million.

Summary of Unconsolidated VIEs

The following table presents the classification, carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

	Junior Subordinated Notes, at Fair Value			Real Estate Debt Investments, Net		Real Estate Securities, Available for Sale		PE Investments		Total		Maximum Exposure to Loss(1)
Real estate debt investments, net	$	—		$	77,438	$	—	$	—	$	77,438	$	77,438
Investments in unconsolidated ventures	3,742			—		—		—		3,742		3,742
Investments in private equity funds, at fair value	—			—		—		38,772		38,772		38,772
Real estate securities, available for sale:
N-Star CDO bonds	—			—		201,684		—		201,684		201,684
N-Star CDO equity	—			—		61,465		—		61,465		61,465
CMBS	—			—		46,482		—		46,482		46,482
Subtotal real estate securities, available for sale	—			—		309,631		—		309,631		309,631
Total assets	3,742			77,438		309,631		38,772		429,583		429,583
Junior subordinated notes, at fair value	184,679			—		—		—		184,679		NA
Total liabilities	184,679			—		—		—		184,679		NA
Net	$	(180,937	)	$	77,438	$	309,631	$	38,772	$	244,904	$	429,583

____________________________________________________________

(1) The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as of September 30, 2015 would not exceed the carrying value of its investment.

The Company is not contractually required to provide financial support to any of its unconsolidated VIEs during the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 however, the Company, in its capacity as collateral manager/collateral manager delegate and/or special servicer of the deconsolidated N-Star CDOs, may in its sole discretion provide support such as protective and other advances it deems appropriate. As of September 30, 2015, there were no explicit arrangements or implicit variable interests that could require the Company to provide financial support to any of its unconsolidated VIEs.

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-Real Estate Debt Investments (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of days past due for suspension of income recognition	90 days

XML

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Unconsolidated VIEs

Variable interest entities

Schedule of classification and carrying value of assets and liabilities and maximum exposure of VIEs

The following table presents the classification, carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

	Junior Subordinated Notes, at Fair Value			Real Estate Debt Investments, Net		Real Estate Securities, Available for Sale		PE Investments		Total		Maximum Exposure to Loss(1)
Real estate debt investments, net	$	—		$	77,438	$	—	$	—	$	77,438	$	77,438
Investments in unconsolidated ventures	3,742			—		—		—		3,742		3,742
Investments in private equity funds, at fair value	—			—		—		38,772		38,772		38,772
Real estate securities, available for sale:
N-Star CDO bonds	—			—		201,684		—		201,684		201,684
N-Star CDO equity	—			—		61,465		—		61,465		61,465
CMBS	—			—		46,482		—		46,482		46,482
Subtotal real estate securities, available for sale	—			—		309,631		—		309,631		309,631
Total assets	3,742			77,438		309,631		38,772		429,583		429,583
Junior subordinated notes, at fair value	184,679			—		—		—		184,679		NA
Total liabilities	184,679			—		—		—		184,679		NA
Net	$	(180,937	)	$	77,438	$	309,631	$	38,772	$	244,904	$	429,583

____________________________________________________________

(1) The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as of September 30, 2015 would not exceed the carrying value of its investment.

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Fair Value - Changes in Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Additional information about the company's CDO bonds payable and junior subordinated notes measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Purchases / borrowings / amortization	$ 0		$ 0
CDO Bonds Payable
Gains:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures	0
Deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs (Gains)		$ (122,486,000)
Losses:
Deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs (Losses)		0
Additional information about the company's CDO bonds payable and junior subordinated notes measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Beginning balance	390,068,000	384,183,000	384,183,000
Purchases / borrowings / amortization	20,491,000	(15,320,000)
Paydowns	(52,825,000)	(87,859,000)
Deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs (Gains)		(122,486,000)
Losses:
Unrealized losses included in earnings	23,572,000	217,608,000
Realized losses included in earnings	3,229,000	13,942,000
Ending balance	343,553,000	390,068,000	390,068,000
Gains (losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets or liabilities still held	(23,572,000)	(217,608,000)
Junior Subordinated Notes
Gains:
Unrealized gains included in earnings	(30,493,000)
Additional information about the company's CDO bonds payable and junior subordinated notes measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Beginning balance	215,172,000	201,203,000	201,203,000
Losses:
Unrealized losses included in earnings	0	13,969,000
Ending balance	184,679,000	215,172,000	215,172,000
Gains (losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets or liabilities still held	30,493,000	(13,969,000)
PE Investments
Additional information about the company's CRE securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Beginning balance	962,038,000	586,018,000	586,018,000
Purchases / borrowings / amortization / contributions	597,250,000	548,961,000
Paydowns / distributions	(497,515,000)	(339,598,000)
Gains:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures	155,670,000	134,036,000
Unrealized gains included in earnings	0	32,621,000
Losses:
Unrealized losses included in earnings	(22,497,000)
Ending balance	1,194,946,000	962,038,000	962,038,000
Gains (losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets or liabilities still held	(22,497,000)	32,621,000
Investments in unconsolidated ventures
Additional information about the company's CRE securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Beginning balance	276,437,000	192,419,000	192,419,000
Purchases / borrowings / amortization / contributions	(301,000)	84,206,000
Paydowns / distributions	(40,870,000)	(2,507,000)
Gains:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures	16,068,000	10,494,000
Unrealized gains included in earnings	0
Losses:
Unrealized losses included in earnings	(44,708,000)	(8,175,000)
Ending balance	206,626,000	276,437,000	276,437,000
Gains (losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets or liabilities still held	(44,708,000)	(8,175,000)
Real Estate Securities
Additional information about the company's CRE securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Beginning balance	481,576,000	484,840,000	484,840,000
Transfers into Level 3	12,136,000	17,513,000
Transfers out of Level 3	(3,052,000)	0
Purchases / borrowings / amortization / contributions	66,401,000	64,104,000
Sales	(77,230,000)	(65,504,000)
Paydowns / distributions	(93,638,000)	(48,511,000)
Gains:
Unrealized gains included in earnings	76,936,000	44,308,000
Realized gains included in earnings	20,521,000	15,626,000
Unrealized gain on real estate securities, available for sale included in OCI	254,000	61,045,000
Deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs (Gains)		(873,000)
Losses:
Unrealized losses included in earnings	(51,580,000)	(64,977,000)
Realized losses included in earnings	(1,950,000)	(3,152,000)
Unrealized losses on real estate securities, available for sale included in OCI	(29,204,000)	(3,519,000)
Deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs (Losses)		(21,070,000)
Ending balance	401,170,000	481,576,000	$ 481,576,000
Gains (losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets or liabilities still held	$ 25,356,000	(37,487,000)
Additional information about the company's CDO bonds payable and junior subordinated notes measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs (Gains)		$ (873,000)

XML

Equity-Based Compensation (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Equity-based Compensation Expense

The following table presents a summary of restricted stock and LTIP Units. The balance as of September 30, 2015 represents unvested shares of restricted stock and LTIP Units that are outstanding, whether vested or not (grants in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
	Grants		Weighted Average Grant Price(2)
January 1, 2015	936		$	46.50
Granted	1,294		37.15
Converted to common stock	(3	)	31.02
Forfeited	(8	)	34.66
Vesting of restricted stock	(256	)	28.26
September 30, 2015(1)	1,963		$	42.79

____________________________________________________________

(1) Includes 92,397 shares of restricted stock and 1,870,528 LTIP Units as of September 30, 2015, after giving effect to the Reverse Split.

(2) Amounts have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Reverse Split.

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Operating Real Estate (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]
Land	$ 2,066,221	$ 1,490,613
Land improvements	1,072,130	1,070,507
Buildings and improvements	9,341,898	7,035,567
Building leasehold interests and improvements	589,490	591,626
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	362,175	286,340
Tenant improvements	233,887	159,159
Construction in progress	40,772	17,054
Operating real estate, gross	13,706,573	10,650,866
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(628,150)	(349,574)
Operating real estate, net	$ 13,078,423	$ 10,301,292

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Borrowings - Exchangeable Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions		1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount		$ 12,816,421,000				$ 12,816,421,000	$ 12,816,421,000		$ 10,192,560,000
Repayment of senior notes							0	$ 481,118,000
Exchangeable Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount		31,360,000				31,360,000	31,360,000		45,588,000
Exchangeable Senior Notes | 7.50% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount					$ 172,500,000
Stated interest rate					7.50%
Realized gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt					$ (22,400,000)
Exchangeable Senior Notes | 4.625% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount			$ 340,000,000
Stated interest rate			4.625%
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			$ 331,000,000
Exchangeable Senior Notes | 5.375% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount		$ 17,405,000				$ 17,405,000	$ 17,405,000		31,633,000
Stated interest rate		5.375%				5.375%	5.375%
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount		$ 340,000,000			$ 481,100,000	$ 340,000,000	$ 340,000,000		$ 0
Stated interest rate		4.625%				4.625%	4.625%
Repayment of senior notes	$ 488,300,000
Senior Notes | 5.375% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.375%		5.375%		5.375%	5.375%
Realized gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt						$ (200,000)	$ (1,300,000)
Principal amount exchanged for stock		$ 2,500,000		$ 11,700,000		$ 2,500,000	$ 2,500,000
Common stock issued in exchange for debt (shares)		0.2		0.7

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Investments in Private Equity Funds - Purchase Price (Details) $ in Millions																	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	22 Months Ended
	Sep. 09, 2015 USD ($) fund	May. 22, 2015 USD ($) fund	May. 05, 2015 USD ($) fund	May. 01, 2015 USD ($) fund	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 04, 2014 USD ($) fund	Oct. 02, 2014 USD ($) fund	Aug. 15, 2014 USD ($) fund	Jul. 30, 2014 USD ($) fund	Jul. 01, 2014 USD ($) fund	May. 30, 2014 USD ($) fund	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) fund	Jul. 03, 2013 USD ($) fund	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($) third_party	Feb. 15, 2013 USD ($) fund	Sep. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) fund	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 04, 2014 USD ($) fund
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of parties to which company is obligated | third_party														2
PE Investment I
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Funds | fund															49
Purchase Price															$ 282.1
Expected Future Contributions																		$ 6.0
PE Investment II
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Funds | fund													24
Purchase Price													$ 353.4
Expected Future Contributions																		2.0
Amount paid to seller for all of the fund interests																			$ 504.8
Payment of initial amount of reported net asset value																55.00%
Obligation to acquire remaining PE Investment																	$ 61.3
Deferred amount of reported net asset value																45.00%
PE Investment III
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Funds | fund												8
Purchase Price												$ 39.8
Expected Future Contributions																		0.0
Amount paid to seller for all of the fund interests														$ 39.8
Payment of initial amount of reported net asset value														50.00%
Obligation to acquire remaining PE Investment														$ 39.8
Deferred amount of reported net asset value														50.00%
PE Investment IV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Funds | fund											1
Purchase Price											$ 8.0
Expected Future Contributions																		0.0
PE Investment V
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Funds | fund										3
Purchase Price										$ 12.0
Expected Future Contributions																		0.0
PE Investment VI
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Funds | fund									20
Purchase Price									$ 90.2
Expected Future Contributions																		1.0
PE Investment VII
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Funds | fund								14
Purchase Price								$ 54.9
Expected Future Contributions																		1.0
PE Investment IX
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Funds | fund							11
Purchase Price							$ 217.7
Expected Future Contributions																		3.0
PE Investment X
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Funds | fund						13
Purchase Price						$ 152.4														$ 152.4
Expected Future Contributions																		0.0
PE Investment XI
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Funds | fund				2
Purchase Price				$ 6.4
Expected Future Contributions																		0.0
PE Investment XII
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Funds | fund			1
Purchase Price			$ 6.2
Expected Future Contributions																		0.0
PE Investment XIII
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Funds | fund		11
Purchase Price		$ 441.1
Expected Future Contributions																		6.0
PE Investment XIV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Funds | fund	15
Purchase Price	$ 50.2
Expected Future Contributions																		2.0
Amount paid to seller for all of the fund interests					$ 50.2
Payment of initial amount of reported net asset value					50.00%
Obligation to acquire remaining PE Investment					$ 47.8
Payment of deferred amount of reported net asset value, due in next twelve months					1 year
Payment of deferred amount of reported net asset value, due in year two					2 years
PE Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Funds | fund																				172
Purchase Price																		1,714.4
Expected Future Contributions																		$ 21.0
Multiple PE Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Funds | fund																		27

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 347,616	$ 395,056
Capital expenditures reserves
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	186,130	211,010
Operating real estate escrow reserves
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	139,647	123,017
CRE debt escrow deposits
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	13,148	56,342
Cash in CDOs
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 8,691	$ 4,687

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Business and Organization

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Business and Organization

Business and Organization

NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. is a diversified commercial real estate company (the “Company” or “NorthStar Realty”).  The Company invests in multiple asset classes across commercial real estate (“CRE”) that it expects will generate attractive risk-adjusted returns and may take the form of acquiring real estate, originating or acquiring senior or subordinate loans, as well as pursuing opportunistic CRE investments, both in the United States and internationally. The Company is a Maryland corporation and completed its initial public offering in October 2004. The Company conducts its operations so as to continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

On March 13, 2015, the Company formed NorthStar Realty Finance Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership and the operating partnership of the Company (the “Operating Partnership”). The Company contributed substantially all of its assets to the Operating Partnership in exchange for all of the common and preferred limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership and the assumption of certain of the Company’s liabilities. The Operating Partnership holds, directly or indirectly, substantially all of the Company’s assets and the Company conducts its operations, directly or indirectly, through the Operating Partnership.

All references herein to the Company refer to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including the Operating Partnership, collectively, unless the context otherwise requires.

Spin-offs

On June 30, 2014, the Company completed the spin-off of its historical asset management business (“NSAM Spin-off”) in the form of a tax-free distribution (the “NSAM Distribution”). Effective upon the NSAM Spin-off, the Company is externally managed and advised by an affiliate of NorthStar Asset Management Group Inc. (NYSE: NSAM), which together with its affiliates is referred to as NSAM.

On October 31, 2015, the Company completed the previously announced spin-off of its European real estate business (the “NRE Spin-off”) into a separate publicly-traded REIT, NorthStar Realty Europe Corp. (“NorthStar Europe”), in the form of a taxable distribution (the “NRE Distribution”). In connection with the NRE Distribution, each of the Company’s common stockholders received shares of NorthStar Europe’s common stock on a one-for-six basis, before giving effect to a one-for-two reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock (this or any such reverse stock split herein referred to as the “Reverse Split”). The Company contributed to NorthStar Europe approximately $2.6 billion of European real estate, at cost (excluding the Company’s European healthcare properties), comprised of 52 properties spanning across some of Europe’s top markets (“European Portfolio”) and $250 million of cash. NSAM manages NorthStar Europe pursuant to a long-term management agreement, on substantially similar terms as the Company’s management agreement with NSAM. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure.

The NRE Spin-off and the NSAM Spin-off are herein collectively referred to as “Spin-offs.” Refer to Note 9. “Spin-offs” for further disclosure.

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Investments in Private Equity Funds - Earnings, Distributions, Contributions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value		$ 1,194,946		$ 1,194,946		$ 962,038
Equity in Earnings(2)	[1]	60,359	$ 41,694	171,738	$ 109,630
Distributions				20,770	11,463
Cash distributions, tax reserve		300		4,600
Unrealized gain (loss) on PE Investment	[1]	(141,243)	(15,377)	(189,417)	(214,322)
Deferred purchase price, PE investment		84,061		84,061		39,759
PE Investment I
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value		175,000		175,000		218,600
Equity in Earnings(2)		9,900	15,500	36,100	45,900
Distributions		8,800	18,000	59,100	64,700
Contributions		600	900	1,800	1,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on PE Investment		(9,100)		(22,500)
PE Investment II
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value		199,000		199,000		231,600
Equity in Earnings(2)		12,000	15,500	39,700	44,000
Distributions		41,400	40,700	115,300	90,200
Contributions		0	0	42,900	4,900
Deferred purchase price, PE investment		243,300		243,300
PE Investment III
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value		43,200		43,200		51,000
Equity in Earnings(2)		400	1,400	1,600	4,400
Distributions		3,100	5,400	9,500	15,400
Contributions		0	0	100	200
PE Investment IV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value		8,600		8,600		7,800
Equity in Earnings(2)		300	400	900	500
Distributions		300	900	300	900
Contributions		0	0	0	0
PE Investment V
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value		7,900		7,900		8,000
Equity in Earnings(2)		400	600	1,500	600
Distributions		0	5,000	1,500	5,000
Contributions		0	0	0	0
PE Investment VI
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value		80,400		80,400		86,300
Equity in Earnings(2)		2,700	2,300	8,900	2,300
Distributions		4,400	3,900	15,400	3,900
Contributions		200	300	700	300
PE Investment VII
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value		35,700		35,700		42,700
Equity in Earnings(2)		1,900	1,300	6,000	1,300
Distributions		4,800	8,900	13,100	8,800
Contributions		100	100	100	100
PE Investment IX
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value		136,000		136,000		174,600
Equity in Earnings(2)		7,500	0	24,100	0
Distributions		23,700	0	63,600	0
Contributions		300	0	900	0
PE Investment X
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value		125,900		125,900		141,400
Equity in Earnings(2)		5,300	0	16,700	0
Distributions		9,600	0	32,500	0
Contributions		100	0	300	0
PE Investment XI
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value		4,100		4,100		0
Equity in Earnings(2)		300	0	400	0
Distributions		0	0	1,300	0
Contributions		0	0	0	0
PE Investment XII
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value		2,800		2,800		0
Equity in Earnings(2)		100	0	300	0
Distributions		200	0	3,800	0
Contributions		0	0	100	0
PE Investment XIII
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value		308,100		308,100		0
Equity in Earnings(2)		13,700	0	18,900	0
Distributions		58,500	0	154,600	0
Contributions		600	0	2,700	0
PE Investment XIV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value		68,200		68,200		0
Equity in Earnings(2)		600	0	600	0
Distributions		27,500	0	27,500	0
Contributions		300	0	300	0
PE Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value		1,194,900		1,194,900		$ 962,000
Equity in Earnings(2)		55,100	37,000	155,700	99,000
Distributions		182,300	82,800	497,500	188,900
Contributions		$ 2,200	$ 1,300	$ 49,900	$ 6,500
PE investments, weighted average expected remaining life				1 year 8 months 12 days

[1] The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months ended September 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

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Segment Reporting (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting

The following tables present segment reporting for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Statement of Operations:															N-Star CDOs(1)
Three months ended September 30, 2015	U.S. Real Estate				European Real Estate				CRE Debt			CRE Securities			CRE Securities			Corporate				Consolidated Total
Rental and escalation income	$	194,269			$	41,319			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—			$	235,588
Hotel related income	219,427				—				—			—			—			—				219,427
Resident fee income	70,257				—				—			—			—			—				70,257
Net interest income on debt and securities	2,661			(2)	—				23,737			17,228			12,407			3,076			(3)	59,109
Other interest expense	113,351				14,558				—			—			—			13,323				141,232
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)	(52,137		)	(4)	(32,971		)	(5)	24,871			15,465			(5,160		)	(121,603		)	(6)	(171,535		)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	60,359				—				—			—			—			—				60,359
Income tax benefit (expense)	2,391				504				(154		)	(82		)	—			—				2,659
Income (loss) from continuing operations	10,613				(32,467		)		24,717			15,383			(5,160		)	(121,603		)		(108,517		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(11		)		—				—			—			—			—				(11		)
Net income (loss)	10,602				(32,467		)		24,717			15,383			(5,160		)	(121,603		)		(108,528		)

___________________________________

(1) Based on CDO financing transactions that were primarily collateralized by CRE securities and may include other types of investments. $1.3 million of collateral management fees were earned from CDO financing transactions for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015, of which $0.6 million were eliminated in consolidation. The eliminated amounts are recorded as other revenue in the Corporate segment and as an expense in the N-Star CDO segment.

(2) Primarily represents interest income earned from notes receivable on manufactured homes and interest income on loans in the Griffin-American portfolio.

(3) Represents income earned from CDO bonds repurchased at a discount, recognized using the effective interest method, that is eliminated in consolidation. The corresponding interest expense is recorded in net interest income in the N-Star CDOs segment.

(4) Primarily relates to transaction costs of $3.7 million and depreciation and amortization of $118.4 million.

(5) Primarily relates to depreciation and amortization of $18.8 million.

(6) Includes management fees to NSAM of $51.3 million.

Statement of Operations:												N-Star CDOs(1)
Three months ended September 30, 2014	U.S. Real Estate				European Real Estate			CRE Debt		CRE Securities		CRE Securities		Corporate				Consolidated Total
Rental and escalation income	$	86,236			$	135		$	—	$	—	$	277	$	—			$	86,648
Hotel related income	79,194				—			—		—		—		—				79,194
Resident fee income	25,027				—			—		—		—		—				25,027
Net interest income on debt and securities	1,223			(3)	—			37,541		24,748		14,424		—			(4)	77,936
Other interest expense	49,567				—			—		—		—		10,356				59,923
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)	(38,697		)	(5)	(4,244		)	35,224		34,196		7,203		(98,247		)		(64,565		)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	41,544				—					—		—		150				41,694
Income tax benefit (expense)	(3,460		)		—			—		—		—		—				(3,460		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(4,554		)		(4,244		)	39,315		34,196		7,203		(98,247		)		(26,331		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(278		)		—			—		—		—		—				(278		)
Net income (loss)	(4,832		)		(4,244		)	39,315		34,196		7,203		(98,247		)		(26,609		)

___________________________________

(1) Based on CDO financing transactions that were primarily collateralized by CRE securities and may include other types of investments. $1.3 million of collateral management fees were earned from CDO financing transactions for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2014, of which $0.6 million were eliminated in consolidation. The eliminated amounts are recorded as other revenue in the Corporate segment and as an expense in the N-Star CDO segment.

(2) Represents the consolidated statements of operations of NSAM reported in discontinued operations and includes an allocation of indirect expenses from the Company (refer to Note 9).

(3) Primarily represents interest income earned from notes receivable on manufactured homes.

(4) Represents income earned from CDO bonds repurchased at a discount, recognized using the effective interest method, that is eliminated in consolidation. The corresponding interest expense is recorded in net interest income in the N-Star CDOs segment.

(5) Includes depreciation and amortization of $51.3 million.

Statement of Operations:															N-Star CDOs(1)
Nine months ended September 30, 2015	U.S. Real Estate				European Real Estate				CRE Debt			CRE Securities			CRE Securities			Corporate				Consolidated Total
Rental and escalation income	$	538,385			$	75,195			$	—		$	—		$	302		$	—			$	613,882
Hotel related income	594,284				—				—			—			—			—				594,284
Resident fee income	199,463				—				—			—			—			—				199,463
Net interest income on debt and securities	7,589			(2)	—				79,061			49,671			35,723			8,255			(3)	180,299
Other interest expense	318,904				21,367				—			—			—			40,954				381,225
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)	(103,677		)	(4)	(141,300		)	(5)	80,652			87,827			(823		)	(303,838		)	(6)	(381,159		)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	171,738				—				—			—			—			—				171,738
Income tax benefit (expense)	(9,096		)		11,882				(382		)	(119		)	—			—				2,285
Income (loss) from continuing operations	58,965				(129,418		)		80,270			87,708			(823		)	(303,838		)		(207,136		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(11		)		—				—			—			—			—				(11		)
Net income (loss)	58,954				(129,418		)		80,270			87,708			(823		)	(303,838		)		(207,147		)

___________________________________

(1) Based on CDO financing transactions that were primarily collateralized by CRE securities and may include other types of investments. $4.1 million of collateral management fees were earned from CDO financing transactions for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, of which $1.8 million were eliminated in consolidation. The eliminated amounts are recorded as other revenue in the Corporate segment and as an expense in the N-Star CDO segment.

(2) Primarily represents interest income earned from notes receivable on manufactured homes and interest income on loans in the Griffin-American portfolio.

(3) Represents income earned from CDO bonds repurchased at a discount, recognized using the effective interest method, that is eliminated in consolidation. The corresponding interest expense is recorded in net interest income in the N-Star CDOs segment.

(4) Primarily relates to transaction costs of $22.9 million and depreciation and amortization of $338.8 million.

(5) Primarily relates to transaction costs of $127.2 million and depreciation and amortization of $35.0 million.

(6) Includes management fees to NSAM of $151.3 million.

Statement of Operations:												N-Star CDOs(1)
Nine months ended September 30, 2014	U.S. Real Estate				European Real Estate			CRE Debt		CRE Securities		CRE Securities			Corporate				Asset Management(2)			Consolidated Total
Rental and escalation income	$	231,664			$	135		$	—	$	—	$	950		$	—			$	—		$	232,749
Hotel related income	101,720				—			—		—		—			—				—			101,720
Resident fee income	40,087				—			—		—		—			—				—			40,087
Net interest income on debt and securities	3,589			(3)	—			104,955		64,001		44,740			8,808			(4)	—			226,093
Other interest expense	106,942				—			—		—		—			36,894				—			143,836
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)	(87,073		)	(5)	(4,244		)	100,267		72,284		(168,256		)	(217,598		)		—			(304,620		)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	106,813				—			2,644		—		—			173				—			109,630
Income tax benefit (expense)	(8,224		)		—			—		—		—			—				—			(8,224		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	6,014				(4,244		)	108,586		72,284		(168,256		)	(217,598		)		—			(203,214		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(915		)		—			—		—		—			—				(6,074		)	(6,989		)
Net income (loss)	5,099				(4,244		)	108,586		72,284		(168,256		)	(217,598		)		(6,074		)	(210,203		)

___________________________________

(1) Based on CDO financing transactions that were primarily collateralized by CRE securities and may include other types of investments. $4.5 million of collateral management fees were earned from CDO financing transactions for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, of which $2.0 million were eliminated in consolidation. The eliminated amounts are recorded as other revenue in the Corporate segment and as an expense in the N-Star CDO segment.

(2) Represents the consolidated statements of operations of NSAM reported in discontinued operations and includes an allocation of indirect expenses from the Company (refer to Note 9).

(3) Primarily represents interest income earned from notes receivable on manufactured homes.

(4) Represents income earned from CDO bonds repurchased at a discount, recognized using the effective interest method, that is eliminated in consolidation. The corresponding interest expense is recorded in net interest income in the N-Star CDOs segment.

(5) Includes depreciation and amortization of $110.4 million.

The following table presents total assets by segment as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

											N-Star CDOs(1)
Total Assets	U.S. Real Estate		European Real Estate		CRE Debt		Corporate		CRE Securities		CRE Securities		Consolidated Total
September 30, 2015	$	14,018,749	$	2,651,493	$	975,965	$	180,493	$	326,591	$	469,623	$	18,622,914
December 31, 2014	$	12,902,611	$	162,182	$	1,160,763	$	176,300	$	421,840	$	502,660	$	15,326,356

_____________________________________

(1) Based on CDO financing transactions that are primarily collateralized by CRE securities and may include other types of investments.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Accounting

Basis of Quarterly Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and note disclosures normally included in the consolidated financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included and are of a normal and recurring nature. The operating results presented for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Operating Partnership and their consolidated subsidiaries. The Company consolidates variable interest entities (“VIE”) where the Company is the primary beneficiary and voting interest entities which are generally majority owned or otherwise controlled by the Company. All significant intercompany balances are eliminated in consolidation.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities

A VIE is an entity that lacks one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A VIE is defined as an entity in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The determination of whether an entity is a VIE includes both a qualitative and quantitative analysis. The Company bases its qualitative analysis on its review of the design of the entity, its organizational structure including decision-making ability and relevant financial agreements and the quantitative analysis on the forecasted cash flow of the entity.

The Company reassesses its initial evaluation of an entity as a VIE upon the occurrence of certain reconsideration events.

A VIE must be consolidated only by its primary beneficiary, which is defined as the party who, along with its affiliates and agents has both the: (i) power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (ii) obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE or the right to receive the benefits from the VIE, which could be significant to the VIE. The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by considering qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: which activities most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and which party controls such activities; the amount and characteristics of its investment; the obligation or likelihood for the Company or other interests to provide financial support; consideration of the VIE’s purpose and design, including the risks the VIE was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders and the similarity with and significance to the business activities of the Company and the other interests. The Company reassesses its determination of whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE each reporting period. Significant judgments related to these determinations include estimates about the current and future fair value and performance of investments held by these VIEs and general market conditions.

The Company evaluates its CRE debt and securities, investments in unconsolidated ventures and securitization financing transactions, such as its collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) and its liabilities to subsidiary trusts issuing preferred securities (“junior subordinated notes”) to determine whether they are a VIE. The Company analyzes new investments and financings, as well as reconsideration events for existing investments and financings, which vary depending on type of investment or financing.

Voting Interest Entities

Voting Interest Entities

A voting interest entity is an entity in which the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable it to finance its activities independently and the equity holders have the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact its economic performance, the obligation to absorb the losses of the entity and the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. The usual condition for a controlling financial interest in a voting interest entity is ownership of a majority voting interest. If the Company has a majority voting interest in a voting interest entity, the entity will generally be consolidated. The Company does not consolidate a voting interest entity if there are substantive participating rights by other parties and/or kick-out rights by a single party.

The Company performs on-going reassessments of whether entities previously evaluated under the voting interest framework have become VIEs, based on certain events, and therefore subject to the VIE consolidation framework.

Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures

Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures

A non-controlling, unconsolidated ownership interest in an entity may be accounted for using the equity method, at fair value or the cost method.

Under the equity method, the investment is adjusted each period for capital contributions and distributions and its share of the entity’s net income (loss). Capital contributions, distributions and net income (loss) of such entities are recorded in accordance with the terms of the governing documents. An allocation of net income (loss) may differ from the stated ownership percentage interest in such entity as a result of a preferred return and allocation formula, if any, as described in such governing documents.

The Company may account for an investment in an unconsolidated entity at fair value by electing the fair value option. The Company elected the fair value option for its investments (directly or indirectly in joint ventures) that own limited partnership interests in real estate private equity funds (“PE Investments”) and certain investments in unconsolidated ventures (refer to Note 6). The Company records the change in fair value for its share of the projected future cash flow of such investments from one period to another in equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated ventures in the consolidated statements of operations. Any change in fair value attributed to market related assumptions is considered unrealized gain (loss).

The Company may account for an investment that does not qualify for equity method accounting or for which the fair value option was not elected using the cost method if the Company determines the investment in the unconsolidated entity is insignificant. Under the cost method, equity in earnings is recorded as dividends are received to the extent they are not considered a return of capital, which is recorded as a reduction of cost of the investment.

Non-controlling Interests

Non-controlling Interests

A non-controlling interest in a consolidated subsidiary is defined as the portion of the equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Company. A non-controlling interest is required to be presented as a separate component of equity on the consolidated balance sheets and presented separately as net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) attributable to controlling and non-controlling interests. An allocation to a non-controlling interest may differ from the stated ownership percentage interest in such entity as a result of a preferred return and allocation formula, if any, as described in such governing documents.

Estimates

Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that could affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates and assumptions.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified in the consolidated financial statements to conform to current period presentation.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company reports consolidated comprehensive income (loss) in separate statements following the consolidated statements of operations. Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity resulting from net income (loss) and OCI. The components of OCI principally include: (i) unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities available for sale for which the fair value option is not elected; (ii) the reclassification of unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities available for sale for which the fair value option was not elected to realized gain (loss) upon sale or realized event; (iii) the reclassification of unrealized gain (loss) to interest expense on derivative instruments that are or were deemed to be effective hedges; (iv) foreign currency translation adjustment; and (v) reclassification of foreign currency translation into realized gain (loss) on investments and other upon realized event.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash primarily consists of amounts related to operating real estate and CRE debt investments.

Fair Value Option

Fair Value Option

The fair value option provides an election that allows a company to irrevocably elect fair value for certain financial assets and liabilities on an instrument-by-instrument basis at initial recognition. The Company may elect to apply the fair value option for certain investments due to the nature of the instrument. Any change in fair value for assets and liabilities for which the election is made is recognized in earnings.

Operating Real Estate

Operating Real Estate

Operating real estate is carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Major replacements and betterments which improve or extend the life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their useful life. Operating real estate is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

The Company follows the purchase method for an acquisition of operating real estate, where the purchase price is allocated to tangible assets such as land, building, tenant and land improvements and other identified intangibles, such as goodwill.  Costs directly related to an acquisition deemed to be a business combination are expensed and included in transaction costs in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company evaluates whether real estate acquired in connection with a foreclosure, UCC/deed in lieu of foreclosure or a consentual modification of a loan (herein collectively referred to as taking title to collateral) (“REO”) constitutes a business and whether business combination accounting is appropriate. Any excess upon taking title to collateral between the carrying value of a loan over the estimated fair value of the property is charged to provision for loan losses.

Operating real estate, including REO, which has met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, is separately presented on the consolidated balance sheets. Such operating real estate is recorded at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value less the cost to sell. Once a property is determined to be held for sale, depreciation is no longer recorded.

Real Estate Debt Investments

Real Estate Debt Investments

CRE debt investments are generally intended to be held to maturity and, accordingly, are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan fees, premium, discount and unfunded commitments. CRE debt investments that are deemed to be impaired are carried at amortized cost less a loan loss reserve, if deemed appropriate, which approximates fair value. CRE debt investments where the Company does not have the intent to hold the loan for the foreseeable future or until its expected payoff are classified as held for sale and recorded at the lower of cost or estimated value.

Real Estate Securities

Real Estate Securities

The Company classifies its CRE securities investments as available for sale on the acquisition date, which are carried at fair value. The Company historically elected to apply the fair value option for its CRE securities investments. For those CRE securities for which the fair value option was elected, any unrealized gains (losses) from the change in fair value is recorded in unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company may decide to not elect the fair value option for certain CRE securities due to the nature of the particular instrument. For those CRE securities for which the fair value option was not elected, any unrealized gain (loss) from the change in fair value is recorded as a component of accumulated OCI in the consolidated statements of equity, to the extent impairment losses are considered temporary.

Deferred Costs

Deferred Costs

Deferred costs primarily include deferred financing costs and deferred lease costs. Deferred financing costs represent commitment fees, legal and other third-party costs associated with obtaining financing. These costs are amortized to interest expense over the term of the financing using either the effective interest method or straight-line method depending on the type of financing. Unamortized deferred financing costs are expensed when the associated borrowing is repaid before maturity. Costs incurred in seeking financing transactions, which do not close, are expensed in the period such financing transaction was terminated. Deferred lease costs consist of fees incurred to initiate and renew operating leases, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term and is recorded to depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of operations.

Identified Intangibles

Identified Intangibles

The Company records acquired identified intangibles, which includes intangible assets (such as value of the above-market leases, in-place leases, goodwill and other intangibles) and intangible liabilities (such as the value of below-market leases), based on estimated fair value. The value allocated to the above or below-market leases is amortized over the remaining lease term as a net adjustment to rental income. Other intangible assets are amortized into depreciation and amortization expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination and is not amortized. The Company performs an annual impairment test for goodwill and evaluates the recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be fully recoverable. In making such assessment, qualitative factors are used to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then an impairment charge is recorded.

Identified intangible assets are recorded in deferred costs and intangible assets and identified intangible liabilities are recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Operating Real Estate

Rental and escalation income from operating real estate is derived from leasing of space to various types of tenants and healthcare operators. The leases are for fixed terms of varying length and generally provide for annual rentals and expense reimbursements to be paid in monthly installments. Rental income from leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective leases. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases are included in unbilled rent receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. Escalation income represents revenue from tenant/operator leases which provide for the recovery of all or a portion of the operating expenses and real estate taxes paid by the Company on behalf of the respective property. This revenue is accrued in the same period as the expenses are incurred.

The Company generates operating income from healthcare and hotel properties permitted by the REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 (“RIDEA”). Revenue related to healthcare properties includes resident room and care charges and other resident charges. Revenue related to operating hotel properties primarily consists of room and food and beverage sales. Revenue is recognized when such services are provided, generally defined as the date upon which a resident or guest occupies a room or uses the healthcare property or hotel services and is recorded in resident fee income for healthcare properties and hotel related income for hotel properties in the consolidated statements of operations.

Real Estate Debt Investments

Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis and any related premium, discount, origination costs and fees are amortized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. The amortization is reflected as an adjustment to interest income in the consolidated statements of operations. The amortization of a premium or accretion of a discount is discontinued if such loan is reclassified to held for sale.

Real Estate Securities

Interest income is recognized using the effective interest method with any premium or discount amortized or accreted through earnings based on expected cash flow through the expected maturity date of the security. Changes to expected cash flow may result in a change to the yield which is then applied retrospectively for high-credit quality securities that cannot be prepaid or otherwise settled in such a way that the holder would not recover substantially all of the investment or prospectively for all other securities to recognize interest income.

Credit Losses and Impairment on Investments

Credit Losses and Impairment on Investments

Operating Real Estate

The Company’s real estate portfolio is reviewed on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as necessary, to assess whether there are any indicators that the value of its operating real estate may be impaired or that its carrying value may not be recoverable. A property’s value is considered impaired if the Company’s estimate of the aggregate expected future undiscounted cash flow to be generated by the property is less than the carrying value of the property. In conducting this review, the Company considers global macroeconomic factors and real estate sector conditions together with investment specific and other factors. To the extent an impairment has occurred, the loss is measured as the excess of the carrying value of the property over the estimated fair value of the property and recorded in impairment on operating real estate in the consolidated statements of operations.

An allowance for a doubtful account for a tenant/operator receivable is established based on a periodic review of aged receivables resulting from estimated losses due to the inability of tenant/operator to make required rent and other payments contractually due. Additionally, the Company establishes, on a current basis, an allowance for future tenant/operator/resident/guest credit losses on unbilled rent receivable based on an evaluation of the collectability of such amounts.

Real Estate Debt Investments

Loans are considered impaired when based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect principal and interest amounts due according to the contractual terms. The Company assesses the credit quality of the portfolio and adequacy of loan loss reserves on a quarterly basis or more frequently as necessary. Significant judgment of the Company is required in this analysis. The Company considers the estimated net recoverable value of the loan as well as other factors, including but not limited to the fair value of any collateral, the amount and the status of any senior debt, the quality and financial condition of the borrower and the competitive situation of the area where the underlying collateral is located. Because this determination is based on projections of future economic events, which are inherently subjective, the amount ultimately realized may differ materially from the carrying value as of the balance sheet date. If upon completion of the assessment, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral is less than the net carrying value of the loan, a loan loss reserve is recorded with a corresponding charge to provision for loan losses. The loan loss reserve for each loan is maintained at a level that is determined to be adequate by management to absorb probable losses.

Income recognition is suspended for a loan at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90-days past due or when, in the opinion of the Company, a full recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired loan is in doubt, all payments are applied to principal under the cost recovery method. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired loan is not in doubt, contractual interest is recorded as interest income when received, under the cash basis method until an accrual is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. A loan is written off when it is no longer realizable and/or legally discharged.

Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures

The Company reviews its investments in unconsolidated ventures for which the Company did not elect the fair value option on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as necessary, to assess whether there are any indicators that the value may be impaired or that its carrying value may not be recoverable. An investment is considered impaired if the projected net recoverable amount over the expected holding period is less than the carrying value. In conducting this review, the Company considers U.S. macroeconomic factors, including real estate sector conditions, together with asset specific and other factors. To the extent an impairment has occurred and is considered to be other than temporary, the loss is measured as the excess of the carrying value of the investment over the estimated fair value and recorded in provision for loss on equity investment in the consolidated statements of operations.

Real Estate Securities

CRE securities for which the fair value option is elected are not evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) as any change in fair value is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Realized losses on such securities are reclassified to realized gain (loss) on investments and other as losses occur.

CRE securities for which the fair value option is not elected are evaluated for OTTI quarterly. Impairment of a security is considered to be other-than-temporary when: (i) the holder has the intent to sell the impaired security; (ii) it is more likely than not the holder will be required to sell the security; or (iii) the holder does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost of the security. When a CRE security has been deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to (i) or (ii), the security is written down to its fair value and an OTTI is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. In the case of (iii), the security is written down to its fair value and the amount of OTTI is then bifurcated into: (a) the amount related to expected credit losses; and (b) the amount related to fair value adjustments in excess of expected credit losses. The portion of OTTI related to expected credit losses is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. The remaining OTTI related to the valuation adjustment is recognized as a component of accumulated OCI in the consolidated statements of equity. The portion of OTTI recognized through earnings is accreted back to the amortized cost basis of the security through interest income, while amounts recognized through OCI are amortized over the life of the security with no impact on earnings. CRE securities which are not high-credit quality are considered to have an OTTI if the security has an unrealized loss and there has been an adverse change in expected cash flow. The amount of OTTI is then bifurcated as discussed above.

Troubled Debt Restructuring

Troubled Debt Restructuring

CRE debt investments modified in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) are modifications granting a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties where a lender agrees to terms that are more favorable to the borrower than is otherwise available in the current market. Management judgment is necessary to determine whether a loan modification is considered a TDR. Troubled debt that is fully satisfied via taking title to collateral, repossession or other transfers of assets is generally included in the definition of TDR. Loans acquired as a pool with deteriorated credit quality that have been modified are not considered a TDR.

Equity-Based Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for equity-based compensation awards, including awards granted to co-employees, using the fair value method, which requires an estimate of fair value of the award. Awards may be based on a variety of measures such as time, performance, market or a combination thereof. For time-based awards, fair value is determined based on the stock price on the grant date. The Company recognizes compensation expense over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. For performance-based awards, fair value is determined based on the stock price at the date of grant and an estimate of the probable achievement of such measure. The Company recognizes compensation expense over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures, using the accelerated attribution expense method. For market-based measures, fair value is determined using a Monte Carlo analysis under a risk-neutral premise using a risk-free interest rate. The Company recognizes compensation expense, over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis. For awards with a combination of performance or market measures, the Company estimates the fair value as if it were two separate awards. First, the Company estimates the probability of achieving the performance measure. If it is not probable the performance condition will be met, the Company records the compensation expense based on the fair value of the market measure, as described above. This expense is recorded even if the market-based measure is never met. If the performance-based measure is subsequently estimated to be achieved, the Company records compensation expense based on the performance-based measure. The Company would then record a cumulative catch-up adjustment for any additional compensation expense.

Equity-based compensation issued to non-employees is accounted for using the fair value of the award at the earlier of the performance commitment date or performance completion date. The awards are remeasured every quarter based on the stock price as of the end of the reporting period until such awards vest, if any.

Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency

Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency for which the functional currency is a foreign currency are translated using the currency exchange rate in effect at the end of the period presented and the results of operations for such entities are translated into U.S. dollars using the average currency exchange rate in effect during the period. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated OCI in the consolidated statements of equity.

Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency for which the functional currency is the U.S. dollar are remeasured using the currency exchange rate in effect at the end of the period presented and the results of operations for such entities are remeasured into U.S. dollars using the average currency exchange rate in effect during the period. The resulting foreign currency remeasurement adjustment is recorded in unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other in the consolidated statements of operations.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

The Company’s basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common stock outstanding. Diluted EPS includes restricted stock and the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding restricted stock units (“RSUs”) or other contracts to issue common stock, assuming performance hurdles have been met, were converted to common stock (including limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership which are structured as profits interests (“LTIP Units”)) (refer to Note 11), where such exercise or conversion would result in a lower EPS. The dilutive effect of such RSUs and LTIP Units is calculated assuming all units are converted to common stock.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT and to comply with the related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the (“Code”). Accordingly, the Company generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent of its distributions to stockholders and as long as certain asset, income and share ownership tests are met. To maintain its qualification as a REIT, the Company must annually distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders and meet certain other requirements. The Company may also be subject to certain state, local and franchise taxes. Under certain circumstances, federal income and excise taxes may be due on its undistributed taxable income. If the Company were to fail to meet these requirements, it would be subject to U.S. federal income tax, which could have a material adverse impact on its results of operations and amounts available for distributions to its stockholders. The Company believes that all of the criteria to maintain the Company’s REIT qualification have been met for the applicable periods, but there can be no assurance that these criteria will continue to be met in subsequent periods.

The Company maintains various taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”) which may be subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes and foreign taxes. In general, a TRS of the Company may perform non-customary services for tenants, hold assets that the REIT cannot hold directly and may engage in most real estate or non-real estate-related business. The Company has established several TRSs in jurisdictions for which no taxes are assessed on corporate earnings. However, the Company generally must include in earnings the income from these TRSs even if it has received no cash distributions. Additionally, the Company has invested in certain real estate assets in Europe, for which local country level taxes will be due on earnings (or other measure) and in some cases withholding taxes for the repatriation of earnings back to the REIT. The REIT will not generally be subject to any additional U.S. taxes on the repatriation of its earnings.

