Built by Brokers for Brokers

MEET THE BROKER TEAM

“Capspace was built by brokers, for brokers. And we’re business owners so we understand what SMEs need, and how to deliver in a fast-moving environment. We’re here to make like easier with streamlined processes, personalised service, and tailored solutions.”

~ John Encina, Co-Founder and Director 

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JOHN ENCINA

Co-Founder and Director

Julio Labraga photo

JULIO LABRAGA

Co-Founder and Director

Dee Elazzi photo

DALIA (DEE) ALAZZI

Partnership Manager

Nick Martino photo

NICK MARTINO

Credit Manager

JULIAN DEZA

Head of Credit

Yvonne Kola photo

YVONNE KOLA

Head of Risk & Operations

Clare Connell photo

CLARE CONNELL

Operations Manager

Photo Aaron Browne

AARON BROWNE

Head of Loan Distribution

Peter Vala

PETER VALA

Advisory Board

“When traditional banks showed their lack of entrepreneurial spirit, Capspace stepped in with a commercial mindset, understanding the true potential of my projects. Their speed in completing transactions is unmatched – what would take months with a bank, Capspace completes in days.”

~ Chris Gray

Capspace

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.

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.

DALIA (DEE) ALAZZI

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AARON BROWNE

Head of Loan Distribution

Aaron Browne has over 20 years of experience across banking, credit and risk management, with expertise spanning commercial and corporate lending, credit structuring, portfolio management, and business development. He has built a strong track record in originating and structuring complex lending transactions, while developing long-standing relationships across the broker and professional adviser communities. 

As Head of Loan Distribution, Aaron oversees the sourcing and structuring of lending opportunities across the portfolio. Working closely with borrowers, brokers and professional advisers, he is responsible for identifying opportunities that align with Capspace’s investment objectives and credit framework. Known for his commercial acumen and solution-focused approach, Aaron plays a key role in supporting sustainable portfolio growth while upholding the underwriting discipline and capital preservation principles that underpin Capspace’s investment strategy.

PETER VALA

Advisory Board

Peter Vala is a highly respected finance industry leader with extensive experience across aggregation, distribution strategy, intermediary growth and commercial lending. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with brokers, lenders and industry stakeholders to drive growth, strengthen distribution networks and develop sustainable origination pathways. Peter is widely recognised for his deep understanding of the broker market and his ability to build high-performing partnerships that create long-term value for both brokers and borrowers. 

As a member of the Capspace Advisory Board, Peter provides strategic guidance across broker distribution, aggregation relationships and growth initiatives. Working closely with the leadership team, he supports the continued expansion of Capspace’s broker-first model, helping strengthen market presence, deepen industry relationships and enhance origination capability. His focus on disciplined growth and long-term borrower outcomes aligns closely with Capspace’s commitment to supporting brokers through increasingly complex lending environments.