Meet the Catalyst Advisers Team

Adrian Lee

CEO & Founder

Adrian has been in the property and financial services industries for over a decade in both client advisory and executive management roles at Macquarie Bank, X Inc, and Finsure Group before founding Catalyst Advisers, Catalyst Advice, Catalyst Private Capital & Catalyst Debt Capital.

Over the past 12 years, Adrian has personally funded in excess of a billion dollars in residential and commercial transactions.

His areas of expertise include high-end residential and commercial property funding, corporate financing, development funding, private funding, and debt/investment advisory.

Stephen Michaels

Managing Director

Stephen Michaels has been with Catalyst since inception and currently leads the residential mortgage and SME lending team. As the group’s first employee, Stephen was involved in both the early origination and book build of the residential business and has been heavily involved in both operations and strategy right from start-up phase. The business now manages a loan book in excess of a $1.9BN and settles more than $1.1BN a year in new lending.

Stephen has been acclaimed as a top industry performer on several occasions, most recently being recognised in the Mortgage Professional Australia Top 100 Brokers 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. In 2024 & 2025 he was recognised as the No. 1 Mortgage Broker in Australia.

Contact Stephen:

M 0406 089 474
P   1300 411 455

Dean Rushton

CTO/COO

Dean is an experienced CTO/COO, business integrator and business leader with 25 years’ experience in the Banking & Finance sector.

As a Technology leader for private and listed entities, Dean has led teams delivering major technology transformation programs & platform builds.

Jonathan Valentino

Director, Northern Beaches

Jonathan has been in the lending industry for 10 years, holding senior roles at both bank and non-bank lenders. His experience spans across credit, business development and portfolio management. Jonathan’s deep industry exposure enables him to connect clients & partnership businesses to Catalyst and assist in creating real value.

Jonathan has been acclaimed as a top industry performer on several occasions, most recently being recognised in the Mortgage Professional Australia Top 100 Brokers 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. In 2025 he was recognised as the No. 7 Mortgage Broker in Australia.

Contact Jonathan:

M  0483 195 998
P   1300 411 455
A   872 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why, Northern Beaches

Sayed (Sid) Nakad

Head of Partnerships

As Head of Partnerships at Catalyst, Sid leads the development and management of strategic relationships with referral partners and key industry stakeholders. With over 17 years in the lending industry, Sid has held senior positions across both banking and mortgage brokerage environments. Drawing on deep industry tenure, his technical expertise and collaborative approach drive premium outcomes and long-term value through trusted partnerships.

Contact Sid:

M  0461 384 102
P   1300 411 455
E  sid.nakad@catalyst.com.au​

Emma Pickup

Senior Asset Finance Adviser

As the Senior Finance Adviser at Catalyst Asset Finance, Emma specialises in finding the best possible solutions for high-net-worth & SME clients. Emma’s long term industry experience, technical expertise and strong relationships with her lending network allows her to assist with more complex transactions and deliver a premium service.
Emma has been in the lending industry for 15 years and is highly accomplished in her field. Her expertise is in assisting clients as they acquire and finance Motor Vehicles, Trucks, Plant and Equipment.

Arun Ghosh

Head of Credit & Compliance

Arun specialises in finding the right finance solutions for high-net-worth, SME and Medico clients. His long-term industry experience, technical expertise and lender network allows him to work with complex transactions and deliver a premium service experience.

Arun has been in the lending industry for 5 years, holding analyst roles at both bank and non-bank lenders. His experience across both allows him to execute on all client needs and find a solution that fits.

Pasquale Vescio

Senior Lending Adviser, Northern Beaches

Pasquale specialises in finding the right finance solutions for high-net-worth, SME and ex-pat clients. His long-term industry experience, technical expertise and lender network allows him to work with complex transactions and deliver a premium service experience.

Pasquale has been in the lending industry for 5 years, holding roles at both bank and non-bank lenders. His experience across both allows him to execute on all client needs and find a solution that fits.

