About

Our DNA,
defined

Capspace was founded by four industry leaders who believed finance could be done differently - with commercial focus, a drive for impact, and a commitment to creating real value.

Our directors are hands-on and invested - literally. As co-investors in the Capspace Private Debt Fund, they work closely with clients to unlock opportunities, shape strategy, and deliver outcomes that matter.

With 100+ years of combined experience across lending, banking, broking, finance, legal, property, and risk, our team brings deep expertise and a down-to-earth approach to everything we do.

We lead with transparency, invest in long-term relationships, and care deeply about creating meaningful impact - in finance and beyond. That’s why we founded Most Important Meal, a charity that provides nutritious breakfasts to school children who would otherwise go without.

As a team, we love what we do. We’re people first, not transactional. We show up with care, move quickly when needed, and aim to deliver exceptional service with consistency and integrity.

Many borrowers we back go on to become investors, which is a reflection of the trust we earn, the outcomes we deliver, and the long-term relationships we build.

We're here to make a lasting difference for our clients, our community, and the future we’re helping to shape.

Our Team

Daniel Dusevic

Meet
Daniel Dusevic

Co-Founder and Director

Daniel brings 19 years of experience from global financial institutions, including Macquarie Bank and Goldman Sachs in London, where he built a strong foundation in property, credit and emerging markets. His early work in mortgage lending at Macquarie sparked a lasting interest in property wealth creation, eventually leading him into broking where he was recognised as a finalist for Mortgage Broker of the Year.

It was during his time as a broker that Daniel recognised a growing gap in the market for flexible, alternative finance solutions. Drawing on his entrepreneurial mindset and deep industry insight, he co-founded Capspace with a vision to do things differently.

As Head of Investment Origination, Daniel’s approach is grounded in curiosity, clarity and a considered perspective. A lateral thinker, unconfined by convention, he challenges the boundaries of traditional finance to deliver outcomes that are both strategic and personal. He’s known for aligning investor goals with a long-term vision, forming the foundation of Capspace’s genuine and distinctive approach to wealth creation.

John Encina

Meet
John Encina

Co-Founder and Director

With over 30 years’ experience in senior roles across leading national and global institutions including Westpac and Macquarie Bank, John Encina is a seasoned expert in managing complex financial structures, deal origination, and SME lending.

As an award-winning former commercial broker, John is known for delivering tailored outcomes in high-pressure environments. In 2021, he was named Best Finance Broker NSW/ACT and Broker of the Year NSW/ACT, which is recognition of his technical expertise, strong client focus and deep understanding of the broking industry.

Today, as Capspace’s Head of Borrower Origination, John is focused on reshaping the SME lending experience. He partners closely with a growing network of brokers to remove friction and deliver structured, bespoke finance solutions that support long-term growth.

John’s approach is conservative, thoughtful and future focused. He believes the strongest foundations are built on detail, discipline and consistency, and he brings these values to every interaction. For his clients and broker partners alike, John is a steady hand, a strategic thinker and a trusted advisor.

Tim Keith

Meet
Tim Keith

Co-Founder and Director

Tim Keith brings over three decades of institutional expertise to Capspace, backed by a distinguished leadership career in banking and financial markets. As Managing Director and Chair of the Investment Committee, he oversees fund governance, strategy, risk management and portfolio decisions, ensuring a disciplined risk framework that delivers sustainable value for investors.

Previously, Tim was Managing Director, Global Market Sales at NAB, leading a global wholesale banking business. He was responsible for delivering financial market products across Australia, New Zealand and the UK while driving financial performance, managing risk and enhancing customer satisfaction. During his banking career he also lead banking teams that specialised in lending and transactional requirements of the SME segment, giving him deep expertise in Capspace’s chosen market.

A respected industry expert, Tim simplifies complex financial concepts into clear, actionable insights, making him a sought-after voice among peers and clients. Beyond his technical acumen, he is guided by fairness, integrity and purpose, earning deep trust and respect across the industry.

Julio Labraga

Meet
Julio Labraga

Co-Founder and Director

With over 30 years of experience in accounting, finance and property, Julio brings a rare depth of knowledge when it comes to wealth creation and funding strategies. Over that time he has built an extensive background in broker finance, property advisory and investment, positioning him as a respected authority and trusted advisor in the finance industry.

Julio’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for helping people build lasting value have led him to co-found and grow award-winning businesses across finance and property. He is widely sought after for his strategic perspective on transactional finance, property acquisitions and long-term investment planning. His ability to uncover overlooked opportunities and think commercially has consistently delivered strong outcomes for clients, including both businesses and individuals.