Current and deferred taxes are recorded on the portion of earnings (losses) recognized by the Company with respect to its interest in TRSs and taxable foreign subsidiaries. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are calculated based on temporary differences between the Company’s U.S. GAAP consolidated financial statements and the federal, state, local and foreign tax basis of assets and liabilities as of the consolidated balance sheet date. The Company evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets (e.g., net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards) and recognizes a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. When evaluating the realizability of its deferred tax assets, the Company considers estimates of expected future taxable income, existing and projected book/tax differences, tax planning strategies available and the general and industry specific economic outlook. This realizability analysis is inherently subjective, as it requires the Company to forecast its business and general economic environment in future periods. Changes in estimate of deferred tax asset realizability, if any, are included in provision for income tax expense included in income tax benefit (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting update requiring a company to recognize as revenue the amount of consideration it expects to be entitled to in connection with the transfer of promised goods or services to customers.  The accounting standard update will replace most of the existing revenue recognition guidance currently promulgated by U.S. GAAP.  In July 2015, the FASB decided to delay the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year. The effective date of the new revenue standard for the Company will be January 1, 2018. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, of the update on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

In February 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance that changes the rules regarding consolidation. The pronouncement eliminates specialized guidance for limited partnerships and similar legal entities and removes the indefinite deferral for certain investment funds. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting update changing the presentation of financing costs in financial statements. Under the new guidance, an entity would present these costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related liability rather than as an asset.  Amortization of the costs would continue to be reported as interest expense.  The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

In September 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance that eliminates the requirement that an acquirer in a business combination account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively.  Under the new guidance, an acquirer will recognize a measurement-period adjustment during the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustment. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance in the third quarter 2015 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

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Subsequent Events

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events

Dividends

On November 3, 2015, the Company declared a dividend of $0.75 per share of common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split. The common stock dividend will be paid on November 20, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 16, 2015. On October 28, 2015, the Company declared a dividend of $0.54688 per share of Series A preferred stock, $0.51563 per share of Series B preferred stock, $0.55469 per share of Series C preferred stock, $0.53125 per share of Series D Preferred Stock and $0.54688 per share of Series E Preferred Stock. Dividends will be paid on all series of preferred stock on November 16, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 9, 2015.

Spin-off of European Real Estate Business

On October 31, 2015, the Company completed the NRE Spin-off into a separate publicly-traded REIT, NorthStar Europe, in the form of the NRE Distribution. In connection with the NRE Distribution, each of the Company’s common stockholders received shares of NorthStar Europe’s common stock on a one-for-six basis, before giving effect to the Reverse Split. The Company contributed to NorthStar Europe approximately $2.6 billion of European real estate, at cost (excluding the Company’s European healthcare properties), comprised of 52 properties spanning across some of Europe’s top markets and $250 million of cash. NSAM manages NorthStar Europe pursuant to a long-term management agreement, on substantially similar terms as the Company’s management agreement with NSAM. In connection with the NRE Spin-off, the Company’s management agreement with NSAM was amended and restated to, among other things, commensurately adjust the annual base management fee and incentive fee hurdles for the NRE Spin-off.

Reverse Stock Spit

On November 1, 2015, the Company completed a one-for-two reverse stock split.

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Real Estate Debt Investments - CRE Debt Investments (Details) $ in Thousands, £ in Millions	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($) loan	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) Investment loan	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) loan	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) loan	Sep. 30, 2015 GBP (£) loan	Dec. 31, 2014 GBP (£) loan
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Number (loans) | loan			46		46
Principal Amount		$ 1,006,570	$ 1,006,570		$ 1,187,316
Carrying Value		$ 965,719	$ 965,719		$ 1,067,667
Allocation by Investment Type		100.00%	100.00%		100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Floating Rate as % of Principal Amount		35.10%	35.10%		36.70%	35.10%	36.70%
Proceeds from collection of real estate debt investments			$ 0	$ 13,952
Cash requirement on future fundings		$ 9,300	9,300
Acquisition of real estate debt investments			72,950	$ 0
Notes receivable, net		$ 56,056	$ 56,056		$ 48,932
Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Number of loans excluded from weighted average calculations (loans) | loan		2	2		3	2	3
Face amount of mortgages excluded from weighted average calculations		$ 9,200	$ 9,200		$ 10,700
Impaired loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Notes receivable, net		43,443	43,443		700
Credit Facility
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying value served as collateral		$ 114,000	$ 114,000
Credit Facility | Securitization 2012-1
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying value served as collateral					35,800
Revolving loan/credit facility
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Line of credit facility amount outstanding					60,700
Revolving loan/credit facility | Credit Facility
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying value served as collateral					$ 140,600
Weighted Average
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Fixed Rate			12.23%		11.82%
Weighted Average Yield		10.03%	10.03%		11.85%	10.03%	11.85%
Weighted Average | LIBOR
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Spread Over LIBOR		6.96%	6.96%		8.65%	6.96%	8.65%
Debt instrument, term for basis spread on variable rate			1 month		1 month
First mortgage loans | Impaired loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value		$ 42,943	$ 42,943		$ 0
Notes receivable, net		43,443	43,443		$ 700
First mortgage loans | Impaired loans | Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Number (loans) | loan					1
Notes receivable, net		8,900	8,900		$ 5,700
First mortgage loans | Impaired loans | Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality, interest recognized on current rate
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Notes receivable, net					3,200
First mortgage loans | Weighted Average | Prime
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal Amount		5,800	$ 5,800		$ 6,200
Number of loans originated (loans) | loan			1		1
Mezzanine loans | Impaired loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Notes receivable, net		0	$ 0		$ 0
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE)
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Number (loans) | loan			37		37
Principal Amount		966,255	$ 966,255		$ 1,146,394
Carrying Value		$ 941,035	$ 941,035		$ 1,042,342
Allocation by Investment Type		96.00%	96.00%		96.50%	96.00%	96.50%
Floating Rate as % of Principal Amount		33.70%	33.70%		35.60%	33.70%	35.60%
Number of CRE debt investments purchased | Investment		4
Acquisition of real estate debt investments		$ 72,900
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | LIBOR
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal amount of the Company's CRE debt investments having weighted average LIBOR floor		$ 211,400	$ 211,400		$ 357,900
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | Weighted Average
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Fixed Rate			12.33%		11.89%
Weighted Average Yield		10.14%	10.14%		12.00%	10.14%	12.00%
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | Weighted Average | LIBOR
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Spread Over LIBOR		7.44%	7.44%		9.15%	7.44%	9.15%
LIBOR floor		0.58%	0.58%		0.84%	0.58%	0.84%
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | First mortgage loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Number (loans) | loan			15		13
Principal Amount		$ 392,186	$ 392,186		$ 434,671
Carrying Value		$ 365,052	$ 365,052		$ 313,590
Allocation by Investment Type		39.00%	39.00%		36.60%	39.00%	36.60%
Floating Rate as % of Principal Amount		64.10%	64.10%		57.20%	64.10%	57.20%
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | First mortgage loans | Option to purchase property securing loan
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Number (loans) | loan			3		3
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | First mortgage loans | Sterling
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal Amount | £						£ 66.7	£ 66.7
Carrying Value | £						£ 30.9	£ 16.1
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | First mortgage loans | Weighted Average
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Fixed Rate			10.54%		9.51%
Weighted Average Yield		6.75%	6.75%		9.34%	6.75%	9.34%
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | First mortgage loans | Weighted Average | LIBOR
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Spread Over LIBOR		6.32%	6.32%		6.66%	6.32%	6.66%
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | Mezzanine loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Number (loans) | loan			9		8
Principal Amount		$ 101,873	$ 101,873		$ 149,816
Carrying Value		$ 98,151	$ 98,151		$ 146,088
Allocation by Investment Type		10.10%	10.10%		12.60%	10.10%	12.60%
Floating Rate as % of Principal Amount		27.50%	27.50%		53.30%	27.50%	53.30%
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | Mezzanine loans | Weighted Average
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Fixed Rate			13.85%		13.79%
Weighted Average Yield		12.26%	12.26%		14.05%	12.26%	14.05%
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | Mezzanine loans | Weighted Average | LIBOR
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Spread Over LIBOR		11.72%	11.72%		13.83%	11.72%	13.83%
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | Subordinate interests
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Number (loans) | loan			5		8
Principal Amount		$ 170,600	$ 170,600		$ 201,564
Carrying Value		$ 170,040	$ 170,040		$ 200,237
Allocation by Investment Type		16.90%	16.90%		17.00%	16.90%	17.00%
Floating Rate as % of Principal Amount		27.50%	27.50%		40.70%	27.50%	40.70%
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | Subordinate interests | Preferred Equity Security
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Principal Amount					$ 112,000
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | Subordinate interests | Weighted Average
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Fixed Rate			13.11%		13.11%
Weighted Average Yield		12.48%	12.48%		13.01%	12.48%	13.01%
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | Subordinate interests | Weighted Average | LIBOR
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Spread Over LIBOR		10.93%	10.93%		12.33%	10.93%	12.33%
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | Corporate loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Number (loans) | loan			8		8
Principal Amount		$ 301,596	$ 301,596		$ 360,343
Carrying Value		$ 307,792	$ 307,792		$ 382,427
Allocation by Investment Type		30.00%	30.00%		30.30%	30.00%	30.30%
Floating Rate as % of Principal Amount		0.00%	0.00%		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | Corporate loans | Subsequent event
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Proceeds from collection of real estate debt investments	$ 136,600
Number of repaid loans | loan	2
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | Corporate loans | Revolving loan/credit facility
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Number (loans) | loan					4
Revolving loans, maximum borrowing capacity					$ 156,400
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | Corporate loans | Weighted Average
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Fixed Rate			12.44%		12.37%
Weighted Average Yield		12.19%	12.19%		12.99%	12.19%	12.99%
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | Corporate loans | Weighted Average | LIBOR
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Spread Over LIBOR		0.00%	0.00%		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) | Preferred equity investment | Subsequent event
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Proceeds from collection of real estate debt investments	$ 80,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Number (loans) | loan			9		9
Principal Amount		$ 40,315	$ 40,315		$ 40,922
Carrying Value		$ 24,684	$ 24,684		$ 25,325
Allocation by Investment Type		4.00%	4.00%		3.50%	4.00%	3.50%
Floating Rate as % of Principal Amount		66.90%	66.90%		65.90%	66.90%	65.90%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Weighted Average
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Fixed Rate			7.78%		7.73%
Weighted Average Yield		5.63%	5.63%		5.64%	5.63%	5.64%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Weighted Average | LIBOR
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Spread Over LIBOR		1.27%	1.27%		1.27%	1.27%	1.27%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | First mortgage loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Number (loans) | loan			2		2
Principal Amount		$ 26,957	$ 26,957		$ 26,957
Carrying Value		$ 11,360	$ 11,360		$ 11,360
Allocation by Investment Type		2.70%	2.70%		2.30%	2.70%	2.30%
Floating Rate as % of Principal Amount		100.00%	100.00%		100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | First mortgage loans | Weighted Average
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Fixed Rate			0.00%		0.00%
Weighted Average Yield		3.09%	3.09%		3.08%	3.09%	3.08%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | First mortgage loans | Weighted Average | LIBOR
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Spread Over LIBOR		1.27%	1.27%		1.27%	1.27%	1.27%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Mezzanine loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Number (loans) | loan			1		1
Principal Amount		$ 11,000	$ 11,000		$ 11,000
Carrying Value		$ 10,966	$ 10,966		$ 11,000
Allocation by Investment Type		1.10%	1.10%		0.90%	1.10%	0.90%
Floating Rate as % of Principal Amount		0.00%	0.00%		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Mezzanine loans | Weighted Average
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Fixed Rate			8.00%		8.00%
Weighted Average Yield		8.02%	8.02%		8.00%	8.02%	8.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Mezzanine loans | Weighted Average | LIBOR
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Spread Over LIBOR		0.00%	0.00%		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Corporate loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Number (loans) | loan			6		6
Principal Amount		$ 2,358	$ 2,358		$ 2,965
Carrying Value		$ 2,358	$ 2,358		$ 2,965
Allocation by Investment Type		0.20%	0.20%		0.30%	0.20%	0.30%
Floating Rate as % of Principal Amount		0.00%	0.00%		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Corporate loans | Weighted Average
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Fixed Rate			6.74%		6.74%
Weighted Average Yield		6.74%	6.74%		6.74%	6.74%	6.74%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Corporate loans | Weighted Average | LIBOR
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted Average Spread Over LIBOR		0.00%	0.00%		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

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Supplemental Disclosures of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Summary of non-cash investing and financing activities

The following table presents non-cash investing and financing activities for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014
Reclassification of operating real estate to assets held for sale	$	364,435	$	—
Reclassification of mortgage note payable to liabilities held for sale	273,360		—
Assumption of mortgage note payable upon purchase	273,023		870,871
Reclassification of operating real estate to deferred costs and intangible assets	216,345		132,197
Acquired assets and liabilities in connection with the New European Portfolio	49,942		—
Deferred purchase price for PE Investment XIV (refer to Note 5)	47,808		—
Escrow deposit payable related to CRE debt investments	42,996		50,360
Reduction of assets and liabilities held for sale via taking title	28,962		—
Reclassification of other assets to operating real estate	25,577		—
Non-controlling interests—reallocation of interest in Operating Partnership (refer to Note 13)	24,776		—
Conversion of Deferred LTIP Units to LTIP Units (refer to Note 13)	18,730		—
Retirement of shares of common stock	18,183		—
Conversion of exchangeable senior notes	13,590		310,463
Non-cash related to PE Investments	8,008		1,847
Dividends payable related to RSUs	3,283		1,143
Contribution from non-controlling interest	1,461		73,486
Exchangeable senior notes exchanged for 2014 Senior Notes (refer to Note 8)	—		296,382
PE Investment IX purchase price payable	—		186,454
Net assets distributed in NSAM Spin-off (refer to Note 9)	—		39,709
Conversion of LTIP Units (refer to Note 11)	—		18,611
Reclassification of CRE debt investment to held for sale	—		15,223
Reclassification of operating real estate to other assets	—		14,141
Issuance of common stock related to transactions	—		6,803

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following tables present the components of accumulated OCI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015	Cumulative Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities			Interest Rate Swap Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Earnings			Foreign Currency Translation			Total
Balance as of June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)	$	35,185		$	(1,208	)	$	26,031		$	60,008
Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale	(7,520		)	—			—			(7,520		)
Reclassification of unrealized (gain) loss on real estate securities, available for sale into realized gain (loss) on investments and other	(517		)	—			—			(517		)
Reclassification of swap (gain) loss into other interest expense (refer to Note 15)	—			223			—			223
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			—			2,094			2,094
Non-controlling interests	80			(2		)	380			458
Balance as of September 30, 2015 (Unaudited)	$	27,228		$	(987	)	$	28,505		$	54,746
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	56,072		$	(1,694	)	$	(4,838	)	$	49,540
Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale	(14,820		)	—			—			(14,820		)
Reclassification of unrealized (gain) loss on real estate securities, available for sale into realized gain (loss) on investments and other	(14,127		)	—			—			(14,127		)
Reclassification of swap (gain) loss into other interest expense (refer to Note 15)	—			711			—			711
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			—			32,818			32,818
Reclassification of foreign currency translation into realized gain (loss) on investments and other	—			—			697			697
Non-controlling interests	103			(4		)	(172		)	(73		)
Balance as of September 30, 2015 (Unaudited)	$	27,228		$	(987	)	$	28,505		$	54,746

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014	Cumulative Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities			Interest Rate Swap Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Earnings			Foreign Currency Translation			Total
Balance as of June 30, 2014 (Unaudited)	$	43,136		$	(2,151	)	$	—		$	40,985
Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale	15,887			—			—			15,887
Reclassification of unrealized (gain) loss on real estate securities, available for sale into realized gain (loss) on investments and other	3,044			—			—			3,044
Reclassification of swap (gain) loss into other interest expense (refer to Note 15)	—			228			—			228
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			—			(119		)	(119		)
Balance as of September 30, 2014 (Unaudited)	$	62,067		$	(1,923	)	$	(119	)	$	60,025
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(1,736	)	$	(2,598	)	$	—		$	(4,334	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale	62,790			—			—			62,790
Reclassification of unrealized (gain) loss on real estate securities, available for sale into realized gain (loss) on investments and other	2,077			—			—			2,077
Reclassification of swap (gain) loss into other interest expense (refer to Note 15)	—			685			—			685
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			—			(119		)	(119		)
Non-controlling interests	(1,064		)	(10		)	—			(1,074		)
Balance as of September 30, 2014 (Unaudited)	$	62,067		$	(1,923	)	$	(119	)	$	60,025

Schedule of Restricted Cash

The following table presents a summary of restricted cash as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(Unaudited)
Capital expenditures reserves	$	186,130	$	211,010
Operating real estate escrow reserves(1)	139,647		123,017
CRE debt escrow deposits	13,148		56,342
Cash in CDOs(2)	8,691		4,687
Total	$	347,616	$	395,056

__________________________________________________

(1) Primarily represents insurance, real estate tax, repair and maintenance, tenant security deposits and other escrows related to operating real estate.

(2) Represents proceeds from repayments and/or sales pending distribution.

Schedule of Deferred Costs and Intangible Assets

The following table presents a summary of deferred costs and intangible assets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(Unaudited)
Intangible assets:
In-place lease value, net	$	379,504	$	268,587
Above-market lease value, net	288,239		263,792
Goodwill	104,123		75,806
Other intangible assets, net	112,091		51,260
Subtotal intangible assets	883,957		659,445
Deferred financing costs, net	154,851		150,926
Other deferred costs, net	4,732		2,212
Total	$	1,043,540	$	812,583

Schedule of Other Assets and Other Liabilities

The following table presents a summary of other assets and other liabilities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(Unaudited)
Other assets:
Notes receivable, net	$	56,056	$	48,932
Investment-related reserves	41,219		23,086
Deferred tax assets	27,310		7,730
Prepaid expenses	25,472		27,595
Investment deposits and pending deal costs	13,741		62,867
Due from servicer	1,145		64,583
Other	9,028		6,493
Total	$	173,971	$	241,286
	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(Unaudited)
Other liabilities:
Intangible liabilities, net	$	186,750	$	176,528
PE Investments deferred purchase price (refer to Note 5)	84,061		39,759
Deferred tax liabilities	65,530		38,303
Prepaid rent and unearned revenue	35,576		17,668
Tenant security deposits	34,670		27,854
Other	11,875		4,733
Total	$	418,462	$	304,845

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Operating Real Estate (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Real Estate [Abstract]

Schedule of operating real estate

The following table presents operating real estate, net as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015 (Unaudited)			December 31, 2014
Land	$	2,066,221		$	1,490,613
Land improvements	1,072,130			1,070,507
Buildings and improvements	9,341,898			7,035,567
Building leasehold interests and improvements	589,490			591,626
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	362,175			286,340
Tenant improvements	233,887			159,159
Construction in progress	40,772			17,054
Subtotal	13,706,573			10,650,866
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(628,150		)	(349,574		)
Operating real estate, net	$	13,078,423		$	10,301,292

Schedule of real estate acquisitions

The following table summarizes the Company’s acquisitions for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 (dollars in millions):

Acquisition Date	Type	Description	Name	Purchase Price(1)		Properties	Financing		Equity		Ownership Interest			Transaction Costs
NorthStar Realty
February - March 2015	Office	Multi-tenant office	Legacy Properties	$	98.1	7	$	67.3	$	28.2	95	%		$	0.6
May 2015	Healthcare	Independent living facilities	ILF Portfolio	892.6		32	648.2		148.1		60	%	(2)	8.4
June 2015	Healthcare	Medical office building	Griffin-American Portfolio(3)	15.6		1	11.5		4.1		86	%	(2)	0.1
June 2015	Hotel	Upscale extended stay and premium branded select service	NE Portfolio	175.5		9	132.3		45.2		100	%		2.1
July 2015	Hotel	Upscale extended stay and premium branded select and full service	Miami Hotel Portfolio	154.2		3	115.5		38.7		100	%		1.5
NorthStar Europe(4)
April 2015	Office	Pan-European office	SEB Portfolio(5)	1,257.3		11	713.2		596.0		95	%	(6)	77.6
April 2015	Primarily Office	Pan-European office	Internos Portfolio(5)	209.9		12	101.7		126.2		100	%	(7)	18.9
April 2015	Primarily Office	Pan-European office	IVG Portfolio(5)	212.5		15	94.5		125.6		100	%	(7)	12.6
April 2015	Primarily Office	Pan-European office	Deka Portfolio(5)	92.3		10	52.4		47.1		100	%	(7)	7.4
July 2015	Office	Frankfurt office tower	Trianon Tower(5)	654.5		3	371.0		260.2		95	%	(6)	3.7

______________________________________

(1) Includes escrows and reserves and excludes transaction costs.

(2) NorthStar Healthcare Income, Inc. (“NorthStar Healthcare”), a sponsored company of NSAM, is the non-controlling interest holder of the remaining 40% of the ILF Portfolio and 14% of the Griffin-American Portfolio.

(3) Represents an additional acquisition related to the Griffin-American Portfolio.

(4) The Company’s new European investments in 2015 (“New European Portfolio”) were contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure.

(5) Translated using the currency exchange rate as of September 30, 2015.

(6) The Company is entitled to 100% of net income (loss) based on the allocation formula, as set forth in the governing documents.

(7) In October 2015, the Company entered into a joint venture arrangement with a third party for an approximate 5% ownership interest in all of the Deka Portfolio, $97 million of the Internos Portfolio and $24 million of the IVG Portfolio.

Schedule of recognized identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed

The following table presents the initial allocation of the purchase price of the assets acquired and the liabilities issued or assumed upon the closing of the following acquisitions: the New European Portfolio (excluding the U.K. Complex); Legacy Properties, the ILF Portfolio, an additional acquisition related to the Griffin-American Portfolio, NE Portfolio and Miami Hotel Portfolio (collectively referred to as “Other Portfolios”) that continue to be subject to refinement upon receipt of all information (dollars in thousands):

	New European Portfolio(4)		Other Portfolios
Assets:
Land and improvements	$	483,671	$	169,764
Buildings, leasehold interests and improvements	1,642,741		1,036,584
Acquired intangibles (1)	247,478		54,167
Other assets acquired	52,606		75,630
Total assets acquired	$	2,426,496	$	1,336,145
Liabilities:
Mortgage and other notes payable	$	1,332,866	$	974,715
Other liabilities assumed (2)	57,076		9,458
Total liabilities	1,389,942		984,173
Total NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. stockholders’ equity(3)	1,034,957		251,761
Non-controlling interests	1,597		100,211
Total equity	1,036,554		351,972
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,426,496	$	1,336,145

______________________________________

(1) Acquired intangibles include in-place leases, above-market leases and goodwill.

(2) Other liabilities assumed include below-market lease intangibles and deferred tax liabilities.

(3) Stockholders’ equity excludes transaction costs incurred in connection with the acquisitions.

(4) The New European Portfolio was contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure.

For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, the Company recorded aggregate revenue of $146.1 million and a net loss $137.8 million related to these acquisitions. Net loss is primarily related to transaction costs, depreciation and amortization.

The following table presents the final allocation of the purchase price of the assets acquired and liabilities issued and assumed upon the closing of the following portfolios (dollars in thousands):

	Hotel Portfolios(1)		U.K. Complex(2)
Assets:
Land and improvements	$	159,640	$	76
Buildings and improvements	635,668		55,449
Acquired intangibles	2,076		35,272
Other assets acquired	142,969		9,736
Total assets acquired	$	940,353	$	100,533
Liabilities:
Mortgage and other notes payable	$	723,682	$	78,515
Other liabilities assumed	4,625		737
Total liabilities	728,307		79,252
Total NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. stockholders’ equity	210,721		19,797
Non-controlling interests	1,325		1,484
Total equity	212,046		21,281
Total liabilities and equity	$	940,353	$	100,533

______________________________________

(1) Includes a $259.3 million hotel portfolio acquired in August 2014 (“K Partners Portfolio”) and a $681.0 million hotel portfolio acquired in September 2014 (“Courtyard Portfolio”).

(2) The U.K. Complex was contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure.

Pro Forma Information

The following presents unaudited consolidated pro forma results of operations based on the Company’s historical financial statements and adjusted for the following acquisitions: the New European Portfolio and the Other Portfolios and related borrowings as if they occurred on January 1, 2014. The unaudited pro forma amounts were prepared for comparable purposes only and are not indicative of what actual consolidated results of operations of the Company would have been, nor are they indicative of the consolidated results of operations in the future and exclude transaction costs (dollars in thousands, except per share data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Pro forma total revenues	$	593,640		$	367,023		$	1,745,893		$	895,402
Pro forma net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	(125,775	)	$	(47,471	)	$	(252,982	)	$	(265,002	)
Pro forma EPS - basic	$	(0.69	)	$	(0.47	)	$	(1.48	)	$	(2.97	)
Pro forma EPS - diluted	$	(0.69	)	$	(0.47	)	$	(1.48	)	$	(2.97	)

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	[1]	$ (207,147)	$ (210,203)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in (earnings) losses of PE Investments		(155,670)	(99,041)
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated ventures		(16,068)	(10,589)
Depreciation and amortization		375,208	112,496
Amortization of premium/accretion of discount on investments		(46,498)	(58,402)
Interest accretion on investments		(12,904)	(13,110)
Amortization of deferred financing costs		37,485	11,005
Amortization of equity-based compensation		23,161	33,256
Unrealized (gain) loss on investments and other		180,428	200,527
Realized (gain) loss on investments and other		(14,607)	61,770
(Gain) loss on deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs	[1]	0	31,423
Impairment from discontinued operations		0	543
Distributions from PE Investments (refer to Note 5)		155,670	99,041
Distributions from unconsolidated ventures		6,456	2,201
Distributions from equity investments		20,770	11,463
Amortization of capitalized above/below market leases		9,806	(255)
Straight line rental income, net		(26,842)	(3,627)
Deferred income taxes, net		(19,986)	0
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses, net	[1]	820	2,719
Allowance for uncollectible accounts		2,156	10,090
Other		804	0
Discount received		0	3,416
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash		(20,566)	(41,488)
Receivables		26,097	(20,914)
Receivables, related parties		1,357	7,086
Other assets		11,337	(24,507)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		17,377	59,554
Due to related party		4,593	40,518
Other liabilities		34,594	15,781
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		387,831	220,753
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of operating real estate		(3,227,505)	(2,482,416)
Improvements of operating real estate		(90,510)	(18,317)
Proceeds from sale of operating real estate		19,683	0
Deferred costs and intangible assets		(4,610)	(1,840)
Origination of or fundings for real estate debt investments		(68,799)	(276,630)
Acquisition of real estate debt investments		(72,950)	0
Proceeds from sale of real estate debt investments		0	13,952
Repayment on real estate debt investments		306,331	128,690
Investment in PE Investments		(552,395)	(179,750)
Distributions from PE Investments		353,129	133,367
Investment in unconsolidated ventures		(3,702)	(72,747)
Distributions from unconsolidated ventures		21,341	11,737
Acquisition of real estate securities, available for sale		(23,808)	(22,261)
Proceeds from the sale of real estate securities, available for sale		95,664	68,537
Repayment of real estate securities, available for sale		76,243	53,577
Change in restricted cash		11,070	(117,125)
Investment deposits and pending deal costs		(13,226)	(89,668)
Other assets		(15,747)	(37,457)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(3,189,791)	(2,888,351)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings from mortgage and other notes payable		2,097,089	1,514,882
Repayment of mortgage and other notes payable		(37,757)	(47,391)
Repayment of CDO bonds		(52,825)	(60,042)
Repurchase of CDO bonds		(20,491)	0
Repayment of securitization bonds payable		(41,831)	(20,831)
Borrowings from credit facilities		885,000	772,540
Repayment of credit facilities		(831,877)	(19,990)
Proceeds from NRE Senior Notes		340,000	0
Repayment of 2014 Senior Notes		0	(481,118)
Payment of financing costs		(106,191)	(38,820)
Purchase of derivative instruments		(29,666)	(741)
Change in restricted cash		302	2,351
Net proceeds from common stock offering		1,086,332	787,771
Net proceeds from preferred stock offering		0	241,766
Proceeds from dividend reinvestment plan		135	205
Spin-off of NSAM		0	(118,728)
Dividends		(479,968)	(327,095)
Contributions from non-controlling interests		116,393	27,346
Distributions to non-controlling interests		(29,397)	(9,329)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		2,895,248	2,222,776
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents		(4,218)	(277)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		89,070	(445,099)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period		296,964	635,990
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period		$ 386,034	$ 190,891

[1] The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months ended September 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

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Real Estate Debt Investments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net, (Investment Based Operations Presentation) [Abstract]

Schedule of CRE debt investments

The following table presents CRE debt investments as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

								Weighted Average(7)						Floating Rate as % of Principal Amount(6)
	Number	Principal Amount		Carrying Value		Allocation by Investment Type(6)		Fixed Rate		Spread Over LIBOR(8)		Yield(9)
Asset Type:
First mortgage loans(1)(2)	15	$	392,186	$	365,052	39.0	%	10.54	%	6.32	%	6.75	%	64.1	%
Mezzanine loans	9	101,873		98,151		10.1	%	13.85	%	11.72	%	12.26	%	27.5	%
Subordinate interests	5	170,600		170,040		16.9	%	13.11	%	10.93	%	12.48	%	27.5	%
Corporate loans(3)	8	301,596		307,792		30.0	%	12.44	%	—		12.19	%	—
Subtotal/Weighted average(4)(5)	37	966,255		941,035		96.0	%	12.33	%	7.44	%	10.14	%	33.7	%
CRE debt in N-Star CDOs
First mortgage loans	2	26,957		11,360		2.7	%	—		1.27	%	3.09	%	100.0	%
Mezzanine loans	1	11,000		10,966		1.1	%	8.00	%	—		8.02	%	—
Corporate loans	6	2,358		2,358		0.2	%	6.74	%	—		6.74	%	—
Subtotal/Weighted average	9	40,315		24,684		4.0	%	7.78	%	1.27	%	5.63	%	66.9	%
Total	46	$	1,006,570	$	965,719	100.0	%	12.23	%	6.96	%	10.03	%	35.1	%

____________________________________________________________

(1) Includes a Sterling denominated loan of £66.7 million, of which £30.9 million is outstanding as of September 30, 2015. This loan has various maturity dates depending upon the timing of advances; however, will be no later than March 2022.

(2) Includes three loans that pursuant to certain terms and conditions which may or may not be satisfied, where the Company has an option to purchase the properties securing these loans.

(3) In October 2015, RXR Realty repaid the preferred equity investment of $80.0 million, which was recorded at fair value, and two loans of $136.6 million principal amount.

(4) Certain CRE debt investments serve as collateral for financing transactions including carrying value of $114.0 million for credit facilities. The remainder is unleveraged. Assuming that all loans that have future fundings meet the terms to qualify for such funding, the Company’s cash requirement on future fundings would be $9.3 million.

(5) In September 2015, the Company purchased four CRE debt investments for $72.9 million from N-Star CDO IV, at fair value. Refer to Note 7 for further disclosure.

(6) Based on principal amount.

(7) Excludes two CRE debt investments with an aggregate principal amount of $9.2 million that were originated prior to 2008.

(8) $211.4 million principal amount (excluding CRE debt in N-Star CDOs) has a weighted average LIBOR floor of 0.58%. Includes one first mortgage loan with a principal amount of $5.8 million with a spread over the prime rate.

(9) Based on initial maturity and for floating-rate debt, calculated using one-month LIBOR as of September 30, 2015 and for CRE debt with a LIBOR floor, using such floor.

The following table presents CRE debt investments as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

								Weighted Average(8)						Floating Rate  as % of Principal Amount(7)
	Number	Principal Amount		Carrying Value		Allocation by Investment Type(7)		Fixed Rate		Spread Over LIBOR(9)		Yield(10)
Asset Type:
First mortgage loans(1)(2)(6)	13	$	434,671	$	313,590	36.6	%	9.51	%	6.66	%	9.34	%	57.2	%
Mezzanine loans	8	149,816		146,088		12.6	%	13.79	%	13.83	%	14.05	%	53.3	%
Subordinate interests	8	201,564		200,237		17.0	%	13.11	%	12.33	%	13.01	%	40.7	%
Corporate loans(3)(4)	8	360,343		382,427		30.3	%	12.37	%	—		12.99	%	—
Subtotal/Weighted average(5)	37	1,146,394		1,042,342		96.5	%	11.89	%	9.15	%	12.00	%	35.6	%
CRE debt in N-Star CDOs
First mortgage loans	2	26,957		11,360		2.3	%	—		1.27	%	3.08	%	100.0	%
Mezzanine loans	1	11,000		11,000		0.9	%	8.00	%	—		8.00	%	—
Corporate loans	6	2,965		2,965		0.3	%	6.74	%	—		6.74	%	—
Subtotal/Weighted average	9	40,922		25,325		3.5	%	7.73	%	1.27	%	5.64	%	65.9	%
Total	46	$	1,187,316	$	1,067,667	100.0	%	11.82	%	8.65	%	11.85	%	36.7	%

____________________________________________________________

(1) Includes a Sterling denominated loan of £66.7 million, of which £16.1 million is outstanding as of December 31, 2014. This loan has various maturity dates depending upon the timing of advances; however, will be no later than March 2022.

(2) Includes three loans that pursuant to certain terms and conditions which may or may not be satisfied, where the Company has an option to purchase the properties securing these loans.

(3) Includes $112.0 million of preferred equity investments for which the Company elected the fair value option.

(4) Includes four revolving loans of $156.4 million, of which $60.7 million is outstanding as of December 31, 2014.

(5) Certain CRE debt investments serve as collateral for financing transactions including carrying value of $35.8 million for Securitization 2012-1 and $140.6 million for credit facilities. The remainder is unleveraged.

(6) There are no loans on non-accrual status except for one first mortgage loan acquired with deteriorated credit quality with a carrying value of $5.7 million as of December 31, 2014. Certain loans have an accrual of interest at a specified rate that may be in addition to a current rate. Such loans represent an aggregate $3.2 million carrying value where the Company does not recognize interest income on the accrual rate but does recognize interest income based on the current rate.

(7) Based on principal amount.

(8) Excludes three CRE debt investments with an aggregate principal amount of $10.7 million that were originated prior to 2008.

(9) $357.9 million principal amount (excluding CRE debt in N-Star CDOs) has a weighted average LIBOR floor of 0.84%. Includes one first mortgage loan with a principal amount of $6.2 million with a spread over prime rate.

(10) Based on initial maturity and for floating-rate debt, calculated using one-month LIBOR as of December 31, 2014 and for CRE debt with a LIBOR floor, using such floor.

Schedule of maturities of CRE debt investments based on principal amount

The following table presents maturities of CRE debt investments based on principal amount as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

	Initial Maturity		Maturity Including Extensions(1)
October 1 to December 31, 2015(2)	$	367,917	$	357,959
Years ending December 31:
2016	317,152		129,282
2017	102,832		112,706
2018	2,076		184,976
2019	—		—
Thereafter	216,593		221,647
Total	$	1,006,570	$	1,006,570

____________________________________________________________

(1) Assumes that all debt with extension options will qualify for extension at such maturity according to the conditions stipulated in the governing documents.

(2) The Company had two non-performing loans (“NPLs”) with an aggregate principal amount of $42.4 million as of September 30, 2015 due to maturity defaults.

Schedule of activity in loan loss reserves on CRE debt investments

The following table presents activity in loan loss reserves on CRE debt investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014		2015			2014
Beginning balance	$	5,799		$	5,599	$	5,599		$	2,880
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses, net	—		(1)	—		200		(1)	2,719
Ending balance	$	5,799		$	5,599	$	5,799		$	5,599

____________________________________________________________

(1) Excludes $0.1 million and $0.7 million of provision for loan losses relating to manufactured housing notes receivables recorded in other assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

Schedule of the carrying value of CRE debt investments, by credit quality indicator

The following table presents the carrying value of CRE debt investments, by credit quality indicator, as of each applicable balance sheet date (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
Credit Quality Indicator:
Loans with no loan loss reserve:
First mortgage loans	$	332,969	$	324,251
Mezzanine loans	109,117		157,089
Subordinate interests	170,040		200,236
Corporate loans	310,150		385,391
Subtotal	922,276		1,066,967
Other loans with a loan loss reserve/non-accrual status:
First mortgage loans(1)	500		700
Mezzanine loans(2)	—		—
Subtotal	500		700
Non-performing loans	42,943		—
Total	$	965,719	$	1,067,667

____________________________________________________________

(1) Excludes two first mortgage loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality with a carrying value of $8.9 million and $5.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and manufactured housing notes receivables recorded in other assets.

(2) Includes one mezzanine loan with a 100% loan loss reserve with a principal amount of $3.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Such loan is not considered a NPL as debt service is currently being received.

Schedule of impaired loans

The following table presents impaired loans as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015							December 31, 2014
	Number	Principal Amount(1)		Carrying Value(1)		Loan Loss Reserve		Number	Principal Amount(1)		Carrying Value(1)		Loan Loss Reserve
Class of Debt:
First mortgage loans	3	$	44,904	$	43,443	$	2,033	1	$	2,533	$	700	$	1,833
Mezzanine loans	1	3,766		—		3,766		1	3,766		—		3,766
Total	4	$	48,670	$	43,443	$	5,799	2	$	6,299	$	700	$	5,599

____________________________________________________________

(1) Principal amount differs from carrying value primarily due to unamortized origination fees and costs, unamortized premium or discount and loan loss reserves included in the carrying value of the investment. Excludes two first mortgage loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality with an aggregate carrying value of $8.9 million and $5.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Summary of average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired

The following table presents average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015					September 30, 2014
	Number	Average Carrying Value		Quarter Ended Income		Number	Average Carrying Value		Quarter Ended Income
Class of Debt:
First mortgage loans	3	$	43,443	$	—	1	$	700	$	—
Mezzanine loans	1	—		—		1	—		2
Total/weighted average	4	$	43,443	$	—	2	$	700	$	2

The following table presents average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015					September 30, 2014
	Number	Average Carrying Value		Nine Months Ended Income		Number	Average Carrying Value		Nine Months Ended Income
Class of Debt:
First mortgage loans	3	$	43,443	$	2,946	1	$	1,241	$	—
Mezzanine loans	1	—		3		1	471		3
Total/weighted average	4	$	43,443	$	2,949	2	$	1,712	$	3

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Subsequent Events (Details)											3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Nov. 03, 2015 $ / shares	Nov. 01, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($) property	Oct. 28, 2015 $ / shares	Aug. 04, 2015 $ / shares	Jul. 31, 2015 $ / shares	May. 05, 2015 $ / shares	Apr. 29, 2015 $ / shares	Feb. 25, 2015 $ / shares	Jan. 30, 2015 $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015 $ / shares	[1],[2]	Sep. 30, 2014 $ / shares	[1],[2]	Sep. 30, 2015 $ / shares	[1],[2]	Sep. 30, 2014 $ / shares	[1],[2]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)					$ 0.80		$ 0.80		$ 0.80		$ 0.75		$ 0.80		$ 2.35		$ 2.80
Series A preferred stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share of preferred stock (in dollars per share)						$ 0.54688		$ 0.54688		$ 0.54688
Series B preferred stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share of preferred stock (in dollars per share)						0.51563		0.51563		0.51563
Series C preferred stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share of preferred stock (in dollars per share)						0.55469		0.55469		0.55469
Series D preferred stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share of preferred stock (in dollars per share)						0.53125		0.53125		0.53125
Series E preferred stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share of preferred stock (in dollars per share)						$ 0.54688		$ 0.54688		$ 0.54688
Subsequent event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock split, conversion ratio (one-for-two reverse split)		0.5
Subsequent event | Europe | NorthStar Realty Europe Corp. (NRE)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Spin-off, ratio of shares issued to stockholders (one-for-six ratio, in shares)			0.1667
Real estate acquisition | $			$ 2,600,000,000
Number of real estate properties contributed to spin-off | property			52
Real estate properties contributed, cash payment | $			$ 250,000,000
Subsequent event | Common Stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.75
Subsequent event | Preferred Stock | Series A preferred stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share of preferred stock (in dollars per share)				$ 0.54688
Subsequent event | Preferred Stock | Series B preferred stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share of preferred stock (in dollars per share)				0.51563
Subsequent event | Preferred Stock | Series C preferred stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share of preferred stock (in dollars per share)				0.55469
Subsequent event | Preferred Stock | Series D preferred stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share of preferred stock (in dollars per share)				0.53125
Subsequent event | Preferred Stock | Series E preferred stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share of preferred stock (in dollars per share)				$ 0.54688

[1] Adjusted for the one-for-two reverse stock split completed on November 1, 2015. Refer to Note 12. “Stockholders’ Equity” for additional disclosure. The dividend per share for the third quarter 2015 represents the first dividend declared subsequent to the NRE Spin-off.

[2] The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months ended September 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

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Fair Value (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of financial assets and liabilities accounted at fair value on recurring basis by level within fair value hierarchy

The following tables present financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 by level within the fair value hierarchy (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
PE Investments	$	—	$	—	$	1,194,946	$	1,194,946
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	—		—		206,626		206,626
Real estate securities, available for sale:
N-Star CDO bonds					201,684		201,684
N-Star CDO equity	—		—		61,465		61,465
CMBS and other securities	—		15,027		43,474		58,501
CRE securities in N-Star CDOs
CMBS	—		291,533		65,421		356,954
Third-party CDO notes	—		—		23,546		23,546
Agency debentures	—		38,029		—		38,029
Unsecured REIT debt	—		9,152		—		9,152
Trust preferred securities	—		—		5,580		5,580
Subtotal CRE securities in N-Star CDOs	—		338,714		94,547		433,261
Subtotal real estate securities, available for sale	—		353,741		401,170		754,911
Derivative assets	—		24,054		—		24,054
Total assets	$	—	$	377,795	$	1,802,742	$	2,180,537
Liabilities:
CDO bonds payable	$	—	$	—	$	343,553	$	343,553
Junior subordinated notes	—		—		184,679		184,679
Derivative liabilities	—		133,382		—		133,382
Total liabilities	$	—	$	133,382	$	528,232	$	661,614

_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

	December 31, 2014
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
PE Investments	$	—	$	—	$	962,038	$	962,038
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	—		—		276,437		276,437
Real estate securities, available for sale:
N-Star CDO bonds	—		—		262,309		262,309
N-Star CDO equity	—		—		102,467		102,467
CMBS and other securities	—		17,243		34,680		51,923
CRE securities in N-Star CDOs
CMBS	—		329,815		53,052		382,867
Third-party CDO notes	—		—		23,218		23,218
Agency debentures	—		40,529		—		40,529
Unsecured REIT debt	—		9,351		—		9,351
Trust preferred securities	—		—		5,850		5,850
Subtotal CRE securities in N-Star CDOs	—		379,695		82,120		461,815
Subtotal real estate securities, available for sale	—		396,938		481,576		878,514
Derivative assets	—		3,247		—		3,247
Total assets	$	—	$	400,185	$	1,720,051	$	2,120,236
Liabilities:
CDO bonds payable	$	—	$	—	$	390,068	$	390,068
Junior subordinated notes	—		—		215,172		215,172
Derivative liabilities	—		17,915		—		17,915
Total liabilities	$	—	$	17,915	$	605,240	$	623,155

_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

Schedule of additional information about the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

The following table presents the changes in fair value of financial assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs to determine fair value for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
	PE Investments			Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures(1)			Real Estate Securities			CDO Bonds Payable			Junior Subordinated Notes
January 1, 2015	$	962,038		$	276,437		$	481,576		$	390,068		$	215,172
Transfers into Level 3(2)	—			—			12,136			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3(2)	—			—			(3,052		)	—			—
Purchases / borrowings / amortization / contributions	597,250			(301		)	66,401			(20,491		)	—
Sales	—			—			(77,230		)	—			—
Paydowns / distributions	(497,515		)	(40,870		)	(93,638		)	(52,825		)	—
Gains:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures	155,670			16,068			—			—			—
Unrealized gains included in earnings	—			—			76,936			—			(30,493		)
Realized gains included in earnings	—			—			20,521			—			—
Unrealized gain on real estate securities, available for sale included in OCI	—			—			254			—			—
Losses:
Unrealized losses included in earnings	(22,497		)	(44,708		)	(51,580		)	23,572			—
Realized losses included in earnings	—			—			(1,950		)	3,229			—
Unrealized losses on real estate securities, available for sale included in OCI	—			—			(29,204		)	—			—
September 30, 2015	$	1,194,946		$	206,626		$	401,170		$	343,553		$	184,679
Gains (losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets or liabilities still held.	$	(22,497	)	$	(44,708	)	$	25,356		$	(23,572	)	$	30,493

____________________________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 represent a fair value measurement from a third-party pricing service or broker quotations that have become more or less observable during the period. Transfers are assumed to occur at the beginning of the year.

The following table presents the changes in fair value of financial assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs to determine fair value for the year ended December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	PE Investments			Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures(1)			Real Estate Securities			CDO Bonds Payable			Junior Subordinated Notes
January 1, 2014	$	586,018		$	192,419		$	484,840		$	384,183		$	201,203
Transfers into Level 3(2)	—			—			17,513			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3(2)	—			—			—			—			—
Purchases / borrowings / amortization / contributions	548,961			84,206			64,104			(15,320		)	—
Sales	—			—			(65,504		)	—			—
Paydowns / distributions	(339,598		)	(2,507		)	(48,511		)	(87,859		)	—
Gains:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures	134,036			10,494			—			—			—
Unrealized gains included in earnings	32,621			—			44,308			—			—
Realized gains included in earnings	—			—			15,626			—			—
Unrealized gain on real estate securities, available for sale included in OCI	—			—			61,045			—			—
Deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs(3)	—			—			873			(122,486		)	—
Losses:
Unrealized losses included in earnings	—			(8,175		)	(64,977		)	217,608			13,969
Realized losses included in earnings	—			—			(3,152		)	13,942			—
Unrealized losses on real estate securities, available for sale included in OCI	—			—			(3,519		)	—			—
Deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs(3)	—			—			(21,070		)	—			—
December 31, 2014	$	962,038		$	276,437		$	481,576		$	390,068		$	215,172
Gains (losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets or liabilities still held.	$	32,621		$	(8,175	)	$	(37,487	)	$	(217,608	)	$	(13,969	)

____________________________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 represent a fair value measurement from a third-party pricing service or broker quotations that have become more or less observable during the period. Transfers are assumed to occur at the beginning of the year.

