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About us / Client Partnerships Team

Client Partnerships Team

Head of Distribution, VIC Michelle Bannister

Phone 0408 566 518

Email [email protected]

Michelle Bannister joined La Trobe Financial in 1996 and is Head of Distribution for the Real Estate Credit Division and is based in Melbourne. In her role, Michelle is responsible for the national sales team.

Prior to her appointment as Head of Distribution, Michelle was a Senior Client Manager Partnerships and before that led La Trobe Financial’s credit department for eight years. Throughout her career Michelle has been admired for utilising her extensive knowledge and experience in the mortgage industry.

Michelle has a clear and direct vision and that is to deliver exceptional customer service and has won several awards over the years. In 2014 and 2015 Michelle won the Mortgage & Finance Association (MFAA) Excellence Awards for BDM of the Year. Michelle has a Diploma of Mortgage Lending.

Senior Executive – Head of Third Party Operations Suzanne Hemsworth

Phone 0421 029 691

Email [email protected]

Suzanne Hemsworth joined La Trobe Financial in 2006 and is the Head of Third-Party Operations.

In her role as Head of Third-Party Operations she drives structural and procedural changes to enhance the broker experience when dealing with La Trobe Financial. Suzanne’s many years of experience enable her to add value and improve outcomes for brokers whilst further enhancing our products and technology interfaces.

Suzanne is always looking for a solution to match the diverse and complex issues involved in the specialist lending market, where communication and reliability are paramount for success. The ability to formulate solutions that meet the diverse challenges of the specialist lending market are the key to her ongoing success.

National Sales Manager Daniel Coniglio

Phone 0490 305 126

Email [email protected]

Daniel joined La Trobe Financial in April 2022 and is the National Sales Manager for the Real Estate Credit Finance Division. Daniel manages the national Senior Manager Client Partnership team, growing the third-party mortgage broker network, and enhancing existing relationships with brokers and aggregator partners. With over 20 years of experience, Daniel has built a reputation in the mortgage industry by delivering outstanding financial results.

State Manager Client Partnerships, QLD Michelle Rose

Phone 0401 641 482

Email [email protected]

Michelle Rose commenced her career with La Trobe Financial in April 2018 and is based in Queensland. Michelle has over 20 years of experience in the banking and finance industry, specializing in the non-bank sector.

Her main passion is fostering strong connections and delivering the best value, support, and outcomes for her business partners. Michelle holds a Diploma in Finance and Mortgage Brokering Management.

State Manager Client Partnerships, NSW/ACT Waran Chandiran

Phone 0413 847 657

Email [email protected]

Waran has over 27 years of experience in the financial services industry, having worked with Alllstate Home Loans, Better Mortgage Management, ING Australia and ABN Amro.

Prior to joining La Trobe Financial Waran was State Manager for Allstate Home Loans and was responsible for the establishment and growth for the NSW & ACT regions.

Waran has a strong passion for developing strong relationships, mentoring and working as a team member to grow portfolios

Head of Intermediaries Sally Carmichael

Phone 0468 915 102

Email [email protected]

Sally Carmichael brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise from over 20 years in the industry, with a vast knowledge of the WA and VIC market. Based in Victoria, Sally has a robust background in both residential and commercial lending, having excelled as a Business Development Manager (BDM) and Area Manager in her previous roles.

In her current position, Sally is instrumental in identifying, on-boarding, and managing the strategic accounts. She collaborates with BDMs nationwide to support and source opportunities for a strategic portfolio. An award-winning BDM, Sally contributes exceptional knowledge and skills to La Trobe Financial, playing a key role in driving future growth and success.

Assistant State Manager - Client Partnerships, NSW Cassandra Vella

National Relationship Manager Mel Campbell

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, NSW Scott Shying

Phone 0448 404 413

Email [email protected]

Scott Shying commenced his career with La Trobe Financial in November 2016 and is based in Sydney. Scott brings a wealth of experience having previously worked for St George Bank in the Property Finance team, Bankwest in the Institutional Property Department and BOQ as a Branch Manager.

Scott has extensive knowledge on the retail home loan market and over 30 years’ experience in commercial finance, specialising in property development and construction finance. Scott is passionate about all areas of property finance and he enjoys the challenge of helping his clients find solutions.

Scott holds an Associate Diploma in Accounting.

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, NSW Will Hong

Phone 0413 847 937

Email [email protected]

Will Hong joined La Trobe Financial in February 2020 as a Senior Manager Client Partnerships for the Real Estate Division and is based in New South Wales.

Prior to joining La Trobe Financial, Will spent three years as a Business Development Manager at Prime Capital and before that as a mortgage broker. As a result of this experience Will has first-hand knowledge of what it means to service clients’ finance needs and the challenges they face from both a lender and broker perspective.

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, NSW Geoff Spencer

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, NSW Robert Boicheski

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, NSW Anisha Shahi

Phone 0432 884 544

Email [email protected]

Anisha Shahi joined La Trobe Financial in November 2020. Anisha has a passion for developing strong relationships, mentoring and working to grow portfolios.

In her role as a Relationship Manager, Anisha is responsible for servicing and managing existing and new mortgage broker relationship in NSW and ACT.

Anisha holds a Master degree in Professional Accounting. She also has a Certificate IV and Diploma in Mortgage Broking and resides in New South Wales.