Known for his calm, thoughtful approach, Julio has a talent for simplifying complexity and delivering solutions that align with both short-term needs and long-term goals. He also leads Capspace’s community arm, driven by a strong belief in service, giving back, and creating meaningful impact beyond business.

Sarina Roppolo

Meet
Sarina Roppolo

General Counsel

Sarina is a highly respected legal professional with over 25 years’ experience in banking and finance law. Admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales Federal and High Courts of Australia, Sarina has worked with a wide range of clients, from large and bespoke financial institutions to public and private companies and individuals.

Since 2019, Sarina has been recognised each year in Best Lawyers in Australia for her work in insolvency and reconstruction, with results published annually in the Australian Financial Review and The Australian. Her expertise has also been acknowledged in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific and the IFLR1000 Guide to Leading Financial Law Firms. In 2025, Sarina was additionally recognised for her work in alternative dispute resolution.

Sarina’s approach is collaborative, consultative and solutions-oriented, traits that make her a trusted advisor to Capspace’s credit committee. Sarina brings a rare combination of extensive technical knowledge, care, diligence and commercial understanding, providing clear guidance in complex matters and helping to ensure Capspace operates with integrity and foresight.

Clare Connell

Meet
Clare Connell

Operations Manager

Clare brings 7 years of experience across business advisory and practice management, with a background in accounting and a sharp focus on operational efficiency. She began her career as a Business Services Accountant at a national financial advisory firm before moving into a practice management role at a business advisory firm, where she helped lead internal operations and process improvements.

With a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting and a minor in Business Law and International Studies, Clare blends financial insight with a love of systems thinking. She has a passion for streamlining workflows and is energised by the possibilities of automation and AI to create smarter, more efficient ways of working.

At Capspace, Clare combines her accounting knowledge and business advisory experience with a forward-thinking mindset to support operations, drive continuous improvement and contribute to financial analysis alongside the leadership team.

Peter Hartley

Meet
Peter Hartley

Head of Distribution

Peter brings over 17 years of experience in banking and financial services, with a career spanning senior roles at Macquarie Bank and NAB. He has deep expertise across credit, securitisation, foreign exchange and digital sales, and a strong track record of building and leading high-performing national teams.

With a passion for technology and entrepreneurship, Peter is known for his strategic thinking and results-driven approach. He specialises in designing and scaling sales and business development functions across complex financial environments, bringing a sharp commercial lens, creative problem-solving skills and a deep focus on customer outcomes.

Peter holds degrees in Commerce and Law, a Global Executive MBA, and is accredited by AFMA and IECL.

At Capspace, he leads the sales function with a commitment to building meaningful partnerships, unlocking growth, and delivering long-term value for brokers and investors alike.

Yvonne Kola

Meet
Yvonne Kola

Head of Operations

Yvonne brings over 14 years of leadership in banking and finance to Capspace. A proven expert in stakeholder management, regulatory engagement and operational excellence, she holds a Green Belt in process improvement and is a qualified mediator.

Her award-winning leadership includes overseeing risk management and customer advocacy at CBA, where she supported the dispute resolution function in assisting vulnerable customers and communities with their banking needs. 

Yvonne's deep industry knowledge, combined with her exceptional ability to connect with people, ensures seamless operations and exceptional service for investors and borrowers.

Passionate about driving positive change and helping clients achieve their financial goals, she is a key contributor to Capspace's growth and success.

Julian Deza

Meet
Julian Deza

Head of Credit

Julian Deza brings nearly two decades of experience in credit and risk within financial services, having led high-performing teams across global finance and banking. As Head of Credit at Capspace, Julian oversees credit policy, risk management and loan structuring, ensuring disciplined lending practices that support tailored, streamlined solutions for brokers and borrowers.

He has held senior roles across a leading private lender, one of Australia’s largest banks and a global finance organisation. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in designing and delivering end-to-end credit systems and developing large-scale policy frameworks that enable both speed and scalability. His achievements include implementing direct to credit systems for residential and SMSF lending, and growing portfolios from $10 million to over $300 million per month.

Passionate about simplifying credit and risk processes, Julian brings a forward-thinking mindset to decision-making. He applies AI, data analytics, and automation to improve efficiency and performance. His expertise spans credit and risk controls, product and system integration, compliance and financial data management.

Respected for his collaborative approach and calm leadership style, Julian is known for balancing commercial insight with strong governance. He values transparency, integrity and long-term relationships that build trust across all stakeholders.