Contact Pasquale:

M  0439 612 270
P   1300 411 455
A   872 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why, Northern Beaches

Louise Boreham

Senior Lending Adviser

As a Senior Lending Adviser at Catalyst, Louise specialises in finding the right solutions for C-suite clients, SME’s and professionals.​

With four years’ experience in the lending industry, Louise brings a practical, execution-focused approach to deal structuring and loan progression. Her experience across a range of lending environments enables her to deliver tailored, strategic outcomes while maintaining a high standard of client service.

Jack McGinley

Senior Lending Adviser

As a Lending Advisor at Catalyst, Jack specialises in finding the right finance solutions for high-net-worth, SME and First Home Buyers. His long term industry experience, technical expertise and lender network allows him to work with complex transactions and deliver a premium service experience.

Contact Jack:

M  0499 988 740
P   1300 411 455

Andrew Pantelas

Senior Lending Adviser

As a Senior Lending Adviser with Catalyst Advisers, Andrew is responsible for all Residential Real Estate Lending transactions (purchasing, refinancing, constructing), servicing High-Net-Worths, Expats, Business Owners and Professionals.

Andrew has been in the finance industry for more than a decade and is passionate about understanding the lending needs of his clients and delivering exceptional service.

Han Lin

Credit Manager

As a Credit Manager at Catalyst, Han specialises in assessing and structuring residential lending solutions to suit each client’s needs. His previous experience in credit and leadership roles allows him to identify practical solutions and deliver a high standard of service.

Marcus Mansour

Senior Lending Adviser

Marcus’s previous experience has been in finance service roles. Marcus leverages this experience in working closely with the Catalyst sales team, to find the right finance solutions and provide exceptional client service.

Blake Mirzaian

Senior Lending Adviser, Northern Beaches

As a Lending Advisor at Catalyst, Blake specialises in finding the right finance solutions for high-net-worth, SME and First Home Buyers. His long term industry experience, technical expertise and lender network allows him to work with complex transactions and deliver a premium service experience.

Contact Blake:

M  0498 471 505
P   1300 411 455
A   872 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why, Northern Beaches

Ratch Prekpanarut

Credit Manager

As Credit Manager at Catalyst, Ratch specialises in delivering tailored finance solutions for SMEs, investors, and high-net-worth clients. He combines strong commercial insight with a client-focused approach, navigating complex transactions seamlessly while ensuring a premium service experience.

Abbey Wyatt

Credit Manager

As a Credit Manager at Catalyst, Abbey specialises in structuring tailored lending solutions to support clients in achieving their property goals. With previous experience in mortgage broking and credit assessment, she brings a deep understanding of the lending landscape and a commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Andre Bonacci

Client Service Manager

As a Client Service Manager at Catalyst, Andre works closely with the Catalyst sales & credit team to drive efficiency through the application process. His previous experience in sales roles with major institutions allows him to find solutions and deliver a premium service experience.

Nikola  Majkic

Credit Manager

As a Credit Manager at Catalyst, Nikola specialises in finding the right solution for first home buyers, non-residents and specialist clients. His previous experience in corporate roles allows him to find solutions and deliver a premium service experience.

Aleesha Smith

Credit Manager

As a Credit Manager at Catalyst, Aleesha specialises in finding the right solution for first home buyers, non-residents and specialist clients. Her previous experience in sales roles with major institutions allows her to find solutions and deliver a premium service experience.

About us

All our advisers have strong track records and deep experience within the financial services industry.

The team made the process quick & easy and answered any questions I had in relation to my loan. Would 100% recommend Catalyst to friends & family.

MELISSA N, NSW

Catalyst provide intelligent and thoughtful guidance and consistently impress. As expats living outside of Australia, they have been trusted advisors.

MARK & JESSICA O, SINGAPORE

I have no hesitation in recommending the Catalyst Advisers team. Their service levels through the application process were first class.

Jacob F

Menu