Melbourne-based private lender
Antilla: is a private funding company that specialises in short-term lending solutions across a variety of scenarios, including bridging finance, working capital, real estate acquisitions, investment opportunities, and construction funding. We cater to both businesses and individuals seeking fast, flexible access to non-bank capital. For investors, whether you are an individual, company, trust, or superannuation fund, Antilla offers attractive returns and tailored benefits. You can start investing with as little as $10,000.
At Antilla, our mission is to provide accessible, flexible, and strategic private funding solutions to high-potential ventures, companies, and individual borrowers. For our investors, we are committed to delivering secured investment opportunities with attractive returns — all while upholding transparency, trust, and integrity at every step.
Our Vision is to be a trusted and ethical private funding firm that delivers flexible financing solutions and high-value investment opportunities. We are committed to fostering long-term relationships and growing organically alongside our clients.
Mervin Smith
Mervin migrated to Australia in 2005 with his family in pursuit of new opportunities and a better future. His journey into the financial services industry began in 2006 — and he hasn’t looked back since. With over 20 years of experience spanning mainstream banking, private funding, and broking, Mervin has held roles across leadership, credit analysis, sales, relationship management, and mentoring. Today, as the founder of Antilla Private, he helps clients navigate the often-complex world of finance and property with clarity, confidence, and outcome driven mindset.
Mervin has built his career by solving challenging problems, building trusted relationships, and delivering outcomes others often shy away from. Whether structuring a funding deal, reviewing a property strategy, or driving a settlement to the finish line, Mervin focuses on what matters most, client-centric outcomes, open communication, and consistent follow-through.
He values long-term relationships over short-term wins, and many of his clients and partners return year after year because they know they’re in capable hands.
Outside the office, Mervin enjoys staying active, especially with CrossFit and is a keen tennis fan including having a hit from time to time. He also values unwinding with a well-earned Friday afternoon drink.
20+ Years in Financial Services
Building trust and delivering excellence
Mahesh Herath ( Associate )
Mahesh relocated to Australia in 2022, bringing with him over 17 years of international experience across finance, accounting, advisory, and audit. His journey in finance began early in his career and has been shaped by roles across Big 4 professional services, diversified industry environments, and Australian public practice.
With deep expertise in financial planning and analysis, regulatory compliance, risk management, and financial reporting, Mahesh supports organisations to make clear, compliant, and confident financial decisions. Known for his practical approach and strong stakeholder relationships, he works closely with clients and partners to deliver commercially sound outcomes.
17+ Years in Financial Services
Building trust and delivering excellence
Mahesh’s background spans Big 4 professional services, industry, and Australian public practice. Most recently, he was Senior Financial Accountant at RANC Financial Solutions (WA), where he led finance teams, managed large budgets, improved cash flow outcomes, and delivered cost savings through process optimisation.
Previously, he spent over nine years with Namunukula Plantations PLC in Sri Lanka as Senior Accountant, managing financial reporting, budgeting, taxation, and multi-entity finance operations. Earlier in his career, Mahesh spent five years with Ernst & Young (EY) in external audit, progressing to Senior Accountant and gaining strong experience across a wide range of industries.
Mahesh is a keen sports enthusiast, particularly passionate about cricket, which he has played competitively at school, district, and club levels, including in leadership roles. He values sport as a way to build relationships and maintain balance, and enjoys spending quality time with his family, especially with his young child.
Rashid Rahman ( Consultant / Advocate )
Back in 2002, Rashid and his wife moved to Australia to set down roots, build a life, and eventually grow their family. Over the years, that journey taught him exactly what it takes to build long-term security. Today, he uses that experience to help others do the same, working with everyone from first-time buyers to seasoned investors. Rashid has a real knack for helping busy families who find themselves stuck in "analysis paralysis"—overthinking the options and letting fear stall their progress. He focuses on giving advice that actually fits your life, helping you move past the stress of investing so you can take confident, smart steps toward financial freedom.
10+ Years in Property Investment
Building trust and delivering excellence
Rashid brings a unique edge to property consulting, blending over 10 years of personal property investment experience with a 22-year career as a Healthcare IT professional. His academic foundation is remarkably diverse, holding both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Physics alongside a Master’s in Computer Science. As a certified residential and commercial real estate agent who is also a PRINCE2 industry-certified Project Manager, he relies heavily on AI data and technology to drive results. In his tech career, Rashid mastered the art of taking highly complex, technical systems and turning them into simple, secure, and human-friendly solutions. Now, he brings that exact same framework to real estate—using data-driven insights to remove the guesswork and build clear, strategic paths for his clients.
When he isn’t diving into property data, Rashid is almost certainly involved in sports. He has been playing competitive badminton in Melbourne for the past 15 years, and he is just as passionate about table tennis, golf, and playing international bridge. For Rashid, sports are the perfect way to stay balanced and build genuine, lasting relationships. Above all, his favorite way to unwind is simply spending quality time at home with his wife and kids.
Our Services
Tailored lending solutions for your unique needs
Short & Medium-Term Loans
Term
1–2 years (renewable)
Security
Real estate collateral (residential, commercial, industrial, land)
Repayment
Interest-only monthly in advance or capitalised
Purposes:
Property Investment
Site Acquisition
Working Capital / Cash Out
Bridging Loan
Residual Stock Loan
Refinance / Equity Release
Construction Loans
Funding for
Subdivisions, multi-stage developments, high-rises
Security
Suitable for experienced developers
Repayment
Interest capitalised, repaid from sale proceeds
Features:
Based on "cost to complete"
Interest capitalised
Option to convert to investment
loan after completion
Flexible repayment options
Competitive rates
Experienced team support
Debt Advisory Services
Debt structuring – deciding the right type of debt (term loan, revolving credit, mezzanine finance, bonds, private debt, etc.)
Debt raising – sourcing lenders or investors and negotiating terms
Refinancing – replacing existing debt with better terms, lower cost, or improved flexibility
Covenant and compliance advice – ensuring debt terms don't constrain business growth or breach conditions
Restructuring & workouts – renegotiating debt when under financial distress to avoid insolvency
Capital optimisation – balancing debt vs. equity to lower cost of capital while managing risk
Why Choose Us
Tired of dealing with large corporates and empty promises? Experience the difference with Antilla with our commitment for excellence and a personalised offering. We are a local family-owned business, with a drive to provide workable solutions to borrowers in need. We value relationships and repeat customers. With sound knowledge of the local market and direct access to decision makers, we provide prompt feedback with clear understanding of next steps.
Family-owned
Relationship-driven approach
Local Knowledge
Australian market expertise
Direct Access
Quick decision-making
Prompt Response
Our Partners
Charity Partners
Let’s Talk
East Wing, Level 1/70 Trenerry Cres, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
0473 470 579
info@Antillaprivate.com.au
Private capital, Trusted partnerships
Credit Representative Number: 569628 of Australian Credit Licence Number 384704.