(3) Represents amounts recorded as a result of the deconsolidation of certain N-Star CDOs. Refer to Note 17 for further disclosure.

Schedule of Level 3 fair value measurements, quantitative information

For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, quantitative information about the Company’s remaining Level 3 fair value measurements on a recurring basis are as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Key Unobservable Inputs(2)	Weighted Average
PE Investments	$	1,194,946	Discounted Cash Flow Model	Discount Rate	17%
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	$	206,626	Discounted Cash Flow Model/Credit Spread	Discount Rate/Credit Spread	14%
N-Star CDO equity	$	61,465	Discounted Cash Flow Model	Discount Rate	18%

_________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) Includes timing and amount of expected future cash flow.

Schedule of fair value of financial instruments for which the fair value option was elected

The following table presents the fair value of financial instruments for which the fair value option was elected as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
Assets:
PE Investments	$	1,194,946	$	962,038
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	206,626		276,437
Real estate securities, available for sale:(2)
N-Star CDO equity	61,465		102,467
CMBS and other securities	48,715		42,613
CRE securities in N-Star CDOs
CMBS	356,954		382,867
Third-party CDO notes	23,546		23,218
Agency debentures	38,029		40,529
Unsecured REIT debt	9,152		9,351
Trust preferred securities	5,580		5,850
Subtotal CRE securities in N-Star CDOs	433,261		461,815
Subtotal real estate securities, available for sale	543,441		606,895
Total assets	$	1,945,013	$	1,845,370
Liabilities:
CDO bonds payable	$	343,553	$	390,068
Junior subordinated notes	184,679		215,172
Total liabilities	$	528,232	$	605,240

___________________________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) September 30, 2015 excludes 28 CRE securities including $201.7 million of N-Star CDO bonds and $9.8 million of CRE securities, for which the fair value option was not elected. December 31, 2014 excludes 34 CRE securities including $262.3 million of N-Star CDO bonds and $9.3 million of CRE securities, for which the fair value option was not elected.

Schedule of change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities in the consolidated statements of operations

The following table presents unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other related to the change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale(1)	$	(8,805	)	$	(6,667	)	$	13,252		$	3,671
PE Investments(1)	(9,148		)	—			(22,497		)	—
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	(30,446		)	—			(39,789		)	—
Foreign currency remeasurement(2)	(6,850		)	(2,927		)	(13,029		)	(3,727		)
Liabilities:
CDO bonds payable(1)	(9,998		)	(8,397		)	(23,572		)	(190,176		)
Junior subordinated notes(1)	22,576			2,193			30,493			(18,050		)
Subtotal unrealized gain (loss), excluding derivatives	(42,671		)	(15,798		)	(55,142		)	(208,282		)
Derivatives	(95,641		)	3,523			(125,286		)	7,755
Subtotal unrealized gain (loss)	(138,312		)	(12,275		)	(180,428		)	(200,527		)
Net cash payments on derivatives (refer to Note 15)	(2,931		)	(3,102		)	(8,989		)	(13,795		)
Total	$	(141,243	)	$	(15,377	)	$	(189,417	)	$	(214,322	)

____________________________________________________________

(1) Represents financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) Represents foreign currency remeasurement on investments, cash and deposits primarily denominated in Euros.

Schedule of principal amount, carrying value and fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities

The following table presents the principal amount, carrying value and fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015						December 31, 2014
	Principal / Notional Amount		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Principal / Notional Amount		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Financial assets:(1)
Real estate debt investments, net	$	1,006,570	$	965,719	$	964,873	$	1,187,316	$	1,067,667	$	1,066,911
Real estate securities, available for sale(2)	1,312,875		754,911		754,911		1,532,891		878,514		878,514
Derivative assets(2)(3)	5,551,398		24,054		24,054		3,848,859		3,247		3,247
Financial liabilities:(1)
Mortgage and other notes payable	$	10,648,530	$	10,596,175	$	10,622,650	$	8,531,285	$	8,535,863	$	8,539,363
Credit facilities	785,903		785,903		785,903		732,780		732,780		732,780
NRE Senior notes	340,000		340,000		333,200		—		—		—
CDO bonds payable(2)(4)	480,734		343,553		343,553		560,959		390,068		390,068
Securitization bonds payable	—		—		—		41,831		41,823		41,929
Exchangeable senior notes	31,360		29,374		50,121		45,588		41,762		82,443
Junior subordinated notes(2)(4)	280,117		184,679		184,679		280,117		215,172		215,172
Derivative liabilities(2)(3)	2,451,743		133,382		133,382		318,726		17,915		17,915
Borrowings of properties held for sale	249,777		249,777		246,527		N/A		N/A		N/A

____________________________________________________________

(1) The fair value of other financial instruments not included in this table is estimated to approximate their carrying value.

(2) Refer to “Determination of Fair Value” above for disclosures of methodologies used to determine fair value.

(3) Derivative assets and liabilities exclude timing swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $28.0 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

(4) The fair value option has been elected for these liabilities.

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Operating Real Estate - Acquisitions (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended				2 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015 USD ($) property	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($) property	May. 31, 2015 USD ($) property	Apr. 30, 2015 USD ($) property	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($) property	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Legacy Properties
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price					$ 98.1
Properties | property					7
Financing					$ 67.3
Equity					$ 28.2
Ownership Interest						95.00%
Transaction Costs						$ 0.6
ILF Portfolio
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price			$ 892.6
Properties | property			32
Financing			$ 648.2
Equity			$ 148.1
Ownership Interest						60.00%
Transaction Costs						$ 8.4
NorthStar Healthcare, non-controlling ownership interest						40.00%
Griffin-American Portfolio
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price		$ 15.6
Properties | property		1
Financing		$ 11.5
Equity		4.1
Ownership Interest						86.00%
Transaction Costs						$ 0.1
NorthStar Healthcare, non-controlling ownership interest						14.00%
NE Portfolio
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price		$ 175.5
Properties | property		9
Financing		$ 132.3
Equity		$ 45.2
Ownership Interest						100.00%
Transaction Costs						$ 2.1
Miami Hotel Portfolio
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price	$ 154.2
Properties | property	3
Financing	$ 115.5
Equity	38.7
Ownership Interest						100.00%
Transaction Costs						$ 1.5
SEB Portfolio
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price				$ 1,257.3
Properties | property				11
Financing				$ 713.2
Equity				596.0
Ownership Interest						95.00%
Transaction Costs						$ 77.6
Parent's percentage allocation of net income (loss)						100.00%
Internos Portfolio
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price				$ 209.9
Properties | property				12
Financing				$ 101.7
Equity				126.2
Ownership Interest						100.00%
Transaction Costs						$ 18.9
Real estate investment, joint venture						$ 97.0
IVG Portfolio
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price				$ 212.5
Properties | property				15
Financing				$ 94.5
Equity				125.6
Ownership Interest						100.00%
Transaction Costs						$ 12.6
Real estate investment, joint venture						$ 24.0
Deka Portfolio
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price				$ 92.3
Properties | property				10
Financing				$ 52.4
Equity				$ 47.1
Ownership Interest						100.00%
Transaction Costs						$ 7.4
Joint venture ownership interest						5.00%
Trianon Tower
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price	$ 654.5
Properties | property	3
Financing	$ 371.0
Equity	$ 260.2
Ownership Interest						95.00%
Transaction Costs						$ 3.7

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Stockholders' Equity (Details)											1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
		Nov. 03, 2015 $ / shares	Nov. 01, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) shares	Aug. 04, 2015 $ / shares	Jul. 31, 2015 $ / shares	May. 05, 2015 $ / shares	Apr. 29, 2015 $ / shares	Feb. 25, 2015 $ / shares	Jan. 30, 2015 $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) shares	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Feb. 28, 2015 USD ($) shares	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) $ / shares shares		Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares shares		Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) $ / shares shares		Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares shares		Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) shares		Nov. 05, 2015 USD ($) shares	Jan. 01, 2012 shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | $																		$ 1,086,332,000		$ 787,771,000
DRP
Gross proceeds from shares issued pursuant to the DRP | $																		$ 135,000				$ 240,000
Dividends
Dividends per share of common stock (in dollars per share) | $ / shares					$ 0.80		$ 0.80		$ 0.80					$ 0.75	[1],[2]	$ 0.80	[1],[2]	$ 2.35	[1],[2]	$ 2.80	[1],[2]
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. common stockholders | $	[2]													$ (126,111,000)		$ (46,525,000)		$ (255,215,000)		$ (255,052,000)
Net income (loss) attributable to LTIP Units non-controlling interest | $														(1,301,000)		0		(2,370,000)		(5,296,000)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders and LTIP Units | $														$ (127,412,000)		$ (46,525,000)		$ (257,585,000)		$ (260,348,000)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares of common stock (shares)	[1],[2]													182,343,301		100,213,445		171,137,667		89,260,193
Weighted average LTIP Units (in shares)														1,844,223		0		1,337,822		1,374,498
Weighted average shares of common stock and LTIP Units	[1],[2]													184,187,524		100,213,445		172,475,489		90,634,691
Earnings Per Share
Basic (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	[1],[2]													$ (0.69)		$ (0.46)		$ (1.49)		$ (2.86)
Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	[1],[2]													$ (0.69)		$ (0.46)		$ (1.49)		$ (2.86)
LTIP Units
Earnings Per Share
LTIP units, common shares issued upon conversion																		1
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP)
DRP
Number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under DRP (shares)																									3,569,962
Common shares issued pursuant to the DRP (shares)																		4,018
Gross proceeds from shares issued pursuant to the DRP | $																		$ 100,000
Series A preferred stock
Dividends
Dividends declared per share of preferred stock (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 0.54688		$ 0.54688		$ 0.54688
Series B preferred stock
Dividends
Dividends declared per share of preferred stock (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						0.51563		0.51563		0.51563
Series C preferred stock
Dividends
Dividends declared per share of preferred stock (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						0.55469		0.55469		0.55469
Series D preferred stock
Dividends
Dividends declared per share of preferred stock (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						0.53125		0.53125		0.53125
Series E preferred stock
Dividends
Dividends declared per share of preferred stock (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 0.54688		$ 0.54688		$ 0.54688
Subsequent event
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock split, conversion ratio (one-for-two reverse split)			0.5
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
New stock issued during period (shares)				21,400,000								6,000,000	3,500,000					30,875,000	[3]			27,625,000	[3]
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | $				$ 747,000,000								$ 217,100,000	$ 122,200,000
Shares issued (in dollars per share) | $ / shares												$ 37.30
Forward sale agreement, shares authorized for issuance												28,500,000
Forward sale agreement indexed to Company's stock, forward rate multiple												99.50%
Forward sale agreement indexed to Company's stock, forward rate (in dollars per share) | $ / shares												$ 36.28
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount | $				$ 500,000,000							$ 500,000,000			$ 500,000,000				$ 500,000,000
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares											700,000.0
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value | $											$ 18,200,000
DRP
Common shares issued pursuant to the DRP (shares)	[3]																	4,000				4,000
Gross proceeds from shares issued pursuant to the DRP | $	[3]																	$ 0				$ 0
Common Stock | Subsequent event
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Forward sale agreement, remaining authorized shares available for issuance (shares)																								7,100,000
Forward sale agreement, remaining authorized shares available for issuance, aggregate net proceeds | $																								$ 239,900,000
Dividends
Dividends per share of common stock (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.75

[1] Adjusted for the one-for-two reverse stock split completed on November 1, 2015. Refer to Note 12. “Stockholders’ Equity” for additional disclosure. The dividend per share for the third quarter 2015 represents the first dividend declared subsequent to the NRE Spin-off.

[2] The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months ended September 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

[3] Adjusted for the one-for-two reverse stock split completed on November 1, 2015. Refer to Note 12. “Stockholders’ Equity” for additional disclosure.

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 386,034	$ 296,964
Restricted cash		347,616	395,056
Operating real estate, net		13,078,423	10,301,292
Real estate debt investments, net		965,719	1,067,667
Investments in private equity funds, at fair value		1,194,946	962,038
Investments in unconsolidated ventures		154,936	207,777
Real estate securities, available for sale		754,911	878,514
Receivables, net of allowance of $3,569 and $2,020 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively		81,072	111,358
Receivables, related parties		1,801	3,158
Unbilled rent receivable, net of allowance of $116 and $4,037 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively		43,176	16,404
Derivative assets, at fair value		24,054	3,247
Deferred costs and intangible assets, net		1,043,540	812,583
Assets of properties held for sale		372,715	29,012
Other assets		173,971	241,286
Total assets	[1]	18,622,914	15,326,356
Liabilities
Mortgage and other notes payable		10,596,175	8,535,863
Credit facilities		785,903	732,780
Senior notes		340,000	0
CDO bonds payable, at fair value		343,553	390,068
Securitization bonds payable		0	41,823
Exchangeable senior notes		29,374	41,762
Junior subordinated notes, at fair value		184,679	215,172
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		227,444	188,330
Due to related party		52,023	47,430
Escrow deposits payable		17,377	67,750
Derivative liabilities, at fair value		133,382	17,915
Liabilities of properties held for sale		273,360	28,962
Other liabilities		418,462	304,845
Total liabilities	[2]	$ 13,401,732	$ 10,612,700
Commitments and contingencies
NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $986,640 aggregate liquidation preference as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014		$ 939,118	$ 939,118
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 181,838,809 and 150,842,021 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively(3)	[3]	1,818	1,508
Additional paid-in capital		5,879,680	4,828,928
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)		(2,095,339)	(1,422,399)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		54,746	49,540
Total NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. stockholders’ equity		4,780,023	4,396,695
Non-controlling interests		441,159	316,961
Total equity		5,221,182	4,713,656
Total liabilities and equity		18,622,914	15,326,356
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Assets
Restricted cash		8,711	4,601
Operating real estate, net		0	7,137
Real estate debt investments, net		24,684	25,325
Real estate securities, available for sale		433,861	463,050
Receivables, net of allowance of $3,569 and $2,020 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively		1,919	2,304
Other assets		446	242
Total assets		469,621	502,659
Liabilities
CDO bonds payable, at fair value		343,553	390,068
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		1,309	1,761
Derivative liabilities, at fair value		10,389	17,707
Other liabilities		856	1,784
Total liabilities		$ 356,107	$ 411,320

[1] Assets of consolidated VIEs included in the total assets above: •Restricted cash: September 30, 2015 $8,711 ; December 31, 2014: $4,601 •Operating real estate, net: September 30, 2015: $0 ; December 31, 2014: $7,137 •Real estate debt investments, net: September 30, 2015: $24,684 ; December 31, 2014: $25,325 •Real estate securities, available for sale: September 30, 2015: $433,861 ; December 31, 2014: $463,050 •Receivables, net of allowance: September 30, 2015: $1,919 ; December 31, 2014: $2,304•Other assets: September 30, 2015: $446 ; December 31, 2014: $242 •Total assets of consolidated VIEs: September 30, 2015: $469,621 ; December 31, 2014: $502,659

[2] Liabilities of consolidated VIEs included in the total liabilities above:•CDO bonds payable at fair value: September 30, 2015 $343,553 ; December 31, 2014: $390,068 •Accounts payable and accrued expenses: September 30, 2015 $1,309 ; December 31, 2014: $1,761 •Derivative liabilities, at fair value: September 30, 2015 $10,389 ; December 31, 2014: $17,707 •Other liabilities: September 30, 2015 $856 ; December 31, 2014: $1,784 •Total liabilities of consolidated VIEs: September 30, 2015 $356,107 ; December 31, 2014: $411,320

[3] Adjusted for the one-for-two reverse stock split completed on November 1, 2015. Refer to Note 12. “Stockholders’ Equity” for additional disclosure.

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Business and Organization - Narrative (Details) - Subsequent event	Nov. 01, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($) property
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Stock split, conversion ratio (one-for-two reverse split)	0.5
NorthStar Realty Europe Corp. (NRE) | Europe
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Spin-off, ratio of shares issued to stockholders (one-for-six ratio, in shares)		0.1667
Real estate acquisition		$ 2,600,000,000
Number of real estate properties contributed to spin-off | property		52
Real estate properties contributed, cash payment		$ 250,000,000

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		Total		Preferred Stock	Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total NorthStar Stockholders’ Equity	Non-controlling Interests
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013				29,466	77,202	[1]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013		$ 2,697,463		$ 697,352	$ 772	[1]	$ 2,650,222	[1]	$ (685,936)	$ (4,334)	$ 2,658,076	$ 39,387
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net proceeds from offering of common stock (in shares)	[1]				27,625
Net proceeds from offering of common stock		1,191,306			$ 276	[1]	1,191,030	[1]			1,191,306
Net proceeds from offering of preferred stock (in shares)				10,000
Net proceeds from offering of preferred stock		241,766		$ 241,766							241,766
Common stock related to transactions (in shares)	[1]				30,854
Common stock related to transactions		1,082,730			$ 308	[1]	1,082,422	[1]			1,082,730
Issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of warrants (in shares)	[1]				399
Issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of warrants		16			$ 4	[1]	12	[1]			16
Non-controlling interests—contributions		321,455										321,455
Non-controlling interests—distributions		(13,593)										(13,593)
Dividend reinvestment plan (in shares)	[1]				4
Dividend reinvestment plan		240			$ 0	[1]	240	[1]			240
Amortization of equity-based compensation		37,375					21,053	[1]			21,053	16,322
Equity component of exchangeable senior notes		(296,382)					(296,382)	[1]			(296,382)
Conversion of exchangeable senior notes (in shares)	[1]				12,454
Conversion of exchangeable senior notes		320,305			$ 125	[1]	320,180	[1]			320,305
Other comprehensive income (loss)		54,632								53,874	53,874	758
Conversion of Old LTIP Units (in shares)	[1]				2,304
Conversion of LTIP Units		0			$ 23	[1]	18,588	[1]			18,611	(18,611)
Spin-off of NSAM		(158,437)					(158,437)	[1]			(158,437)
Dividends on common stock and equity-based awards		(370,834)							(364,956)		(364,956)	(5,878)
Dividends on preferred stock		(73,300)							(73,300)		(73,300)
Net income (loss)		(321,086)							(298,207)		(298,207)	(22,879)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014				39,466	150,842	[1]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014		4,713,656		$ 939,118	$ 1,508	[1]	4,828,928	[1]	(1,422,399)	49,540	4,396,695	316,961
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net proceeds from offering of common stock (in shares)	[1]				30,875
Net proceeds from offering of common stock		1,086,332			$ 309	[1]	1,086,023	[1]			1,086,332
Non-controlling interests—contributions		117,854										117,854
Non-controlling interests—distributions		(29,397)										(29,397)
Non-controlling interest—reallocation of interest in Operating Partnership		0					(24,776)	[1]			(24,776)	24,776
Dividend reinvestment plan (in shares)	[1]				4
Dividend reinvestment plan		135			$ 0	[1]	135	[1]			135
Amortization of equity-based compensation		23,161					13,541	[1]			13,541	9,620
Conversion of exchangeable senior notes (in shares)	[1]				829
Conversion of exchangeable senior notes		13,590			$ 8	[1]	13,582	[1]			13,590
Other comprehensive income (loss)		5,279								5,206	5,206	73
Conversion of Deferred LTIP Units to LTIP Units		0					(18,730)	[1]			(18,730)	18,730
Retirement of common shares (in shares)					(743)
Retirement of shares of common stock		(18,183)			$ (7)		(18,176)				(18,183)
Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax withholding (in shares)					32
Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax withholding		(847)			$ 0	[1]	(847)	[1]			(847)
Dividends on common stock and equity-based awards		(420,073)							(417,725)		(417,725)	(2,348)
Dividends on preferred stock		(63,178)							(63,178)		(63,178)
Net income (loss)		(207,147)	[2]						(192,037)		(192,037)	(15,110)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2015				39,466	181,839	[1]
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015		$ 5,221,182		$ 939,118	$ 1,818	[1]	$ 5,879,680	[1]	$ (2,095,339)	$ 54,746	$ 4,780,023	$ 441,159

[1] Adjusted for the one-for-two reverse stock split completed on November 1, 2015. Refer to Note 12. “Stockholders’ Equity” for additional disclosure.

[2] The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months ended September 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

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Real Estate Debt Investments - Credit Quality Indicator (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) loan	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) loan
Credit quality indicator
Real estate debt investments, net	$ 965,719	$ 1,067,667
Carrying value	$ 56,056	$ 48,932
Number of mezzanine loans | loan	4	2
Impaired financing receivable, principal amount	$ 48,670	$ 6,299
First mortgage loans
Credit quality indicator
Number of mezzanine loans | loan	3	1
Impaired financing receivable, principal amount	$ 44,904	$ 2,533
Mezzanine loans
Credit quality indicator
Number of mezzanine loans | loan	1	1
Impaired financing receivable, principal amount	$ 3,766	$ 3,766
Loans with no loan loss reserve
Credit quality indicator
Real estate debt investments, net	922,276	1,066,967
Loans with no loan loss reserve | First mortgage loans
Credit quality indicator
Real estate debt investments, net	332,969	324,251
Loans with no loan loss reserve | Mezzanine loans
Credit quality indicator
Real estate debt investments, net	109,117	157,089
Loans with no loan loss reserve | Subordinate interests
Credit quality indicator
Real estate debt investments, net	170,040	200,236
Loans with no loan loss reserve | Corporate loans
Credit quality indicator
Real estate debt investments, net	310,150	385,391
Other loans with a loan loss reserve/non-accrual status
Credit quality indicator
Real estate debt investments, net	500	700
Other loans with a loan loss reserve/non-accrual status | First mortgage loans
Credit quality indicator
Real estate debt investments, net	500	700
Other loans with a loan loss reserve/non-accrual status | Mezzanine loans
Credit quality indicator
Real estate debt investments, net	$ 0	0
Number of mezzanine loans | loan	1
Loan loss reserve	100.00%
Impaired financing receivable, principal amount	$ 3,700
Impaired loans
Credit quality indicator
Carrying value	43,443	700
Impaired loans | First mortgage loans
Credit quality indicator
Real estate debt investments, net	$ 42,943	0
First mortgage loan acquired with deteriorated credit quality | loan	2
Carrying value	$ 43,443	700
Impaired loans | First mortgage loans | Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality
Credit quality indicator
Carrying value	8,900	5,700
Impaired loans | Mezzanine loans
Credit quality indicator
Carrying value	$ 0	$ 0

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Real Estate Securities, Available for Sale (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Schedule of CRE securities

The following table presents CRE securities as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

						Cumulative Unrealized							Allocation by		Weighted		Weighted
	Number	Principal Amount(3)		Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses			Fair Value		Investment Type(3)		Average Coupon		Average Yield(4)
Asset Type:
N-Star CDO bonds(1)	32	$	461,974	$	205,463	$	58,116	$	(1,270	)	$	262,309	30.1	%	1.83	%	24.13	%
N-Star CDO equity(5)	5	137,143		137,143		522		(35,198		)	102,467		8.9	%	NA		18.21	%
CMBS and other securities(6)	15	119,089		64,616		12,241		(24,934		)	51,923		7.8	%	2.48	%	5.51	%
Subtotal(2)	52	718,206		407,222		70,879		(61,402		)	416,699		46.8	%	1.97	%	19.18	%
CRE securities in N-Star CDOs(5)(7)
CMBS	144	636,035		458,186		50,432		(125,751		)	382,867		41.5	%	3.69	%	9.96	%
Third-party CDO notes	10	76,253		68,821		—		(45,603		)	23,218		5.1	%	0.26	%	1.32	%
Agency debentures	8	87,172		30,371		10,164		(6		)	40,529		5.7	%	—		4.56	%
Unsecured REIT debt	1	8,000		8,396		955		—			9,351		0.5	%	7.50	%	5.88	%
Trust preferred securities	2	7,225		7,225		—		(1,373		)	5,850		0.4	%	2.25	%	2.32	%
Subtotal	165	814,685		572,999		61,551		(172,733		)	461,815		53.2	%	3.00	%	8.48	%
Total	217	$	1,532,891	$	980,221	$	132,430	$	(234,135	)	$	878,514	100.0	%	2.57	%	12.92	%

_________________________________________________________

(1) Excludes $108.0 million principal amount of N-Star CDO bonds payable that are eliminated in consolidation.

(2) All securities are unleveraged.

(3) Based on amortized cost for N-Star CDO equity and principal amount for remaining securities.

(4) Based on expected maturity and for floating-rate securities, calculated using the applicable LIBOR as of December 31, 2014.

(5) The fair value option was elected for these securities (refer to Note 14).

(6) The fair value option was elected for $42.6 million carrying value of these securities (refer to Note 14).

(7) Investments in the same securitization tranche held in separate CDO financing transactions are reported as separate investments.

The following table presents CRE securities as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

						Cumulative Unrealized							Allocation by		Weighted		Weighted
	Number	Principal  Amount(3)		Amortized Cost		Gains		(Losses)			Fair Value		Investment Type(3)		Average Coupon		Average Yield(4)
Asset Type:
N-Star CDO bonds(1)(8)	26	$	377,783	$	173,759	$	30,380	$	(2,455	)	$	201,684	28.8	%	2.05	%	23.41	%
N-Star CDO equity(5)(8)	4	76,700		76,700		6,435		(21,670		)	61,465		5.8	%	NA		12.56	%
CMBS and other securities(6)	15	119,287		63,911		16,024		(21,434		)	58,501		9.1	%	2.22	%	7.43	%
Subtotal(2)	45	573,770		314,370		52,839		(45,559		)	321,650		43.7	%	2.09	%	17.51	%
CRE securities in N-Star CDOs(5)(7)
CMBS	130	562,591		416,081		38,197		(97,324		)	356,954		42.9	%	3.78	%	10.78	%
Third-party CDO notes	9	74,117		67,283		159		(43,896		)	23,546		5.6	%	0.27	%	1.38	%
Agency debentures	8	87,172		31,415		7,244		(630		)	38,029		6.6	%	—		3.32	%
Unsecured REIT debt	1	8,000		8,314		838		—			9,152		0.6	%	7.50	%	5.88	%
Trust preferred securities	2	7,225		7,225		—		(1,645		)	5,580		0.6	%	2.25	%	2.25	%
Subtotal	150	739,105		530,318		46,438		(143,495		)	433,261		56.3	%	3.01	%	8.95	%
Total	195	$	1,312,875	$	844,688	$	99,277	$	(189,054	)	$	754,911	100.0	%	2.64	%	12.14	%

____________________________________________________________

(1) Excludes $135.4 million principal amount of N-Star CDO bonds payable that are eliminated in consolidation.

(2) All securities are unleveraged.

(3) Based on amortized cost for N-Star CDO equity and principal amount for remaining securities.

(4) Based on expected maturity and for floating-rate securities, calculated using the applicable LIBOR as of September 30, 2015.

(5) The fair value option was elected for these securities (refer to Note 14).

(6) The fair value option was elected for $48.7 million carrying value of these securities (refer to Note 14).

(7) Investments in the same securitization tranche held in separate CDO financing transactions are reported as separate investments.

(8) As of September 30, 2015, the weighted average remaining life of the N-Star CDO bonds and N-Star CDO equity is 2.4 and 4.2 years, respectively.

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Real Estate Securities, Available for Sale (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) security	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) security	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) security cdo	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) security
Real estate securities, available for sale
Number (securities) | security	195	195		195		217
Amortized Cost	$ 844,688	$ 844,688		$ 844,688		$ 980,221
Cumulative Unrealized Gains	99,277	99,277		99,277		132,430
Cumulative Unrealized Losses	(189,054)	(189,054)		(189,054)		(234,135)
Fair Value	$ 754,911	$ 754,911		$ 754,911		$ 878,514
Allocation by Investment Type	100.00%	100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Weighted Average Coupon	2.64%	2.64%		2.64%		2.57%
Weighted Average Yield	12.14%	12.14%		12.14%		12.92%
Number of company-sponsored CDOs | cdo				9
Number of company-sponsored CDOs collateralized by CRE debt | cdo				3
Number of company-sponsored CDOs collateralized by CRE securities | cdo				6
Number of equity interests in CDOs, focused on CRE debt | cdo				2
Acquisition of real estate securities, available for sale				$ 23,808	$ 22,261
Distributions from unconsolidated ventures				21,341	11,737
Proceeds from the sale of CRE securities				$ 95,664	68,537
N-Star CDO IV
Real estate securities, available for sale
Distributions from unconsolidated ventures	$ 41,000
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal	$ 8,800
Minimum
Real estate securities, available for sale
Contractual maturities of the CRE securities portfolio				1 month
Maximum
Real estate securities, available for sale
Contractual maturities of the CRE securities portfolio				37 years
Weighted Average
Real estate securities, available for sale
Contractual maturities of the CRE securities portfolio				3 years 7 months
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Number (securities) | security	45	45		45		52
Amortized Cost	$ 314,370	$ 314,370		$ 314,370		$ 407,222
Cumulative Unrealized Gains	52,839	52,839		52,839		70,879
Cumulative Unrealized Losses	(45,559)	(45,559)		(45,559)		(61,402)
Fair Value	$ 321,650	$ 321,650		$ 321,650		$ 416,699
Allocation by Investment Type	43.70%	43.70%		43.70%		46.80%
Weighted Average Coupon	2.09%	2.09%		2.09%		1.97%
Weighted Average Yield	17.51%	17.51%		17.51%		19.18%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Number (securities) | security	150	150		150		165
Amortized Cost	$ 530,318	$ 530,318		$ 530,318		$ 572,999
Cumulative Unrealized Gains	46,438	46,438		46,438		61,551
Cumulative Unrealized Losses	(143,495)	(143,495)		(143,495)		(172,733)
Fair Value	$ 433,261	$ 433,261		$ 433,261		$ 461,815
Allocation by Investment Type	56.30%	56.30%		56.30%		53.20%
Weighted Average Coupon	3.01%	3.01%		3.01%		3.00%
Weighted Average Yield	8.95%	8.95%		8.95%		8.48%
N-Star CDO bonds | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Number (securities) | security	26	26		26		32
Amortized Cost	$ 173,759	$ 173,759		$ 173,759		$ 205,463
Cumulative Unrealized Gains	30,380	30,380		30,380		58,116
Cumulative Unrealized Losses	(2,455)	(2,455)		(2,455)		(1,270)
Fair Value	$ 201,684	$ 201,684		$ 201,684		$ 262,309
Allocation by Investment Type	28.80%	28.80%		28.80%		30.10%
Weighted Average Coupon	2.05%	2.05%		2.05%		1.83%
Weighted Average Yield	23.41%	23.41%		23.41%		24.13%
Principal amount eliminated In consolidation	$ 135,400	$ 135,400		$ 135,400		$ 108,000
Weighted average remaining life				2 years 4 months 24 days
N-Star CDO Equity | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Number (securities) | security	4	4		4		5
Amortized Cost	$ 76,700	$ 76,700		$ 76,700		$ 137,143
Cumulative Unrealized Gains	6,435	6,435		6,435		522
Cumulative Unrealized Losses	(21,670)	(21,670)		(21,670)		(35,198)
Fair Value	$ 61,465	$ 61,465		$ 61,465		$ 102,467
Allocation by Investment Type	5.80%	5.80%		5.80%		8.90%
Weighted Average Yield						18.21%
Weighted average remaining life				4 years 2 months 12 days
CMBS | N-Star CDO IV
Real estate securities, available for sale
Number of securities purchased | security	1	1		1
Acquisition of real estate securities, available for sale	$ 5,800
CMBS | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Number (securities) | security	15	15		15		15
Amortized Cost	$ 63,911	$ 63,911		$ 63,911		$ 64,616
Cumulative Unrealized Gains	16,024	16,024		16,024		12,241
Cumulative Unrealized Losses	(21,434)	(21,434)		(21,434)		(24,934)
Fair Value	$ 58,501	$ 58,501		$ 58,501		$ 51,923
Allocation by Investment Type	9.10%	9.10%		9.10%		7.80%
Weighted Average Coupon	2.22%	2.22%		2.22%		2.48%
Weighted Average Yield	7.43%	7.43%		7.43%		5.51%
Noncurrent equity securities						$ 42,600
CMBS | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Number (securities) | security	130	130		130		144
Amortized Cost	$ 416,081	$ 416,081		$ 416,081		$ 458,186
Cumulative Unrealized Gains	38,197	38,197		38,197		50,432
Cumulative Unrealized Losses	(97,324)	(97,324)		(97,324)		(125,751)
Fair Value	$ 356,954	$ 356,954		$ 356,954		$ 382,867
Allocation by Investment Type	42.90%	42.90%		42.90%		41.50%
Weighted Average Coupon	3.78%	3.78%		3.78%		3.69%
Weighted Average Yield	10.78%	10.78%		10.78%		9.96%
Third-party CDO notes | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Number (securities) | security	9	9		9		10
Amortized Cost	$ 67,283	$ 67,283		$ 67,283		$ 68,821
Cumulative Unrealized Gains	159	159		159		0
Cumulative Unrealized Losses	(43,896)	(43,896)		(43,896)		(45,603)
Fair Value	$ 23,546	$ 23,546		$ 23,546		$ 23,218
Allocation by Investment Type	5.60%	5.60%		5.60%		5.10%
Weighted Average Coupon	0.27%	0.27%		0.27%		0.26%
Weighted Average Yield	1.38%	1.38%		1.38%		1.32%
Agency debentures | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Number (securities) | security	8	8		8		8
Amortized Cost	$ 31,415	$ 31,415		$ 31,415		$ 30,371
Cumulative Unrealized Gains	7,244	7,244		7,244		10,164
Cumulative Unrealized Losses	(630)	(630)		(630)		(6)
Fair Value	$ 38,029	$ 38,029		$ 38,029		$ 40,529
Allocation by Investment Type	6.60%	6.60%		6.60%		5.70%
Weighted Average Coupon	0.00%	0.00%		0.00%		0.00%
Weighted Average Yield	3.32%	3.32%		3.32%		4.56%
Unsecured REIT debt | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Number (securities) | security	1	1		1		1
Amortized Cost	$ 8,314	$ 8,314		$ 8,314		$ 8,396
Cumulative Unrealized Gains	838	838		838		955
Cumulative Unrealized Losses	0	0		0		0
Fair Value	$ 9,152	$ 9,152		$ 9,152		$ 9,351
Allocation by Investment Type	0.60%	0.60%		0.60%		0.50%
Weighted Average Coupon	7.50%	7.50%		7.50%		7.50%
Weighted Average Yield	5.88%	5.88%		5.88%		5.88%
Trust preferred securities | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Number (securities) | security	2	2		2		2
Amortized Cost	$ 7,225	$ 7,225		$ 7,225		$ 7,225
Cumulative Unrealized Gains	0	0		0		0
Cumulative Unrealized Losses	(1,645)	(1,645)		(1,645)		(1,373)
Fair Value	$ 5,580	$ 5,580		$ 5,580		$ 5,850
Allocation by Investment Type	0.60%	0.60%		0.60%		0.40%
Weighted Average Coupon	2.25%	2.25%		2.25%		2.25%
Weighted Average Yield	2.25%	2.25%		2.25%		2.32%
CRE Securities
Real estate securities, available for sale
Proceeds from the sale of CRE securities		$ 14,900	$ 42,600	$ 95,700	68,500
Net realized gain (loss) of CRE securities investments		300	$ 5,600	$ 14,100	$ 17,400
Number of CRE securities for which the fair value option was not elected (security) | security				28
Carrying value of items for which the fair value option was not elected	$ 211,500	$ 211,500		$ 211,500
Accumulated net unrealized gains included in OCI				$ 28,000
Number of CRE securities in unrealized loss position | security	1	1		1
Aggregate carrying value of securities in an unrealized loss position	$ 3,500	$ 3,500		$ 3,500
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities with an unrealized loss position	(2,200)	(2,200)		$ (2,200)
Period of unrealized loss of securities (greater than)				12 months
CRE Securities | Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Other
Real estate securities, available for sale
OTTI loss on securities				$ 1,400
Principal / Notional Amount
Real estate securities, available for sale
Principal Amount	1,312,875	1,312,875		1,312,875		$ 1,532,891
Fair Value	1,312,875	1,312,875		1,312,875		1,532,891
Principal / Notional Amount | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Principal Amount	573,770	573,770		573,770		718,206
Principal / Notional Amount | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Principal Amount	739,105	739,105		739,105		814,685
Principal / Notional Amount | N-Star CDO bonds | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Principal Amount	377,783	377,783		377,783		461,974
Principal / Notional Amount | N-Star CDO Equity | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Principal Amount	76,700	76,700		76,700		137,143
Principal / Notional Amount | CMBS | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Principal Amount	119,287	119,287		119,287		119,089
Noncurrent equity securities	48,700	48,700		48,700
Principal / Notional Amount | CMBS | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Principal Amount	562,591	562,591		562,591		636,035
Principal / Notional Amount | Third-party CDO notes | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Principal Amount	74,117	74,117		74,117		76,253
Principal / Notional Amount | Agency debentures | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Principal Amount	87,172	87,172		87,172		87,172
Principal / Notional Amount | Unsecured REIT debt | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Principal Amount	8,000	8,000		8,000		8,000
Principal / Notional Amount | Trust preferred securities | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Real estate securities, available for sale
Principal Amount	$ 7,225	$ 7,225		$ 7,225		$ 7,225

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Fair Value

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value

Fair Value

Fair Value Measurement

The fair value of financial instruments is categorized based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique and categorized into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure the financial instruments fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:

Level 1. Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.

Level 2. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on the following:

(a) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets.

(b) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets.

(c) Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

(d) Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3. Prices or valuation techniques based on inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

Determination of Fair Value

The following is a description of the valuation techniques used to measure fair value of assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis and the general classification of these instruments pursuant to the fair value hierarchy.

PE Investments

The Company accounts for PE Investments at fair value which is determined based on a valuation model using assumptions for the timing and amount of expected future cash flow for income and realization events for the underlying assets in the funds and discount rate. This fair value measurement is generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, is classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company is not using the NAV (practical expedient) of the underlying funds for purposes of determining fair value.

Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures

The Company accounts for certain investments in unconsolidated ventures at fair value determined based on a valuation model using assumptions for the timing and amount of expected future cash flow for income and realization events for the underlying assets, discount rate and foreign currency exchange rates. Additionally, the Company accounts for certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures at fair value, which is determined based on comparing the current yield to the estimated yield for newly originated loans with similar credit risk. These fair value measurements are generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Real Estate Securities

N-Star CDO Bonds

The fair value of subordinate N-Star CDO bonds is determined using an internal price interpolated based on third party prices of the more senior N-Star CDO bonds of the respective CDO. For the remaining N-Star CDO bonds, fair value is determined using quotations from nationally recognized financial institutions that generally acted as underwriter for the transactions. These quotations are not adjusted and are generally based on a valuation model with observable inputs such as interest rate and other unobservable inputs for assumptions related to the timing and amount of expected future cash flow, discount rate, estimated prepayments and projected losses. All N-Star CDO bonds are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

N-Star CDO Equity

The fair value of N-Star CDO equity is determined based on a valuation model using assumptions for the timing and amount of expected future cash flow for income and realization events for the underlying collateral of these CDOs and discount rate. This fair value measurement is generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, is classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Other CRE Securities

Other CRE securities are generally valued using a third-party pricing service or broker quotations. These quotations are not adjusted and are based on observable inputs that can be validated, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Certain CRE securities may be valued based on a single broker quote or an internal price which may have less observable pricing, and as such, would be classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Management determines the prices are representative of fair value through a review of available data, including observable inputs, recent transactions as well as its knowledge of and experience in the market.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative instruments are valued using a third-party pricing service. These quotations are not adjusted and are generally based on valuation models with observable inputs such as interest rates and contractual cash flow, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Derivative instruments are also assessed for credit valuation adjustments due to the risk of non-performance by the Company and derivative counterparties. Derivatives held in non-recourse CDO financing structures where, by design, the derivative contracts are senior to all the CDO bonds payable, there is no material impact of a credit valuation adjustment.

CDO Bonds Payable

CDO bonds payable are valued using quotations from nationally recognized financial institutions that generally acted as underwriter for the transactions. These quotations are not adjusted and are generally based on a valuation model with observable inputs such as interest rate and other unobservable inputs for assumptions related to the timing and amount of expected future cash flow, discount rate, estimated prepayments and projected losses. CDO bonds payable are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Junior Subordinated Notes

Junior subordinated notes may be valued using quotations from nationally recognized financial institutions or an internal model. A quotation from a financial institution is not adjusted. The fair value is generally based on a valuation model with observable inputs such as interest rate and other unobservable inputs for assumptions related to the implied credit spread of the Company’s other borrowings and the timing and amount of expected future cash flow. Junior subordinated notes are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Fair Value Hierarchy

Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following tables present financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 by level within the fair value hierarchy (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
PE Investments	$	—	$	—	$	1,194,946	$	1,194,946
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	—		—		206,626		206,626
Real estate securities, available for sale:
N-Star CDO bonds					201,684		201,684
N-Star CDO equity	—		—		61,465		61,465
CMBS and other securities	—		15,027		43,474		58,501
CRE securities in N-Star CDOs
CMBS	—		291,533		65,421		356,954
Third-party CDO notes	—		—		23,546		23,546
Agency debentures	—		38,029		—		38,029
Unsecured REIT debt	—		9,152		—		9,152
Trust preferred securities	—		—		5,580		5,580
Subtotal CRE securities in N-Star CDOs	—		338,714		94,547		433,261
Subtotal real estate securities, available for sale	—		353,741		401,170		754,911
Derivative assets	—		24,054		—		24,054
Total assets	$	—	$	377,795	$	1,802,742	$	2,180,537
Liabilities:
CDO bonds payable	$	—	$	—	$	343,553	$	343,553
Junior subordinated notes	—		—		184,679		184,679
Derivative liabilities	—		133,382		—		133,382
Total liabilities	$	—	$	133,382	$	528,232	$	661,614

_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

	December 31, 2014
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
PE Investments	$	—	$	—	$	962,038	$	962,038
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	—		—		276,437		276,437
Real estate securities, available for sale:
N-Star CDO bonds	—		—		262,309		262,309
N-Star CDO equity	—		—		102,467		102,467
CMBS and other securities	—		17,243		34,680		51,923
CRE securities in N-Star CDOs
CMBS	—		329,815		53,052		382,867
Third-party CDO notes	—		—		23,218		23,218
Agency debentures	—		40,529		—		40,529
Unsecured REIT debt	—		9,351		—		9,351
Trust preferred securities	—		—		5,850		5,850
Subtotal CRE securities in N-Star CDOs	—		379,695		82,120		461,815
Subtotal real estate securities, available for sale	—		396,938		481,576		878,514
Derivative assets	—		3,247		—		3,247
Total assets	$	—	$	400,185	$	1,720,051	$	2,120,236
Liabilities:
CDO bonds payable	$	—	$	—	$	390,068	$	390,068
Junior subordinated notes	—		—		215,172		215,172
Derivative liabilities	—		17,915		—		17,915
Total liabilities	$	—	$	17,915	$	605,240	$	623,155

_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

The following table presents the changes in fair value of financial assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs to determine fair value for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
	PE Investments			Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures(1)			Real Estate Securities			CDO Bonds Payable			Junior Subordinated Notes
January 1, 2015	$	962,038		$	276,437		$	481,576		$	390,068		$	215,172
Transfers into Level 3(2)	—			—			12,136			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3(2)	—			—			(3,052		)	—			—
Purchases / borrowings / amortization / contributions	597,250			(301		)	66,401			(20,491		)	—
Sales	—			—			(77,230		)	—			—
Paydowns / distributions	(497,515		)	(40,870		)	(93,638		)	(52,825		)	—
Gains:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures	155,670			16,068			—			—			—
Unrealized gains included in earnings	—			—			76,936			—			(30,493		)
Realized gains included in earnings	—			—			20,521			—			—
Unrealized gain on real estate securities, available for sale included in OCI	—			—			254			—			—
Losses:
Unrealized losses included in earnings	(22,497		)	(44,708		)	(51,580		)	23,572			—
Realized losses included in earnings	—			—			(1,950		)	3,229			—
Unrealized losses on real estate securities, available for sale included in OCI	—			—			(29,204		)	—			—
September 30, 2015	$	1,194,946		$	206,626		$	401,170		$	343,553		$	184,679
Gains (losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets or liabilities still held.	$	(22,497	)	$	(44,708	)	$	25,356		$	(23,572	)	$	30,493

____________________________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 represent a fair value measurement from a third-party pricing service or broker quotations that have become more or less observable during the period. Transfers are assumed to occur at the beginning of the year.

The following table presents the changes in fair value of financial assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs to determine fair value for the year ended December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	PE Investments			Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures(1)			Real Estate Securities			CDO Bonds Payable			Junior Subordinated Notes
January 1, 2014	$	586,018		$	192,419		$	484,840		$	384,183		$	201,203
Transfers into Level 3(2)	—			—			17,513			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3(2)	—			—			—			—			—
Purchases / borrowings / amortization / contributions	548,961			84,206			64,104			(15,320		)	—
Sales	—			—			(65,504		)	—			—
Paydowns / distributions	(339,598		)	(2,507		)	(48,511		)	(87,859		)	—
Gains:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures	134,036			10,494			—			—			—
Unrealized gains included in earnings	32,621			—			44,308			—			—
Realized gains included in earnings	—			—			15,626			—			—
Unrealized gain on real estate securities, available for sale included in OCI	—			—			61,045			—			—
Deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs(3)	—			—			873			(122,486		)	—
Losses:
Unrealized losses included in earnings	—			(8,175		)	(64,977		)	217,608			13,969
Realized losses included in earnings	—			—			(3,152		)	13,942			—
Unrealized losses on real estate securities, available for sale included in OCI	—			—			(3,519		)	—			—
Deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs(3)	—			—			(21,070		)	—			—
December 31, 2014	$	962,038		$	276,437		$	481,576		$	390,068		$	215,172
Gains (losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets or liabilities still held.	$	32,621		$	(8,175	)	$	(37,487	)	$	(217,608	)	$	(13,969	)

____________________________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 represent a fair value measurement from a third-party pricing service or broker quotations that have become more or less observable during the period. Transfers are assumed to occur at the beginning of the year.

(3) Represents amounts recorded as a result of the deconsolidation of certain N-Star CDOs. Refer to Note 17 for further disclosure.

There were no transfers, other than those identified in the table above, during the periods ended September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

The Company relies on the third-party pricing exception with respect to the requirement to provide quantitative disclosures about significant Level 3 inputs being used to determine fair value measurements related to CRE securities (including N-Star CDO bonds) and CDO bonds payable. The Company believes such pricing service or broker quotation for such items may be based on a market transaction of comparable securities, inputs including forecasted market rates, contractual terms, observable discount rates for similar securities and credit (such as credit support and delinquency rates).

For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, quantitative information about the Company’s remaining Level 3 fair value measurements on a recurring basis are as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Key Unobservable Inputs(2)	Weighted Average
PE Investments	$	1,194,946	Discounted Cash Flow Model	Discount Rate	17%
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	$	206,626	Discounted Cash Flow Model/Credit Spread	Discount Rate/Credit Spread	14%
N-Star CDO equity	$	61,465	Discounted Cash Flow Model	Discount Rate	18%

_________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) Includes timing and amount of expected future cash flow.

Significant increases (decreases) in any one of the inputs described above in isolation may result in a significantly different fair value for the financial assets and liabilities using such Level 3 inputs.

Fair Value Option

The Company has historically elected to apply the fair value option for the following financial assets and liabilities existing at the time of adoption or at the time the Company recognizes the eligible item for the purpose of consistent accounting application: CRE securities financed in N-Star CDOs; CDO bonds payable; and junior subordinated notes. Given past market volatility the Company had observed that the impact of electing the fair value option would generally result in additional variability to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations which management believes is not a useful presentation for such financial assets and liabilities. Therefore, the Company more recently has not elected the fair value option for new investments in CRE securities and securitization financing transactions. The Company may elect the fair value option for certain of its financial assets or liabilities due to the nature of the instrument. In the case of PE Investments, certain investments in unconsolidated ventures (refer to Note 6) and N-Star CDO equity, the Company elected the fair value option because management believes it is a more useful presentation for such investments. The Company determined recording such investments based on the change in fair value of projected future cash flow from one period to another better represents the underlying economics of the respective investment.

The following table presents the fair value of financial instruments for which the fair value option was elected as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
Assets:
PE Investments	$	1,194,946	$	962,038
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	206,626		276,437
Real estate securities, available for sale:(2)
N-Star CDO equity	61,465		102,467
CMBS and other securities	48,715		42,613
CRE securities in N-Star CDOs
CMBS	356,954		382,867
Third-party CDO notes	23,546		23,218
Agency debentures	38,029		40,529
Unsecured REIT debt	9,152		9,351
Trust preferred securities	5,580		5,850
Subtotal CRE securities in N-Star CDOs	433,261		461,815
Subtotal real estate securities, available for sale	543,441		606,895
Total assets	$	1,945,013	$	1,845,370
Liabilities:
CDO bonds payable	$	343,553	$	390,068
Junior subordinated notes	184,679		215,172
Total liabilities	$	528,232	$	605,240

___________________________________________________________

(1) Includes certain CRE debt investments made in connection with certain investments in unconsolidated ventures, for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) September 30, 2015 excludes 28 CRE securities including $201.7 million of N-Star CDO bonds and $9.8 million of CRE securities, for which the fair value option was not elected. December 31, 2014 excludes 34 CRE securities including $262.3 million of N-Star CDO bonds and $9.3 million of CRE securities, for which the fair value option was not elected.

The Company attributes the change in the fair value of floating-rate liabilities to changes in instrument-specific credit spreads. For fixed-rate liabilities, the Company attributes the change in fair value to interest rate-related and instrument-specific credit spread changes.

Change in Fair Value Recorded in the Statements of Operations

The following table presents unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other related to the change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale(1)	$	(8,805	)	$	(6,667	)	$	13,252		$	3,671
PE Investments(1)	(9,148		)	—			(22,497		)	—
Investments in unconsolidated ventures(1)	(30,446		)	—			(39,789		)	—
Foreign currency remeasurement(2)	(6,850		)	(2,927		)	(13,029		)	(3,727		)
Liabilities:
CDO bonds payable(1)	(9,998		)	(8,397		)	(23,572		)	(190,176		)
Junior subordinated notes(1)	22,576			2,193			30,493			(18,050		)
Subtotal unrealized gain (loss), excluding derivatives	(42,671		)	(15,798		)	(55,142		)	(208,282		)
Derivatives	(95,641		)	3,523			(125,286		)	7,755
Subtotal unrealized gain (loss)	(138,312		)	(12,275		)	(180,428		)	(200,527		)
Net cash payments on derivatives (refer to Note 15)	(2,931		)	(3,102		)	(8,989		)	(13,795		)
Total	$	(141,243	)	$	(15,377	)	$	(189,417	)	$	(214,322	)

____________________________________________________________

(1) Represents financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected.

(2) Represents foreign currency remeasurement on investments, cash and deposits primarily denominated in Euros.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

In addition to the above disclosures regarding financial assets or liabilities which are recorded at fair value, U.S. GAAP requires disclosure of fair value about all financial instruments. The following disclosure of estimated fair value of financial instruments was determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and develop estimated fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize on disposition of the financial instruments. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on estimated fair value.

The following table presents the principal amount, carrying value and fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015						December 31, 2014
	Principal / Notional Amount		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Principal / Notional Amount		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Financial assets:(1)
Real estate debt investments, net	$	1,006,570	$	965,719	$	964,873	$	1,187,316	$	1,067,667	$	1,066,911
Real estate securities, available for sale(2)	1,312,875		754,911		754,911		1,532,891		878,514		878,514
Derivative assets(2)(3)	5,551,398		24,054		24,054		3,848,859		3,247		3,247
Financial liabilities:(1)
Mortgage and other notes payable	$	10,648,530	$	10,596,175	$	10,622,650	$	8,531,285	$	8,535,863	$	8,539,363
Credit facilities	785,903		785,903		785,903		732,780		732,780		732,780
NRE Senior notes	340,000		340,000		333,200		—		—		—
CDO bonds payable(2)(4)	480,734		343,553		343,553		560,959		390,068		390,068
Securitization bonds payable	—		—		—		41,831		41,823		41,929
Exchangeable senior notes	31,360		29,374		50,121		45,588		41,762		82,443
Junior subordinated notes(2)(4)	280,117		184,679		184,679		280,117		215,172		215,172
Derivative liabilities(2)(3)	2,451,743		133,382		133,382		318,726		17,915		17,915
Borrowings of properties held for sale	249,777		249,777		246,527		N/A		N/A		N/A

____________________________________________________________

(1) The fair value of other financial instruments not included in this table is estimated to approximate their carrying value.

(2) Refer to “Determination of Fair Value” above for disclosures of methodologies used to determine fair value.

(3) Derivative assets and liabilities exclude timing swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $28.0 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

(4) The fair value option has been elected for these liabilities.

Disclosure about fair value of financial instruments is based on pertinent information available to management as of the reporting date. Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect fair value, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these consolidated financial statements since that date and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.

Real Estate Debt Investments

For CRE debt investments, fair value was approximated by comparing the current yield to the estimated yield for newly originated loans with similar credit risk or the market yield at which a third party might expect to purchase such investment. Fair value was determined assuming fully-extended maturities regardless of structural or economic tests required to achieve such extended maturities. For any CRE debt investments that are deemed impaired, carrying value approximates fair value. These fair value measurements of CRE debt are generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and Other Notes Payable

For mortgage and other notes payable, the Company primarily uses rates currently available with similar terms and remaining maturities to estimate fair value. These measurements are determined using comparable U.S. Treasury rates as of the end of the reporting period. These fair value measurements are based on observable inputs, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Securitization Bonds Payable

Securitization bonds payable are valued using quotations from nationally recognized financial institutions that generally acted as underwriter for the transactions. These quotations are not adjusted and are generally based on observable inputs that can be validated, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Credit Facilities

As of the reporting date, the Company believes the carrying value of its credit facilities approximates fair value. These fair value measurements are based on observable inputs, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Exchangeable Senior Notes

For the exchangeable senior notes, the Company uses available market information, which includes quoted market prices or recent transactions, if available, to estimate their fair value and are, therefore, based on observable inputs, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Borrowings of Properties Held for Sale

For the borrowings of properties held for sale, the Company uses available market information, which includes quoted market prices or recent transactions, if available, to estimate their fair value and are, therefore, based on observable inputs, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

XML

Borrowings (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of long-term debt instruments

The following table presents borrowings as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

				September 30, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Recourse vs. Non-Recourse	Final Maturity	Contractual Interest Rate(1)(2)	Principal Amount		Carrying Value(3)		Principal Amount		Carrying Value(3)
Mortgage and other notes payable:(4)
Healthcare
East Arlington, TX	Non-recourse	May-17	5.89%	$	3,115	$	3,115	$	3,157	$	3,157
Ohio Portfolio	Non-recourse	Jan-19	LIBOR + 5.00%	20,018		19,938		20,230		20,230
Lancaster, OH	Non-recourse	Jan-19	LIBOR + 5.00%	2,308		2,299		2,442		2,442
Wilkinson Portfolio	Non-recourse	Jan-19	6.99%	147,811		147,225		150,024		150,024
Tuscola/Harrisburg, IL	Non-recourse	Jan-19	7.09%	7,304		7,275		7,412		7,412
Formation Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	May-19(6)/Jan-25	LIBOR + 4.25%(7)/4.54%	702,848		701,062		705,608		700,958
Minnesota Portfolio	Non-recourse	Nov-19	3.50%	37,800		37,800		37,800		37,800
Griffin-American - U.K.(5)	Non-recourse	Dec-19(6)	LIBOR + 4.25%(7)	336,758		336,758		348,588		348,588
Griffin-American - U.S. - Fixed(5)	Non-recourse	Dec-19(6)/ Jun-25 / Dec-35	4.68%	1,763,048		1,706,604		1,750,000		1,750,000
Griffin-American - U.S. - Floating(5)	Non-recourse	Dec-19(6)	LIBOR + 3.05%(7)	862,468		862,468		868,797		868,797
Wakefield Portfolio	Non-recourse	April-20	LIBOR + 4.00%	54,809		54,312		54,751		54,751
Healthcare Preferred(8)	Non-recourse	Jul-21	LIBOR + 7.75%	75,000		75,000		75,000		75,000
Indiana Portfolio(8)	Non-recourse	Sept-21	LIBOR + 4.50%	121,130		121,130		121,130		121,130
ILF Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	May-25	4.17%	648,211		648,211		—		—
Subtotal Healthcare/weighted average			4.43%(7)	4,782,628		4,723,197		4,144,939		4,140,289
Hotel
Innkeepers Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Jun-19(6)	LIBOR + 3.39%(7)	840,000		840,000		840,000		840,000
K Partners Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Aug-19(6)	LIBOR + 3.25%(7)	211,681		211,681		211,681		211,681
Courtyard Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Oct-19(6)	LIBOR + 3.05%(7)	512,000		512,000		512,000		512,000
Inland Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Nov-19(6)	LIBOR + 3.60%(7)	817,000		817,000		817,000		817,000
NE Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Jun-20(6)	LIBOR + 3.85%(7)	132,250		132,250		—		—
Miami Hotel Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Jul-20(6)	LIBOR + 3.90%(7)	115,500		115,500		—		—
Subtotal Hotel/weighted average			3.60%(7)	2,628,431		2,628,431		2,380,681		2,380,681
European Portfolio/weighted average(9)			2.11%(7)	1,518,017		1,518,017		77,660		77,660
Manufactured housing communities
Manufactured Housing Portfolio 3(5)	Non-recourse	Dec-21/ Jan-24/ Sept-24	4.923%(7)	297,271		299,320		297,428		299,716
Manufactured Housing Portfolio 1(5)	Non-recourse	Jan-23	4.387%(7)	234,406		234,406		236,900		236,900
Manufactured Housing Portfolio 2(5)	Non-recourse	May-23	4.016%(7)	639,909		639,909		639,909		639,909
Subtotal Manufactured housing communities/weighted average			4.32%(7)	1,171,586		1,173,635		1,174,237		1,176,525
Net lease
Fort Wayne, IN	—	—	—	—		—		2,909		2,909
Columbus, OH	—	—	—	—		—		21,934		21,934
EDS Portfolio(10)	Non-recourse	Oct-15	5.37%	41,997		41,997		42,738		42,738
Keene, NH	Non-recourse	Feb-16	5.85%	6,001		6,001		6,105		6,105
Green Pond, NJ	Non-recourse	Apr-16	5.68%	15,566		15,566		15,799		15,799
Aurora, CO	Non-recourse	Jul-16	6.22%	30,315		30,315		30,720		30,720
DSG Portfolio	Non-recourse	Oct-16	6.17%	30,650		30,650		31,126		31,126
Indianapolis, IN	Non-recourse	Feb-17	6.06%	25,797		25,797		26,151		26,151
Milpitas, CA	Non-recourse	Mar-17	5.95%	18,990		18,990		19,459		19,459
Fort Mill, SC	Non-recourse	Apr-17	5.63%	27,700		27,700		27,700		27,700
Fort Mill, SC - Mezzanine	Non-recourse	Apr-17	6.21%	774		774		1,079		1,079
Industrial Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Jul-17/Dec-17	4.21%(7)	221,125		226,152		221,131		228,071
Salt Lake City, UT	Non-recourse	Sept-17	5.16%	12,783		12,783		13,181		13,181
South Portland, ME	Non-recourse	Jul-23	LIBOR + 2.15%(7)	3,332		3,332		3,597		3,597
Subtotal Net lease/weighted average			4.97%(7)	435,030		440,057		463,629		470,569

				September 30, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Recourse vs. Non-Recourse	Final Maturity	Contractual Interest Rate(1)(2)	Principal Amount		Carrying Value(3)		Principal Amount		Carrying Value(3)
Multifamily(11)
Memphis, TN	—	—	—	—		—		39,600		39,600
Southeast Portfolio	—	—	—	—		—		158,417		158,417
Scottsdale, AZ	—	—	—	—		—		46,538		46,538
Subtotal Multifamily				—		—		244,555		244,555
Multi-tenant Office
Legacy Properties(5)	Non-recourse	Nov-19/Feb-20(6)	LIBOR + 2.15%(7)	112,838		112,838		45,584		45,584
Subtotal Multi-tenant Office/weighted average			2.35%(7)	112,838		112,838		45,584		45,584
Subtotal Mortgage and other notes payable(4)				10,648,530		10,596,175		8,531,285		8,535,863
Credit facilities:
Corporate Revolving Credit Facility(12)	Recourse	Aug-17	LIBOR + 3.50%(7)	295,000		295,000		215,000		215,000
Corporate Term Facility	Recourse	Sept-17	4.60% / 4.55%(13)	425,000		425,000		425,000		425,000
Loan Facility	—	—	—	—		—		14,850		14,850
Loan Facility 1	Partial Recourse(14)	Mar-18(6)	2.95%(7)	65,903		65,903		77,930		77,930
Subtotal Credit facilities				785,903		785,903		732,780		732,780
Senior Notes:
NRE Senior Notes	Recourse	Dec-16	4.63%	340,000		340,000		—		—
CDO bonds payable:
N-Star I	Non-recourse	Aug-38	7.01%	14,047		14,047		15,020		14,504
N-Star IX	Non-recourse	Aug-52	LIBOR + 0.46%(7)	466,687		329,506		545,939		375,564
Subtotal CDO bonds payable—VIE				480,734		343,553		560,959		390,068
Securitization bonds payable:
Securitization 2012-1	—	—	—	—		—		41,831		41,823
Subtotal Securitization financing transaction				—		—		41,831		41,823
Exchangeable senior notes:
7.25% Notes	Recourse	Jun-27	7.25%	12,955		12,955		12,955		12,955
8.875% Notes	Recourse	Jun-32	8.875%	1,000		985		1,000		983
5.375% Notes	Recourse	Jun-33	5.375%	17,405		15,434		31,633		27,824
Subtotal Exchangeable senior notes				31,360		29,374		45,588		41,762
Junior subordinated notes:(15)
Trust I	Recourse	Mar-35	LIBOR + 3.25%(7)	41,240		29,066		41,240		32,992
Trust II	Recourse	Jun-35	LIBOR + 3.25%(7)	25,780		18,175		25,780		20,753
Trust III	Recourse	Jan-36	7.81%	41,238		27,436		41,238		32,784
Trust IV	Recourse	Jun-36	7.95%	50,100		33,967		50,100		39,830
Trust V	Recourse	Sept-36	LIBOR + 2.70%(7)	30,100		18,924		30,100		21,823
Trust VI	Recourse	Dec-36	LIBOR + 2.90%(7)	25,100		16,323		25,100		18,700
Trust VII	Recourse	Apr-37	LIBOR + 2.50%(7)	31,459		18,875		31,459		22,492
Trust VIII	Recourse	Jul-37	LIBOR + 2.70%(7)	35,100		21,913		35,100		25,798
Subtotal Junior subordinated notes				280,117		184,679		280,117		215,172
Borrowings of properties held for sale:
Multifamily(4)(12)	Non-recourse	Apr-23 / May-23 / Jul-23	4.08%(7)	249,777		249,777		—		—
Subtotal Borrowings of properties, held for sale				249,777		249,777		—		—
Grand Total				$	12,816,421	$	12,529,461	$	10,192,560	$	9,957,468

____________________________________________________________

(1) Refer to Note 15 for further disclosure regarding derivative instruments which are used to manage interest rate exposure.

(2) For borrowings with a contractual interest rate based on LIBOR, except for the European portfolios, represents three-month LIBOR for the Wakefield Portfolio and one-month LIBOR for the other borrowings.

(3) Carrying value represents fair value with respect to CDO bonds payable and junior subordinated notes due to the election of the fair value option (refer to Note 14) and amortized cost for the other borrowings.

(4) Mortgage and other notes payable are subject to customary non-recourse carveouts.

(5) An aggregate principal amount of $8.4 billion is comprised of 72 senior mortgage notes totaling $7.0 billion and 16 mezzanine mortgage notes totaling $1.5 billion.

(6) Represents final maturity taking into consideration the Company’s extension options.

(7) Contractual interest rate represents a weighted average. For borrowings with variable interest rates, the weighted average includes the current LIBOR as of September 30, 2015.

(8) Represents borrowings in N-Star CDOs.

(9)    The Company’s European Portfolio was contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure. The following table presents borrowings for the European Portfolio as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

			September 30, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Final Maturity	Contractual Interest Rate	Principal Amount		Carrying Value		Principal Amount		Carrying Value
Mortgage and other notes payable(i)
U.K. Complex	Dec-19	(ii)	$	75,820	$	75,820	$	77,660	$	77,660
Internos Portfolio	Apr-20	(iii)	102,056		102,056		—		—
IVG Portfolio	Apr-20	(iii)	93,937		93,937		—		—
Deka Portfolio	Apr-20	(iii)	52,601		52,601		—		—
SEB Portfolio	Apr-22	(iv)	703,408		703,408		—		—
SEB Portfolio - Preferred	Apr-60	3.00%	119,176		119,176		—		—
Trianon Tower	Jul-23	(v)	371,019		371,019		—		—
Total mortgage and other notes payable		2.11%(7)	$	1,518,017	$	1,518,017	$	77,660	$	77,660

(i) All borrowings are non-recourse to NorthStar Europe and are interest-only through maturity, subject to compliance with covenants of the respective borrowing.

(ii) Comprised of $61.6 million principal amount of floating rate borrowing at GBP LIBOR plus 2.0%, with a related $61.6 million notional value interest rate cap at 2.0% and $14.2 million fixed rate borrowing at 8.0%.

(iii) Represents a cross-collateralized borrowing between the IVG Portfolio, Internos Portfolio and Deka Portfolio. Comprised of $209.0 million principal amount of floating rate borrowing at EURIBOR plus 2.7%, with a related $209.0 million notional value interest rate cap at 2.0% and $39.5 million floating rate borrowing at GBP LIBOR plus 2.7%, with a related $39.5 million notional value interest rate cap at 2.0%.

(iv) Comprised of $398.4 million principal amount of floating rate borrowing at EURIBOR plus 1.8%, with a related $398.4 million notional value interest rate cap at 0.5%, $287.8 million of floating rate borrowing at GBP LIBOR plus 1.8%, with a related $287.8 million notional value interest rate cap at 2.0% and $17.2 million floating rate borrowing at STIBOR plus 1.8%.

(v) Comprised of $371.0 million principal amount of floating rate borrowing at EURIBOR plus 1.5%, with a related $371.0 million notional value interest rate cap at 2.0%.

(10) In October 2015, the mortgage matured and the Company is currently in negotiations with the lender.

(11) In September 2015, the Company elected to classify the multifamily portfolio as held for sale, and as such, reclassified borrowings of $249.8 million to liabilities of assets held for sale.

(12) Secured by collateral relating to a borrowing base comprised primarily of unlevered CRE debt, net lease and securities investments with a carrying value of $758.1 million as of September 30, 2015.

(13) Represents the respective fixed rate applicable to each borrowing under the Corporate Term Facility.

(14) Recourse solely with respect to certain types of loans as defined in the governing documents.

(15) Junior subordinated notes Trust II had a fixed interest rate through September 30, 2015 when it changed to floating rate. Trusts III and IV have a fixed interest rate until January 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively, when the rate will change to floating and reset quarterly to three-month LIBOR plus 2.83% to 2.80%, respectively.

Schedule of principal amount on the borrowings, based on maturity

The following table presents scheduled principal on borrowings, based on final maturity as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

	Total		Mortgage and Other Notes Payable		CDO Bonds Payable		Credit Facilities		NRE Senior Notes		Exchangeable Senior Notes(1)		Junior Subordinated Notes
October 1 to December 31, 2015	$	46,436	$	46,436	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Years ending December 31:
2016	446,495		106,495		—		—		340,000		—		—
2017	1,066,452		333,497		—		720,000		—		12,955		—
2018	95,925		30,022		—		65,903		—		—		—
2019	6,038,130		6,037,130		—		—		—		1,000		—
Thereafter	4,873,206		4,094,950		480,734		—		—		17,405		280,117
Total	$	12,566,644	$	10,648,530	$	480,734	$	785,903	$	340,000	$	31,360	$	280,117

____________________________________________________________

(1) The 7.25% Notes, 8.875% Notes and 5.375% Notes have a final maturity date of June 15, 2027, June 15, 2032 and June 15, 2033, respectively. The above table reflects the holders’ repurchase rights which may require the Company to repurchase the 7.25% Notes, 8.875% Notes and 5.375% Notes on June 15, 2017, June 15, 2019 and June 15, 2023, respectively.

XML

Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of its business. Although the Company is unable to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, in the opinion of management, the legal proceedings are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In connection with certain hotel acquisitions, the Company entered into guaranty agreements with various hotel franchisors, pursuant to which the Company guaranteed the franchisees’ obligations, including payments of franchise fees and marketing fees, for the term of the agreements, which expires from 2029 to 2034. As of September 30, 2015, the aggregate amount remaining under these guarantees is $7.4 million.

XML

Spin-offs - Discontinued Operations (Details)			9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($) property	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)
NSAM
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Management agreement, initial term, related party		20 years
NSAM income (loss) in discontinued operations				$ (6,100,000)
Revenues, discontinued operations				56,000,000
Expenses, discontinued operations				$ 62,100,000
NSAM | Maximum
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Selling commission, related party (percent)			7.00%
Dealer manager fee, related party (percent)			3.00%
NorthStar Realty Europe Corp. (NRE) | Europe | Subsequent event
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Real estate acquisition	$ 2,600,000,000
Number of real estate properties contributed to spin-off | property	52
Spin-off, ratio of shares issued to stockholders (one-for-six ratio, in shares)	0.1667
Real estate properties contributed, cash payment	$ 250,000,000

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical)	Nov. 01, 2015
Subsequent event
Stock split, conversion ratio (one-for-two reverse split)	0.5

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Receivables, allowance | $	$ 3,569	$ 2,020
Unbilled rent receivable, allowance | $	116	4,037
Preferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference | $	$ 986,640	$ 986,640
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	181,838,809	150,842,021
Common stock, shares outstanding	181,838,809	150,842,021

XML

Spin-offs

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Spin-offs

Spin-offs

Spin-off of Asset Management Business

Upon completion of the NSAM Spin-off, the asset management business of the Company is owned and operated by NSAM and the Company is externally managed by an affiliate of NSAM through a management contract with an initial term of 20 years. Subsequent to the NSAM Spin-off, the Company continues to operate its CRE debt origination business. Most of the employees of the Company at the time of the NSAM Spin-off became employees of NSAM and executive officers, employees engaged in the Company’s loan origination business at the time of the NSAM Spin-off and certain other employees became co-employees of both the Company and NSAM.

For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, the Company recorded a $6.1 million loss included in discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations associated with NSAM which represented a carve-out of revenues of $56.0 million and expenses of $62.1 million. Such amounts exclude the effect of any fees that NSAM began earning in connection with the management agreement with the Company upon completion of the NSAM Spin-off.

Total revenues included asset management and other fee income from NSAM Sponsored Companies earned prior to the NSAM Spin-off. In connection with the spin-off, the advisory agreements between the Company and each of the NSAM Sponsored Companies were terminated and affiliates of NSAM entered into new advisory agreements with each of the NSAM Sponsored Companies on substantially the same terms as those in effect at the time of the NSAM Spin-off. 

Total revenues also included selling commissions and dealer manager fees earned by selling equity in the NSAM Sponsored Companies through NorthStar Securities. As part of the NSAM Distribution, NorthStar Securities became a subsidiary of NSAM. Pursuant to dealer manager agreements between NorthStar Securities and the NSAM Sponsored Companies, the Company generally received selling commissions of up to 7% of gross offering proceeds raised. The Company reallowed all selling commissions earned to participating broker-dealers. In addition, the Company also generally received a dealer manager fee of up to 3% of gross offering proceeds raised, a portion of which is typically reallowed to participating broker-dealers. Total expenses include commission expense representing fees to participating broker-dealers with whom NorthStar Securities has selling agreements and commissions to employees of NorthStar Securities.

In addition, total expenses primarily included an allocation of indirect expenses of the Company to NSAM related to managing the NSAM Sponsored Companies and owning NorthStar Securities, including salaries, equity-based compensation and other general and administrative expenses (primarily occupancy and other costs) based on an estimate had the asset management business been run as an independent entity.

Spin-off of European Real Estate Business

On October 31, 2015, the Company completed the NRE Spin-off into a separate publicly-traded REIT, NorthStar Europe, in the form of the NRE Distribution. In connection with the NRE Distribution, each of the Company’s common stockholders received shares of NorthStar Europe’s common stock on a one-for-six basis, before giving effect to the Reverse Split. The Company contributed to NorthStar Europe approximately $2.6 billion of European real estate, at cost (excluding the Company’s European healthcare properties), comprised of 52 properties spanning across some of Europe’s top markets and $250 million of cash. NSAM manages NorthStar Europe pursuant to a long-term management agreement, on substantially similar terms as the Company’s management agreement with NSAM.

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Nov. 06, 2015
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	NORTHSTAR REALTY FINANCE CORP.
Entity Central Index Key	0001273801
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		188,963,820
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3

XML

Related Party Arrangements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Arrangements

Related Party Arrangements

NorthStar Asset Management Group

Management Agreement

Upon completion of the spin-off of the Company’s asset management business on June 30, 2014, the Company entered into a management agreement with an affiliate of NSAM for an initial term of 20 years, which will be automatically renewed for additional 20-year terms each anniversary thereafter unless earlier terminated. As asset manager, NSAM is responsible for the Company’s day-to-day operations, subject to the supervision of the Company’s board of directors. Through its global network of subsidiaries and branch offices, NSAM performs services and activities relating to, among other things, investments and financing, portfolio management and other administrative services, such as accounting and investor relations, to the Company and its subsidiaries other than the Company’s CRE loan origination business. The management agreement with NSAM provides for a base management fee and incentive fee.

In connection with the NRE Spin-off, NorthStar Europe entered into a management agreement with NSAM with an initial term of 20 years on terms substantially consistent with the terms of the Company’s management agreement with NSAM. The Company’s management agreement with NSAM was amended and restated in connection with the NRE Spin-off to, among other things, commensurately adjust the annual base management fee and incentive fee hurdles for the NRE Spin-off.

Base Management Fee

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company incurred $49.0 million and $38.1 million, respectively, related to the base management fee. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company incurred $142.5 million related to the base management fee. As of September 30, 2015, $49.0 million is recorded in due to related party on the consolidated balance sheets. The management contract with NSAM commenced on July 1, 2014, and as such, there were no management fees incurred for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The base management fee to NSAM will increase subsequent to September 30, 2015 by an amount equal to 1.5% per annum of the sum of:

• cumulative net proceeds of all future common equity and preferred equity issued by the Company, including the remaining 7.1 million shares, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, of the forward contract which was issued in October 2015;

• equity issued by the Company in exchange or conversion of exchangeable senior notes based on the stock price at the date of issuance;

• any other issuances by the Company of common equity, preferred equity or other forms of equity, including but not limited to LTIP Units (excluding equity-based compensation, but including issuances related to an acquisition, investment, joint venture or partnership); and

• cumulative cash available for distribution (“CAD”) of the Company in excess of cumulative distributions paid on common stock, LTIP units or other equity awards beginning the first full calendar quarter after the spin-off.

Additionally, the Company’s equity interest in RXR Realty and Aerium is structured so that NSAM is entitled to the portion of distributable cash flow from each investment in excess of the $10 million minimum annual base amount.

In connection with the NRE Spin-off and the related amendments to the Company’s management agreement with NSAM, the Company’s annual base management fee payable to NSAM was reduced by $14 million, effective as of November 1, 2015, commensurate with the base management fee that will be paid by NorthStar Europe pursuant to its management agreement with NSAM.

Incentive Fee

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company incurred $2.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively, related to the incentive fee. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company incurred $8.7 million related to the incentive fee. As of September 30, 2015, $2.3 million is recorded in due to related party on the consolidated balance sheets. The incentive fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears in cash, equal to:

• the product of: (a) 15% and (b) the Company’s CAD before such incentive fee, divided by the weighted average shares outstanding for the calendar quarter, when such amount is in excess of $0.78 per share but less than $0.90 per share, after giving effect to the Reverse Split (“15% Hurdle”); plus

• the product of: (a) 25% and (b) the Company’s CAD before such incentive fee, divided by the weighted average shares outstanding for the calendar quarter, when such amount is equal to or in excess of $0.90 per share, after giving effect to the Reverse Split (“25% Hurdle”);

• multiplied by the Company’s weighted average shares outstanding for the calendar quarter.

In addition, NSAM may also earn an incentive fee from the Company’s healthcare investments in connection with NSAM’s Healthcare Strategic Partnership (refer to below).

Weighted average shares represents the number of shares of the Company’s common stock, LTIP Units or other equity-based awards (with some exclusions), outstanding on a daily weighted average basis. With respect to the base management fee, all equity issuances are allocated on a daily weighted average basis during the fiscal quarter of issuance.

In connection with the NRE Spin-off and the related amendments to the Company’s management agreement with NSAM, the incentive fee range for the 15% Hurdle was adjusted to CAD per share in excess of $0.68 and up to $0.78 per share and the 25% Hurdle was adjusted to CAD in excess of $0.78 per share, effective as of November 1, 2015, commensurate with the incentive fee that will be paid by NorthStar Europe pursuant to its management agreement with NSAM.

Furthermore, if the Company were to spin-off any asset or business in the future, such entity would be managed by NSAM on terms substantially similar to those set forth in the management agreement between the Company and NSAM. The management agreement further provides that the aggregate base management fee in place immediately after any future spin-off will not be less than the aggregate base management fee in place at the Company immediately prior to such spin-off.

Payment of Costs and Expenses and Expense Allocation

The Company is responsible for all of its direct costs and expenses and will reimburse NSAM for costs and expenses incurred by NSAM on its behalf. In addition, NSAM may allocate indirect costs to the Company related to employees, occupancy and other general and administrative costs and expenses in accordance with the terms of, and subject to the limitations contained in, the Company’s management agreement with NSAM (the “G&A Allocation”).  The Company’s management agreement with NSAM provides that the amount of the G&A Allocation will not exceed the following: (i) 20% of the combined total of: (a) the Company’s general and administrative expenses as reported in its consolidated financial statements excluding: (1) equity-based compensation expense, (2) non-recurring items, (3) fees payable to NSAM under the terms of the management agreement and (4) any allocation of expenses to the Company (“NorthStar Realty G&A”); and (b) NSAM’s general and administrative expenses as reported in its consolidated financial statements, excluding equity-based compensation expense and adding back any costs or expenses allocated to any managed company of NSAM; less (ii) the NorthStar Realty G&A. The G&A Allocation may include the Company’s allocable share of NSAM’s compensation and benefit costs associated with dedicated or partially dedicated personnel who spend all or a portion of their time managing the Company’s affairs. The G&A Allocation may also include rental and occupancy, technology, office supplies and other general and administrative costs and expenses. In addition, the Company will pay directly or reimburse NSAM for an allocable portion of any severance paid pursuant to any employment, consulting or similar service agreements in effect between NSAM and any of its executives, employees or other service providers.

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, NSAM allocated $0.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively, to the Company. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, NSAM allocated $3.5 million to the Company. As of September 30, 2015, $0.8 million is recorded in due to related party on the consolidated balance sheets.

In connection with the NRE Spin-off and the related amendments to the Company’s management agreement with NSAM, the Company’s obligation to reimburse NSAM for the G&A Allocation and any severance will be shared with NorthStar Europe, at NSAM’s discretion, and the 20% cap on the G&A Allocation, as described above, will apply on an aggregate basis between the Company and NorthStar Europe.

Investment Opportunities

Under the management agreement, the Company agreed to make available to NSAM for the benefit of NSAM and its managed companies, including the Company, all investment opportunities sourced by the Company. NSAM agreed to fairly allocate such opportunities among NSAM’s managed companies, including the Company and NSAM in accordance with an investment allocation policy. Pursuant to the management agreement, the Company is entitled to fair and reasonable compensation for its services in connection with any loan origination opportunities sourced by the Company, which may include first mortgage loans, subordinate mortgage interests, mezzanine loans and preferred equity interests, in each case relating to commercial real estate.  

NSAM provides services with regard to such areas as payroll, human resources and employee benefits, financial systems management, treasury and cash management, accounts payable services, telecommunications services, information technology services, property management services, legal and accounting services and various other corporate services to the Company as it relates to its loan origination business for CRE debt.

Credit Agreement

In connection with the NSAM Distribution, the Company entered into a revolving credit agreement with NSAM pursuant to which the Company makes available to NSAM, on an “as available basis,” up to $250 million of financing with a maturity of June 30, 2019 at LIBOR plus 3.50%. The revolving credit facility is unsecured. NSAM expects to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including potential future acquisitions.  In addition, NSAM may use the proceeds to acquire assets on behalf of its managed companies, including the Company, that it intends to allocate to such managed company but for which such managed company may not then have immediately available funds. The terms of the revolving credit facility contain various representations, warranties, covenants and conditions, including the condition that the Company’s obligation to advance proceeds to NSAM is dependent upon the Company and its affiliates having at least $100 million of either unrestricted cash and cash equivalents or amounts available under committed lines of credit, after taking into account the amount NSAM seeks to draw under the facility. As of September 30, 2015, the Company has not funded any amounts to NSAM in connection with this agreement.

Healthcare Strategic Joint Venture

In January 2014, NSAM entered into a long-term strategic partnership with James F. Flaherty III, former Chief Executive Officer of HCP, Inc., focused on expanding the Company’s healthcare business into a preeminent healthcare platform (“Healthcare Strategic Partnership”). In connection with the partnership, Mr. Flaherty oversees and seeks to grow both the Company’s healthcare real estate portfolio and the portfolio of NorthStar Healthcare. In connection with entering into the partnership, the Company granted Mr. Flaherty certain RSUs (refer to Note 11). The Healthcare Strategic Partnership is entitled to incentive fees ranging from 20% to 25% above certain hurdles for new and existing healthcare real estate investments held by the Company. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not incur any incentive fees related to the Healthcare Strategic Partnership.

N-Star CDOs

The Company earns certain collateral management fees from the N-Star CDOs primarily for administrative services. Such fees are recorded in other revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. For the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company earned $1.3 million and $1.3 million in fee income, respectively, of which $0.6 million and $0.6 million were eliminated in consolidation. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company earned $4.1 million and $4.5 million in fee income, respectively, of which $1.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively, were eliminated in consolidation. Prior to the third quarter 2013, all amounts were eliminated in consolidation as all of the N-Star CDOs were consolidated by the Company.

Additionally, the Company earns interest income from the N-Star CDO bonds and N-Star CDO equity in deconsolidated N-Star CDOs. For the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company earned $16.8 million and $20.0 million, respectively, of interest income from such investments in deconsolidated N-Star CDOs. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company earned $46.4 million and $53.9 million, respectively, of interest income from such investments in deconsolidated N-Star CDOs. Refer to Note 7 and Note 17 for additional disclosure regarding the N-Star CDOs.

Securitization 2012-1

The Company entered into an agreement with NorthStar Income that provided that both the Company and NorthStar Income receive the economic benefit and bear the economic risk associated with the investments each contributed into Securitization 2012-1, a securitization transaction entered into by the Company and NorthStar Income. In both cases, the respective retained equity interest of the Company and NorthStar Income is subordinate to interests of the investment-grade bondholders of Securitization 2012-1 and the investment-grade bondholders have no recourse to the general credit of the Company or NorthStar Income. In the event that either the Company or NorthStar Income suffer a complete loss of the retained equity interests in Securitization 2012-1, any additional losses would be borne by the remaining retained equity interests held by the Company or NorthStar Income, as the case may be, prior to the investment-grade bondholders. In January 2015, the securitization was repaid in full.

American Healthcare Investors

In December 2014, NSAM acquired a 43% interest in American Healthcare Investors LLC (“AHI”) and James F. Flaherty III, a strategic partner of NSAM, acquired a 12% interest in AHI. AHI is a healthcare-focused real estate investment management firm that co-sponsored and advised Griffin-American Healthcare REIT II, Inc. (“Griffin-American”), until Griffin-American was acquired by the Company and NorthStar Healthcare.  In connection with this acquisition, AHI provides certain management and related services, including property management, to NSAM, NorthStar Healthcare and the Company assisting NSAM in managing the current and future healthcare assets (excluding any joint venture assets) acquired by the Company and, subject to certain conditions, other NSAM managed companies.

Island Hospitality Management

In January 2015, NSAM acquired a 45% interest in Island Hospitality Management Inc. (“Island”). Island is a leading, independent select service hotel management company that currently manages 161 hotel properties, representing $3.9 billion, of which 110 hotel properties are owned by the Company. Island provides certain asset management, property management and other services to the Company to assist in managing the Company’s hotel properties. Island receives a base management fee of 2.5% to 3.0% of the monthly revenue of the hotel properties it manages for the Company. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company paid $4.7 million and $12.6 million, respectively, of base management fees to Island, which are recorded in real estate properties—operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

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Variable Interest Entities (Details) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		May. 31, 2015 CRE	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) fund_interest CRE Securitization	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Variable interest entities
Gain (loss) from deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs	[1]		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (31,423)
Unconsolidated VIEs
Investments in unconsolidated ventures			154,936		154,936		$ 207,777
Unconsolidated VIEs
Carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs
Total assets			429,583		429,583
Total liabilities			184,679		184,679
Net			244,904		244,904
Maximum Exposure to Loss			429,583		429,583
Unconsolidated VIEs | Junior Subordinated Notes
Carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs
Total assets			3,742		3,742
Total liabilities			184,679		184,679
Net			(180,937)		(180,937)
Maximum Exposure to Loss			3,742		$ 3,742
Unconsolidated VIEs | CMBS
Unconsolidated VIEs
Number of variable interest entities in which company is not primary beneficiary | CRE					2
Number of VIE securitizations for which the company was appointed as a special servicer (Securitization) | Securitization					1
Carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs
Total assets			46,482		$ 46,482
Maximum Exposure to Loss			46,482		$ 46,482
Unconsolidated VIEs | PE Investment XIII
Unconsolidated VIEs
Number of variable interest entities in which company is not primary beneficiary		2			2
Carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs
Total assets			38,772		$ 38,772
Net			38,772		38,772
Maximum Exposure to Loss			38,772		38,772
Unconsolidated VIEs | N-Star CDO bonds
Carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs
Total assets			201,684		201,684
Maximum Exposure to Loss			201,684		201,684
Unconsolidated VIEs | N-Star CDO Equity
Carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs
Total assets			61,465		61,465
Maximum Exposure to Loss			61,465		61,465
Unconsolidated VIEs | CRE Securities
Carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs
Total assets			309,631		309,631
Maximum Exposure to Loss			309,631		$ 309,631
Unconsolidated VIEs | Real Estate Debt Investments
Unconsolidated VIEs
Number of variable interest entities in which company is not primary beneficiary | CRE					4
Long-term Investments			77,400		$ 77,400
Carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs
Total assets			77,438		77,438
Net			77,438		77,438
Maximum Exposure to Loss			77,438		77,438
Unconsolidated VIEs | Real Estate Securities, Available for Sale
Carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs
Total assets			309,631		309,631
Net			309,631		309,631
Unconsolidated VIEs | Real Estate Securities, Available for Sale | CMBS
Carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs
Total assets			46,482		46,482
Unconsolidated VIEs | Real Estate Securities, Available for Sale | PE Investment XIII
Unconsolidated VIEs
VIE expected future contributions			3,100		3,100
Carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs
Total assets			38,800		38,800
Unconsolidated VIEs | Real Estate Securities, Available for Sale | N-Star CDO bonds
Carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs
Total assets			201,684		201,684
Unconsolidated VIEs | Real Estate Securities, Available for Sale | N-Star CDO Equity
Carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs
Total assets			61,465		61,465
Unconsolidated VIEs | Real Estate Securities, Available for Sale | CRE Securities
Carrying value and maximum exposure of unconsolidated VIEs
Total assets			309,631		309,631
Unconsolidated VIEs | N-Star CDO III
Variable interest entities
Gain (loss) from deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs						(31,400)
Decrease in assets from deconsolidation of VIE						192,500
Decrease in liabilities from deconsolidation of VIE						149,000
Fair value of collateral debt obligations no longer eliminated in consolidation						8,800
Reclassification of unrealized gain/(loss) from deconsolidation						$ 3,300
Unconsolidated VIEs | Northstar Realty Finance Trusts I-VIII
Unconsolidated VIEs
Investments in unconsolidated ventures			$ 3,700		$ 3,700

[1] The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months ended September 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Property and other revenues
Rental and escalation income	[1]	$ 235,588	$ 86,648	$ 613,882	$ 232,749
Hotel related income	[1]	219,427	79,194	594,284	101,720
Resident fee income	[1]	70,257	25,027	199,463	40,087
Other revenue	[1]	2,920	3,456	10,207	10,035
Total property and other revenues	[1]	528,192	194,325	1,417,836	384,591
Net interest income
Interest income	[1]	60,844	80,915	185,990	235,461
Interest expense on debt and securities	[1]	1,735	2,979	5,691	9,368
Net interest income on debt and securities	[1]	59,109	77,936	180,299	226,093
Expenses
Management fee, related party	[1]	51,285	39,363	151,260	39,363
Other interest expense	[1]	141,232	59,923	381,225	143,836
Real estate properties—operating expenses	[1]	263,529	93,124	698,890	165,858
Other expenses	[1]	6,706	2,457	17,043	4,282
Transaction costs	[1]	5,583	44,410	134,029	84,170
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses, net	[1]	53	0	820	2,719
General and administrative expenses
Salaries and related expense	[1]	1,861	3,160	7,554	23,880
Equity-based compensation expense(2)	[1],[2]	6,178	8,478	24,713	20,262
Other general and administrative expenses	[1]	4,984	2,821	13,742	10,923
Total general and administrative expenses	[1]	13,023	14,459	46,009	55,065
Depreciation and amortization	[1]	137,674	51,775	375,208	112,496
Total expenses	[1]	619,085	305,511	1,804,484	607,789
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	[1]	(141,243)	(15,377)	(189,417)	(214,322)
Realized gain (loss) on investments and other	[1]	1,492	(15,938)	14,607	(61,770)
Gain (loss) from deconsolidation of N-Star CDOs	[1]	0	0	0	(31,423)
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures and income tax benefit (expense)	[1]	(171,535)	(64,565)	(381,159)	(304,620)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	[1]	60,359	41,694	171,738	109,630
Income tax benefit (expense)	[1]	2,659	(3,460)	2,285	(8,224)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	[1]	(108,517)	(26,331)	(207,136)	(203,214)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	[1],[2],[3]	(11)	(278)	(11)	(6,989)
Net income (loss)	[1]	(108,528)	(26,609)	(207,147)	(210,203)
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests	[1]	3,477	1,144	15,110	7,392
Preferred stock dividends	[1]	(21,060)	(21,060)	(63,178)	(52,241)
Net income (loss) attributable to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. common stockholders	[1]	$ (126,111)	$ (46,525)	$ (255,215)	$ (255,052)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Income (loss) per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	[1],[4]	$ (0.69)	$ (0.46)	$ (1.49)	$ (2.78)
Income (loss) per share from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	[1],[4]	0.00	0.00	0.00	(0.08)
Basic (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	[1],[4]	(0.69)	(0.46)	(1.49)	(2.86)
Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	[1],[4]	$ (0.69)	$ (0.46)	$ (1.49)	$ (2.86)
Weighted average number of shares:
Basic (in shares) | shares	[1],[4]	182,343,301	100,213,445	171,137,667	89,260,193
Diluted (in shares) | shares	[1],[4]	184,187,524	100,213,445	172,475,489	90,634,691
Dividends per share of common stock (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	[1],[4]	$ 0.75	$ 0.80	$ 2.35	$ 2.80
Equity-based compensation expense, discontinued operations					$ 13,700

[1] The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months ended September 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

[2] Refer to Note 9. “Spin-offs” for disclosure related to the NSAM Spin-off.