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, NSW Paris Damiani

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, NSW Steven Casham

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, NSW Anthony Gebrael

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, NSW Kash Chowdhury

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, NSW David Wu

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, NSW John Carey

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, NSW Celia Li

Relationship Manager, NSW Sachin Dembla

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, VIC Bryce Hill

Phone 0490 305 010

Email [email protected]

With over 10 years of industry experience – 8 of those years with La Trobe Financial – Bryce specialises in credit policy niches and development finance, and prides himself on being a “one stop shop” for all stakeholders. In Bryce’s own words, “La Trobe Financial has the luxury of having one of the most diverse product ranges of the Non-Banks, and it’s my job to give you the knowledge and confidence to expand your broker footprint”.

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, VIC Stephen Hoare

Phone 0431 349 716

Email [email protected]

Stephen joined La Trobe Financial in November 2017 and during this time, Stephen has gained extensive exposure and understanding of credit policies, products and the wider mortgage industry. In his role as Senior Manager Client Partnerships, Stephen is responsible for servicing existing and new mortgage broker relationships in Victoria.

Stephen holds a Certificate IV in Financial Services (Finance/Mortgage Broking) (2007) and ASIC RG 146 Tier 1 Insurance Broking Compliance (2011). Stephen is a former elite Basketball Player for the Melbourne Tigers (now Melbourne United) and won two championships and a number of individual awards at both league and club level.

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, VIC Daniel Kusnyer

Phone 0423 843 923

Email [email protected]

Daniel joined La Trobe Financial in February 2020 as a Credit Analyst in the Real Estate Credit Division. In 2021, he transitioned to the Client Partnership Team, working as a conduit between the Real Estate Credit Division and National Distribution team for scenarios, broker accreditations, and commissions. This experience has provided Daniel exposure to both Residential and Commercial lending and a strong understanding of the La Trobe Financial Credit Policy, range of products, and lending procedure.

Prior to joining La Trobe Financial, Daniel served as a Sports Development Officer, working with schools, sporting clubs, and key stakeholders to promote sport at the grassroots level. He prides himself on his work ethic, appetite for learning, and an ability to connect with others. Daniel is originally from the USA, where he played basketball at the collegiate level before coming to Australia to pursue his career in the sport. He holds a Bachelor of Business and Management.

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, VIC Geoff Murphy

Phone 0432 574 222

Email [email protected]

Bringing 20 years of experience, having previously worked at major & non-major banks and other financial institutions, Geoff has first-hand experience in all aspects of lending, specialising with SME and retail customers. He is passionate about sharing his expertise so his business partners feel confident in complex lending.

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, VIC Jenny Do

Email [email protected]

Phone 0431 223 721

Jenny joined La Trobe Financial in June 2024 as a Senior Manager Client Partnerships and is based in Victoria. With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Jenny excels in driving growth and fostering strategic partnerships in the residential and commercial mortgage sector.

Jenny is committed to providing brokers with solutions that align to their needs, and is passionate about collaborating with brokers to educate and unlock new avenues of growth. Jenny is committed to leveraging her extensive network and market insights to contribute to the continued success and expansion of La Trobe Financial.

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, VIC Engin Cosgun

Phone 0490 123 385

Email [email protected]

In his role Engin leverages his extensive knowledge of residential and commercial lending products to forge lasting partnerships and drive business growth. Previously, Engin worked as a credit analyst and built a reputation for providing exceptional service.

Engin prides himself on his commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and delivering value to clients and colleagues alike.

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, VIC Jordie McKenzie

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, VIC Luke Mennea

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, VIC Norm Wong

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, VIC Sharon Pryde

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, VIC Tony Zhang

Relationship Manager, VIC Lachlan Treloar

Relationship Manager, VIC Sally Chiem

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, QLD & NT Gavin Robinson

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, QLD Reece Hinchy

Phone 0491 155 871

Email [email protected]

Based in Queensland, Reece has over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry following the completion of his Business Management Degree at James Cook University, Townsville. In 2011, Reece moved to Brisbane where he worked in various roles in the finance industry.

Reece prides himself on his work ethic and utilisation of his industry experience to help grow the businesses of his valued broker partners. This has seen him be recognised with Best Non-bank Lender BDM at the 2019 Better Business Awards and the 2019 MFAA Excellence Awards.

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, QLD Karen Valenzuela

Senior Manager Client Partnerships Carmen Walker

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, VIC Marina Viknyanskaya

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, VIC Ilena Boris

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, SA Stacey Madejewski

Email [email protected]

Phone 0402 924 354

Stacey re-joined La Trobe Financial in 2024 and has been in the finance industry for over 25 years. In this time, she has worked in banking, specialist lending, aggregation and private lending. Her passion lies in working with brokers in the specialist lending space and finding solutions to those deals where others may say no. She has a strong credit acumen and will always work to find the best possible outcome for brokers and their clients.

Outside of work, Stacey enjoys tennis, golf, books and wine.

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, SA Scott Hills

Senior Manager Client Partnerships, WA Paul Biddle

Phone 0421 029 687

Email [email protected]

Paul joined La Trobe Financial in November 2012 and is based in Perth. Paul has a strong background in the financial services industry. With a career spanning just over 50 years, a major of that time with ANZ, concentrating on lending but diversified to project management and training. Other roles have included Regional Sales Manager for Aussie and State Manager of a Mortgage Management Company.

Client Partnership Manager Julie Smith

Client Partnership Associate Linda Gorski

Client Partnership Associate Matt Parrott

Client Partnership Associate Ilda Seferi

Client Partnerships Associate David Boulter

Client Partnerships Associate Daniel Hayen

Client Partnerships Associate Steve Gomeze

Client Partnerships Associate Adam Wood

Client Partnerships Associate Linda Tran

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