Antilla Private Ltd

Private capital, Trusted partnerships

Melbourne-based private lender
About us

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.

Our Mission

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.

Meet Our Founder
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 an outcome-driven mindset.

20+ Years in Financial Services
Building trust and delivering excellence
Mervin Smith, Founder of Antilla Private
Meet Our Team
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 Herath, Associate at Antilla Private
Meet Our Team
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 Rahman, Consultant / Advocate at Antilla Private
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
Suited to
  • 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 — choosing the right type of debt (term loan, revolving credit, mezzanine finance, bonds, private debt)
  • Debt raising — sourcing lenders or investors and negotiating terms
  • Refinancing — replacing existing debt with better terms, lower cost, or improved flexibility
  • Covenant & compliance advice — ensuring debt terms don't constrain growth or breach conditions
  • Restructuring & workouts — renegotiating debt under financial distress to avoid insolvency
  • Capital optimisation — balancing debt vs. equity to lower cost of capital while managing risk
Why Choose Us

The Antilla difference

Tired of dealing with large corporates and empty promises? Experience the difference with Antilla — our commitment to 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 a clear understanding of next steps.

Family-owned

Relationship-driven approach

Local Knowledge

Australian market expertise

Direct Access

Quick decision-making

Prompt Response

Clear next steps

Our Partners
Partner logo Partner logo Finnia Tycoon Partner logo Partner logo
Charity Partners
Charity partner logo
Let's Talk

Get in touch with Antilla Private

Replace YOUR_FORM_ID with your Formspree form ID (or your preferred handler) to receive submissions at info@antillaprivate.com.au.

Address
East Wing, Level 1/70 Trenerry Cres,
Abbotsford VIC 3067
Hours
Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM