Matthew Bank is a fourth-generation New Yorker, president of Bank Neary and owner of the firm, and a real estate broker whose experience spans architecture, design, publishing, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Born on the Upper West Side and raised between Manhattan and Larchmont, he has spent nearly his entire life in and around New York City, developing a deep appreciation for the neighborhoods, buildings, and communities that make the city unique.
A graduate of Harvard University, where he studied architecture, design, and photography, Matthew later continued his photographic studies at the School of Visual Arts and began his professional career at the Museum of Modern Art’s Department of Painting and Sculpture. Those experiences fostered a lifelong interest in architecture, design, historic preservation, and the ways people interact with the spaces they inhabit.
Licensed in real estate since 2010, Matthew has represented buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants throughout New York City. His background in architecture, design, photography, marketing, and entrepreneurship informs every aspect of his work, from pricing strategy and negotiation to staging, property presentation, and marketing. Clients frequently seek his perspective not only on real estate transactions, but also on renovation decisions, property positioning, neighborhood selection, and the long-term implications of major housing choices.
Throughout his career, Matthew has advised clients on renovation and design projects ranging from cosmetic improvements to complete apartment transformations. He has helped homeowners evaluate layouts, select finishes and appliances, plan renovations, and identify opportunities to enhance both livability and long-term value. His ability to view a property through the lenses of architecture, design, branding, and buyer perception allows him to recognize opportunities that many brokers overlook.
Founded in 1988, Bank Neary Inc. has remained independent through decades of change in New York real estate. The firm’s boutique structure allows for direct owner involvement, personalized service, and long-term client relationships that often span generations. Matthew worked alongside founder Gil Neary for many years before assuming leadership of the firm and today serves as its president. As owner of Bank Neary, he remains directly involved in every aspect of the business and the client experience.
Before entering real estate, Matthew spent nearly two decades building and leading HX Media, publisher of the influential New York nightlife and entertainment magazine HX. As co-founder and chief executive, he oversaw publishing, advertising, branding, graphic design, photography, marketing, and business operations. Those experiences developed a deep understanding of presentation, communication, and buyer behavior—skills that continue to shape the way he markets properties and advises clients today.
Since returning to Manhattan after graduating from Harvard in 1988, Matthew has witnessed firsthand the transformation of neighborhoods such as Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, and the West Village. Through his work in publishing, philanthropy, and real estate—including service as president of the board of the Stonewall Community Foundation—he has developed a unique appreciation for the people, institutions, and cultural forces that shape New York’s neighborhoods. That perspective continues to inform the guidance he provides clients, helping them look beyond the immediate transaction and make decisions that support their long-term goals.