[3] The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes $13.7 million of equity-based compensation recorded in discontinued operations.

[4] Adjusted for the one-for-two reverse stock split completed on November 1, 2015. Refer to Note 12. “Stockholders’ Equity” for additional disclosure. The dividend per share for the third quarter 2015 represents the first dividend declared subsequent to the NRE Spin-off.

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Real Estate Debt Investments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net, (Investment Based Operations Presentation) [Abstract]

Real Estate Debt Investments

Real Estate Debt Investments

The following table presents CRE debt investments as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

								Weighted Average(7)						Floating Rate as % of Principal Amount(6)
	Number	Principal Amount		Carrying Value		Allocation by Investment Type(6)		Fixed Rate		Spread Over LIBOR(8)		Yield(9)
Asset Type:
First mortgage loans(1)(2)	15	$	392,186	$	365,052	39.0	%	10.54	%	6.32	%	6.75	%	64.1	%
Mezzanine loans	9	101,873		98,151		10.1	%	13.85	%	11.72	%	12.26	%	27.5	%
Subordinate interests	5	170,600		170,040		16.9	%	13.11	%	10.93	%	12.48	%	27.5	%
Corporate loans(3)	8	301,596		307,792		30.0	%	12.44	%	—		12.19	%	—
Subtotal/Weighted average(4)(5)	37	966,255		941,035		96.0	%	12.33	%	7.44	%	10.14	%	33.7	%
CRE debt in N-Star CDOs
First mortgage loans	2	26,957		11,360		2.7	%	—		1.27	%	3.09	%	100.0	%
Mezzanine loans	1	11,000		10,966		1.1	%	8.00	%	—		8.02	%	—
Corporate loans	6	2,358		2,358		0.2	%	6.74	%	—		6.74	%	—
Subtotal/Weighted average	9	40,315		24,684		4.0	%	7.78	%	1.27	%	5.63	%	66.9	%
Total	46	$	1,006,570	$	965,719	100.0	%	12.23	%	6.96	%	10.03	%	35.1	%

____________________________________________________________

(1) Includes a Sterling denominated loan of £66.7 million, of which £30.9 million is outstanding as of September 30, 2015. This loan has various maturity dates depending upon the timing of advances; however, will be no later than March 2022.

(2) Includes three loans that pursuant to certain terms and conditions which may or may not be satisfied, where the Company has an option to purchase the properties securing these loans.

(3) In October 2015, RXR Realty repaid the preferred equity investment of $80.0 million, which was recorded at fair value, and two loans of $136.6 million principal amount.

(4) Certain CRE debt investments serve as collateral for financing transactions including carrying value of $114.0 million for credit facilities. The remainder is unleveraged. Assuming that all loans that have future fundings meet the terms to qualify for such funding, the Company’s cash requirement on future fundings would be $9.3 million.

(5) In September 2015, the Company purchased four CRE debt investments for $72.9 million from N-Star CDO IV, at fair value. Refer to Note 7 for further disclosure.

(6) Based on principal amount.

(7) Excludes two CRE debt investments with an aggregate principal amount of $9.2 million that were originated prior to 2008.

(8) $211.4 million principal amount (excluding CRE debt in N-Star CDOs) has a weighted average LIBOR floor of 0.58%. Includes one first mortgage loan with a principal amount of $5.8 million with a spread over the prime rate.

(9) Based on initial maturity and for floating-rate debt, calculated using one-month LIBOR as of September 30, 2015 and for CRE debt with a LIBOR floor, using such floor.

The following table presents CRE debt investments as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

								Weighted Average(8)						Floating Rate  as % of Principal Amount(7)
	Number	Principal Amount		Carrying Value		Allocation by Investment Type(7)		Fixed Rate		Spread Over LIBOR(9)		Yield(10)
Asset Type:
First mortgage loans(1)(2)(6)	13	$	434,671	$	313,590	36.6	%	9.51	%	6.66	%	9.34	%	57.2	%
Mezzanine loans	8	149,816		146,088		12.6	%	13.79	%	13.83	%	14.05	%	53.3	%
Subordinate interests	8	201,564		200,237		17.0	%	13.11	%	12.33	%	13.01	%	40.7	%
Corporate loans(3)(4)	8	360,343		382,427		30.3	%	12.37	%	—		12.99	%	—
Subtotal/Weighted average(5)	37	1,146,394		1,042,342		96.5	%	11.89	%	9.15	%	12.00	%	35.6	%
CRE debt in N-Star CDOs
First mortgage loans	2	26,957		11,360		2.3	%	—		1.27	%	3.08	%	100.0	%
Mezzanine loans	1	11,000		11,000		0.9	%	8.00	%	—		8.00	%	—
Corporate loans	6	2,965		2,965		0.3	%	6.74	%	—		6.74	%	—
Subtotal/Weighted average	9	40,922		25,325		3.5	%	7.73	%	1.27	%	5.64	%	65.9	%
Total	46	$	1,187,316	$	1,067,667	100.0	%	11.82	%	8.65	%	11.85	%	36.7	%

____________________________________________________________

(1) Includes a Sterling denominated loan of £66.7 million, of which £16.1 million is outstanding as of December 31, 2014. This loan has various maturity dates depending upon the timing of advances; however, will be no later than March 2022.

(2) Includes three loans that pursuant to certain terms and conditions which may or may not be satisfied, where the Company has an option to purchase the properties securing these loans.

(3) Includes $112.0 million of preferred equity investments for which the Company elected the fair value option.

(4) Includes four revolving loans of $156.4 million, of which $60.7 million is outstanding as of December 31, 2014.

(5) Certain CRE debt investments serve as collateral for financing transactions including carrying value of $35.8 million for Securitization 2012-1 and $140.6 million for credit facilities. The remainder is unleveraged.

(6) There are no loans on non-accrual status except for one first mortgage loan acquired with deteriorated credit quality with a carrying value of $5.7 million as of December 31, 2014. Certain loans have an accrual of interest at a specified rate that may be in addition to a current rate. Such loans represent an aggregate $3.2 million carrying value where the Company does not recognize interest income on the accrual rate but does recognize interest income based on the current rate.

(7) Based on principal amount.

(8) Excludes three CRE debt investments with an aggregate principal amount of $10.7 million that were originated prior to 2008.

(9) $357.9 million principal amount (excluding CRE debt in N-Star CDOs) has a weighted average LIBOR floor of 0.84%. Includes one first mortgage loan with a principal amount of $6.2 million with a spread over prime rate.

(10) Based on initial maturity and for floating-rate debt, calculated using one-month LIBOR as of December 31, 2014 and for CRE debt with a LIBOR floor, using such floor.

The following table presents maturities of CRE debt investments based on principal amount as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

	Initial Maturity		Maturity Including Extensions(1)
October 1 to December 31, 2015(2)	$	367,917	$	357,959
Years ending December 31:
2016	317,152		129,282
2017	102,832		112,706
2018	2,076		184,976
2019	—		—
Thereafter	216,593		221,647
Total	$	1,006,570	$	1,006,570

____________________________________________________________

(1) Assumes that all debt with extension options will qualify for extension at such maturity according to the conditions stipulated in the governing documents.

(2) The Company had two non-performing loans (“NPLs”) with an aggregate principal amount of $42.4 million as of September 30, 2015 due to maturity defaults.

As of September 30, 2015, the weighted average maturity, including extensions, of CRE debt investments was 2.7 years.

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities as certain borrowers may have the right to prepay with or without prepayment penalty. The Company may also extend certain contractual maturities in connection with loan modifications.

The principal amount of CRE debt investments differs from the carrying value primarily due to unamortized origination fees and costs, unamortized premium and discount and loan loss reserves recorded as part of the carrying value of the investment. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had $29.9 million of net unamortized discount and $2.5 million of net unamortized origination fees and costs.

Provision for Loan Losses

The following table presents activity in loan loss reserves on CRE debt investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014		2015			2014
Beginning balance	$	5,799		$	5,599	$	5,599		$	2,880
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses, net	—		(1)	—		200		(1)	2,719
Ending balance	$	5,799		$	5,599	$	5,799		$	5,599

____________________________________________________________

(1) Excludes $0.1 million and $0.7 million of provision for loan losses relating to manufactured housing notes receivables recorded in other assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

Credit Quality Monitoring

CRE debt investments are typically loans secured by direct senior priority liens on real estate properties or by interests in entities that directly own real estate properties, which serve as the primary source of cash for the payment of principal and interest. The Company evaluates its debt investments at least quarterly and differentiates the relative credit quality principally based on: (i) whether the borrower is currently paying contractual debt service in accordance with its contractual terms; and (ii) whether the Company believes the borrower will be able to perform under its contractual terms in the future, as well as the Company’s expectations as to the ultimate recovery of principal at maturity.

The Company categorizes a debt investment for which it expects to receive full payment of contractual principal and interest payments as a “loan with no loan loss reserve.” The Company categorizes a debt investment as an NPL if it is in maturity default and/or past due at least 90 days on its contractual debt service payments. The Company considers the remaining debt investments to be of weaker credit quality and categorizes such loans as “other loans with a loan loss reserve/non-accrual status.” These loans are not considered NPLs because such loans are performing in accordance with contractual terms but the loans have a loan loss reserve and/or are on non-accrual status. Even if a borrower is currently paying contractual debt service or debt service is not due in accordance with its contractual terms, the Company may still determine that the borrower may not be able to perform under its contractual terms in the future and make full payment upon maturity. The Company’s definition of an NPL may differ from that of other companies that track NPLs.

The following table presents the carrying value of CRE debt investments, by credit quality indicator, as of each applicable balance sheet date (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
Credit Quality Indicator:
Loans with no loan loss reserve:
First mortgage loans	$	332,969	$	324,251
Mezzanine loans	109,117		157,089
Subordinate interests	170,040		200,236
Corporate loans	310,150		385,391
Subtotal	922,276		1,066,967
Other loans with a loan loss reserve/non-accrual status:
First mortgage loans(1)	500		700
Mezzanine loans(2)	—		—
Subtotal	500		700
Non-performing loans	42,943		—
Total	$	965,719	$	1,067,667

____________________________________________________________

(1) Excludes two first mortgage loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality with a carrying value of $8.9 million and $5.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and manufactured housing notes receivables recorded in other assets.

(2) Includes one mezzanine loan with a 100% loan loss reserve with a principal amount of $3.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Such loan is not considered a NPL as debt service is currently being received.

Impaired Loans

The Company considers impaired loans to generally include NPLs, loans with a loan loss reserve, loans on non-accrual status (excluding loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality) and TDRs. The following table presents impaired loans as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015							December 31, 2014
	Number	Principal Amount(1)		Carrying Value(1)		Loan Loss Reserve		Number	Principal Amount(1)		Carrying Value(1)		Loan Loss Reserve
Class of Debt:
First mortgage loans	3	$	44,904	$	43,443	$	2,033	1	$	2,533	$	700	$	1,833
Mezzanine loans	1	3,766		—		3,766		1	3,766		—		3,766
Total	4	$	48,670	$	43,443	$	5,799	2	$	6,299	$	700	$	5,599

____________________________________________________________

(1) Principal amount differs from carrying value primarily due to unamortized origination fees and costs, unamortized premium or discount and loan loss reserves included in the carrying value of the investment. Excludes two first mortgage loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality with an aggregate carrying value of $8.9 million and $5.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

The following table presents average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015					September 30, 2014
	Number	Average Carrying Value		Quarter Ended Income		Number	Average Carrying Value		Quarter Ended Income
Class of Debt:
First mortgage loans	3	$	43,443	$	—	1	$	700	$	—
Mezzanine loans	1	—		—		1	—		2
Total/weighted average	4	$	43,443	$	—	2	$	700	$	2

The following table presents average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015					September 30, 2014
	Number	Average Carrying Value		Nine Months Ended Income		Number	Average Carrying Value		Nine Months Ended Income
Class of Debt:
First mortgage loans	3	$	43,443	$	2,946	1	$	1,241	$	—
Mezzanine loans	1	—		3		1	471		3
Total/weighted average	4	$	43,443	$	2,949	2	$	1,712	$	3

As of September 30, 2015, the Company had two loans past due greater than 90 days.

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Operating Real Estate

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Real Estate [Abstract]

Operating Real Estate

Operating Real Estate

The following table presents operating real estate, net as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015 (Unaudited)			December 31, 2014
Land	$	2,066,221		$	1,490,613
Land improvements	1,072,130			1,070,507
Buildings and improvements	9,341,898			7,035,567
Building leasehold interests and improvements	589,490			591,626
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	362,175			286,340
Tenant improvements	233,887			159,159
Construction in progress	40,772			17,054
Subtotal	13,706,573			10,650,866
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(628,150		)	(349,574		)
Operating real estate, net	$	13,078,423		$	10,301,292

Real Estate Acquisitions

The following table summarizes the Company’s acquisitions for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 (dollars in millions):

Acquisition Date	Type	Description	Name	Purchase Price(1)		Properties	Financing		Equity		Ownership Interest			Transaction Costs
NorthStar Realty
February - March 2015	Office	Multi-tenant office	Legacy Properties	$	98.1	7	$	67.3	$	28.2	95	%		$	0.6
May 2015	Healthcare	Independent living facilities	ILF Portfolio	892.6		32	648.2		148.1		60	%	(2)	8.4
June 2015	Healthcare	Medical office building	Griffin-American Portfolio(3)	15.6		1	11.5		4.1		86	%	(2)	0.1
June 2015	Hotel	Upscale extended stay and premium branded select service	NE Portfolio	175.5		9	132.3		45.2		100	%		2.1
July 2015	Hotel	Upscale extended stay and premium branded select and full service	Miami Hotel Portfolio	154.2		3	115.5		38.7		100	%		1.5
NorthStar Europe(4)
April 2015	Office	Pan-European office	SEB Portfolio(5)	1,257.3		11	713.2		596.0		95	%	(6)	77.6
April 2015	Primarily Office	Pan-European office	Internos Portfolio(5)	209.9		12	101.7		126.2		100	%	(7)	18.9
April 2015	Primarily Office	Pan-European office	IVG Portfolio(5)	212.5		15	94.5		125.6		100	%	(7)	12.6
April 2015	Primarily Office	Pan-European office	Deka Portfolio(5)	92.3		10	52.4		47.1		100	%	(7)	7.4
July 2015	Office	Frankfurt office tower	Trianon Tower(5)	654.5		3	371.0		260.2		95	%	(6)	3.7

______________________________________

(1) Includes escrows and reserves and excludes transaction costs.

(2) NorthStar Healthcare Income, Inc. (“NorthStar Healthcare”), a sponsored company of NSAM, is the non-controlling interest holder of the remaining 40% of the ILF Portfolio and 14% of the Griffin-American Portfolio.

(3) Represents an additional acquisition related to the Griffin-American Portfolio.

(4) The Company’s new European investments in 2015 (“New European Portfolio”) were contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure.

(5) Translated using the currency exchange rate as of September 30, 2015.

(6) The Company is entitled to 100% of net income (loss) based on the allocation formula, as set forth in the governing documents.

(7) In October 2015, the Company entered into a joint venture arrangement with a third party for an approximate 5% ownership interest in all of the Deka Portfolio, $97 million of the Internos Portfolio and $24 million of the IVG Portfolio.

The following table presents the initial allocation of the purchase price of the assets acquired and the liabilities issued or assumed upon the closing of the following acquisitions: the New European Portfolio (excluding the U.K. Complex); Legacy Properties, the ILF Portfolio, an additional acquisition related to the Griffin-American Portfolio, NE Portfolio and Miami Hotel Portfolio (collectively referred to as “Other Portfolios”) that continue to be subject to refinement upon receipt of all information (dollars in thousands):

	New European Portfolio(4)		Other Portfolios
Assets:
Land and improvements	$	483,671	$	169,764
Buildings, leasehold interests and improvements	1,642,741		1,036,584
Acquired intangibles (1)	247,478		54,167
Other assets acquired	52,606		75,630
Total assets acquired	$	2,426,496	$	1,336,145
Liabilities:
Mortgage and other notes payable	$	1,332,866	$	974,715
Other liabilities assumed (2)	57,076		9,458
Total liabilities	1,389,942		984,173
Total NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. stockholders’ equity(3)	1,034,957		251,761
Non-controlling interests	1,597		100,211
Total equity	1,036,554		351,972
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,426,496	$	1,336,145

______________________________________

(1) Acquired intangibles include in-place leases, above-market leases and goodwill.

(2) Other liabilities assumed include below-market lease intangibles and deferred tax liabilities.

(3) Stockholders’ equity excludes transaction costs incurred in connection with the acquisitions.

(4) The New European Portfolio was contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure.

For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, the Company recorded aggregate revenue of $146.1 million and a net loss $137.8 million related to these acquisitions. Net loss is primarily related to transaction costs, depreciation and amortization.

The following table presents the final allocation of the purchase price of the assets acquired and liabilities issued and assumed upon the closing of the following portfolios (dollars in thousands):

	Hotel Portfolios(1)		U.K. Complex(2)
Assets:
Land and improvements	$	159,640	$	76
Buildings and improvements	635,668		55,449
Acquired intangibles	2,076		35,272
Other assets acquired	142,969		9,736
Total assets acquired	$	940,353	$	100,533
Liabilities:
Mortgage and other notes payable	$	723,682	$	78,515
Other liabilities assumed	4,625		737
Total liabilities	728,307		79,252
Total NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. stockholders’ equity	210,721		19,797
Non-controlling interests	1,325		1,484
Total equity	212,046		21,281
Total liabilities and equity	$	940,353	$	100,533

______________________________________

(1) Includes a $259.3 million hotel portfolio acquired in August 2014 (“K Partners Portfolio”) and a $681.0 million hotel portfolio acquired in September 2014 (“Courtyard Portfolio”).

(2) The U.K. Complex was contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure.

The following presents unaudited consolidated pro forma results of operations based on the Company’s historical financial statements and adjusted for the following acquisitions: the New European Portfolio and the Other Portfolios and related borrowings as if they occurred on January 1, 2014. The unaudited pro forma amounts were prepared for comparable purposes only and are not indicative of what actual consolidated results of operations of the Company would have been, nor are they indicative of the consolidated results of operations in the future and exclude transaction costs (dollars in thousands, except per share data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Pro forma total revenues	$	593,640		$	367,023		$	1,745,893		$	895,402
Pro forma net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	(125,775	)	$	(47,471	)	$	(252,982	)	$	(265,002	)
Pro forma EPS - basic	$	(0.69	)	$	(0.47	)	$	(1.48	)	$	(2.97	)
Pro forma EPS - diluted	$	(0.69	)	$	(0.47	)	$	(1.48	)	$	(2.97	)

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Risk Management and Derivative Activities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Risk Management and Derivative Activities

Risk Management and Derivative Activities

Derivatives

The Company uses derivative instruments primarily to manage interest rate risk and such derivatives are not considered speculative. These derivative instruments are typically in the form of interest rate swap, cap and foreign currency forward agreements and the primary objective is to minimize interest rate risks associated with investment and financing activities. The counterparties of these arrangements are major financial institutions with which the Company may also have other financial relationships. The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by these counterparties and it monitors their financial condition; however, the Company currently does not anticipate that any of the counterparties will fail to meet their obligations.

The following tables present derivative instruments that were not designated as hedges under U.S. GAAP as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Number	Notional Amount(1)		Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)				Range of Fixed LIBOR / Forward Rate	Range of Maturity
As of September 30, 2015:
NorthStar Realty
Interest rate caps	14	$	4,183,873	$	217			2.50% - 5.00%	January 2016 - December 2017
Interest rate swaps - N-Star CDOs	9	225,907		(10,389		)	(2)	5.02% - 5.25%	January 2017 - July 2018
Interest rate swaps - other	3	2,081,821		(119,565		)		0.62% - 4.17%	January 2016 - December 2029
Subtotal	26	6,491,601		(129,737		)
NorthStar Europe(3)
Interest rate caps	7	1,367,525		23,837				0.50% - 2.00%	October 2015 - July 2023
Foreign currency forwards	3	144,015		(3,428		)		N/A	November 2015 - August 2017
Subtotal	10	1,511,540		20,409
Total	36	$	8,003,141	$	(109,328	)
As of December 31, 2014:
NorthStar Realty
Interest rate swaps - N-Star CDOs	10	$	235,929	$	(17,707	)	(2)	5.00% - 5.25%	June 2015 - July 2018
Interest rate swaps - other	2	82,797		(208		)		0.62% - 5.00%	January 2016 - July 2023
Interest rate caps	21	3,808,234		2,132				2.50% - 5.00%	January 2015 - December 2017
Subtotal	33	4,126,960		(15,783		)
NorthStar Europe
Interest rate cap	1	40,625		1,115				2.00%	January 2020
Total	34	$	4,167,585	$	(14,668	)

____________________________________________________________

(1) Excludes timing swaps with a notional amount of $28.0 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

(2) Interest rate swaps in consolidated N-Star CDOs are liabilities and are only subject to the credit risks of the respective CDO transaction. As the interest rate swaps are senior to all the liabilities of the respective CDO and the fair value of each of the CDO’s investments exceeded the fair value of the CDO’s derivative liabilities, a credit valuation adjustment was not recorded.

(3) The Company’s European Portfolio and related derivative instruments were contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure.

The change in number and notional amount of derivative instruments from December 31, 2014 relates to derivatives entered into at the corporate level and in connection with new acquisitions, offset by contractual notional amortization and the maturity of a corporate interest rate cap and floor. The Company had no derivative financial instruments that were designated as hedges in qualifying hedging relationships as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments, as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheets, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Balance Sheet	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Location
Interest rate caps	Derivative assets	$	24,054	$	3,247
Interest rate swaps/foreign currency forwards	Derivative liabilities	$	133,382	$	17,915

The following table presents the effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Statements of Operations Location	2015			2014			2015			2014
NorthStar Realty
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings (loss):
Adjustment to fair value of interest rate swaps and caps	Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	$	(86,890	)	$	3,523		$	(114,036	)	$	7,755
Net cash payment on derivatives	Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	$	(2,931	)	$	(3,102	)	$	(8,989	)	$	(13,795	)
Amount of swap gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into earnings	Other interest expense	$	(223	)	$	(228	)	$	(711	)	$	(685	)
NorthStar Europe
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings (loss):
Adjustment to fair value of interest rate swaps and caps	Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	$	(9,576	)	$	—		$	(7,821	)	$	—
Adjustment to fair value of foreign currency forwards	Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	$	825		$	—		$	(3,429	)	$	—

The Company’s counterparties held no cash margin as collateral against the Company’s derivative contracts as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

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Equity-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Equity-Based Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation

The Company has issued equity-based awards to directors, officers, employees, consultants and advisors pursuant to the NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. 2004 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Plan”) and the NorthStar Realty Executive Incentive Bonus Plan, as amended (the “Plan” and collectively the “NorthStar Realty Equity Plans”).

Prior to the NSAM Spin-off, the Company conducted substantially all of its operations and made its investments through an operating partnership which issued LTIP Units as equity-based compensation. Additionally, prior to the NSAM Spin-off, the Company completed an internal corporate reorganization whereby the Company collapsed its three tier holding company structure, including such operating partnership, into a single tier (the “Reorganization”). All of the vested and unvested equity-based awards granted by the Company prior to the NSAM Spin-off remain outstanding following the Reorganization and the NSAM Spin-off. Appropriate adjustments were made to all awards to reflect the Reorganization, the Reverse Split and the Spin-offs. Pursuant to the Reorganization, such LTIP Units were converted into an equal number of shares of common stock of the Company (refer to Note 13), which are referred to as restricted stock, and holders of such shares received an equal number of shares of NSAM’s common stock in connection with the NSAM Spin-off, all of which generally remain subject to the same vesting and other terms that applied prior to the NSAM Spin-off. In connection with the NSAM Spin-off, equity and equity-based awards relating to the Company’s common stock, such as RSUs and Deferred LTIP Units, were adjusted to also relate to an equal number of shares of NSAM’s common stock, but otherwise generally remain subject to the same vesting and other terms that applied prior to the NSAM Spin-off. Vesting conditions for outstanding awards have been adjusted to reflect the impact of NSAM in terms of employment for service based on awards and total stockholder return for performance-based awards with respect to periods after the NSAM Spin-off.

In connection with the formation of the Operating Partnership, the Operating Partnership issued LTIP Units to each holder of the Company’s outstanding Deferred LTIP Units, which were equity awards representing the right to receive either LTIP units in the Company’s successor operating partnership or, if such LTIP units were not available upon settlement of the award, shares of common stock of the Company, in settlement of such Deferred LTIP Units on a one for one basis in accordance with the terms of the outstanding Deferred LTIP Units. Conditioned upon minimum allocations to the capital account of the LTIP Unit for federal income tax purposes, each LTIP Unit will be convertible, at the election of the holder, into one common unit of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership (“OP Unit”). Each of the OP Units underlying these LTIP Units will be redeemable at the election of the OP Unit holder for: (i) cash equal to the then fair market value of one share of the Company’s common stock; or (ii) at the option of the Company in its capacity as general partner of the Operating Partnership, one share of the Company’s common stock. LTIP Units issued remain subject to the same vesting terms as the Deferred LTIP Units.

In connection with the NRE Spin-off, equity and equity-based awards relating to the Company’s common stock, such as RSUs, were adjusted to also relate to one share of NorthStar Europe common stock for each six shares of the Company’s common stock, but otherwise generally remain subject to the same vesting and other terms that applied prior to the NRE Spin-off. Appropriate adjustments were also made to all awards to reflect the Reverse Split.

Following the Spin-offs, the Company and the compensation committee of its board of directors (the “Committee”) continues to administer all awards issued under the NorthStar Realty Equity Plans but NSAM and NorthStar Europe are obligated to issue shares of their common stock or other equity awards of their subsidiaries or make cash payments in lieu thereof with respect to dividend or distribution equivalent obligations to the extent required by such awards previously issued under the NorthStar Realty Equity Plans. These awards will continue to be governed by the NorthStar Realty Equity Plans, as applicable, and shares of NSAM’s common stock or NorthStar Europe’s common stock issued pursuant to these awards will not be issued pursuant to, or reduce availability, under the NorthStar Realty Equity Plans.

Pursuant to the management agreement with NSAM, the Company, together with NorthStar Europe and any company spun-off from the Company or NorthStar Europe, will pay directly or reimburse NSAM for up to 50% of any long-term bonus or other compensation that NSAM’s compensation committee determines shall be paid and/or settled in the form of equity and/or equity-based compensation to executives, employees and service providers of NSAM during any year. Subject to this limitation and limitations contained in any applicable management agreement between NSAM and NorthStar Europe or any company spun-off from the Company or NorthStar Europe, the amount paid by the Company, NorthStar Europe and any company spun-off from the Company or NorthStar Europe will be determined by NSAM in its discretion. At the discretion of NSAM’s compensation committee, this compensation may be granted in shares of the Company’s restricted stock, restricted stock units, LTIP Units or other forms of equity compensation or stock-based awards; provided that if at any time a sufficient number of shares of the Company’s common stock are not available for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plan, such compensation shall be paid in the form of RSUs, LTIP Units or other securities that may be settled in cash. The Company’s equity compensation for each year may be allocated on an individual-by-individual basis at the discretion of the NSAM compensation committee and, as long as the aggregate amount of the equity compensation for such year does not exceed the limits set forth in the management agreement, the proportion of any particular individual’s equity compensation may be greater or less than 50%.

The Company was responsible for paying approximately 50% of the 2014 long-term bonuses earned under the NorthStar Asset Management Group Inc. Executive Incentive Bonus Plan (“NSAM Bonus Plan”). Long-term bonuses were paid to executives in the form of equity-based awards of both the Company and NSAM, subject to performance-based and time-based vesting conditions over the four-year performance period from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2017. The long-term bonuses paid in the form of equity-based awards of the Company were adjusted for the NRE Spin-off and Reverse Split in the same manner as all other equity-based awards of the Company.

All of the adjustments made in connection with the Reorganization, the Spin-offs and the Reverse Split were deemed to be equitable adjustments pursuant to anti-dilution provisions in accordance with the terms of the NorthStar Realty Equity Plans. As a result, there was no incremental value attributed to these adjustments and these adjustments do not impact the amount recorded for equity-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

The following summarizes the equity-based compensation plans and related expenses.

All share amounts and related information disclosed below have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Reverse Split.

NorthStar Realty Equity Plans

Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan

In September 2004, the board of directors of the Company adopted the Stock Plan, and such plan, as amended and restated, was further adopted by the board of directors of the Company on April 17, 2013 and approved by the stockholders on May 29, 2013. The Stock Plan provides for the issuance of stock-based incentive awards, including incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, shares of common stock of the Company, in the form of restricted stock and other equity-based awards such as LTIP Units or any combination of the foregoing. The eligible participants in the Stock Plan include directors, officers, employees, consultants and advisors of the Company.

As of September 30, 2015, 92,397 unvested shares of restricted stock issued under the Stock Plan were outstanding and 1,568,499 shares of common stock remained available for issuance pursuant to the Stock Plan, which includes shares reserved for issuance upon settlement of outstanding LTIP Units and RSUs, after giving effect to the Reverse Split. Holders of shares of restricted stock or LTIP Units are entitled to receive dividends or distributions with respect to the Company’s shares of restricted stock and vested and unvested LTIP Units for as long as such shares and LTIP Units remain outstanding.

Incentive Compensation Plan

In July 2009, the Committee approved the material terms of the Plan for the Company’s executive officers and other employees. Pursuant to the Plan, an incentive pool was established each calendar year through 2013. The size of the incentive pool was calculated as the sum of: (a) 1.75% of the Company’s “adjusted equity capital” for the year; and (b) 25% of the Company’s adjusted funds from operations, as adjusted, above a 9% return hurdle on adjusted equity capital. Payout from the incentive pool is or was subject to achievement of additional performance and/or time-based goals summarized below.

The portion of the incentive pool for the executive officers was divided into the following three separate incentive compensation components: (a) an annual cash bonus, tied to annual performance of the Company and paid prior to or shortly after completion of the year-end audit (“Annual Bonus”); (b) a deferred bonus, determined based on the same year’s performance, but paid 50% following the close of each of the first and second years after such incentive pool is determined, subject to the participant’s continued employment through each payment date (“Deferred Bonus”); and (c) a long-term incentive in the form of RSUs, LTIP Units and/or Deferred LTIP Units. RSUs are subject to the Company achieving cumulative performance hurdles and/or total stockholder return hurdles established by the Committee for a three- or four-year period, subject to the participant’s continued employment through the payment date. Upon the conclusion of the applicable performance period, each executive officer will receive a payout, if any, equal to the value of one share of common stock at the time of such payout, including the dividends paid with respect to a share of common stock following the first year of the applicable performance period, for each RSU actually earned (the “Long-Term Amount Value”). The Long-Term Amount Value, if any, other than the portion related to dividends paid, will be paid in the form of shares of common stock of the Company or LTIP Units in the Operating Partnership, to the extent available under the NorthStar Realty Equity Plans, or in cash to the extent shares of common stock of the Company or LTIP Units in the Operating Partnership are unavailable under the NorthStar Realty Equity Plans, and, pursuant to adjustments made in connection with the NSAM Spin-off and the NRE Spin-off, shares of NSAM’s common stock or LTIP Units in NSAM’s operating partnership and shares of NorthStar Europe’s common stock or LTIP Units in NorthStar Europe’s operating partnership (the “Long Term Amount Payout”). These performance-based RSUs were adjusted to refer to combined total stockholder return of the Company and NSAM with respect to periods after the NSAM Spin-off. These performance-based RSUs were again adjusted to refer to combined total stockholder return of the Company, NorthStar Europe and NSAM after the NRE Spin-off. Restricted stock or LTIP Units granted as a portion of the long-term incentive are subject to vesting based on continued employment during the performance period, but are not subject to performance-based vesting hurdles.

Under the Plan, for 2011, the Company issued 381,449 RSUs to executive officers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, which were subject to vesting based on continued employment and achieving total stockholder return hurdles for the four-year period ended December 31, 2014. The grant date fair value was $10.80 per RSU, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, determined using a risk-free interest rate of 0.42%. As of December 31, 2014, the Company determined the performance hurdle was met which resulted in all of these RSUs vesting. To settle these RSUs, the Company issued 24,575 shares of common stock, net of the minimum statutory tax withholding requirements, on January 1, 2015, after giving effect to the Reverse Split and the Operating Partnership issued 334,871 LTIP Units, after giving effect to the Reverse Split. Under the Plan, for 2011, the Company also granted 381,449 LTIP Units to executive officers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, which were subject to vesting in four annual installments ending on January 29, 2015, subject to the executive officer’s continued employment through the applicable vesting date, and were converted into shares of restricted stock pursuant to the Reorganization. The Company also granted 151,334 shares of restricted stock (net of forfeitures occurring through September 30, 2015), after giving effect to the Reverse Split, to certain non-executive employees, which were subject to vesting quarterly over three years beginning April 2012, subject to continued employment through the applicable vesting date.

Under the Plan, for 2012, the Company issued 352,418 RSUs to executive officers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, which are subject to vesting based on continued employment and achieving total stockholder return hurdles for the four-year period ending December 31, 2015. The grant date fair value was $24.64 per RSU, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, determined using a risk-free interest rate of 0.44%. Under the Plan, for 2012, the Company also granted 352,418 LTIP Units to executive officers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, which were subject to vesting in four annual installments beginning on January 29, 2013, subject to the executive officer’s continued employment through the applicable vesting date, and were converted into shares of restricted stock pursuant to the Reorganization. The Company also granted 144,883 LTIP Units (net of forfeitures occurring through September 30, 2015), after giving effect to the Reverse Split, to certain non-executive employees which are subject to vesting quarterly over three years beginning April 2013, subject to continued employment through the applicable vesting date, and were converted into shares of restricted stock pursuant to the Reorganization.

Under the Plan, for 2013, the Company issued 250,184 RSUs to executive officers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, which are subject to vesting based on continued employment and achieving total stockholder return hurdles for the four-year period ending December 31, 2016. The grant date fair value was $53.92 per RSU, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, determined using a risk-free interest rate of 0.63%. Under the Plan, for 2013, the Company also granted 250,184 Deferred LTIP Units to executive officers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, which are subject to vesting in four annual installments beginning on January 29, 2014, subject to the executive officer’s continued employment through the applicable vesting date and 130,787 Deferred LTIP Units, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, which were subject to vesting based on continued employment through December 31, 2015. The Company also granted 137,330 Deferred LTIP Units (net of forfeitures occurring through September 30, 2015), after giving effect to the Reverse Split, to certain non-executive employees which were subject to vesting quarterly over three years beginning April 2014, subject to continued employment through the applicable vesting date. Such Deferred LTIP Units were subsequently settled as LTIP Units in the Operating Partnership or shares of restricted stock, which remain subject to the same vesting terms that applied to the Deferred LTIP Units.

NSAM Bonus Plan

In connection with the NSAM Bonus Plan, for 2014, approximately 31.65% of the long-term bonus was paid in Deferred LTIP Units and approximately 18.35% of the long-term bonus was paid by the Company by issuing RSUs. In connection with the long-term bonuses to be paid by the Company, in February 2015, the Company granted 519,115 Deferred LTIP Units to executive officers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, of which 25% were vested upon grant and the remainder was subject to vesting in three equal annual installments beginning on December 31, 2015, subject to the executive officer’s continued employment through the applicable vesting dates. The Company also granted 292,438 RSUs to executive officers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, subject to vesting based on continued employment and achieving total stockholder return hurdles for the four-year period ending December 31, 2017. The grant date fair value of such RSUs was $23.30 per RSU, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, determined using a risk-free interest rate of 1.00%. After the NRE Spin-off, these performance-based RSUs were adjusted to refer to combined total stockholder return of the Company and NorthStar Europe. In the first quarter 2015, the Company also granted 344,408 Deferred LTIP Units (net of forfeitures occurring through September 30, 2015), after giving effect to the Reverse Split, to certain non-executive employees, with substantially similar terms to the executive awards subject to time based vesting conditions. Such Deferred LTIP Units were settled as LTIP Units in the Operating Partnership or shares of restricted stock, which remain subject to the same vesting terms that applied to the Deferred LTIP Units.

Other Issuances

Healthcare Strategic Joint Venture

In connection with entering into the Healthcare Strategic Partnership, the Company granted Mr. Flaherty 250,000 RSUs on January 22, 2014, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, which vest on January 22, 2019, unless certain conditions are met. In connection with the Spin-offs, the RSUs granted to Mr. Flaherty were adjusted to also relate to shares of NSAM’s common stock and NorthStar Europe’s common stock. The RSUs are entitled to dividend equivalents prior to vesting and may be settled either in shares of common stock of the Company, NSAM and NorthStar Europe or in cash at the option of the Company.

Summary

Equity-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and for the three months ended September 30, 2014 represents the Company’s equity-based compensation following the NSAM Spin-off. The Company’s historical equity-based compensation for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, represents the Company’s expense after an allocation to NSAM related to the Company’s historical asset management business had it been run as an independent entity. Such amount is reported in discontinued operations.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded $6.2 million and $24.7 million of equity-based compensation expense (including $0.6 million and $4.3 million of fair value adjustments related to non-employees and $0.5 million and $1.6 million of dividends associated with non-employees, respectively). For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded $8.5 million and $20.3 million of equity-based compensation expense, respectively, which excludes $13.7 million of expense allocated to NSAM for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014 which is recorded in discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.

The following table presents a summary of restricted stock and LTIP Units. The balance as of September 30, 2015 represents unvested shares of restricted stock and LTIP Units that are outstanding, whether vested or not (grants in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
	Grants		Weighted Average Grant Price(2)
January 1, 2015	936		$	46.50
Granted	1,294		37.15
Converted to common stock	(3	)	31.02
Forfeited	(8	)	34.66
Vesting of restricted stock	(256	)	28.26
September 30, 2015(1)	1,963		$	42.79

____________________________________________________________

(1) Includes 92,397 shares of restricted stock and 1,870,528 LTIP Units as of September 30, 2015, after giving effect to the Reverse Split.

(2) Amounts have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Reverse Split.

As of September 30, 2015, equity-based compensation expense to be recognized over the remaining vesting period through January 2019 is $38.2 million, provided there are no forfeitures and not taking into account any impact of the NRE Spin-off.

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Real Estate Securities, Available for Sale

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Real Estate Securities, Available for Sale

Real Estate Securities, Available for Sale

The following table presents CRE securities as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

						Cumulative Unrealized							Allocation by		Weighted		Weighted
	Number	Principal  Amount(3)		Amortized Cost		Gains		(Losses)			Fair Value		Investment Type(3)		Average Coupon		Average Yield(4)
Asset Type:
N-Star CDO bonds(1)(8)	26	$	377,783	$	173,759	$	30,380	$	(2,455	)	$	201,684	28.8	%	2.05	%	23.41	%
N-Star CDO equity(5)(8)	4	76,700		76,700		6,435		(21,670		)	61,465		5.8	%	NA		12.56	%
CMBS and other securities(6)	15	119,287		63,911		16,024		(21,434		)	58,501		9.1	%	2.22	%	7.43	%
Subtotal(2)	45	573,770		314,370		52,839		(45,559		)	321,650		43.7	%	2.09	%	17.51	%
CRE securities in N-Star CDOs(5)(7)
CMBS	130	562,591		416,081		38,197		(97,324		)	356,954		42.9	%	3.78	%	10.78	%
Third-party CDO notes	9	74,117		67,283		159		(43,896		)	23,546		5.6	%	0.27	%	1.38	%
Agency debentures	8	87,172		31,415		7,244		(630		)	38,029		6.6	%	—		3.32	%
Unsecured REIT debt	1	8,000		8,314		838		—			9,152		0.6	%	7.50	%	5.88	%
Trust preferred securities	2	7,225		7,225		—		(1,645		)	5,580		0.6	%	2.25	%	2.25	%
Subtotal	150	739,105		530,318		46,438		(143,495		)	433,261		56.3	%	3.01	%	8.95	%
Total	195	$	1,312,875	$	844,688	$	99,277	$	(189,054	)	$	754,911	100.0	%	2.64	%	12.14	%

____________________________________________________________

(1) Excludes $135.4 million principal amount of N-Star CDO bonds payable that are eliminated in consolidation.

(2) All securities are unleveraged.

(3) Based on amortized cost for N-Star CDO equity and principal amount for remaining securities.

(4) Based on expected maturity and for floating-rate securities, calculated using the applicable LIBOR as of September 30, 2015.

(5) The fair value option was elected for these securities (refer to Note 14).

(6) The fair value option was elected for $48.7 million carrying value of these securities (refer to Note 14).

(7) Investments in the same securitization tranche held in separate CDO financing transactions are reported as separate investments.

(8) As of September 30, 2015, the weighted average remaining life of the N-Star CDO bonds and N-Star CDO equity is 2.4 and 4.2 years, respectively.

The Company sponsored nine CDOs, three of which were primarily collateralized by CRE debt and six of which were primarily collateralized by CRE securities. The Company acquired equity interests of two CRE debt focused CDOs, the CSE RE 2006-A CDO (“CSE CDO”) and the CapLease 2005-1 CDO (“CapLease CDO”) sponsored by third parties. These CDOs are collectively referred to as the N-Star CDOs and their assets are referred to as legacy investments. All N-Star CDOs are considered VIEs (refer to Note 17). At the time of issuance of the sponsored CDOs, the Company retained the below investment grade bonds, which are referred to as subordinate bonds, and preferred shares and equity notes, which are referred to as equity interests. In addition, the Company repurchased CDO bonds originally issued to third parties at discounts to par. These repurchased CDO bonds and retained subordinate bonds are herein collectively referred to as N-Star CDO bonds.

In September 2015, N-Star CDO IV was liquidated and the third-party senior bondholders of N-Star CDO IV were re-paid in full. In connection with the liquidation, the Company purchased one CMBS for $5.8 million from N-Star CDO IV at fair value. Additionally, the Company received $41.0 million from its equity interest in N-Star CDO IV, resulting in a net realized gain of $8.8 million, a portion of which related to equity distributions that would have been received had N-Star CDO IV not been liquidated.

As of September 30, 2015, the Company’s CRE securities portfolio is comprised of N-Star CDO bonds and N-Star CDO equity and other securities which are predominantly conduit commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), meaning each asset is a pool backed by a large number of commercial real estate loans. As a result, this portfolio is typically well-diversified by collateral type and geography. As of September 30, 2015, contractual maturities of CRE securities investments ranged from one month to 37 years, with a weighted average expected maturity of 3.6 years.

The following table presents CRE securities as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

						Cumulative Unrealized							Allocation by		Weighted		Weighted
	Number	Principal Amount(3)		Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses			Fair Value		Investment Type(3)		Average Coupon		Average Yield(4)
Asset Type:
N-Star CDO bonds(1)	32	$	461,974	$	205,463	$	58,116	$	(1,270	)	$	262,309	30.1	%	1.83	%	24.13	%
N-Star CDO equity(5)	5	137,143		137,143		522		(35,198		)	102,467		8.9	%	NA		18.21	%
CMBS and other securities(6)	15	119,089		64,616		12,241		(24,934		)	51,923		7.8	%	2.48	%	5.51	%
Subtotal(2)	52	718,206		407,222		70,879		(61,402		)	416,699		46.8	%	1.97	%	19.18	%
CRE securities in N-Star CDOs(5)(7)
CMBS	144	636,035		458,186		50,432		(125,751		)	382,867		41.5	%	3.69	%	9.96	%
Third-party CDO notes	10	76,253		68,821		—		(45,603		)	23,218		5.1	%	0.26	%	1.32	%
Agency debentures	8	87,172		30,371		10,164		(6		)	40,529		5.7	%	—		4.56	%
Unsecured REIT debt	1	8,000		8,396		955		—			9,351		0.5	%	7.50	%	5.88	%
Trust preferred securities	2	7,225		7,225		—		(1,373		)	5,850		0.4	%	2.25	%	2.32	%
Subtotal	165	814,685		572,999		61,551		(172,733		)	461,815		53.2	%	3.00	%	8.48	%
Total	217	$	1,532,891	$	980,221	$	132,430	$	(234,135	)	$	878,514	100.0	%	2.57	%	12.92	%

_________________________________________________________

(1) Excludes $108.0 million principal amount of N-Star CDO bonds payable that are eliminated in consolidation.

(2) All securities are unleveraged.

(3) Based on amortized cost for N-Star CDO equity and principal amount for remaining securities.

(4) Based on expected maturity and for floating-rate securities, calculated using the applicable LIBOR as of December 31, 2014.

(5) The fair value option was elected for these securities (refer to Note 14).

(6) The fair value option was elected for $42.6 million carrying value of these securities (refer to Note 14).

(7) Investments in the same securitization tranche held in separate CDO financing transactions are reported as separate investments.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, proceeds from the sale of CRE securities was $14.9 million and $95.7 million resulting in a net realized gain of $0.3 million and $14.1 million. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, proceeds from the sale of CRE securities was $42.6 million and $68.5 million, resulting in a net realized gain of $5.6 million and $17.4 million, respectively.

CRE securities investments, not held in N-Star CDOs, include 28 securities for which the fair value option was not elected. As of September 30, 2015, the aggregate carrying value of these securities was $211.5 million, representing $28.0 million of accumulated net unrealized gains included in OCI. The Company held one security with a carrying value of $3.5 million with an unrealized loss of $2.2 million as of September 30, 2015, which was in an unrealized loss position for a period of greater than 12 months. Based on management’s quarterly evaluation, the Company recorded OTTI of $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, which was recorded in realized gain (loss) on investments and other in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity.

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Real Estate Debt Investments - Impaired Loans (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) loan	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) loan	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) loan	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) loan	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) loan	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired
Number (loans) | loan			4		2
Principal Amount	$ 48,670		$ 48,670		$ 6,299
Carrying Value	56,056		56,056		48,932
Loan Loss Reserve	5,799	$ 5,599	5,799	$ 5,599	$ 5,599	$ 5,799	$ 5,599	$ 2,880
Average Carrying Value	43,443	700	43,443	1,712
Nine Months Ended Income	$ 0	$ 2	$ 2,949	$ 3
Number of days of default or past due for loan delinquency			90 days		90 days
Weighted Average
Average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired
Number (loans) | loan	4	2	4	2
Weighted Average | Past due, greater than 90 days
Average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired
Number (loans) | loan			2
Impaired loans
Average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired
Carrying Value	$ 43,443		$ 43,443		$ 700
First mortgage loans
Average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired
Number (loans) | loan			3		1
Principal Amount	44,904		$ 44,904		$ 2,533
Loan Loss Reserve	2,033		2,033		1,833
Average Carrying Value	43,443	$ 700	43,443	$ 1,241
Nine Months Ended Income	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,946	$ 0
First mortgage loans | Weighted Average
Average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired
Number (loans) | loan	3	1	3	1
First mortgage loans | Impaired loans
Average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired
Carrying Value	$ 43,443		$ 43,443		700
First mortgage loan acquired with deteriorated credit quality | loan	2		2
First mortgage loans | Impaired loans | Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality
Average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired
Carrying Value	$ 8,900		$ 8,900		$ 5,700
Mezzanine loans
Average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired
Number (loans) | loan			1		1
Principal Amount	3,766		$ 3,766		$ 3,766
Loan Loss Reserve	3,766		3,766		3,766
Average Carrying Value	0	$ 0	0	$ 471
Nine Months Ended Income	$ 0	$ 2	$ 3	$ 3
Mezzanine loans | Weighted Average
Average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired
Number (loans) | loan	1	1	1	1
Mezzanine loans | Impaired loans
Average carrying value of impaired loans by type and the income recorded on such loans subsequent to their being deemed impaired
Carrying Value	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0

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Investments in Private Equity Funds

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Private Equity Funds

Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]

Investments in Private Equity Funds

Investments in Private Equity Funds

The following is a description of investments in private equity funds that own PE Investments either through unconsolidated ventures (“PE Investment I” and “PE Investment II”) or consolidated ventures and direct investments (“PE Investment III to XIV,” collectively “Direct PE Investments”) which are recorded as investments in private equity funds at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company elected the fair value option for PE Investments. As a result, the Company records equity in earnings (losses) based on the change in fair value for its share of the projected future cash flow from one period to another. All PE Investments are considered voting interest entities, except for two fund interests in PE Investment XIII (refer to Note 17). PE Investment I and II are not consolidated by the Company due to the substantive participating rights of the partners in joint ventures that own the interests in the real estate private equity funds. The Company does not consolidate any of the underlying real estate private equity funds owned in Direct PE Investments as it does not own a majority voting interest in any such funds or is not the primary beneficiary of such funds.

The following tables summarize the Company’s PE Investments as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in millions):

PE Investment(1)	Initial Closing Date	NAV Reference Date(2)	Number of Funds		Purchase Price		Expected Future Funding(3)
PE Investment I	February 15, 2013	June 30, 2012	49		$	282.1	$	6
PE Investment II	July 3, 2013	September 30, 2012	24		353.4		2
PE Investment III (4)	December 31, 2013	June 30, 2013	8		39.8		—
PE Investment IV	May 30, 2014	December 31, 2013	1		8.0		—
PE Investment V	July 1, 2014	September 30, 2013	3		12.0		—
PE Investment VI	July 30, 2014	June 30, 2014	20		90.2		1
PE Investment VII	August 15, 2014	December 31, 2013	14		54.9		1
PE Investment IX	October 2, 2014	March 31, 2014	11		217.7		3
PE Investment X	December 4, 2014	June 30, 2014	13		152.4		—
PE Investment XI	May 1, 2015	September 30, 2014	2		6.4		—
PE Investment XII	May 5, 2015	June 30, 2014	1		6.2		—
PE Investment XIII	May 22, 2015	December 31, 2014	11		441.1		6
PE Investment XIV(5)	September 9, 2015	December 31, 2014	15		50.2		2
Total			172	(6)	$	1,714.4	$	21

____________________________________________________________

(1) On August 19, 2014, the Company, through a subsidiary, entered into a joint venture with a third party to source and invest in real estate private equity funds. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, PE Investment VIII has not made any investments.

(2) Represents the net asset value (“NAV”) date on which the Company agreed to acquire the respective PE Investment.

(3) Represents the estimated amount of expected future contributions to funds as of September 30, 2015. The actual amount of future contributions underlying the fund interests that may be called and funded by the Company could vary materially from the Company’s expectations.

(4) PE Investment III paid $39.8 million to the seller for all of the fund interests, or 50% of the June 30, 2013 NAV, and will pay the remaining $39.8 million, or 50% of the June 30, 2013 NAV, by December 31, 2015 to two third parties. Such amount is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

(5) PE Investment XIV paid $50.2 million to the seller for all of the fund interests, or 50% of the December 31, 2014 NAV, and will pay the remaining $47.8 million in equal installments one year and two years after the initial closing date, respectively. Such amount is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company expects closing the fund interests in the fourth quarter 2015 once the Company receives consent from the general partners of the underlying funds.

(6) The total number includes 27 funds held across multiple PE Investments.

	Carrying Value				Three Months Ended September 30, 2015						Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
PE Investment(1)(5)	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014		Equity in Earnings(2)		Distributions		Contributions		Equity in Earnings(2)		Distributions		Contributions
PE Investment I(3)	$	175.0	$	218.6	$	9.9	$	8.8	$	0.6	$	15.5	$	18.0	$	0.9
PE Investment II(4)	199.0		231.6		12.0		41.4		—		15.5		40.7		—
PE Investment III	43.2		51.0		0.4		3.1		—		1.4		5.4		—
PE Investment IV	8.6		7.8		0.3		0.3		—		0.4		0.9		—
PE Investment V	7.9		8.0		0.4		—		—		0.6		5.0		—
PE Investment VI	80.4		86.3		2.7		4.4		0.2		2.3		3.9		0.3
PE Investment VII	35.7		42.7		1.9		4.8		0.1		1.3		8.9		0.1
PE Investment IX	136.0		174.6		7.5		23.7		0.3		—		—		—
PE Investment X	125.9		141.4		5.3		9.6		0.1		—		—		—
PE Investment XI	4.1		—		0.3		—		—		—		—		—
PE Investment XII	2.8		—		0.1		0.2		—		—		—		—
PE Investment XIII	308.1		—		13.7		58.5		0.6		—		—		—
PE Investment XIV	68.2		—		0.6		27.5		0.3		—		—		—
Total(4)	$	1,194.9	$	962.0	$	55.1	$	182.3	$	2.2	$	37.0	$	82.8	$	1.3

____________________________________________________________

(1) On August 19, 2014, the Company, through a subsidiary, entered into a joint venture with a third party to source and invest in PE Investments. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, PE Investment VIII has not made any investments.

(2) Equity in earnings is recorded gross of a current income tax benefit of $0.3 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015.

(3) The Company recorded an unrealized loss of $9.1 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 representing a partial reversal of an unrealized gain recorded in the fourth quarter 2014.

(4) Excludes the remaining deferred purchase price of $243.3 million for PE Investment II.

(5) As of September 30, 2015, cash flow is expected through June 30, 2024, with a weighted average expected remaining life of 1.7 years.

.

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015						Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
PE Investment	Equity in Earnings(1)		Distributions		Contributions		Equity in Earnings(1)		Distributions		Contributions
PE Investment I(2)	$	36.1	$	59.1	$	1.8	$	45.9	$	64.7	$	1.0
PE Investment II(3)	39.7		115.3		42.9		44.0		90.2		4.9
PE Investment III	1.6		9.5		0.1		4.4		15.4		0.2
PE Investment IV	0.9		0.3		—		0.5		0.9		—
PE Investment V	1.5		1.5		—		0.6		5.0		—
PE Investment VI	8.9		15.4		0.7		2.3		3.9		0.3
PE Investment VII	6.0		13.1		0.1		1.3		8.8		0.1
PE Investment IX	24.1		63.6		0.9		—		—		—
PE Investment X	16.7		32.5		0.3		—		—		—
PE Investment XI	0.4		1.3		—		—		—		—
PE Investment XII	0.3		3.8		0.1		—		—		—
PE Investment XIII	18.9		154.6		2.7		—		—		—
PE Investment XIV	0.6		27.5		0.3		—		—		—
Total	$	155.7	$	497.5	$	49.9	$	99.0	$	188.9	$	6.5

____________________________________________________________

(1) Equity in earnings is recorded gross of a current provision for income tax of $4.6 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015.

(2) The Company recorded an unrealized loss of $22.5 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 representing a partial reversal of an unrealized gain recorded in the fourth quarter 2014.

(3) Contributions for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 represents a payment of the deferred purchase price for PE Investment II.

Unconsolidated PE Investments

PE Investment I

In February 2013, the Company completed the initial closing (“PE I Initial Closing”) of PE Investment I which owns a portfolio of limited partnership interests in real estate private equity funds managed by institutional-quality sponsors. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, at the PE I Initial Closing, the full purchase price was funded, excluding future capital commitments. Accordingly, the Company funded $282.1 million and NorthStar Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. (“NorthStar Income”) (together with the Company, the “NorthStar Entities”) funded $118.0 million. The NorthStar Entities have an aggregate ownership interest in PE Investment I of 51%, of which the Company owns 70.5%. The Company assigned its rights to the remaining 29.5% to a subsidiary of NorthStar Income. Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (the “Class B Partner”) contributed its interests in 49 funds subject to the transaction in exchange for all of the Class B partnership interests in PE Investment I.

PE Investment I provides for all cash distributions on a priority basis to the NorthStar Entities as follows: (i) first, 85% to the NorthStar Entities and 15% to the Class B Partner until the NorthStar Entities receive a 1.5x multiple on all of their invested capital, including amounts funded in connection with future capital commitments; (ii) second, 15% to the NorthStar Entities and 85% to the Class B Partner until the Class B Partner receives a return of its then remaining June 30, 2012 capital; and (iii) third, 51% to the NorthStar Entities and 49% to the Class B Partner. All amounts paid to and received by the NorthStar Entities are based on each partner’s proportionate interest.

The Company guaranteed all of its funding obligations that may be due and owed under PE Investment I agreements directly to PE Investment I entities. The Company and NorthStar Income each agreed to indemnify the other proportionately for any losses that may arise in connection with the funding and other obligations as set forth in the governing documents in the case of a joint default by the Company and NorthStar Income. The Company and NorthStar Income further agreed to indemnify each other for all of the losses that may arise as a result of a default that is solely caused by the Company or NorthStar Income, as the case may be.

PE Investment II

In June 2013, the Company, NorthStar Income and funds managed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management (“Vintage Funds”) (each a “Partner”) formed joint ventures and entered into an agreement with Common Pension Fund E, a common trust fund created under New Jersey law (“PE II Seller”), to acquire a portfolio of limited partnership interests in 24 real estate private equity funds managed by institutional-quality sponsors. The aggregate reported NAV acquired was $910.0 million as of September 30, 2012. The Company, NorthStar Income and the Vintage Funds each have an ownership interest in PE Investment II of 70%, 15% and 15%, respectively. All amounts paid and received are based on each Partner’s proportionate interest.

PE Investment II paid $504.8 million to PE II Seller for all of the fund interests, or 55% of the September 30, 2012 NAV (the “Initial Amount”), and agreed to pay the remaining $411.4 million, or 45% of the September 30, 2012 NAV (the “Deferred Amount”), by the last day of the fiscal quarter after the four-year anniversary following the closing date of each fund interest. As of September 30, 2015, the Company’s share of the Deferred Amount was $243.3 million. In April 2015, PE Investment II paid $61.3 million of the Deferred Amount to PE II Seller, of which the Company’s share was $42.9 million. The Company funded $353.4 million, all of its proportionate share of the Initial Amount, at the initial closing on July 3, 2013. The Deferred Amount is a liability of PE Investment II. Each Partner, directly or indirectly, guaranteed its proportionate interest of the Deferred Amount. The Company determined there was an immaterial amount of fair value related to the guarantee.

On March 31st of each year, commencing on March 31, 2015 and for a period of two years thereafter, PE Investment II will pay, within ten business days of March 31st, an amount necessary to reduce the Deferred Amount by the greater of 15% of the then outstanding Deferred Amount or 15% of the aggregate distributions received by PE Investment II during the preceding 12 month period.

On the last day of the fiscal quarter after the four-year anniversary of the applicable closing date of each fund interest, PE Investment II will be required to pay to PE II Seller the then outstanding unpaid Deferred Amount. PE Investment II will receive 100% of all distributions following the payment of the Deferred Amount.

The Company guaranteed all of its funding obligations that may be due and owed under PE Investment II agreements directly to PE Investment II entities. The Company and NorthStar Income each agreed to indemnify the other proportionately for any losses that may arise in connection with the funding and other obligations as set forth in the governing documents in the case of a joint default by the Company and NorthStar Income. The Company and NorthStar Income further agreed to indemnify each other for all of the losses that may arise as a result of a default that was solely caused by the Company or NorthStar Income, as the case may be.

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Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Unconsolidated Ventures

Schedule of Investments [Line Items]

Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures

Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures

The following is a description of investments in unconsolidated ventures. The investments in RXR Realty LLC (“RXR Realty”), Aerium Group (“Aerium”) and SteelWave, LLC (formerly known as Legacy Partners Commercial, LLC) (“SteelWave”) are accounted for at fair value due to the election of the fair value option (refer to Note 14). The investments in the NSAM Sponsored Companies (as defined below) were accounted for under the equity method prior to the NSAM Spin-off and are accounted for under the cost method subsequent to the NSAM Spin-off. All other investments in unconsolidated ventures are accounted for under the equity method.

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments in unconsolidated ventures as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in millions):

						Equity in Earnings (Losses)
		Carrying Value				Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
Investment	Ownership Interest	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014		2015			2014			2015		2014
RXR Realty(1)	27%	$	86.3	$	90.0	$	4.3		$	2.5		$	12.0	$	5.5
Aerium(2)	15%	18.2		62.8		—			1.8			1.3		1.8
LandCap(3)	49%	9.0		10.8		0.5			0.3			1.1		0.8
SteelWave(4)	40%	6.3		5.0		0.5			—			1.3		—
CS/Federal(5)	50%	5.6		5.7		0.1			—			0.1		—
NSAM Sponsored Companies(6)	0.4% to 0.6%	14.2		11.5		—			0.2			0.2		0.2
NorthStar Realty Finance Trusts(7)	N/A	3.7		3.7		—			—			—		—
Multifamily Joint Venture(8)	90%	3.1		9.9		(0.1		)	(0.1		)	—		(0.3		)
Other	Various	8.5		8.4		—			—			—		2.6
Total		$	154.9	$	207.8	$	5.3		$	4.7		$	16.0	$	10.6

___________________________________________________________

(1) In December 2013, the Company entered into a strategic transaction with RXR Realty, a leading real estate owner, developer and investment management company focused on high-quality real estate in the New York Tri-State area. The Company’s equity interest in RXR Realty is structured so that NSAM is entitled to certain fees in connection with RXR Realty’s investment management business.  Refer to Note 10. “Related Party Arrangements - NorthStar Asset Management Group - Management Agreement” for further disclosure.

(2) Aerium is a pan-European real estate investment manager specializing in commercial real estate properties. The Company recorded an unrealized loss on its interest in Aerium of $30.5 million and $39.8 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. The Company’s equity interest in Aerium is structured so that NSAM is entitled to certain fees in connection with Aerium’s asset management business. Refer to Note 10. “Related Party Arrangements - NorthStar Asset Management Group - Management Agreement” for further disclosure.

(3) In October 2007, the Company entered into a joint venture with Whitehall Street Global Real Estate Limited Partnership 2007 (“Whitehall”) to form LandCap Partners and LandCap LoanCo. (collectively referred to as “LandCap”). The joint venture is managed by a third-party management group. The Company and Whitehall agreed to no longer provide additional new investment capital in the LandCap joint venture.

(4) In September 2014, the Company entered into an investment with SteelWave, a real estate investment manager, owner and operator with a portfolio of commercial assets focused in key markets in the western United States.

(5) CS Federal Drive, LLC (“CS/Federal”) owns three adjacent class A office/flex buildings in Colorado. The properties were acquired for $54.3 million and were financed with two separate non-recourse mortgages totaling $38.0 million and the remainder in cash. The mortgages mature on February 11, 2016 and have a fixed interest rate of 5.51% and 5.46%, respectively.

(6) Affiliates of NSAM also manage the Company’s previously sponsored companies: NorthStar Income, NorthStar Healthcare and NorthStar Real Estate Income II, Inc. (“NorthStar Income II”) and together with any new sponsored company, (herein collectively referred to as the “NSAM Sponsored Companies”).

(7) The Company owns all of the common stock of NorthStar Realty Finance Trusts I through VIII (collectively, the “Trusts”). The Trusts were formed to issue trust preferred securities. Refer to Note 17 for further disclosure.

(8) In July 2013, the Company through a joint venture with a private investor, acquired a multifamily property with 498 units, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for an aggregate purchase price of $41.0 million, including all costs, escrows and reserves. The property was financed with a non-recourse mortgage note of $29.5 million and the remainder in cash. In April 2015, the property obtained additional non-recourse financing of $7.0 million. Both financings mature on July 1, 2023 and have a weighted average fixed interest rate of 3.87%.

NSAM Sponsored Companies

The Company committed to purchase up to $10 million in shares of each of NSAM’s Sponsored Companies’ common stock during the two year period from when each offering was declared effective through the end of their respective offering period, in the event that NSAM Sponsored Companies’ distributions to its stockholders, on a quarterly basis, exceeds its modified funds from operations (as defined in accordance with the current practice guidelines issued by the Investment Program Association).

In connection with the Company’s commitment to purchase shares of the NSAM Sponsored Companies, the Company acquired an aggregate of $15.2 million of shares of NorthStar Income, NorthStar Healthcare and NorthStar Income II through September 30, 2015. In addition, pursuant to the management agreement with NSAM, the Company committed up to $10 million to invest as distribution support consistent with past practice in each future public non-traded NSAM Sponsored Company, up to a total of five new companies per year.

The Company has committed to invest as distribution support in the following NSAM Sponsored Companies:

• NorthStar/RXR New York Metro Real Estate, Inc. - In October 2015, NorthStar/RXR New York Metro Real Estate, Inc. (“NorthStar/RXR New York Metro”) filed an amended registration statement with the SEC, seeking to offer an additional class of common shares related to its $2 billion public offering. NorthStar/RXR New York Metro expects to begin raising capital at the beginning of 2016.

• NorthStar Corporate - In June 2015, NorthStar Corporate Income, Inc. confidentially submitted an amended registration statement on Form N-2 to the SEC seeking to raise up to $1 billion in a public offering of common stock.

• NorthStar Global - In October 2015, NorthStar Global Corporate Income Fund filed an amended registration statement on Form N-2 with the SEC seeking to raise up to $3 billion in a public offering of common stock.

• NorthStar Credit Fund - In October 2015, NorthStar Real Estate Credit Fund filed its registration statement on Form N-2 with the SEC seeking to raise up to $3 billion in a public offering of common stock.

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Borrowings

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Borrowings

Borrowings

The following table presents borrowings as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

				September 30, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Recourse vs. Non-Recourse	Final Maturity	Contractual Interest Rate(1)(2)	Principal Amount		Carrying Value(3)		Principal Amount		Carrying Value(3)
Mortgage and other notes payable:(4)
Healthcare
East Arlington, TX	Non-recourse	May-17	5.89%	$	3,115	$	3,115	$	3,157	$	3,157
Ohio Portfolio	Non-recourse	Jan-19	LIBOR + 5.00%	20,018		19,938		20,230		20,230
Lancaster, OH	Non-recourse	Jan-19	LIBOR + 5.00%	2,308		2,299		2,442		2,442
Wilkinson Portfolio	Non-recourse	Jan-19	6.99%	147,811		147,225		150,024		150,024
Tuscola/Harrisburg, IL	Non-recourse	Jan-19	7.09%	7,304		7,275		7,412		7,412
Formation Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	May-19(6)/Jan-25	LIBOR + 4.25%(7)/4.54%	702,848		701,062		705,608		700,958
Minnesota Portfolio	Non-recourse	Nov-19	3.50%	37,800		37,800		37,800		37,800
Griffin-American - U.K.(5)	Non-recourse	Dec-19(6)	LIBOR + 4.25%(7)	336,758		336,758		348,588		348,588
Griffin-American - U.S. - Fixed(5)	Non-recourse	Dec-19(6)/ Jun-25 / Dec-35	4.68%	1,763,048		1,706,604		1,750,000		1,750,000
Griffin-American - U.S. - Floating(5)	Non-recourse	Dec-19(6)	LIBOR + 3.05%(7)	862,468		862,468		868,797		868,797
Wakefield Portfolio	Non-recourse	April-20	LIBOR + 4.00%	54,809		54,312		54,751		54,751
Healthcare Preferred(8)	Non-recourse	Jul-21	LIBOR + 7.75%	75,000		75,000		75,000		75,000
Indiana Portfolio(8)	Non-recourse	Sept-21	LIBOR + 4.50%	121,130		121,130		121,130		121,130
ILF Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	May-25	4.17%	648,211		648,211		—		—
Subtotal Healthcare/weighted average			4.43%(7)	4,782,628		4,723,197		4,144,939		4,140,289
Hotel
Innkeepers Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Jun-19(6)	LIBOR + 3.39%(7)	840,000		840,000		840,000		840,000
K Partners Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Aug-19(6)	LIBOR + 3.25%(7)	211,681		211,681		211,681		211,681
Courtyard Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Oct-19(6)	LIBOR + 3.05%(7)	512,000		512,000		512,000		512,000
Inland Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Nov-19(6)	LIBOR + 3.60%(7)	817,000		817,000		817,000		817,000
NE Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Jun-20(6)	LIBOR + 3.85%(7)	132,250		132,250		—		—
Miami Hotel Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Jul-20(6)	LIBOR + 3.90%(7)	115,500		115,500		—		—
Subtotal Hotel/weighted average			3.60%(7)	2,628,431		2,628,431		2,380,681		2,380,681
European Portfolio/weighted average(9)			2.11%(7)	1,518,017		1,518,017		77,660		77,660
Manufactured housing communities
Manufactured Housing Portfolio 3(5)	Non-recourse	Dec-21/ Jan-24/ Sept-24	4.923%(7)	297,271		299,320		297,428		299,716
Manufactured Housing Portfolio 1(5)	Non-recourse	Jan-23	4.387%(7)	234,406		234,406		236,900		236,900
Manufactured Housing Portfolio 2(5)	Non-recourse	May-23	4.016%(7)	639,909		639,909		639,909		639,909
Subtotal Manufactured housing communities/weighted average			4.32%(7)	1,171,586		1,173,635		1,174,237		1,176,525
Net lease
Fort Wayne, IN	—	—	—	—		—		2,909		2,909
Columbus, OH	—	—	—	—		—		21,934		21,934
EDS Portfolio(10)	Non-recourse	Oct-15	5.37%	41,997		41,997		42,738		42,738
Keene, NH	Non-recourse	Feb-16	5.85%	6,001		6,001		6,105		6,105
Green Pond, NJ	Non-recourse	Apr-16	5.68%	15,566		15,566		15,799		15,799
Aurora, CO	Non-recourse	Jul-16	6.22%	30,315		30,315		30,720		30,720
DSG Portfolio	Non-recourse	Oct-16	6.17%	30,650		30,650		31,126		31,126
Indianapolis, IN	Non-recourse	Feb-17	6.06%	25,797		25,797		26,151		26,151
Milpitas, CA	Non-recourse	Mar-17	5.95%	18,990		18,990		19,459		19,459
Fort Mill, SC	Non-recourse	Apr-17	5.63%	27,700		27,700		27,700		27,700
Fort Mill, SC - Mezzanine	Non-recourse	Apr-17	6.21%	774		774		1,079		1,079
Industrial Portfolio(5)	Non-recourse	Jul-17/Dec-17	4.21%(7)	221,125		226,152		221,131		228,071
Salt Lake City, UT	Non-recourse	Sept-17	5.16%	12,783		12,783		13,181		13,181
South Portland, ME	Non-recourse	Jul-23	LIBOR + 2.15%(7)	3,332		3,332		3,597		3,597
Subtotal Net lease/weighted average			4.97%(7)	435,030		440,057		463,629		470,569

				September 30, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Recourse vs. Non-Recourse	Final Maturity	Contractual Interest Rate(1)(2)	Principal Amount		Carrying Value(3)		Principal Amount		Carrying Value(3)
Multifamily(11)
Memphis, TN	—	—	—	—		—		39,600		39,600
Southeast Portfolio	—	—	—	—		—		158,417		158,417
Scottsdale, AZ	—	—	—	—		—		46,538		46,538
Subtotal Multifamily				—		—		244,555		244,555
Multi-tenant Office
Legacy Properties(5)	Non-recourse	Nov-19/Feb-20(6)	LIBOR + 2.15%(7)	112,838		112,838		45,584		45,584
Subtotal Multi-tenant Office/weighted average			2.35%(7)	112,838		112,838		45,584		45,584
Subtotal Mortgage and other notes payable(4)				10,648,530		10,596,175		8,531,285		8,535,863
Credit facilities:
Corporate Revolving Credit Facility(12)	Recourse	Aug-17	LIBOR + 3.50%(7)	295,000		295,000		215,000		215,000
Corporate Term Facility	Recourse	Sept-17	4.60% / 4.55%(13)	425,000		425,000		425,000		425,000
Loan Facility	—	—	—	—		—		14,850		14,850
Loan Facility 1	Partial Recourse(14)	Mar-18(6)	2.95%(7)	65,903		65,903		77,930		77,930
Subtotal Credit facilities				785,903		785,903		732,780		732,780
Senior Notes:
NRE Senior Notes	Recourse	Dec-16	4.63%	340,000		340,000		—		—
CDO bonds payable:
N-Star I	Non-recourse	Aug-38	7.01%	14,047		14,047		15,020		14,504
N-Star IX	Non-recourse	Aug-52	LIBOR + 0.46%(7)	466,687		329,506		545,939		375,564
Subtotal CDO bonds payable—VIE				480,734		343,553		560,959		390,068
Securitization bonds payable:
Securitization 2012-1	—	—	—	—		—		41,831		41,823
Subtotal Securitization financing transaction				—		—		41,831		41,823
Exchangeable senior notes:
7.25% Notes	Recourse	Jun-27	7.25%	12,955		12,955		12,955		12,955
8.875% Notes	Recourse	Jun-32	8.875%	1,000		985		1,000		983
5.375% Notes	Recourse	Jun-33	5.375%	17,405		15,434		31,633		27,824
Subtotal Exchangeable senior notes				31,360		29,374		45,588		41,762
Junior subordinated notes:(15)
Trust I	Recourse	Mar-35	LIBOR + 3.25%(7)	41,240		29,066		41,240		32,992
Trust II	Recourse	Jun-35	LIBOR + 3.25%(7)	25,780		18,175		25,780		20,753
Trust III	Recourse	Jan-36	7.81%	41,238		27,436		41,238		32,784
Trust IV	Recourse	Jun-36	7.95%	50,100		33,967		50,100		39,830
Trust V	Recourse	Sept-36	LIBOR + 2.70%(7)	30,100		18,924		30,100		21,823
Trust VI	Recourse	Dec-36	LIBOR + 2.90%(7)	25,100		16,323		25,100		18,700
Trust VII	Recourse	Apr-37	LIBOR + 2.50%(7)	31,459		18,875		31,459		22,492
Trust VIII	Recourse	Jul-37	LIBOR + 2.70%(7)	35,100		21,913		35,100		25,798
Subtotal Junior subordinated notes				280,117		184,679		280,117		215,172
Borrowings of properties held for sale:
Multifamily(4)(12)	Non-recourse	Apr-23 / May-23 / Jul-23	4.08%(7)	249,777		249,777		—		—
Subtotal Borrowings of properties, held for sale				249,777		249,777		—		—
Grand Total				$	12,816,421	$	12,529,461	$	10,192,560	$	9,957,468

____________________________________________________________

(1) Refer to Note 15 for further disclosure regarding derivative instruments which are used to manage interest rate exposure.

(2) For borrowings with a contractual interest rate based on LIBOR, except for the European portfolios, represents three-month LIBOR for the Wakefield Portfolio and one-month LIBOR for the other borrowings.

(3) Carrying value represents fair value with respect to CDO bonds payable and junior subordinated notes due to the election of the fair value option (refer to Note 14) and amortized cost for the other borrowings.

(4) Mortgage and other notes payable are subject to customary non-recourse carveouts.

(5) An aggregate principal amount of $8.4 billion is comprised of 72 senior mortgage notes totaling $7.0 billion and 16 mezzanine mortgage notes totaling $1.5 billion.

(6) Represents final maturity taking into consideration the Company’s extension options.

(7) Contractual interest rate represents a weighted average. For borrowings with variable interest rates, the weighted average includes the current LIBOR as of September 30, 2015.

(8) Represents borrowings in N-Star CDOs.

(9)    The Company’s European Portfolio was contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure. The following table presents borrowings for the European Portfolio as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

			September 30, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Final Maturity	Contractual Interest Rate	Principal Amount		Carrying Value		Principal Amount		Carrying Value
Mortgage and other notes payable(i)
U.K. Complex	Dec-19	(ii)	$	75,820	$	75,820	$	77,660	$	77,660
Internos Portfolio	Apr-20	(iii)	102,056		102,056		—		—
IVG Portfolio	Apr-20	(iii)	93,937		93,937		—		—
Deka Portfolio	Apr-20	(iii)	52,601		52,601		—		—
SEB Portfolio	Apr-22	(iv)	703,408		703,408		—		—
SEB Portfolio - Preferred	Apr-60	3.00%	119,176		119,176		—		—
Trianon Tower	Jul-23	(v)	371,019		371,019		—		—
Total mortgage and other notes payable		2.11%(7)	$	1,518,017	$	1,518,017	$	77,660	$	77,660

(i) All borrowings are non-recourse to NorthStar Europe and are interest-only through maturity, subject to compliance with covenants of the respective borrowing.

(ii) Comprised of $61.6 million principal amount of floating rate borrowing at GBP LIBOR plus 2.0%, with a related $61.6 million notional value interest rate cap at 2.0% and $14.2 million fixed rate borrowing at 8.0%.

(iii) Represents a cross-collateralized borrowing between the IVG Portfolio, Internos Portfolio and Deka Portfolio. Comprised of $209.0 million principal amount of floating rate borrowing at EURIBOR plus 2.7%, with a related $209.0 million notional value interest rate cap at 2.0% and $39.5 million floating rate borrowing at GBP LIBOR plus 2.7%, with a related $39.5 million notional value interest rate cap at 2.0%.

(iv) Comprised of $398.4 million principal amount of floating rate borrowing at EURIBOR plus 1.8%, with a related $398.4 million notional value interest rate cap at 0.5%, $287.8 million of floating rate borrowing at GBP LIBOR plus 1.8%, with a related $287.8 million notional value interest rate cap at 2.0% and $17.2 million floating rate borrowing at STIBOR plus 1.8%.

(v) Comprised of $371.0 million principal amount of floating rate borrowing at EURIBOR plus 1.5%, with a related $371.0 million notional value interest rate cap at 2.0%.

(10) In October 2015, the mortgage matured and the Company is currently in negotiations with the lender.

(11) In September 2015, the Company elected to classify the multifamily portfolio as held for sale, and as such, reclassified borrowings of $249.8 million to liabilities of assets held for sale.

(12) Secured by collateral relating to a borrowing base comprised primarily of unlevered CRE debt, net lease and securities investments with a carrying value of $758.1 million as of September 30, 2015.

(13) Represents the respective fixed rate applicable to each borrowing under the Corporate Term Facility.

(14) Recourse solely with respect to certain types of loans as defined in the governing documents.

(15) Junior subordinated notes Trust II had a fixed interest rate through September 30, 2015 when it changed to floating rate. Trusts III and IV have a fixed interest rate until January 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively, when the rate will change to floating and reset quarterly to three-month LIBOR plus 2.83% to 2.80%, respectively.

The following table presents scheduled principal on borrowings, based on final maturity as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

	Total		Mortgage and Other Notes Payable		CDO Bonds Payable		Credit Facilities		NRE Senior Notes		Exchangeable Senior Notes(1)		Junior Subordinated Notes
October 1 to December 31, 2015	$	46,436	$	46,436	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Years ending December 31:
2016	446,495		106,495		—		—		340,000		—		—
2017	1,066,452		333,497		—		720,000		—		12,955		—
2018	95,925		30,022		—		65,903		—		—		—
2019	6,038,130		6,037,130		—		—		—		1,000		—
Thereafter	4,873,206		4,094,950		480,734		—		—		17,405		280,117
Total	$	12,566,644	$	10,648,530	$	480,734	$	785,903	$	340,000	$	31,360	$	280,117

____________________________________________________________

(1) The 7.25% Notes, 8.875% Notes and 5.375% Notes have a final maturity date of June 15, 2027, June 15, 2032 and June 15, 2033, respectively. The above table reflects the holders’ repurchase rights which may require the Company to repurchase the 7.25% Notes, 8.875% Notes and 5.375% Notes on June 15, 2017, June 15, 2019 and June 15, 2023, respectively.

Credit Facilities

Corporate Facilities

In August 2014, the Company obtained a corporate revolving credit facility (as amended, the “Corporate Revolving Credit Facility”) with certain commercial bank lenders, with a total commitment amount of $500.0 million and a three-year term. The Corporate Revolving Credit Facility is secured by collateral relating to a borrowing base and guarantees by certain subsidiaries of the Company. As of September 30, 2015, $205.0 million of financing remains undrawn under the Corporate Revolving Credit Facility. In May 2015, the Company amended and restated the Corporate Revolving Credit Facility to substitute the Operating Partnership as the borrower, with the Company becoming a guarantor. The Operating Partnership must maintain at least $25.0 million of minimum liquidity based on the sum of unrestricted cash or cash equivalents and undrawn availability during the term of the Corporate Revolving Credit Facility.

In September 2014, the Company entered into a corporate facility agreement (as amended, the “Corporate Term Facility”) with a commercial bank lender to establish term borrowings, with an aggregate principal amount of up to $500.0 million. In March 2015, the Company amended and restated the Corporate Term Facility to substitute the Operating Partnership as the borrower, with the Company becoming a guarantor. Borrowings may be prepaid at any time subject to customary breakage costs. In September and December 2014, the Company entered into a credit agreement providing for a term borrowing under the Corporate Term Facility in a principal amount of $275.0 million and $150.0 million, respectively, with a fixed interest rate of 4.60% and 4.55%, respectively, with each maturing on September 19, 2017. As of September 30, 2015, the Company borrowed $425.0 million under the Corporate Term Facility. There is no available financing remaining under the Corporate Term Facility.

The Corporate Revolving Credit Facility and the Corporate Term Facility and related agreements contain representations, warranties, covenants, conditions precedent to funding, events of default and indemnities that are customary for agreements of these types.

Loan Facility

In March 2013, a subsidiary of the Company entered into a master repurchase agreement (“Loan Facility 1”) of $200.0 million to finance first mortgage loans and senior interests secured by commercial real estate. In connection with Loan Facility 1, the Company entered into a guaranty agreement under which the Company guaranteed certain of the obligations under Loan Facility 1. Loan Facility 1 and related agreements contain representations, warranties, covenants, conditions precedent to funding, events of default and indemnities that are customary for agreements of these types. More specifically, the Company must maintain at least $20.0 million in unrestricted cash or cash equivalents at all times during the term of Loan Facility 1. In addition, the Company has agreed to guarantee certain customary obligations under Loan Facility 1 if the Company or an affiliate of the Company engage in certain customary bad acts.

As of September 30, 2015, the Company had $114.0 million carrying value of loans financed with $65.9 million on Loan Facility 1, with $134.1 million of available borrowing.

During the initial term, Loan Facility 1 acts as a revolving credit facility that can be paid down as assets repay or are sold and re-drawn upon for new investments. As of September 30, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants.

Senior Notes

In March 2014, $172.5 million principal amount of the 7.50% Notes were exchanged for $481.1 million principal amount of senior notes that matured on September 30, 2014 (the “2014 Senior Notes”). In connection with this exchange, the Company recorded a loss of $22.4 million in realized gain (loss) on investments and other in the consolidated statements of operations. On September 30, 2014, the Company repaid the 2014 Senior Notes in cash, including interest, in the amount of $488.3 million.

In July 2015, NorthStar Europe, a current wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, issued $340 million principal amount of 4.625% senior notes due December 2016 (“NRE Senior Notes”). The Company received aggregate net proceeds of $331 million, after deducting the underwriters’ discount and other expenses. NorthStar Europe loaned the Company the net proceeds from the issuance of the NRE Senior Notes, which were used for general corporate purposes, including, among other things, the funding of acquisitions, including the Trianon Tower and the repayment of the Company’s borrowings. The terms of the loan are materially the same as those of the NRE Senior Notes and were deemed repaid to NorthStar Europe uponthe completion of the NRE Spin-off. On October 31, 2015, as part of the NRE Spin-off, the loan to the Company was extinguished. The NRE Senior Notes are senior unsubordinated and unsecured obligations of NorthStar Europe and the Company and the Operating Partnership continue to guarantee payments on the NRE Senior Notes subsequent to the NRE Spin-off.