Valeria Sonnante

Meet
Valeria Sonnante

Portfolio Manager

Valeria brings over 10 years of international and domestic finance experience to her role at Capspace. Her career has spanned global and investment banks through to Australia’s lending landscape, where she supported SMEs with tailored business and asset finance solutions. Most recently, she oversaw institutional custody operations for investment managers and superannuation funds at a leading global custodian.

Her expertise includes credit and financial analysis, risk assessment, and portfolio management. Valeria has consistently exceeded performance benchmarks and played a pivotal role in implementing new tools and procedures to enhance client outcomes and operational efficiency.

Holding a Master’s in Finance, Valeria combines analytical depth with a collaborative, solutions-focused approach. She takes genuine ownership of business outcomes and is committed to supporting Capspace’s continued growth and success, bringing global perspective and a practical mindset to portfolio management with precision, accountability, and care.

Sean O'Neil

Meet
Sean O'Neil

Business Development Manager

Sean brings more than 35 years of experience in financial markets, having spent the majority of his career at one of Australia’s Big Four banks in both Australia and London. Over two decades as a Foreign Exchange trader, he became Head of Trading leading teams through complex and challenging market conditions. He later spent 15 years as an Interest Rates Dealer, advising SMEs on balance sheet risk and providing strategic advice and tailored financial solutions.

Across his career, Sean has navigated global market cycles, credit squeezes and liquidity challenges, building a clear understanding of market behaviour across a wide range of asset classes. He is recognised for his steady leadership, disciplined decision-making and ability to build trusted, long-term relationships.

At Capspace, Sean applies this wealth of global market experience to support our investors. His focus is on building strong connections and helping investors access well-structured opportunities with well-informed confidence.

Nadia Renaud

Meet
Nadia Renaud

Client Liaison

Nadia brings over 30 years of experience in financial services and client management to her role at Capspace. Having worked across various finance sectors she provides our clients with the benefit of her extensive knowledge and expertise.

Her background includes managing complex financial portfolios, overseeing client relationships, and delivering tailored solutions. Nadia's keen attention to detail and proactive approach ensure that every interaction is focused on meeting the unique needs of our investors.

Recognised for her strong communication skills and commitment to client success, Nadia is dedicated to delivering a personalised, solution-oriented experience.

Please reach out to Nadia whenever you need assistance or wish to discuss your investments.

Nick Martino

Meet
Nick Martino

Credit Manager

Nick brings over 20 years of experience in the Australian and international financial services and investment banking sector to his Capspace role.

A critical thinker with extensive knowledge in credit management, relationship management, and corporate and business banking, he is recognised for his seamless collaboration with clients to structure and approve loan transactions while adeptly managing risk.

Nick is a trusted specialist in finance lending. His methodical and results-driven approach, coupled with a commitment to efficiency, transparency and collaboration is reflected in the streamlined and solution-oriented loans process he has crafted for timely borrower outcomes.

Michael Provino

Meet
Michael Provino

Business Development Manager

Michael Provino brings over 17 years of experience in finance and property, having worked across some of Australia’s largest financial institutions as well as boutique lenders and advisory firms. With a career spanning residential and commercial lending, Michael has developed deep expertise in credit structuring, business operations and strategic growth, giving him a well-rounded perspective on how to deliver value at every stage of the lending journey.

He has a strong track record of delivering tailored, outcome-focused solutions for clients with complex needs, and was recognised as Commercial Broker of the Year in 2023 for his exceptional results and service.

Known for his proactive approach and problem-solving mindset, Michael is highly regarded for building strong relationships with brokers and supporting borrowers to achieve their financial goals.

Diala (Dee) Elazzi

Meet
Diala (Dee) Elazzi

Partnership Manager

With 30 years experience in finance, Diala (Dee) has built a career defined by trust, long-term relationships, and a deep understanding of SME and mortgage lending.

Before joining Capspace, Dee held senior roles at one of Australia’s largest banks across commercial broker management and business banking as well as in partnership management at a national bank. Throughout this time, she developed strong relationships with aggregators and commercial brokers, many of which have spanned more than two decades.

Known for being both relationship-driven and commercially astute, Dee brings a wealth of experience in structuring tailored lending solutions that support genuine business growth to Capspace. She takes pride in being someone brokers can rely on for honest advice, strategic insight and dependable outcomes.

At Capspace, Dee continues to do what she enjoys most, which is working closely with brokers to create solutions that help Australian businesses succeed.