Exchangeable Senior Notes

In March 2015, $11.7 million principal amount of the 5.375% Notes were exchanged for 0.7 million shares of common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split. In September 2015, $2.5 million principal amount of the 5.375% Notes were exchanged for 0.2 million shares of common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split. In connection with these conversions, the Company recorded a loss of $0.2 million and $1.3 million in realized gain (loss) on investments and other in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

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Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures (Details)		1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Apr. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2013 USD ($) unit	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) property note company	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	[1]			$ 60,359,000	$ 41,694,000	$ 171,738,000	$ 109,630,000
Amount contributed in the joint venture						3,702,000	72,747,000
Depreciation and amortization	[1]			137,674,000	51,775,000	$ 375,208,000	112,496,000
NorthStar/RXR New York Metro | Subsequent event
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Public offering registration statement, maximum proceeds								$ 2,000,000,000
Northstar Corporate
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Public offering registration statement, maximum proceeds									$ 1,000,000,000
NorthStar Global | Subsequent event
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Public offering registration statement, maximum proceeds								3,000,000,000
NorthStar Credit Fund | Subsequent event
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Public offering registration statement, maximum proceeds								$ 3,000,000,000
Sponsored Companies
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Purchase commitment, period						2 years
Maximum number of new sponsored companies, per year | company						5
Sponsored Companies | Commitment to Purchase Shares
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Purchase commitment						$ 10,000,000
Sponsored Companies | Commitment to Invest as Distribution Support
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Purchase commitment						10,000,000
NorthStar Income, NorthStar Healthcare and NorthStar Income II
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value of equity method investment				15,200,000		15,200,000
Unconsolidated Ventures
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value of equity method investment				154,900,000		154,900,000				$ 207,800,000
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures				5,300,000	4,700,000	16,000,000	10,600,000
Unconsolidated Ventures | Sponsored Companies
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value of equity method investment				14,200,000		14,200,000				11,500,000
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures				0	200,000	200,000	200,000
Unconsolidated Ventures | NorthStar Realty Finance Trusts
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value of equity method investment				3,700,000		3,700,000				3,700,000
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures				$ 0	0	$ 0	0
Unconsolidated Ventures | RXR Equity Investment
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest				27.00%		27.00%
Carrying value of equity method investment				$ 86,300,000		$ 86,300,000				90,000,000
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures				$ 4,300,000	2,500,000	$ 12,000,000	5,500,000
Unconsolidated Ventures | Aerium
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest				15.00%		15.00%
Carrying value of equity method investment				$ 18,200,000		$ 18,200,000				62,800,000
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures				0	1,800,000	1,300,000	1,800,000
Unrealized loss				$ 30,500,000		$ 39,800,000
Unconsolidated Ventures | LandCap
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest				49.00%		49.00%
Carrying value of equity method investment				$ 9,000,000		$ 9,000,000				10,800,000
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures				$ 500,000	300,000	$ 1,100,000	800,000
Unconsolidated Ventures | SteelWave
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest				40.00%		40.00%
Carrying value of equity method investment				$ 6,300,000		$ 6,300,000				5,000,000
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures				$ 500,000	0	$ 1,300,000	0
Unconsolidated Ventures | CS/Federal
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest				50.00%		50.00%
Carrying value of equity method investment				$ 5,600,000		$ 5,600,000				5,700,000
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures				$ 100,000	0	100,000	0
Acquisition of real estate properties financed through issuance of non-recourse mortgage notes						$ 38,000,000
Number of adjacent class A office/flex buildings located in Colorado Springs acquired as a portfolio (property) | property						3
Cost of portfolio of the real estate properties acquired						$ 54,300,000
Number of non-recourse mortgage notes | note						2
Unconsolidated Ventures | CS/Federal | Non-recourse mortgage note bearing 5.51% interest
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)				5.51%		5.51%
Unconsolidated Ventures | CS/Federal | Non-recourse mortgage note bearing 5.46% interest
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)				5.46%		5.46%
Unconsolidated Ventures | CS/Federal | Minimum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest				0.00%		0.00%
Unconsolidated Ventures | CS/Federal | Maximum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest				1.00%		1.00%
Unconsolidated Ventures | Multifamily
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest				90.00%		90.00%
Carrying value of equity method investment				$ 3,100,000		$ 3,100,000				9,900,000
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures				$ (100,000)	(100,000)	$ 0	(300,000)
Number of units in real estate property acquired | unit			498
Amount contributed in the joint venture			$ 41,000,000
Acquisition of real estate properties financed through issuance of non-recourse mortgage notes		$ 7,000,000	$ 29,500,000
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)				3.87%		3.87%
Unconsolidated Ventures | Other
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value of equity method investment				$ 8,500,000		$ 8,500,000				$ 8,400,000
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures				$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,600,000

[1] The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months ended September 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

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Borrowings (Details)	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) loan mezzanine_note mortgage_note	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) loan	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 12,816,421,000	$ 10,192,560,000
Carrying Value			$ 12,529,461,000	$ 9,957,468,000
Number of mortgage loans | loan			46	46
Credit facilities			$ 785,903,000	$ 732,780,000
Years ending December 31:
October 1 to December 31, 2015			46,436,000
2016			446,495,000
2017			1,066,452,000
2018			95,925,000
2019			6,038,130,000
Thereafter			4,873,206,000
Total			12,566,644,000
Credit facility:
Real estate debt investments, net			$ 1,006,570,000	1,187,316,000
LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term for basis spread on variable rate			1 month
Various portfolios
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 8,400,000,000
N-Star CDO I and Wakefield Portfolio | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term for basis spread on variable rate			3 months
Senior mortgage notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 10,648,530,000	8,531,285,000
Carrying Value			10,596,175,000	8,535,863,000
Senior mortgage notes | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			1,518,017,000	77,660,000
Carrying Value			$ 1,518,017,000	77,660,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate			2.11%
Senior mortgage notes | Healthcare
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 4,782,628,000	4,144,939,000
Carrying Value			$ 4,723,197,000	4,140,289,000
Senior mortgage notes | Healthcare | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate			4.43%
Senior mortgage notes | Hotels
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 2,628,431,000	2,380,681,000
Carrying Value			$ 2,628,431,000	2,380,681,000
Senior mortgage notes | Hotels | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate			3.60%
Senior mortgage notes | Manufactured housing communities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 1,171,586,000	1,174,237,000
Carrying Value			$ 1,173,635,000	1,176,525,000
Senior mortgage notes | Manufactured housing communities | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate			4.32%
Senior mortgage notes | Multifamily
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 0	244,555,000
Carrying Value			0	244,555,000
Senior mortgage notes | Multi-tenant Office
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			112,838,000	45,584,000
Carrying Value			$ 112,838,000	45,584,000
Senior mortgage notes | Multi-tenant Office | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate			2.35%
Senior mortgage notes | Various portfolios
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 7,000,000,000
Number of mortgage loans | mortgage_note			72
Senior mortgage notes | Other real estate | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate			2.11%
Principal Amount			$ 1,518,017,000	77,660,000
Carrying Value			$ 1,518,017,000	77,660,000
Senior mortgage notes | Ohio Portfolio | Healthcare | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			5.00%
Senior mortgage notes | Wakefield Portfolio | Healthcare | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			4.00%
Senior mortgage notes | U.K. Complex | Other real estate | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 75,820,000	77,660,000
Carrying Value			75,820,000	77,660,000
Senior mortgage notes | Internos Portfolio | Other real estate | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			102,056,000	0
Carrying Value			102,056,000	0
Senior mortgage notes | IVG Portfolio | Other real estate | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			93,937,000	0
Carrying Value			93,937,000	0
Senior mortgage notes | SEB Portfolio | Other real estate | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			703,408,000	0
Carrying Value			703,408,000	0
Senior mortgage notes | Trianon Tower | Other real estate | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			371,019,000	0
Carrying Value			$ 371,019,000	0
Senior mortgage notes | Trianon Tower | Other real estate | EURIBOR | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate added to variable rate			1.50%
Principal Amount			$ 371,000,000
Senior mortgage notes | 5.89% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due May 2017 | East Arlington, TX | Healthcare
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			5.89%
Principal Amount			$ 3,115,000	3,157,000
Carrying Value			3,115,000	3,157,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 5.00% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due January 2019 | Ohio Portfolio | Healthcare
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			20,018,000	20,230,000
Carrying Value			19,938,000	20,230,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 5.00% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due January 2019 | Lancaster, OH | Healthcare
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			2,308,000	2,442,000
Carrying Value			$ 2,299,000	2,442,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 5.00% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due January 2019 | Lancaster, OH | Healthcare | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			5.00%
Senior mortgage notes | 6.99% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due January 2019 | Wilkinson Portfolio | Healthcare
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			6.99%
Principal Amount			$ 147,811,000	150,024,000
Carrying Value			$ 147,225,000	150,024,000
Senior mortgage notes | 7.09% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due January 2019 | Tuscola/Harrisburg | Healthcare
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			7.09%
Principal Amount			$ 7,304,000	7,412,000
Carrying Value			7,275,000	7,412,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 4.25%/4.54%, Non-recourse, Due May 2019/January 2025 | Formation Portfolio | Healthcare
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			702,848,000	705,608,000
Carrying Value			$ 701,062,000	700,958,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 4.25%/4.54%, Non-recourse, Due May 2019/January 2025 | Formation Portfolio | Healthcare | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 4.25%/4.54%, Non-recourse, Due May 2019/January 2025 | Formation Portfolio (1) | Healthcare | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate added to variable rate			4.25%
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 4.25%/4.54%, Non-recourse, Due May 2019/January 2025 | Formation Portfolio (2) | Healthcare | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate added to variable rate			4.54%
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 3.50% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due November 2019 | Minnesota Portfolio | Healthcare
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			3.50%
Principal Amount			$ 37,800,000	37,800,000
Carrying Value			37,800,000	37,800,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 4.25% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due December 2019 | Griffin-American - U.K. | Healthcare
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			336,758,000	348,588,000
Carrying Value			$ 336,758,000	348,588,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 4.25% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due December 2019 | Griffin-American - U.K. | Healthcare | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			4.25%
Senior mortgage notes | 4.68% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due December 2019, June 2025 and December 2035 | Griffin-American - U.S. | Healthcare
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			4.68%
Principal Amount			$ 1,763,048,000	1,750,000,000
Carrying Value			1,706,604,000	1,750,000,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 3.05% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due December 2019 | Griffin-American - U.S. | Healthcare
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			862,468,000	868,797,000
Carrying Value			$ 862,468,000	868,797,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 3.05% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due December 2019 | Griffin-American - U.S. | Healthcare | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 3.05% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due December 2019 | Griffin-American - U.S. 1 | Healthcare | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate added to variable rate			3.05%
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 4.00% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due April 2020 | Wakefield Portfolio | Healthcare
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 54,809,000	54,751,000
Carrying Value			54,312,000	54,751,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 7.75% Percent Non-recourse Note Payable, Due July 2021 | Healthcare Preferred | Healthcare
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			75,000,000	75,000,000
Carrying Value			$ 75,000,000	75,000,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 7.75% Percent Non-recourse Note Payable, Due July 2021 | Healthcare Preferred | Healthcare | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			7.75%
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 4.50% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due September 2021 | Indiana Portfolio | Healthcare
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 121,130,000	121,130,000
Carrying Value			$ 121,130,000	121,130,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 4.50% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due September 2021 | Indiana Portfolio | Healthcare | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			4.50%
Senior mortgage notes | 4.17% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due May 2025 | ILF Portfolio | Healthcare
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			4.17%
Principal Amount			$ 648,211,000
Carrying Value			648,211,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 3.39%, Non-recourse, Due June 2019 | Innkeepers Portfolio | Hotels
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			840,000,000	840,000,000
Carrying Value			$ 840,000,000	840,000,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 3.39%, Non-recourse, Due June 2019 | Innkeepers Portfolio | Hotels | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			3.39%
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 3.25%, Non-recourse, Due August 2019 | K Partners Portfolio | Hotels
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 211,681,000	211,681,000
Carrying Value			$ 211,681,000	211,681,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 3.25%, Non-recourse, Due August 2019 | K Partners Portfolio | Hotels | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			3.25%
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 3.05%, Non-recourse, Due October 2019 | Courtyard Portfolio | Hotels
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 512,000,000	512,000,000
Carrying Value			$ 512,000,000	512,000,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 3.05%, Non-recourse, Due October 2019 | Courtyard Portfolio | Hotels | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			3.05%
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 3.60%, Non-recourse, Due November 2019 | Inland Portfolio | Hotels
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 817,000,000	817,000,000
Carrying Value			$ 817,000,000	817,000,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 3.60%, Non-recourse, Due November 2019 | Inland Portfolio | Hotels | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			3.60%
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 3.85%, Non-recourse, Due June 2020 | NE Portfolio | Hotels
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 132,250,000
Carrying Value			$ 132,250,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 3.85%, Non-recourse, Due June 2020 | NE Portfolio | Hotels | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			3.85%
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 3.85%, Non-recourse, Due June 2020 | Miami Hotel Portfolio | Hotels
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 115,500,000
Carrying Value			$ 115,500,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 3.85%, Non-recourse, Due June 2020 | Miami Hotel Portfolio | Hotels | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			3.90%
Senior mortgage notes | GBP LIBOR Plus 2% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due December 2019 | U.K. Complex | Other real estate | GBP LIBOR | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate added to variable rate			2.00%
Principal Amount			$ 61,600,000
Senior mortgage notes | Notional value interest rate cap of 2% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due December 2019 | U.K. Complex | Other real estate | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional value			$ 61,600,000
Notional value interest rate cap			2.00%
Senior mortgage notes | Fixed 8% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due December 2019 | U.K. Complex | Other real estate | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			8.00%
Principal Amount			$ 14,200,000
Senior mortgage notes | EURIBOR Plus 2.7%, Non-recourse, Due April 2020 | Trias Portfolio | Other real estate | EURIBOR | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate added to variable rate			2.70%
Principal Amount			$ 209,000,000
Senior mortgage notes | Notional value interest rate cap of 2%, Non-recourse, Due April 2020 | Trias Portfolio | Other real estate | GBP LIBOR | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional value			$ 39,500,000
Notional value interest rate cap			2.00%
Senior mortgage notes | Notional value interest rate cap of 2%, Non-recourse, Due April 2020 | Trias Portfolio | Other real estate | EURIBOR | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional value			$ 209,000,000
Notional value interest rate cap			2.00%
Senior mortgage notes | GBP LIBOR Plus 2.7%, Non-recourse, Due April 2020 | Trias Portfolio | Other real estate | GBP LIBOR | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate added to variable rate			2.70%
Principal Amount			$ 39,500,000
Senior mortgage notes | EURIBOR Plus 1.6%, Non-recourse, Due April 2022 | SEB Portfolio | Other real estate | EURIBOR | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate added to variable rate			1.80%
Principal Amount			$ 398,400,000
Senior mortgage notes | Notional value interest rate cap of 0.5%, Non-recourse, Due April 2022 | SEB Portfolio | Other real estate | EURIBOR | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional value			$ 398,400,000
Notional value interest rate cap			0.50%
Senior mortgage notes | GBP LIBOR Plus 1.6%, Non-recourse, Due April 2022 | SEB Portfolio | Other real estate | GBP LIBOR | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate added to variable rate			1.80%
Principal Amount			$ 287,800,000
Senior mortgage notes | Notional value interest rate cap of 2%, Non-recourse, Due April 2022 | SEB Portfolio | Other real estate | GBP LIBOR | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional value			$ 287,800,000
Notional value interest rate cap			2.00%
Senior mortgage notes | Notional value interest rate cap of 2%, Non-recourse, Due April 2022 | Trianon Tower | Other real estate | GBP LIBOR | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional value			$ 371,000,000
Notional value interest rate cap			2.00%
Senior mortgage notes | STIBOR Plus 1.6%, Non-recourse, Due April 2022 | SEB Portfolio | Other real estate | STIBOR | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate added to variable rate			1.80%
Principal Amount			$ 17,200,000
Senior mortgage notes | Variable interest rates, Non-recourse, Due April 2020 | Trias Portfolio | Other real estate | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			52,601,000	0
Carrying Value			$ 52,601,000	0
Senior mortgage notes | 3.00%, Non-recourse, Due April 2060 | SEB Portfolio - Preferred | Other real estate | European
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			3.00%
Principal Amount			$ 119,176,000	0
Carrying Value			$ 119,176,000	0
Senior mortgage notes | Manufacturing Housing Portfolio 3 | Manufactured housing communities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			4.923%
Principal Amount			$ 297,271,000	297,428,000
Carrying Value			$ 299,320,000	299,716,000
Senior mortgage notes | Manufacturing Housing Portfolio 1 | Manufactured housing communities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			4.387%
Principal Amount			$ 234,406,000	236,900,000
Carrying Value			$ 234,406,000	236,900,000
Senior mortgage notes | Manufacturing Housing Portfolio 2 | Manufactured housing communities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			4.016%
Principal Amount			$ 639,909,000	639,909,000
Carrying Value			639,909,000	639,909,000
Senior mortgage notes | 6.41% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due April 2015 | Fort Wayne, IN | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			0	2,909,000
Carrying Value			0	2,909,000
Senior mortgage notes | 6.48% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due December 2017 | Columbus, OH | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			0	21,934,000
Carrying Value			$ 0	21,934,000
Senior mortgage notes | 5.37% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due October 2015 | EDS Portfolio | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			5.37%
Principal Amount			$ 41,997,000	42,738,000
Carrying Value			$ 41,997,000	42,738,000
Senior mortgage notes | 5.85% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due February 2016 | Keene, NH | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			5.85%
Principal Amount			$ 6,001,000	6,105,000
Carrying Value			$ 6,001,000	6,105,000
Senior mortgage notes | 5.68% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due April 2016 | Green Pond, NJ | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			5.68%
Principal Amount			$ 15,566,000	15,799,000
Carrying Value			$ 15,566,000	15,799,000
Senior mortgage notes | 6.22% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due July 2016 | Aurora, CO | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			6.22%
Principal Amount			$ 30,315,000	30,720,000
Carrying Value			$ 30,315,000	30,720,000
Senior mortgage notes | 6.17% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due October 2016 | DSG Portfolio | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			6.17%
Principal Amount			$ 30,650,000	31,126,000
Carrying Value			$ 30,650,000	31,126,000
Senior mortgage notes | 6.06% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due February 2017 | Indianapolis, IN | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			6.06%
Principal Amount			$ 25,797,000	26,151,000
Carrying Value			$ 25,797,000	26,151,000
Senior mortgage notes | 5.95% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due March 2017 | Milpitas, CA | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			5.95%
Principal Amount			$ 18,990,000	19,459,000
Carrying Value			$ 18,990,000	19,459,000
Senior mortgage notes | 5.63% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due April 2017 | Fort Mill, SC 1 | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			5.63%
Principal Amount			$ 27,700,000	27,700,000
Carrying Value			$ 27,700,000	27,700,000
Senior mortgage notes | 6.21% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due April 2017 | Fort Mill, SC 2 | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			6.21%
Principal Amount			$ 774,000	1,079,000
Carrying Value			774,000	1,079,000
Senior mortgage notes | 4.21%, Non-recourse, Due July 2017 and December 2017 | Industrial Portfolio | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			221,125,000	221,131,000
Carrying Value			$ 226,152,000	228,071,000
Senior mortgage notes | 5.16% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due September 2017 | Industrial Portfolio | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			4.21%
Senior mortgage notes | 5.16% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due September 2017 | Salt Lake City, UT | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			5.16%
Principal Amount			$ 12,783,000	13,181,000
Carrying Value			12,783,000	13,181,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 2.15%, Non-recourse, Due July 2023 | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			435,030,000	463,629,000
Carrying Value			$ 440,057,000	470,569,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 2.15%, Non-recourse, Due July 2023 | Net lease | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate			4.97%
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 2.15%, Non-recourse, Due July 2023 | South Portland, ME | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 3,332,000	3,597,000
Carrying Value			$ 3,332,000	3,597,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 2.15%, Non-recourse, Due July 2023 | South Portland, ME | Net lease | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			2.15%
Senior mortgage notes | Multifamily Investment Property 3.996% Due April 2023 | Memphis, TN | Multifamily
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 0	39,600,000
Carrying Value			$ 0	39,600,000
Senior mortgage notes | Multifamily Investment Property 4.03% Due May 2023 and July 2023 | Southeast Portfolio | Multifamily
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			4.03%
Principal Amount			$ 0	158,417,000
Carrying Value			$ 0	158,417,000
Senior mortgage notes | Multifamily Investment Property 4.03% Due May 2023 and July 2023 | Scottsdale, AZ | Multifamily
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			4.28%
Senior mortgage notes | Multifamily Investment Property, Scottsdale, AZ, Senior Loans Maturing July 2023 | Scottsdale, AZ | Multifamily
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 0	46,538,000
Carrying Value			0	46,538,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 2.15% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due November 2019/February 2020 | Legacy Portfolio | Multi-tenant Office
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			112,838,000	45,584,000
Carrying Value			$ 112,838,000	45,584,000
Senior mortgage notes | LIBOR Plus 2.15% Non-recourse Note Payable, Due November 2019/February 2020 | Legacy Portfolio | Other real estate | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			2.15%
Senior mortgage notes | Properties held for sale | Multifamily
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			4.08%
Principal Amount			$ 249,777,000	0
Carrying Value			249,777,000	0
Real estate liabilities of assets held for sale			249,800,000
CDO Bonds Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			480,734,000	560,959,000
Carrying Value			343,553,000	390,068,000
Years ending December 31:
October 1 to December 31, 2015			0
2016			0
2017			0
2018			0
2019			0
Thereafter			480,734,000
Total			$ 480,734,000
CDO Bonds Payable | N-Star I
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			7.01%
Principal Amount			$ 14,047,000	15,020,000
Carrying Value			14,047,000	14,504,000
CDO Bonds Payable | N-Star IX
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			466,687,000	545,939,000
Carrying Value			$ 329,506,000	375,564,000
CDO Bonds Payable | N-Star IX | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			0.46%
Securitization bonds payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 0	41,831,000
Carrying Value			0	41,823,000
Securitization bonds payable | Securitization 2012-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			0	41,831,000
Carrying Value			0	41,823,000
Credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			785,903,000	732,780,000
Carrying Value			785,903,000	732,780,000
Years ending December 31:
October 1 to December 31, 2015			0
2016			0
2017			720,000,000
2018			65,903,000
2019			0
Thereafter			0
Total			785,903,000
Credit facility | Corporate Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			295,000,000	215,000,000
Carrying Value			295,000,000	215,000,000
Credit facility:
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 500,000,000.0					$ 500,000,000
Credit facility, term	3 years
Available borrowing under its loan facilities			205,000,000
Debt covenant, minimum balance of unrestricted cash and available borrowing capacity			25,000,000.0
Credit facility | Corporate Revolving Credit Facility | Net lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, collateral amount			$ 758,100,000
Credit facility | Corporate Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			3.50%
Credit facility | Corporate Term Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 425,000,000	425,000,000
Carrying Value			425,000,000	425,000,000
Unused borrowing capacity			$ 0
Credit facilities				$ 150,000,000		$ 275,000,000
Credit facility | Corporate Term Facility-A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			4.60%
Credit facility | Corporate Term Facility-B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			4.55%	4.55%		4.60%
Credit facility:
Available borrowing under its loan facilities				$ 75,000,000
Credit facility | Loan Facility 1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 0	14,850,000
Carrying Value			$ 0	14,850,000
Credit facility | Loan Facility 2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			2.95%
Principal Amount			$ 65,903,000	77,930,000
Carrying Value			65,903,000	77,930,000
Credit facility | Loan Facility 2 | Subsidiary
Credit facility:
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 200,000,000.0
Aggregate amount of unrestricted cash required to provide credit support for the borrowings		$ 20,000,000.0
Credit facility | Loan Facilities 1 and 2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value			65,900,000
Credit facility:
Available borrowing under its loan facilities			134,100,000
Real estate debt investments, net			$ 114,000,000
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			4.625%
Principal Amount			$ 340,000,000	0			$ 481,100,000
Carrying Value			340,000,000	0
Years ending December 31:
October 1 to December 31, 2015			0
2016			340,000,000
2017			0
2018			0
2019			0
Thereafter			0
Total			$ 340,000,000
Senior Notes | 7.25% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			7.25%
Senior Notes | 8.875% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			8.875%
Senior Notes | 5.375% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			5.375%		5.375%
Exchangeable Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 31,360,000	45,588,000
Carrying Value			29,374,000	41,762,000
Years ending December 31:
October 1 to December 31, 2015			0
2016			0
2017			12,955,000
2018			0
2019			1,000,000
Thereafter			17,405,000
Total			$ 31,360,000
Exchangeable Senior Notes | 7.25% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			7.25%
Principal Amount			$ 12,955,000	12,955,000
Carrying Value			$ 12,955,000	12,955,000
Exchangeable Senior Notes | 8.875% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			8.875%
Principal Amount			$ 1,000,000	1,000,000
Carrying Value			$ 985,000	983,000
Exchangeable Senior Notes | 5.375% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			5.375%
Principal Amount			$ 17,405,000	31,633,000
Carrying Value			15,434,000	27,824,000
Junior Subordinated Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			280,117,000	280,117,000
Carrying Value			184,679,000	215,172,000
Years ending December 31:
October 1 to December 31, 2015			0
2016			0
2017			0
2018			0
2019			0
Thereafter			280,117,000
Total			280,117,000
Junior Subordinated Notes | Trust I
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			41,240,000	41,240,000
Carrying Value			$ 29,066,000	32,992,000
Junior Subordinated Notes | Trust I | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Stated interest rate			3.25%
Junior Subordinated Notes | Trust II
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Stated interest rate			3.25%
Principal Amount			$ 25,780,000	25,780,000
Carrying Value			$ 18,175,000	20,753,000
Junior Subordinated Notes | Trust III
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			7.81%
Principal Amount			$ 41,238,000	41,238,000
Carrying Value			$ 27,436,000	32,784,000
Junior Subordinated Notes | Trust IV
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			7.95%
Principal Amount			$ 50,100,000	50,100,000
Carrying Value			33,967,000	39,830,000
Junior Subordinated Notes | Trust V
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			30,100,000	30,100,000
Carrying Value			$ 18,924,000	21,823,000
Junior Subordinated Notes | Trust V | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			2.70%
Junior Subordinated Notes | Trust VI
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 25,100,000	25,100,000
Carrying Value			$ 16,323,000	18,700,000
Junior Subordinated Notes | Trust VI | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			2.90%
Junior Subordinated Notes | Trust VII
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 31,459,000	31,459,000
Carrying Value			$ 18,875,000	22,492,000
Junior Subordinated Notes | Trust VII | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			2.50%
Junior Subordinated Notes | Trust VIII
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 35,100,000	35,100,000
Carrying Value			$ 21,913,000	$ 25,798,000
Junior Subordinated Notes | Trust VIII | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate added to variable rate			2.70%
Junior Subordinated Notes | NorthStar Realty Trust I, II, III, IV | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term for basis spread on variable rate			3 months
Junior Subordinated Notes | NorthStar Realty Trust I, II, III, IV | LIBOR | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate added to variable rate			2.83%
Junior Subordinated Notes | NorthStar Realty Trust I, II, III, IV | LIBOR | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate added to variable rate			2.80%
Mezzanine | Various portfolios
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount			$ 1,500,000,000
Number of mortgage loans | mezzanine_note			16
Mortgage and Other Notes Payable
Years ending December 31:
October 1 to December 31, 2015			$ 46,436,000
2016			106,495,000
2017			333,497,000
2018			30,022,000
2019			6,037,130,000
Thereafter			4,094,950,000
Total			$ 10,648,530,000

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Investments in Private Equity Funds - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions			1 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 03, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)	May. 31, 2015 CRE	Apr. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2013 USD ($) fund	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) fund_interest	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 fund
PE Investment I
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Amount funded at initial closing					$ 282.1
Aggregate ownership interest held by the entity together with NorthStar Income					51.00%
Ownership interest in amount funded					70.50%
Number of real estate private equity funds contributed (funds) | fund					49
PE Investment I | NorthStar Real Estate Income Trust Inc | Cash distribution until NorthStar Entities receives a 1.5x multiple on all of their invested capital
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Cash distribution to the NorthStar Entities					85.00%
Multiplier factor for cash distribution to the NorthStar Entities					1.5
PE Investment I | NorthStar Real Estate Income Trust Inc | Cash Distributions to Prior Owner of Funds Interests Until Receipt of Remaining Capital after 30 June 2012
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Cash distribution to the NorthStar Entities					15.00%
PE Investment I | NorthStar Real Estate Income Trust Inc | Remaining cash distribution
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Cash distribution to the NorthStar Entities					51.00%
PE Investment I | Class B Partner | Cash Distributions To Prior Owner Of Funds Interests Until NorthStar Receipt Of One And Half Of Invested Capital
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Cash distribution to the Class B Partner					15.00%
PE Investment I | Class B Partner | Cash Distributions to Prior Owner of Funds Interests Until Receipt of Remaining Capital after 30 June 2012
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Cash distribution to the Class B Partner					85.00%
PE Investment I | Class B Partner | Remaining cash distribution
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Cash distribution to the Class B Partner					49.00%
PE Investment I | NorthStar Real Estate Income Trust Inc
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Amount funded at initial closing					$ 118.0
Ownership interest in amount funded					29.50%
PE Investment II
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of real estate private equity funds contributed (funds) | fund								24
Aggregate reported net asset value		$ 910.0
Amount to be paid to seller for all of the fund interests							$ 504.8
Payment of initial amount of reported net asset value		55.00%
Fair value method investment, deferred amount of reported net asset value						$ 411.4
Deferred amount of reported net asset value		45.00%
Number of years after closing of fund interest distributions start						4 years
Fair value method investment payment of deferred amount of reported net asset value				$ 61.3
Period in which distribution will be made on priority basis since beginning, on the first day of the fiscal quarter following the closing date of each fund interest						2 years
Period from year end to pay against deferred amount of fund interests						10 days
Reduction in outstanding deferred amount						15.00%
Percentage of distribution during preceding 12 month period						15.00%
Distributions following deferred payment amount						100.00%
PE Investment II | NorthStar Real Estate Income Trust Inc
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Ownership interest in amount funded						15.00%
PE Investment II | NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Ownership interest in amount funded						70.00%
Amount to be paid to seller for all of the fund interests	$ 353.4
Deferred amount of reported net asset value						$ 243.3
Fair value method investment payment of deferred amount of reported net asset value				$ 42.9
PE Investment II | Vintage Funds
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Ownership interest in amount funded						15.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | PE Investment XIII
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of variable interest entities in which company is not primary beneficiary (CDO)			2			2

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Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract]

Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments in unconsolidated ventures as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in millions):

						Equity in Earnings (Losses)
		Carrying Value				Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
Investment	Ownership Interest	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014		2015			2014			2015		2014
RXR Realty(1)	27%	$	86.3	$	90.0	$	4.3		$	2.5		$	12.0	$	5.5
Aerium(2)	15%	18.2		62.8		—			1.8			1.3		1.8
LandCap(3)	49%	9.0		10.8		0.5			0.3			1.1		0.8
SteelWave(4)	40%	6.3		5.0		0.5			—			1.3		—
CS/Federal(5)	50%	5.6		5.7		0.1			—			0.1		—
NSAM Sponsored Companies(6)	0.4% to 0.6%	14.2		11.5		—			0.2			0.2		0.2
NorthStar Realty Finance Trusts(7)	N/A	3.7		3.7		—			—			—		—
Multifamily Joint Venture(8)	90%	3.1		9.9		(0.1		)	(0.1		)	—		(0.3		)
Other	Various	8.5		8.4		—			—			—		2.6
Total		$	154.9	$	207.8	$	5.3		$	4.7		$	16.0	$	10.6

___________________________________________________________

(1) In December 2013, the Company entered into a strategic transaction with RXR Realty, a leading real estate owner, developer and investment management company focused on high-quality real estate in the New York Tri-State area. The Company’s equity interest in RXR Realty is structured so that NSAM is entitled to certain fees in connection with RXR Realty’s investment management business.  Refer to Note 10. “Related Party Arrangements - NorthStar Asset Management Group - Management Agreement” for further disclosure.

(2) Aerium is a pan-European real estate investment manager specializing in commercial real estate properties. The Company recorded an unrealized loss on its interest in Aerium of $30.5 million and $39.8 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. The Company’s equity interest in Aerium is structured so that NSAM is entitled to certain fees in connection with Aerium’s asset management business. Refer to Note 10. “Related Party Arrangements - NorthStar Asset Management Group - Management Agreement” for further disclosure.

(3) In October 2007, the Company entered into a joint venture with Whitehall Street Global Real Estate Limited Partnership 2007 (“Whitehall”) to form LandCap Partners and LandCap LoanCo. (collectively referred to as “LandCap”). The joint venture is managed by a third-party management group. The Company and Whitehall agreed to no longer provide additional new investment capital in the LandCap joint venture.

(4) In September 2014, the Company entered into an investment with SteelWave, a real estate investment manager, owner and operator with a portfolio of commercial assets focused in key markets in the western United States.

(5) CS Federal Drive, LLC (“CS/Federal”) owns three adjacent class A office/flex buildings in Colorado. The properties were acquired for $54.3 million and were financed with two separate non-recourse mortgages totaling $38.0 million and the remainder in cash. The mortgages mature on February 11, 2016 and have a fixed interest rate of 5.51% and 5.46%, respectively.

(6) Affiliates of NSAM also manage the Company’s previously sponsored companies: NorthStar Income, NorthStar Healthcare and NorthStar Real Estate Income II, Inc. (“NorthStar Income II”) and together with any new sponsored company, (herein collectively referred to as the “NSAM Sponsored Companies”).

(7) The Company owns all of the common stock of NorthStar Realty Finance Trusts I through VIII (collectively, the “Trusts”). The Trusts were formed to issue trust preferred securities. Refer to Note 17 for further disclosure.

(8) In July 2013, the Company through a joint venture with a private investor, acquired a multifamily property with 498 units, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for an aggregate purchase price of $41.0 million, including all costs, escrows and reserves. The property was financed with a non-recourse mortgage note of $29.5 million and the remainder in cash. In April 2015, the property obtained additional non-recourse financing of $7.0 million. Both financings mature on July 1, 2023 and have a weighted average fixed interest rate of 3.87%.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Income tax expense	[1]	$ (2,659)	$ 3,460	$ (2,285)	$ 8,224

[1] The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months ended September 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

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Non-controlling Interests

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]

Non-controlling Interests

Non-controlling Interests

Operating Partnership

Non-controlling interests include the aggregate LTIP Units held by limited partners (the “Unit Holders”) in the Operating Partnership and the Company’s former operating partnership prior to the NSAM Spin-off. Net income (loss) attributable to this non-controlling interest is based on the weighted average Unit Holders’ ownership percentage of the Operating Partnership for the respective period. The issuance of additional common stock or LTIP Units changes the percentage ownership of both the Unit Holders and the Company. Since an LTIP Unit is generally redeemable for cash or common stock at the option of the Company, it is deemed to be equivalent to common stock. Therefore, such transactions are treated as capital transactions and result in an allocation between stockholders’ equity and non-controlling interests on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets to account for the change in the ownership of the underlying equity in the Operating Partnership. On a quarterly basis, the carry value of such non-controlling interest is allocated based on the number of LTIP Units held by Unit Holders in total in proportion to the number of LTIP Units in total plus the number of shares of common stock. In connection with the formation of the Operating Partnership in March 2015, the Company recorded a non-controlling interest of $18.7 million related to LTIP Units. As of September 30, 2015, LTIP Units of 1,870,528 were outstanding, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, representing a 1.0% ownership and non-controlling interest in the Operating Partnership. Net income (loss) attributable to the Operating Partnership non-controlling interest for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was a net loss of $1.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively. Net income (loss) attributable to the Company’s former operating partnership non-controlling interest for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was a loss of $5.3 million. Since the Operating Partnership was not formed until March 2015, there was no allocation of net income (loss) attributable to the Operating Partnership non-controlling interest for the three months ended September 30, 2014.

Other

Other non-controlling interests represent third-party equity interests in ventures that are consolidated with the Company’s financial statements. Net income (loss) attributable to the other non-controlling interests for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 was a net loss of $2.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Net income (loss) attributable to the other non-controlling interests for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 was a net loss of $12.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

The following table presents net income (loss) attributable to the Company’s common stockholders for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(126,100	)	$	(46,247	)	$	(255,204	)	$	(248,063	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(11		)	(278		)	(11		)	(6,989		)
Net income (loss) attributable to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. common stockholders	$	(126,111	)	$	(46,525	)	$	(255,215	)	$	(255,052	)

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Segment Reporting

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting

Effective April 1, 2015, the Company redefined its segments to conform with its management of such businesses by presenting its European business as a separate segment, excluding the Company’s European healthcare properties. Accordingly, the Company has reclassified the prior period segment financial results to conform to the current year presentation.

The Company currently conducts its business through the following six segments (excluding the asset management business which the Company spun off on June 30, 2014 which is no longer a separate operating segment), based on how management reviews and manages its business:

• U.S. Real Estate - The U.S. real estate business concentrates on various types of investments in commercial real estate located throughout the United States that includes healthcare, hotel, manufactured housing communities, net lease, multifamily and multi-tenant office properties. In addition, it includes certain healthcare properties located outside of the United States and PE Investments diversified by property type and geography.

• Healthcare - The healthcare properties are comprised of a diverse portfolio of senior housing, skilled nursing, medical office buildings and other healthcare properties. The majority of the healthcare properties are structured under a net lease to healthcare operators. In addition, the Company also owns healthcare properties that operate through management agreements with independent third party operators, predominantly through RIDEA structures that permit the Company, through a TRS, to have direct exposure to resident fee income and incur customary related operating expenses.

• Hotel - The hotel portfolio is a geographically diverse portfolio primarily comprised of extended stay hotels and premium branded select service hotels primarily located in major metropolitan markets with the majority affiliated with top hotel brands.

• Manufactured Housing - The manufactured housing portfolio consists of communities that lease pad rental sites for placement of factory built homes located throughout the United States. In addition, the portfolio includes manufactured homes and receivables related to the financing of homes sold to residents.

• Net Lease - The net lease properties are primarily industrial, office and retail properties typically under net leases to corporate tenants.

• Multifamily - The multifamily portfolio primarily focuses on properties located in suburban markets that are well suited to capture the formation of new households. Currently, the Company is exploring the sale of its multifamily portfolio.

• Multi-tenant Office - The Company pursues the acquisition of multi-tenant office properties.

• PE Investments - The real estate business also includes investments (directly or indirectly in joint ventures) owning limited partnership interests in real estate private equity funds, managed by institutional quality sponsors and diversified by property type and geography.

• European Real Estate - The Company’s European Portfolio is predominantly focused on office properties and may expand by acquiring other types of commercial real estate located throughout Europe. On October 31, 2015, in connection with the NRE Spin-off, the Company contributed the European Portfolio to NorthStar Europe.  Refer to Note 1 and Note 20 for further disclosure.

• Commercial Real Estate Debt - The CRE debt business is focused on originating, acquiring and asset managing senior and subordinate debt investments secured primarily by commercial real estate and includes first mortgage loans, subordinate mortgage and mezzanine loans and participations in such loans and preferred equity interests. The Company may from time to time take title to collateral in connection with a CRE debt investment as REO which would be included in the CRE debt business.

• Commercial Real Estate Securities - The CRE securities business is predominately comprised of N-Star CDO bonds and N-Star CDO equity of deconsolidated N-Star CDOs and includes other securities, mostly conduit commercial mortgage-backed securities, or CMBS. The Company also invests in opportunistic CRE securities such as an investment in a “B-piece” CMBS.

• N-Star CDOs -The Company historically originated or acquired CRE debt and securities investments that were predominantly financed through permanent, non-recourse CDOs. The Company’s remaining consolidated CDOs are past the reinvestment period and given the nature of these transactions, these CDOs are amortizing over time as the underlying assets paydown or are sold. The Company has been winding down its legacy CDO business and investing in a broad and diverse range of CRE assets. As a result, this distinct business is a significantly smaller portion of its business today than in the past. As of September 30, 2015, only N-Star securities CDOs I and IX continue to be consolidated. Refer to Note 17 for further disclosure regarding deconsolidated N-Star CDOs. The Company continues to receive collateral management fees related to administrative responsibilities for deconsolidated N-Star CDO financing transactions, which are recorded in other revenue and included in the N-Star CDOs segment.

• Corporate - The corporate segment includes corporate level interest income, interest expense and general and administrative expenses.

The Company primarily generates revenue from rental income from its real estate properties, operating income from healthcare and hotel properties permitted by the RIDEA and net interest income on the CRE debt and securities portfolios. Additionally, the Company records equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures, including from PE Investments. The Company’s income is primarily derived through the difference between revenue and the cost at which the Company is able to finance its investments. The Company may also acquire investments which generate attractive returns without any leverage.

Prior to the NSAM Spin-off, the Company generated fee income from asset management activities. The asset management segment represents the consolidated results of operations and balance sheet of such asset management business which was transferred to NSAM in connection with the NSAM Spin-off. Amounts related to the asset management business are reported in discontinued operations and include an allocation of indirect expenses related to managing the NSAM Sponsored Companies and owning NorthStar Securities, including salaries, equity-based compensation and other general and administrative expenses (primarily occupancy and other costs) based on an estimate had the asset management business been run as an independent entity.

The following tables present segment reporting for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Statement of Operations:															N-Star CDOs(1)
Three months ended September 30, 2015	U.S. Real Estate				European Real Estate				CRE Debt			CRE Securities			CRE Securities			Corporate				Consolidated Total
Rental and escalation income	$	194,269			$	41,319			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—			$	235,588
Hotel related income	219,427				—				—			—			—			—				219,427
Resident fee income	70,257				—				—			—			—			—				70,257
Net interest income on debt and securities	2,661			(2)	—				23,737			17,228			12,407			3,076			(3)	59,109
Other interest expense	113,351				14,558				—			—			—			13,323				141,232
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)	(52,137		)	(4)	(32,971		)	(5)	24,871			15,465			(5,160		)	(121,603		)	(6)	(171,535		)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	60,359				—				—			—			—			—				60,359
Income tax benefit (expense)	2,391				504				(154		)	(82		)	—			—				2,659
Income (loss) from continuing operations	10,613				(32,467		)		24,717			15,383			(5,160		)	(121,603		)		(108,517		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(11		)		—				—			—			—			—				(11		)
Net income (loss)	10,602				(32,467		)		24,717			15,383			(5,160		)	(121,603		)		(108,528		)

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(1) Based on CDO financing transactions that were primarily collateralized by CRE securities and may include other types of investments. $1.3 million of collateral management fees were earned from CDO financing transactions for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2015, of which $0.6 million were eliminated in consolidation. The eliminated amounts are recorded as other revenue in the Corporate segment and as an expense in the N-Star CDO segment.

(2) Primarily represents interest income earned from notes receivable on manufactured homes and interest income on loans in the Griffin-American portfolio.

(3) Represents income earned from CDO bonds repurchased at a discount, recognized using the effective interest method, that is eliminated in consolidation. The corresponding interest expense is recorded in net interest income in the N-Star CDOs segment.

(4) Primarily relates to transaction costs of $3.7 million and depreciation and amortization of $118.4 million.

(5) Primarily relates to depreciation and amortization of $18.8 million.

(6) Includes management fees to NSAM of $51.3 million.

Statement of Operations:												N-Star CDOs(1)
Three months ended September 30, 2014	U.S. Real Estate				European Real Estate			CRE Debt		CRE Securities		CRE Securities		Corporate				Consolidated Total
Rental and escalation income	$	86,236			$	135		$	—	$	—	$	277	$	—			$	86,648
Hotel related income	79,194				—			—		—		—		—				79,194
Resident fee income	25,027				—			—		—		—		—				25,027
Net interest income on debt and securities	1,223			(3)	—			37,541		24,748		14,424		—			(4)	77,936
Other interest expense	49,567				—			—		—		—		10,356				59,923
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)	(38,697		)	(5)	(4,244		)	35,224		34,196		7,203		(98,247		)		(64,565		)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	41,544				—					—		—		150				41,694
Income tax benefit (expense)	(3,460		)		—			—		—		—		—				(3,460		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(4,554		)		(4,244		)	39,315		34,196		7,203		(98,247		)		(26,331		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(278		)		—			—		—		—		—				(278		)
Net income (loss)	(4,832		)		(4,244		)	39,315		34,196		7,203		(98,247		)		(26,609		)

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(1) Based on CDO financing transactions that were primarily collateralized by CRE securities and may include other types of investments. $1.3 million of collateral management fees were earned from CDO financing transactions for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2014, of which $0.6 million were eliminated in consolidation. The eliminated amounts are recorded as other revenue in the Corporate segment and as an expense in the N-Star CDO segment.

(2) Represents the consolidated statements of operations of NSAM reported in discontinued operations and includes an allocation of indirect expenses from the Company (refer to Note 9).

(3) Primarily represents interest income earned from notes receivable on manufactured homes.

(4) Represents income earned from CDO bonds repurchased at a discount, recognized using the effective interest method, that is eliminated in consolidation. The corresponding interest expense is recorded in net interest income in the N-Star CDOs segment.

(5) Includes depreciation and amortization of $51.3 million.

Statement of Operations:															N-Star CDOs(1)
Nine months ended September 30, 2015	U.S. Real Estate				European Real Estate				CRE Debt			CRE Securities			CRE Securities			Corporate				Consolidated Total
Rental and escalation income	$	538,385			$	75,195			$	—		$	—		$	302		$	—			$	613,882
Hotel related income	594,284				—				—			—			—			—				594,284
Resident fee income	199,463				—				—			—			—			—				199,463
Net interest income on debt and securities	7,589			(2)	—				79,061			49,671			35,723			8,255			(3)	180,299
Other interest expense	318,904				21,367				—			—			—			40,954				381,225
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)	(103,677		)	(4)	(141,300		)	(5)	80,652			87,827			(823		)	(303,838		)	(6)	(381,159		)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	171,738				—				—			—			—			—				171,738
Income tax benefit (expense)	(9,096		)		11,882				(382		)	(119		)	—			—				2,285
Income (loss) from continuing operations	58,965				(129,418		)		80,270			87,708			(823		)	(303,838		)		(207,136		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(11		)		—				—			—			—			—				(11		)
Net income (loss)	58,954				(129,418		)		80,270			87,708			(823		)	(303,838		)		(207,147		)

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(1) Based on CDO financing transactions that were primarily collateralized by CRE securities and may include other types of investments. $4.1 million of collateral management fees were earned from CDO financing transactions for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, of which $1.8 million were eliminated in consolidation. The eliminated amounts are recorded as other revenue in the Corporate segment and as an expense in the N-Star CDO segment.

(2) Primarily represents interest income earned from notes receivable on manufactured homes and interest income on loans in the Griffin-American portfolio.

(3) Represents income earned from CDO bonds repurchased at a discount, recognized using the effective interest method, that is eliminated in consolidation. The corresponding interest expense is recorded in net interest income in the N-Star CDOs segment.

(4) Primarily relates to transaction costs of $22.9 million and depreciation and amortization of $338.8 million.

(5) Primarily relates to transaction costs of $127.2 million and depreciation and amortization of $35.0 million.

(6) Includes management fees to NSAM of $151.3 million.

Statement of Operations:												N-Star CDOs(1)
Nine months ended September 30, 2014	U.S. Real Estate				European Real Estate			CRE Debt		CRE Securities		CRE Securities			Corporate				Asset Management(2)			Consolidated Total
Rental and escalation income	$	231,664			$	135		$	—	$	—	$	950		$	—			$	—		$	232,749
Hotel related income	101,720				—			—		—		—			—				—			101,720
Resident fee income	40,087				—			—		—		—			—				—			40,087
Net interest income on debt and securities	3,589			(3)	—			104,955		64,001		44,740			8,808			(4)	—			226,093
Other interest expense	106,942				—			—		—		—			36,894				—			143,836
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and income tax benefit (expense)	(87,073		)	(5)	(4,244		)	100,267		72,284		(168,256		)	(217,598		)		—			(304,620		)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated ventures	106,813				—			2,644		—		—			173				—			109,630
Income tax benefit (expense)	(8,224		)		—			—		—		—			—				—			(8,224		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	6,014				(4,244		)	108,586		72,284		(168,256		)	(217,598		)		—			(203,214		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(915		)		—			—		—		—			—				(6,074		)	(6,989		)
Net income (loss)	5,099				(4,244		)	108,586		72,284		(168,256		)	(217,598		)		(6,074		)	(210,203		)

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(1) Based on CDO financing transactions that were primarily collateralized by CRE securities and may include other types of investments. $4.5 million of collateral management fees were earned from CDO financing transactions for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, of which $2.0 million were eliminated in consolidation. The eliminated amounts are recorded as other revenue in the Corporate segment and as an expense in the N-Star CDO segment.

(2) Represents the consolidated statements of operations of NSAM reported in discontinued operations and includes an allocation of indirect expenses from the Company (refer to Note 9).

(3) Primarily represents interest income earned from notes receivable on manufactured homes.

(4) Represents income earned from CDO bonds repurchased at a discount, recognized using the effective interest method, that is eliminated in consolidation. The corresponding interest expense is recorded in net interest income in the N-Star CDOs segment.

(5) Includes depreciation and amortization of $110.4 million.

The following table presents total assets by segment as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

											N-Star CDOs(1)
Total Assets	U.S. Real Estate		European Real Estate		CRE Debt		Corporate		CRE Securities		CRE Securities		Consolidated Total
September 30, 2015	$	14,018,749	$	2,651,493	$	975,965	$	180,493	$	326,591	$	469,623	$	18,622,914
December 31, 2014	$	12,902,611	$	162,182	$	1,160,763	$	176,300	$	421,840	$	502,660	$	15,326,356

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(1) Based on CDO financing transactions that are primarily collateralized by CRE securities and may include other types of investments.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-Other assets and liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other assets:
Notes receivable, net	$ 56,056	$ 48,932
Investment-related reserves	41,219	23,086
Deferred tax assets	27,310	7,730
Prepaid expenses	25,472	27,595
Investment deposits and pending deal costs	13,741	62,867
Due from servicer	1,145	64,583
Other	9,028	6,493
Total	173,971	241,286
Other liabilities:
Intangible liabilities, net	186,750	176,528
PE Investment deferred purchase price	84,061	39,759
Deferred tax liabilities	65,530	38,303
Prepaid rent and unearned revenue	35,576	17,668
Tenant security deposits	34,670	27,854
Other	11,875	4,733
Total	$ 418,462	$ 304,845

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Risk Management and Derivative Activities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of derivative instruments that were not designated as hedges under U.S. GAAP

The following tables present derivative instruments that were not designated as hedges under U.S. GAAP as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Number	Notional Amount(1)		Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)				Range of Fixed LIBOR / Forward Rate	Range of Maturity
As of September 30, 2015:
NorthStar Realty
Interest rate caps	14	$	4,183,873	$	217			2.50% - 5.00%	January 2016 - December 2017
Interest rate swaps - N-Star CDOs	9	225,907		(10,389		)	(2)	5.02% - 5.25%	January 2017 - July 2018
Interest rate swaps - other	3	2,081,821		(119,565		)		0.62% - 4.17%	January 2016 - December 2029
Subtotal	26	6,491,601		(129,737		)
NorthStar Europe(3)
Interest rate caps	7	1,367,525		23,837				0.50% - 2.00%	October 2015 - July 2023
Foreign currency forwards	3	144,015		(3,428		)		N/A	November 2015 - August 2017
Subtotal	10	1,511,540		20,409
Total	36	$	8,003,141	$	(109,328	)
As of December 31, 2014:
NorthStar Realty
Interest rate swaps - N-Star CDOs	10	$	235,929	$	(17,707	)	(2)	5.00% - 5.25%	June 2015 - July 2018
Interest rate swaps - other	2	82,797		(208		)		0.62% - 5.00%	January 2016 - July 2023
Interest rate caps	21	3,808,234		2,132				2.50% - 5.00%	January 2015 - December 2017
Subtotal	33	4,126,960		(15,783		)
NorthStar Europe
Interest rate cap	1	40,625		1,115				2.00%	January 2020
Total	34	$	4,167,585	$	(14,668	)

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(1) Excludes timing swaps with a notional amount of $28.0 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

(2) Interest rate swaps in consolidated N-Star CDOs are liabilities and are only subject to the credit risks of the respective CDO transaction. As the interest rate swaps are senior to all the liabilities of the respective CDO and the fair value of each of the CDO’s investments exceeded the fair value of the CDO’s derivative liabilities, a credit valuation adjustment was not recorded.

(3) The Company’s European Portfolio and related derivative instruments were contributed to NorthStar Europe upon the completion of the NRE Spin-off. Refer to Note 20. “Subsequent Events” for further disclosure.

Schedule of fair value of the derivative instruments as well as their classification on consolidated balance sheets

The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments, as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheets, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Balance Sheet	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Location
Interest rate caps	Derivative assets	$	24,054	$	3,247
Interest rate swaps/foreign currency forwards	Derivative liabilities	$	133,382	$	17,915

Schedule of the effect of the derivative instruments on consolidated statements of operations

The following table presents the effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Statements of Operations Location	2015			2014			2015			2014
NorthStar Realty
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings (loss):
Adjustment to fair value of interest rate swaps and caps	Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	$	(86,890	)	$	3,523		$	(114,036	)	$	7,755
Net cash payment on derivatives	Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	$	(2,931	)	$	(3,102	)	$	(8,989	)	$	(13,795	)
Amount of swap gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into earnings	Other interest expense	$	(223	)	$	(228	)	$	(711	)	$	(685	)
NorthStar Europe
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings (loss):
Adjustment to fair value of interest rate swaps and caps	Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	$	(9,576	)	$	—		$	(7,821	)	$	—
Adjustment to fair value of foreign currency forwards	Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other	$	825		$	—		$	(3,429	)	$	—

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	[1]	$ (108,528)	$ (26,609)	$ (207,147)	$ (210,203)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale, net		(8,037)	18,931	(28,947)	64,867
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net		2,094	(119)	33,515	(119)
Reclassification of swap (gain) loss into other interest expense		223	228	711	685
Total other comprehensive income (loss)		(5,720)	19,040	5,279	65,433
Comprehensive income (loss)		(114,248)	(7,569)	(201,868)	(144,770)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests		3,935	1,144	15,037	5,696
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.		$ (110,313)	$ (6,425)	$ (186,831)	$ (139,074)

[1] The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months ended September 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Quarterly Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and note disclosures normally included in the consolidated financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included and are of a normal and recurring nature. The operating results presented for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Operating Partnership and their consolidated subsidiaries. The Company consolidates variable interest entities (“VIE”) where the Company is the primary beneficiary and voting interest entities which are generally majority owned or otherwise controlled by the Company. All significant intercompany balances are eliminated in consolidation.

Variable Interest Entities

A VIE is an entity that lacks one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A VIE is defined as an entity in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The determination of whether an entity is a VIE includes both a qualitative and quantitative analysis. The Company bases its qualitative analysis on its review of the design of the entity, its organizational structure including decision-making ability and relevant financial agreements and the quantitative analysis on the forecasted cash flow of the entity.

The Company reassesses its initial evaluation of an entity as a VIE upon the occurrence of certain reconsideration events.

A VIE must be consolidated only by its primary beneficiary, which is defined as the party who, along with its affiliates and agents has both the: (i) power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (ii) obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE or the right to receive the benefits from the VIE, which could be significant to the VIE. The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by considering qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: which activities most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and which party controls such activities; the amount and characteristics of its investment; the obligation or likelihood for the Company or other interests to provide financial support; consideration of the VIE’s purpose and design, including the risks the VIE was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders and the similarity with and significance to the business activities of the Company and the other interests. The Company reassesses its determination of whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE each reporting period. Significant judgments related to these determinations include estimates about the current and future fair value and performance of investments held by these VIEs and general market conditions.

The Company evaluates its CRE debt and securities, investments in unconsolidated ventures and securitization financing transactions, such as its collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) and its liabilities to subsidiary trusts issuing preferred securities (“junior subordinated notes”) to determine whether they are a VIE. The Company analyzes new investments and financings, as well as reconsideration events for existing investments and financings, which vary depending on type of investment or financing.

Voting Interest Entities

A voting interest entity is an entity in which the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable it to finance its activities independently and the equity holders have the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact its economic performance, the obligation to absorb the losses of the entity and the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. The usual condition for a controlling financial interest in a voting interest entity is ownership of a majority voting interest. If the Company has a majority voting interest in a voting interest entity, the entity will generally be consolidated. The Company does not consolidate a voting interest entity if there are substantive participating rights by other parties and/or kick-out rights by a single party.

The Company performs on-going reassessments of whether entities previously evaluated under the voting interest framework have become VIEs, based on certain events, and therefore subject to the VIE consolidation framework.

Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures

A non-controlling, unconsolidated ownership interest in an entity may be accounted for using the equity method, at fair value or the cost method.

Under the equity method, the investment is adjusted each period for capital contributions and distributions and its share of the entity’s net income (loss). Capital contributions, distributions and net income (loss) of such entities are recorded in accordance with the terms of the governing documents. An allocation of net income (loss) may differ from the stated ownership percentage interest in such entity as a result of a preferred return and allocation formula, if any, as described in such governing documents.

The Company may account for an investment in an unconsolidated entity at fair value by electing the fair value option. The Company elected the fair value option for its investments (directly or indirectly in joint ventures) that own limited partnership interests in real estate private equity funds (“PE Investments”) and certain investments in unconsolidated ventures (refer to Note 6). The Company records the change in fair value for its share of the projected future cash flow of such investments from one period to another in equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated ventures in the consolidated statements of operations. Any change in fair value attributed to market related assumptions is considered unrealized gain (loss).

The Company may account for an investment that does not qualify for equity method accounting or for which the fair value option was not elected using the cost method if the Company determines the investment in the unconsolidated entity is insignificant. Under the cost method, equity in earnings is recorded as dividends are received to the extent they are not considered a return of capital, which is recorded as a reduction of cost of the investment.

Non-controlling Interests

A non-controlling interest in a consolidated subsidiary is defined as the portion of the equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Company. A non-controlling interest is required to be presented as a separate component of equity on the consolidated balance sheets and presented separately as net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) attributable to controlling and non-controlling interests. An allocation to a non-controlling interest may differ from the stated ownership percentage interest in such entity as a result of a preferred return and allocation formula, if any, as described in such governing documents.

Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that could affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates and assumptions.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified in the consolidated financial statements to conform to current period presentation.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company reports consolidated comprehensive income (loss) in separate statements following the consolidated statements of operations. Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity resulting from net income (loss) and OCI. The components of OCI principally include: (i) unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities available for sale for which the fair value option is not elected; (ii) the reclassification of unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities available for sale for which the fair value option was not elected to realized gain (loss) upon sale or realized event; (iii) the reclassification of unrealized gain (loss) to interest expense on derivative instruments that are or were deemed to be effective hedges; (iv) foreign currency translation adjustment; and (v) reclassification of foreign currency translation into realized gain (loss) on investments and other upon realized event.

The following tables present the components of accumulated OCI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015	Cumulative Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities			Interest Rate Swap Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Earnings			Foreign Currency Translation			Total
Balance as of June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)	$	35,185		$	(1,208	)	$	26,031		$	60,008
Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale	(7,520		)	—			—			(7,520		)
Reclassification of unrealized (gain) loss on real estate securities, available for sale into realized gain (loss) on investments and other	(517		)	—			—			(517		)
Reclassification of swap (gain) loss into other interest expense (refer to Note 15)	—			223			—			223
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			—			2,094			2,094
Non-controlling interests	80			(2		)	380			458
Balance as of September 30, 2015 (Unaudited)	$	27,228		$	(987	)	$	28,505		$	54,746
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	56,072		$	(1,694	)	$	(4,838	)	$	49,540
Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale	(14,820		)	—			—			(14,820		)
Reclassification of unrealized (gain) loss on real estate securities, available for sale into realized gain (loss) on investments and other	(14,127		)	—			—			(14,127		)
Reclassification of swap (gain) loss into other interest expense (refer to Note 15)	—			711			—			711
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			—			32,818			32,818
Reclassification of foreign currency translation into realized gain (loss) on investments and other	—			—			697			697
Non-controlling interests	103			(4		)	(172		)	(73		)
Balance as of September 30, 2015 (Unaudited)	$	27,228		$	(987	)	$	28,505		$	54,746

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014	Cumulative Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities			Interest Rate Swap Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Earnings			Foreign Currency Translation			Total
Balance as of June 30, 2014 (Unaudited)	$	43,136		$	(2,151	)	$	—		$	40,985
Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale	15,887			—			—			15,887
Reclassification of unrealized (gain) loss on real estate securities, available for sale into realized gain (loss) on investments and other	3,044			—			—			3,044
Reclassification of swap (gain) loss into other interest expense (refer to Note 15)	—			228			—			228
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			—			(119		)	(119		)
Balance as of September 30, 2014 (Unaudited)	$	62,067		$	(1,923	)	$	(119	)	$	60,025
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(1,736	)	$	(2,598	)	$	—		$	(4,334	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale	62,790			—			—			62,790
Reclassification of unrealized (gain) loss on real estate securities, available for sale into realized gain (loss) on investments and other	2,077			—			—			2,077
Reclassification of swap (gain) loss into other interest expense (refer to Note 15)	—			685			—			685
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			—			(119		)	(119		)
Non-controlling interests	(1,064		)	(10		)	—			(1,074		)
Balance as of September 30, 2014 (Unaudited)	$	62,067		$	(1,923	)	$	(119	)	$	60,025

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash primarily consists of amounts related to operating real estate and CRE debt investments. The following table presents a summary of restricted cash as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(Unaudited)
Capital expenditures reserves	$	186,130	$	211,010
Operating real estate escrow reserves(1)	139,647		123,017
CRE debt escrow deposits	13,148		56,342
Cash in CDOs(2)	8,691		4,687
Total	$	347,616	$	395,056

__________________________________________________

(1) Primarily represents insurance, real estate tax, repair and maintenance, tenant security deposits and other escrows related to operating real estate.

(2) Represents proceeds from repayments and/or sales pending distribution.

Fair Value Option

The fair value option provides an election that allows a company to irrevocably elect fair value for certain financial assets and liabilities on an instrument-by-instrument basis at initial recognition. The Company may elect to apply the fair value option for certain investments due to the nature of the instrument. Any change in fair value for assets and liabilities for which the election is made is recognized in earnings.

Operating Real Estate

Operating real estate is carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Major replacements and betterments which improve or extend the life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their useful life. Operating real estate is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

The Company follows the purchase method for an acquisition of operating real estate, where the purchase price is allocated to tangible assets such as land, building, tenant and land improvements and other identified intangibles, such as goodwill.  Costs directly related to an acquisition deemed to be a business combination are expensed and included in transaction costs in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company evaluates whether real estate acquired in connection with a foreclosure, UCC/deed in lieu of foreclosure or a consentual modification of a loan (herein collectively referred to as taking title to collateral) (“REO”) constitutes a business and whether business combination accounting is appropriate. Any excess upon taking title to collateral between the carrying value of a loan over the estimated fair value of the property is charged to provision for loan losses.

Operating real estate, including REO, which has met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, is separately presented on the consolidated balance sheets. Such operating real estate is recorded at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value less the cost to sell. Once a property is determined to be held for sale, depreciation is no longer recorded.

Real Estate Debt Investments

CRE debt investments are generally intended to be held to maturity and, accordingly, are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan fees, premium, discount and unfunded commitments. CRE debt investments that are deemed to be impaired are carried at amortized cost less a loan loss reserve, if deemed appropriate, which approximates fair value. CRE debt investments where the Company does not have the intent to hold the loan for the foreseeable future or until its expected payoff are classified as held for sale and recorded at the lower of cost or estimated value.

Real Estate Securities

The Company classifies its CRE securities investments as available for sale on the acquisition date, which are carried at fair value. The Company historically elected to apply the fair value option for its CRE securities investments. For those CRE securities for which the fair value option was elected, any unrealized gains (losses) from the change in fair value is recorded in unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company may decide to not elect the fair value option for certain CRE securities due to the nature of the particular instrument. For those CRE securities for which the fair value option was not elected, any unrealized gain (loss) from the change in fair value is recorded as a component of accumulated OCI in the consolidated statements of equity, to the extent impairment losses are considered temporary.

Deferred Costs and Intangible Assets

Deferred Costs

Deferred costs primarily include deferred financing costs and deferred lease costs. Deferred financing costs represent commitment fees, legal and other third-party costs associated with obtaining financing. These costs are amortized to interest expense over the term of the financing using either the effective interest method or straight-line method depending on the type of financing. Unamortized deferred financing costs are expensed when the associated borrowing is repaid before maturity. Costs incurred in seeking financing transactions, which do not close, are expensed in the period such financing transaction was terminated. Deferred lease costs consist of fees incurred to initiate and renew operating leases, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term and is recorded to depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of operations.

Identified Intangibles

The Company records acquired identified intangibles, which includes intangible assets (such as value of the above-market leases, in-place leases, goodwill and other intangibles) and intangible liabilities (such as the value of below-market leases), based on estimated fair value. The value allocated to the above or below-market leases is amortized over the remaining lease term as a net adjustment to rental income. Other intangible assets are amortized into depreciation and amortization expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination and is not amortized. The Company performs an annual impairment test for goodwill and evaluates the recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be fully recoverable. In making such assessment, qualitative factors are used to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then an impairment charge is recorded.

Identified intangible assets are recorded in deferred costs and intangible assets and identified intangible liabilities are recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

The following table presents a summary of deferred costs and intangible assets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(Unaudited)
Intangible assets:
In-place lease value, net	$	379,504	$	268,587
Above-market lease value, net	288,239		263,792
Goodwill	104,123		75,806
Other intangible assets, net	112,091		51,260
Subtotal intangible assets	883,957		659,445
Deferred financing costs, net	154,851		150,926
Other deferred costs, net	4,732		2,212
Total	$	1,043,540	$	812,583

Other Assets and Other Liabilities

The following table presents a summary of other assets and other liabilities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(Unaudited)
Other assets:
Notes receivable, net	$	56,056	$	48,932
Investment-related reserves	41,219		23,086
Deferred tax assets	27,310		7,730
Prepaid expenses	25,472		27,595
Investment deposits and pending deal costs	13,741		62,867
Due from servicer	1,145		64,583
Other	9,028		6,493
Total	$	173,971	$	241,286
	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(Unaudited)
Other liabilities:
Intangible liabilities, net	$	186,750	$	176,528
PE Investments deferred purchase price (refer to Note 5)	84,061		39,759
Deferred tax liabilities	65,530		38,303
Prepaid rent and unearned revenue	35,576		17,668
Tenant security deposits	34,670		27,854
Other	11,875		4,733
Total	$	418,462	$	304,845

Revenue Recognition

Operating Real Estate

Rental and escalation income from operating real estate is derived from leasing of space to various types of tenants and healthcare operators. The leases are for fixed terms of varying length and generally provide for annual rentals and expense reimbursements to be paid in monthly installments. Rental income from leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective leases. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases are included in unbilled rent receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. Escalation income represents revenue from tenant/operator leases which provide for the recovery of all or a portion of the operating expenses and real estate taxes paid by the Company on behalf of the respective property. This revenue is accrued in the same period as the expenses are incurred.

The Company generates operating income from healthcare and hotel properties permitted by the REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 (“RIDEA”). Revenue related to healthcare properties includes resident room and care charges and other resident charges. Revenue related to operating hotel properties primarily consists of room and food and beverage sales. Revenue is recognized when such services are provided, generally defined as the date upon which a resident or guest occupies a room or uses the healthcare property or hotel services and is recorded in resident fee income for healthcare properties and hotel related income for hotel properties in the consolidated statements of operations.

Real Estate Debt Investments

Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis and any related premium, discount, origination costs and fees are amortized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. The amortization is reflected as an adjustment to interest income in the consolidated statements of operations. The amortization of a premium or accretion of a discount is discontinued if such loan is reclassified to held for sale.

Real Estate Securities

Interest income is recognized using the effective interest method with any premium or discount amortized or accreted through earnings based on expected cash flow through the expected maturity date of the security. Changes to expected cash flow may result in a change to the yield which is then applied retrospectively for high-credit quality securities that cannot be prepaid or otherwise settled in such a way that the holder would not recover substantially all of the investment or prospectively for all other securities to recognize interest income.

Credit Losses and Impairment on Investments

Operating Real Estate

The Company’s real estate portfolio is reviewed on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as necessary, to assess whether there are any indicators that the value of its operating real estate may be impaired or that its carrying value may not be recoverable. A property’s value is considered impaired if the Company’s estimate of the aggregate expected future undiscounted cash flow to be generated by the property is less than the carrying value of the property. In conducting this review, the Company considers global macroeconomic factors and real estate sector conditions together with investment specific and other factors. To the extent an impairment has occurred, the loss is measured as the excess of the carrying value of the property over the estimated fair value of the property and recorded in impairment on operating real estate in the consolidated statements of operations.

An allowance for a doubtful account for a tenant/operator receivable is established based on a periodic review of aged receivables resulting from estimated losses due to the inability of tenant/operator to make required rent and other payments contractually due. Additionally, the Company establishes, on a current basis, an allowance for future tenant/operator/resident/guest credit losses on unbilled rent receivable based on an evaluation of the collectability of such amounts.

Real Estate Debt Investments

Loans are considered impaired when based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect principal and interest amounts due according to the contractual terms. The Company assesses the credit quality of the portfolio and adequacy of loan loss reserves on a quarterly basis or more frequently as necessary. Significant judgment of the Company is required in this analysis. The Company considers the estimated net recoverable value of the loan as well as other factors, including but not limited to the fair value of any collateral, the amount and the status of any senior debt, the quality and financial condition of the borrower and the competitive situation of the area where the underlying collateral is located. Because this determination is based on projections of future economic events, which are inherently subjective, the amount ultimately realized may differ materially from the carrying value as of the balance sheet date. If upon completion of the assessment, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral is less than the net carrying value of the loan, a loan loss reserve is recorded with a corresponding charge to provision for loan losses. The loan loss reserve for each loan is maintained at a level that is determined to be adequate by management to absorb probable losses.

Income recognition is suspended for a loan at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90-days past due or when, in the opinion of the Company, a full recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired loan is in doubt, all payments are applied to principal under the cost recovery method. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired loan is not in doubt, contractual interest is recorded as interest income when received, under the cash basis method until an accrual is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. A loan is written off when it is no longer realizable and/or legally discharged.

Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures

The Company reviews its investments in unconsolidated ventures for which the Company did not elect the fair value option on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as necessary, to assess whether there are any indicators that the value may be impaired or that its carrying value may not be recoverable. An investment is considered impaired if the projected net recoverable amount over the expected holding period is less than the carrying value. In conducting this review, the Company considers U.S. macroeconomic factors, including real estate sector conditions, together with asset specific and other factors. To the extent an impairment has occurred and is considered to be other than temporary, the loss is measured as the excess of the carrying value of the investment over the estimated fair value and recorded in provision for loss on equity investment in the consolidated statements of operations.

Real Estate Securities

CRE securities for which the fair value option is elected are not evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) as any change in fair value is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Realized losses on such securities are reclassified to realized gain (loss) on investments and other as losses occur.

CRE securities for which the fair value option is not elected are evaluated for OTTI quarterly. Impairment of a security is considered to be other-than-temporary when: (i) the holder has the intent to sell the impaired security; (ii) it is more likely than not the holder will be required to sell the security; or (iii) the holder does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost of the security. When a CRE security has been deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to (i) or (ii), the security is written down to its fair value and an OTTI is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. In the case of (iii), the security is written down to its fair value and the amount of OTTI is then bifurcated into: (a) the amount related to expected credit losses; and (b) the amount related to fair value adjustments in excess of expected credit losses. The portion of OTTI related to expected credit losses is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. The remaining OTTI related to the valuation adjustment is recognized as a component of accumulated OCI in the consolidated statements of equity. The portion of OTTI recognized through earnings is accreted back to the amortized cost basis of the security through interest income, while amounts recognized through OCI are amortized over the life of the security with no impact on earnings. CRE securities which are not high-credit quality are considered to have an OTTI if the security has an unrealized loss and there has been an adverse change in expected cash flow. The amount of OTTI is then bifurcated as discussed above.

Troubled Debt Restructuring

CRE debt investments modified in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) are modifications granting a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties where a lender agrees to terms that are more favorable to the borrower than is otherwise available in the current market. Management judgment is necessary to determine whether a loan modification is considered a TDR. Troubled debt that is fully satisfied via taking title to collateral, repossession or other transfers of assets is generally included in the definition of TDR. Loans acquired as a pool with deteriorated credit quality that have been modified are not considered a TDR.

Equity-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for equity-based compensation awards, including awards granted to co-employees, using the fair value method, which requires an estimate of fair value of the award. Awards may be based on a variety of measures such as time, performance, market or a combination thereof. For time-based awards, fair value is determined based on the stock price on the grant date. The Company recognizes compensation expense over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. For performance-based awards, fair value is determined based on the stock price at the date of grant and an estimate of the probable achievement of such measure. The Company recognizes compensation expense over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures, using the accelerated attribution expense method. For market-based measures, fair value is determined using a Monte Carlo analysis under a risk-neutral premise using a risk-free interest rate. The Company recognizes compensation expense, over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis. For awards with a combination of performance or market measures, the Company estimates the fair value as if it were two separate awards. First, the Company estimates the probability of achieving the performance measure. If it is not probable the performance condition will be met, the Company records the compensation expense based on the fair value of the market measure, as described above. This expense is recorded even if the market-based measure is never met. If the performance-based measure is subsequently estimated to be achieved, the Company records compensation expense based on the performance-based measure. The Company would then record a cumulative catch-up adjustment for any additional compensation expense.

Equity-based compensation issued to non-employees is accounted for using the fair value of the award at the earlier of the performance commitment date or performance completion date. The awards are remeasured every quarter based on the stock price as of the end of the reporting period until such awards vest, if any.

Foreign Currency

Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency for which the functional currency is a foreign currency are translated using the currency exchange rate in effect at the end of the period presented and the results of operations for such entities are translated into U.S. dollars using the average currency exchange rate in effect during the period. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated OCI in the consolidated statements of equity.

Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency for which the functional currency is the U.S. dollar are remeasured using the currency exchange rate in effect at the end of the period presented and the results of operations for such entities are remeasured into U.S. dollars using the average currency exchange rate in effect during the period. The resulting foreign currency remeasurement adjustment is recorded in unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other in the consolidated statements of operations.

Earnings Per Share

The Company’s basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common stock outstanding. Diluted EPS includes restricted stock and the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding restricted stock units (“RSUs”) or other contracts to issue common stock, assuming performance hurdles have been met, were converted to common stock (including limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership which are structured as profits interests (“LTIP Units”)) (refer to Note 11), where such exercise or conversion would result in a lower EPS. The dilutive effect of such RSUs and LTIP Units is calculated assuming all units are converted to common stock.

Income Taxes

The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT and to comply with the related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the (“Code”). Accordingly, the Company generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent of its distributions to stockholders and as long as certain asset, income and share ownership tests are met. To maintain its qualification as a REIT, the Company must annually distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders and meet certain other requirements. The Company may also be subject to certain state, local and franchise taxes. Under certain circumstances, federal income and excise taxes may be due on its undistributed taxable income. If the Company were to fail to meet these requirements, it would be subject to U.S. federal income tax, which could have a material adverse impact on its results of operations and amounts available for distributions to its stockholders. The Company believes that all of the criteria to maintain the Company’s REIT qualification have been met for the applicable periods, but there can be no assurance that these criteria will continue to be met in subsequent periods.

The Company maintains various taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”) which may be subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes and foreign taxes. In general, a TRS of the Company may perform non-customary services for tenants, hold assets that the REIT cannot hold directly and may engage in most real estate or non-real estate-related business. The Company has established several TRSs in jurisdictions for which no taxes are assessed on corporate earnings. However, the Company generally must include in earnings the income from these TRSs even if it has received no cash distributions. Additionally, the Company has invested in certain real estate assets in Europe, for which local country level taxes will be due on earnings (or other measure) and in some cases withholding taxes for the repatriation of earnings back to the REIT. The REIT will not generally be subject to any additional U.S. taxes on the repatriation of its earnings.

Current and deferred taxes are recorded on the portion of earnings (losses) recognized by the Company with respect to its interest in TRSs and taxable foreign subsidiaries. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are calculated based on temporary differences between the Company’s U.S. GAAP consolidated financial statements and the federal, state, local and foreign tax basis of assets and liabilities as of the consolidated balance sheet date. The Company evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets (e.g., net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards) and recognizes a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. When evaluating the realizability of its deferred tax assets, the Company considers estimates of expected future taxable income, existing and projected book/tax differences, tax planning strategies available and the general and industry specific economic outlook. This realizability analysis is inherently subjective, as it requires the Company to forecast its business and general economic environment in future periods. Changes in estimate of deferred tax asset realizability, if any, are included in provision for income tax expense included in income tax benefit (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $2.7 million and an expense of $3.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $2.3 million and an expense of $8.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Other

Refer to Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 for further disclosure of the Company’s significant accounting policies.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting update requiring a company to recognize as revenue the amount of consideration it expects to be entitled to in connection with the transfer of promised goods or services to customers.  The accounting standard update will replace most of the existing revenue recognition guidance currently promulgated by U.S. GAAP.  In July 2015, the FASB decided to delay the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year. The effective date of the new revenue standard for the Company will be January 1, 2018. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, of the update on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

In February 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance that changes the rules regarding consolidation. The pronouncement eliminates specialized guidance for limited partnerships and similar legal entities and removes the indefinite deferral for certain investment funds. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting update changing the presentation of financing costs in financial statements. Under the new guidance, an entity would present these costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related liability rather than as an asset.  Amortization of the costs would continue to be reported as interest expense.  The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

In September 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance that eliminates the requirement that an acquirer in a business combination account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively.  Under the new guidance, an acquirer will recognize a measurement-period adjustment during the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustment. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance in the third quarter 2015 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

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Real Estate Debt Investments - Loan Loss Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Loan Loss Reserve
Beginning balance		$ 5,799	$ 5,599	$ 5,599	$ 2,880	$ 2,880
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses, net		0	0	200	2,719
Ending balance		5,799	5,599	5,799	5,599	$ 5,599
Provision for loan losses	[1]	53	$ 0	$ 820	$ 2,719
Number of days of default or past due for loans to be categorized as nonperforming				90 days		90 days
Other assets | Notes receivable
Loan Loss Reserve
Provision for loan losses		$ 100		$ 700

[1] The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 represent the Company’s results of operations following the NSAM Spin-off. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes: (i) the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 which represents the activity following the NSAM Spin-off; and (ii) the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 which represents a carve-out of revenues and expenses attributable to NSAM recorded in discontinued operations. As a result, the nine months ended September 30, 2015 may not be comparable to the prior period presented.

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Supplemental Disclosures of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Reclassification of operating real estate to assets held for sale	$ 364,435	$ 0
Reclassification of mortgage note payable to liabilities held for sale	273,360	0
Assumption of mortgage note payable upon purchase	273,023	870,871
Reclassification of operating real estate to deferred costs and intangible assets	216,345	132,197
Acquired assets and liabilities in connection with the New European Portfolio	49,942	0
Deferred purchase price for PE Investment XIV	47,808	0
Escrow deposit payable related to CRE debt investments	42,996	50,360
Reduction of assets and liabilities held for sale via taking title	28,962	0
Reclassification of other assets to operating real estate	25,577	0
Non-controlling interests—reallocation of interest in Operating Partnership	24,776	0
Conversion of Deferred LTIP Units to LTIP Units	18,730	0
Retirement of shares of common stock	18,183	0
Conversion of exchangeable senior notes	13,590	310,463
Non-cash related to PE Investments	8,008	1,847
Dividends payable related to RSUs	3,283	1,143
Contribution from non-controlling interest	1,461	73,486
Exchangeable senior notes exchanged for 2014 Senior Notes	0	296,382
PE Investment IX purchase price payable	0	186,454
Net assets distributed in spin-off of asset management business	0	39,709
Conversion of LTIP Units	0	18,611
Reclassification of CRE debt investment to held for sale	0	15,223
Reclassification of operating real estate to other assets	0	14,141
Issuance of common stock related to transactions	$ 0	$ 6,803

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Related Party Arrangements (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2015 USD ($) $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2015 shares	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2015 USD ($) hotel	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Due to related party				$ 52,023,000		$ 52,023,000			$ 47,430,000
N-Star CDOs and the CSE and CapLease CDOs financing transactions
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Management fee income				1,300,000	$ 1,300,000	4,100,000	$ 4,500,000
Interest income				16,800,000	20,000,000	46,400,000	53,900,000
N-Star CDOs and the CSE and CapLease CDOs financing transactions | Eliminations
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Management fees, eliminated				600,000	600,000	1,800,000	$ 2,000,000
NSAM
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Base management fee				49,000,000	38,100,000	142,500,000
Due to related party				800,000		$ 800,000
Additional asset management fee						1.50%
Incentive management fees				2,300,000	1,300,000	$ 8,700,000
Maximum expense reimbursement rate, related party						20.00%
Direct costs and expenses allocated for reimbursement				800,000	$ 1,200,000	$ 3,500,000
NSAM | Revolving credit facility
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity				250,000,000		250,000,000
Credit facility, financial covenant, required unrestricted cash or cash equivalents balance						$ 100,000,000
NSAM | Revolving credit facility | LIBOR
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Interest rate added to variable rate						3.50%
NSAM | Tier 1
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Asset management agreement, incentive fee						15.00%
NSAM | Tier 1 | Minimum
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Asset management agreement, incentive fee, per share (dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 0.78
NSAM | Tier 1 | Maximum
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Asset management agreement, incentive fee, per share (dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 0.90
NSAM | Tier 2
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Asset management agreement, incentive fee						25.00%
NSAM | Tier 2 | Minimum
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Asset management agreement, incentive fee, per share (dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 0.90
NSAM | RXR Realty and Aerium
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Asset management fee, distribution of cash flows in excess of minimum base						$ 10,000,000
NSAM | Base Management Fee
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Due to related party				49,000,000		49,000,000
NSAM | Incentive Fee
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Due to related party				2,300,000		$ 2,300,000
NSAM | Subsequent event | Tier 1
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Asset management agreement, incentive fee	15.00%
NSAM | Subsequent event | Tier 1 | Minimum
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Asset management agreement, incentive fee, per share (dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.68
NSAM | Subsequent event | Tier 1 | Maximum
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Asset management agreement, incentive fee, per share (dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.78
NSAM | Subsequent event | Tier 2
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Asset management agreement, incentive fee	25.00%
NSAM | Subsequent event | Tier 2 | Minimum
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Asset management agreement, incentive fee, per share (dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.78
NSAM | Subsequent event | Forward contract
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Stock issued for derivative instrument (shares) | shares			7.1
NSAM | NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Asset management agreement, initial term		20 years
Asset management agreement, renewal term		20 years
NSAM | NorthStar Europe | Subsequent event
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Asset management agreement, initial term			20 years
Asset Management Agreement, Increase (Decrease) in Annual Fee Expense	$ 14,000,000
Healthcare Strategic Partnership | Minimum
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Management fees, incentive revenue						20.00%
Healthcare Strategic Partnership | Maximum
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Management fees, incentive revenue						25.00%
American Healthcare Investors LLC | Strategic Partner
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Percentage of equity interest									12.00%
American Healthcare Investors LLC | NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Percentage of equity interest									43.00%
Island Hospitality Management Inc
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Percentage of equity interest								45.00%
Number of hotel properties under management agreement | hotel								161
Real estate assets under management								$ 3,900,000,000
Island Hospitality Management Inc | Minimum
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Property management fee						2.50%
Island Hospitality Management Inc | Maximum
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Property management fee						3.00%
Island Hospitality Management Inc | Base Management Fee
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Payment of base management fees				$ 4,700,000		$ 12,600,000
Island Hospitality Management Inc | NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.
Related party and sponsored company arrangements
Number of hotel properties under management agreement | hotel								110

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Supplemental Disclosures of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Supplemental Disclosures of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities

Supplemental Disclosures of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities

The following table presents non-cash investing and financing activities for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014
Reclassification of operating real estate to assets held for sale	$	364,435	$	—
Reclassification of mortgage note payable to liabilities held for sale	273,360		—
Assumption of mortgage note payable upon purchase	273,023		870,871
Reclassification of operating real estate to deferred costs and intangible assets	216,345		132,197
Acquired assets and liabilities in connection with the New European Portfolio	49,942		—
Deferred purchase price for PE Investment XIV (refer to Note 5)	47,808		—
Escrow deposit payable related to CRE debt investments	42,996		50,360
Reduction of assets and liabilities held for sale via taking title	28,962		—
Reclassification of other assets to operating real estate	25,577		—
Non-controlling interests—reallocation of interest in Operating Partnership (refer to Note 13)	24,776		—
Conversion of Deferred LTIP Units to LTIP Units (refer to Note 13)	18,730		—
Retirement of shares of common stock	18,183		—
Conversion of exchangeable senior notes	13,590		310,463
Non-cash related to PE Investments	8,008		1,847
Dividends payable related to RSUs	3,283		1,143
Contribution from non-controlling interest	1,461		73,486
Exchangeable senior notes exchanged for 2014 Senior Notes (refer to Note 8)	—		296,382
PE Investment IX purchase price payable	—		186,454
Net assets distributed in NSAM Spin-off (refer to Note 9)	—		39,709
Conversion of LTIP Units (refer to Note 11)	—		18,611
Reclassification of CRE debt investment to held for sale	—		15,223
Reclassification of operating real estate to other assets	—		14,141
Issuance of common stock related to transactions	—		6,803

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Fair Value - Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
PE Investments	$ 1,194,946	$ 962,038
Real estate securities, available for sale	754,911	878,514
Total assets	1,945,013	1,845,370
Fair Value
Derivative liabilities	133,382	17,915
Total liabilities	528,232	605,240
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	321,650	416,699
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | N-Star CDO bonds
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	201,684	262,309
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | N-Star CDO Equity
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	61,465	102,467
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | CMBS
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	58,501	51,923
CMBS and other securities		42,600
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	433,261	461,815
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | CMBS
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	356,954	382,867
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Third-party CDO notes
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	23,546	23,218
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Agency debentures
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	38,029	40,529
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Trust preferred securities
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	5,580	5,850
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	754,911	878,514
Derivative assets	24,054	3,247
Fair Value
Derivative liabilities	133,382	17,915
Recurring basis | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Assets:
PE Investments	1,194,946	962,038
Investments in unconsolidated ventures	206,626	276,437
Derivative assets	24,054	3,247
Total assets	2,180,537	2,120,236
Fair Value
CDO bonds payable	343,553	390,068
Junior subordinated notes	184,679	215,172
Derivative liabilities	133,382	17,915
Total liabilities	661,614	623,155
Recurring basis | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | N-Star CDO bonds
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	201,684	262,309
Recurring basis | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | N-Star CDO Equity
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	61,465	102,467
Recurring basis | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE)
Assets:
CMBS and other securities	58,501	51,923
Recurring basis | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale		461,815
Total assets	433,261
Recurring basis | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | CMBS
Assets:
CMBS and other securities	356,954	382,867
Recurring basis | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Third-party CDO notes
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	23,546	23,218
Recurring basis | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Agency debentures
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	38,029	40,529
Recurring basis | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Unsecured REIT debt
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	9,152	9,351
Recurring basis | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Trust preferred securities
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	5,580	5,850
Recurring basis | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | All Variable Interest Entities
Assets:
Total assets	754,911	878,514
Recurring basis | Level 2
Assets:
Derivative assets	24,054	3,247
Total assets	377,795	400,185
Fair Value
Derivative liabilities	133,382	17,915
Total liabilities	133,382	17,915
Recurring basis | Level 2 | Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE)
Assets:
CMBS and other securities	15,027	17,243
Recurring basis | Level 2 | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale		379,695
Total assets	338,714
Recurring basis | Level 2 | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | CMBS
Assets:
CMBS and other securities	291,533	329,815
Recurring basis | Level 2 | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Agency debentures
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	38,029	40,529
Recurring basis | Level 2 | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Unsecured REIT debt
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	9,152	9,351
Recurring basis | Level 2 | All Variable Interest Entities
Assets:
Total assets	353,741	396,938
Recurring basis | Level 3
Assets:
PE Investments	1,194,946	962,038
Investments in unconsolidated ventures	206,626	276,437
Total assets	1,802,742	1,720,051
Fair Value
CDO bonds payable	343,553	390,068
Junior subordinated notes	184,679	215,172
Total liabilities	528,232	605,240
Recurring basis | Level 3 | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | N-Star CDO bonds
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	201,684	262,309
Recurring basis | Level 3 | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | N-Star CDO Equity
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	61,465	102,467
Recurring basis | Level 3 | Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE)
Assets:
CMBS and other securities	43,474	34,680
Recurring basis | Level 3 | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale		82,120
Total assets	94,547
Recurring basis | Level 3 | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | CMBS
Assets:
CMBS and other securities	65,421	53,052
Recurring basis | Level 3 | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Third-party CDO notes
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	23,546	23,218
Recurring basis | Level 3 | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Trust preferred securities
Assets:
Real estate securities, available for sale	5,580	5,850
Recurring basis | Level 3 | All Variable Interest Entities
Assets:
Total assets	$ 401,170	$ 481,576

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Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Summary of dividends declared (on a per share basis)

The following table presents dividends declared (on a per share basis) for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015:

Common Stock			Preferred Stock
	Dividend			Dividend Per Share
Declaration Date	Per Share(1)		Declaration Date	Series A		Series B		Series C		Series D		Series E
February 25	$	0.80	January 30	$	0.54688	$	0.51563	$	0.55469	$	0.53125	$	0.54688
May 5	$	0.80	April 29	$	0.54688	$	0.51563	$	0.55469	$	0.53125	$	0.54688
August 4	$	0.80	July 31	$	0.54688	$	0.51563	$	0.55469	$	0.53125	$	0.54688

____________________________________________________________

(1) Adjusted for the Reverse Split effected on November 1, 2015.

Schedule of calculation of earnings per share

The following table presents EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. common stockholders	$	(126,111	)	$	(46,525	)	$	(255,215	)	$	(255,052	)
Net income (loss) attributable to LTIP Units non-controlling interest	(1,301		)	—			(2,370		)	(5,296		)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders and LTIP Units(1)	$	(127,412	)	$	(46,525	)	$	(257,585	)	$	(260,348	)
Denominator:(2)(3)
Weighted average shares of common stock	182,343			100,213			171,138			89,260
Weighted average LTIP Units(1)	1,844			—			1,338			1,374
Weighted average shares of common stock and LTIP Units(2)	184,187			100,213			172,476			90,634
Earnings (loss) per share:(3)
Basic	$	(0.69	)	$	(0.46	)	$	(1.49	)	$	(2.86	)
Diluted	$	(0.69	)	$	(0.46	)	$	(1.49	)	$	(2.86	)

____________________________________________________________

(1) The EPS calculation takes into account LTIP Units, which receive non-forfeitable dividends from the date of grant, share equally in the Company’s net income (loss) and convert on a one-for-one basis into common stock.

(2) Excludes the effect of exchangeable senior notes, shares under the forward sale agreement, restricted stock and RSUs outstanding that were not dilutive as of September 30, 2015. These instruments could potentially impact diluted EPS in future periods, depending on changes in the Company’s stock price and other factors.

(3) Adjusted for the Reverse Split effected on November 1, 2015.

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Stockholders' Equity

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders’ Equity

Reverse Split

On November 1, 2015, the Company effected a Reverse Split of its common stock with any fractional shares settled in cash. As a result of the Reverse Split, common stock was reduced by dividing the par value prior to the Reverse Split by two (including retrospective adjustment of prior periods) with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. The par value per share of common stock remained unchanged.

Share and per share amounts disclosed in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Reverse Split, including common stock outstanding, earnings per share and shares or units outstanding related to equity-based compensation, where applicable (refer to Note 11).

Common Stock

In February 2015, the Company issued the remaining 3.5 million shares of common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, under the forward sale agreement entered into in 2014, for net proceeds of $122.2 million.

In March 2015, the Company issued 6.0 million shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $37.30 per share, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, and received net proceeds of $217.1 million. In connection with this offering, the Company entered into a forward sale agreement with a financial institution to issue an aggregate of 28.5 million shares of its common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, subject to certain conditions. The forward sale agreement generally provides for settlement on one or more dates specified by the Company on or prior to November 30, 2015, subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of certain events. On a settlement date, if the Company decides to physically settle all or a portion of the forward sale agreement, it will issue common stock to such financial institution at the then-applicable forward sale price multiplied by 0.995. The initial forward sale price is equal to $36.28 per share, after giving effect to the Reverse Split. The forward sale agreement provides that the forward sale price will be adjusted based on the federal funds rate less the stock loan rate specified in the forward sale agreement and will be decreased by amounts related to expected dividends on the Company’s common stock during the term of the forward sale agreement. As of September 30, 2015, the Company issued 21.4 million shares of common stock under this forward sale agreement, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, for net proceeds of $747.0 million. In October 2015, the Company issued the remaining 7.1 million shares of common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, under this forward sale agreement, for net proceeds of $239.9 million.

Share Repurchase

In September 2015, the Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of its outstanding common stock. The authorization expires in September 2016, unless otherwise extended by the Company’s board of directors. As of September 30, 2015, the Company repurchased 0.7 million shares of its common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, for approximately $18.2 million.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

In April 2007, as amended effective January 1, 2012, the Company implemented a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “DRP”), pursuant to which it registered with the SEC and reserved for issuance 3,569,962 shares of its common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split. Pursuant to the amended terms of the DRP, stockholders are able to automatically reinvest all or a portion of their dividends for additional shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company expects to use the proceeds from the DRP for general corporate purposes. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, the Company issued 4,018 shares of its common stock, after giving effect to the Reverse Split, pursuant to the DRP for gross proceeds of $0.1 million.

Dividends

The following table presents dividends declared (on a per share basis) for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015:

Common Stock			Preferred Stock
	Dividend			Dividend Per Share
Declaration Date	Per Share(1)		Declaration Date	Series A		Series B		Series C		Series D		Series E
February 25	$	0.80	January 30	$	0.54688	$	0.51563	$	0.55469	$	0.53125	$	0.54688
May 5	$	0.80	April 29	$	0.54688	$	0.51563	$	0.55469	$	0.53125	$	0.54688
August 4	$	0.80	July 31	$	0.54688	$	0.51563	$	0.55469	$	0.53125	$	0.54688

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(1) Adjusted for the Reverse Split effected on November 1, 2015.

Earnings Per Share

The following table presents EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. common stockholders	$	(126,111	)	$	(46,525	)	$	(255,215	)	$	(255,052	)
Net income (loss) attributable to LTIP Units non-controlling interest	(1,301		)	—			(2,370		)	(5,296		)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders and LTIP Units(1)	$	(127,412	)	$	(46,525	)	$	(257,585	)	$	(260,348	)
Denominator:(2)(3)
Weighted average shares of common stock	182,343			100,213			171,138			89,260
Weighted average LTIP Units(1)	1,844			—			1,338			1,374
Weighted average shares of common stock and LTIP Units(2)	184,187			100,213			172,476			90,634
Earnings (loss) per share:(3)
Basic	$	(0.69	)	$	(0.46	)	$	(1.49	)	$	(2.86	)
Diluted	$	(0.69	)	$	(0.46	)	$	(1.49	)	$	(2.86	)

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(1) The EPS calculation takes into account LTIP Units, which receive non-forfeitable dividends from the date of grant, share equally in the Company’s net income (loss) and convert on a one-for-one basis into common stock.

(2) Excludes the effect of exchangeable senior notes, shares under the forward sale agreement, restricted stock and RSUs outstanding that were not dilutive as of September 30, 2015. These instruments could potentially impact diluted EPS in future periods, depending on changes in the Company’s stock price and other factors.

(3) Adjusted for the Reverse Split effected on November 1, 2015.