FBAA Commercial Finance Masterclass - Sydney
Description
You’re already having the conversations.
Business owners. Investors. Clients with bigger, more complex needs.
The brokers who are growing aren’t just writing residential anymore.
They’re stepping into commercial, owning more of the client relationship, and building stronger, more resilient businesses.
FBAA Commercial Finance Masterclass 2026 has been designed to help you do the same.
This national event series brings together some of the most experienced commercial finance operators, lenders, and deal-makers in the country to show you what’s really happening in the commercial space — and how brokers are successfully operating within it.
This is real deals, real scenarios, and real pathways into commercial lending — delivered by people who are doing it every day.
Time: 9.15am - 2.10pm
Location: Holiday Inn, Warwick Farm, Sydney
Price: Members $49+gst / Non-members $199+gst
Catering: Arrival morning tea & lunch provided
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Why Attend
This event is designed to give you the clarity, confidence, and practical understanding to step into — or scale — in commercial lending.
You’ll walk away with:
- A clear understanding of how commercial finance actually works in practice
- Insight into where the real opportunities are across SME and property markets
- Practical strategies for structuring and placing deals
- A deeper understanding of what lenders are really looking for
- The confidence to start — or scale — without second guessing
- Real-world insight from brokers actively writing commercial deals
- Valuable connections with lenders, partners, and peers in the space
Who Should Attend
Brokers ready to step into commercial finance
You’re writing residential. You see the opportunity.
But you’re unsure where to start — or don’t yet have the confidence to act.
Brokers already writing commercial deals (and ready to grow)
You’re in the space — but want to:
- Write more deals
- Improve deal quality
- Strengthen lender relationships
- Stay ahead of market trends
Learn from Industry Leaders
Hear from experienced commercial finance professionals, lenders, and industry specialists who are actively operating in the market and shaping broker success.
Please note: Speaker line-ups will vary by location.
For the most accurate and up-to-date speaker details, refer to your specific event agenda.
Trent Carter
Founding Partner, Accendo Financial
With over 20 years’ experience across banking, lending, and SME finance, Trent brings deep, practical insight into the commercial lending landscape. As Founding Partner of Accendo Financial and Managing Director of Provident Lending and Business Solutions, he specialises in connecting brokers, lenders, and business owners to create real outcomes.
A highly regarded educator in the industry, Trent is known for breaking down complex commercial scenarios into clear, actionable strategies brokers can apply immediately.
Dino Pacella
Head of Third-Party Relationships, Marketplace Finance
Dino leads national broker partnerships, growth strategy, and brand presence for Marketplace Finance. With more than two decades in banking and intermediary distribution, he brings a strong commercial lens to broker performance and opportunity.
A passionate advocate for the broker channel, Dino is also the Founder of National Finance Brokers Day, dedicated to elevating the profile and value of brokers across Australia.
Steven Ragany
FBAA National Commercial and Asset Manager
Steven is the National Commercial and Asset Finance Manager for the FBAA. With more than 20 years’ experience in the finance industry, specialising in Commercial and Asset Finance, Steven is passionate about helping brokers succeed. He’s known for building strong industry relationships, offering strategic insights, and supporting brokers as they navigate the challenges of business growth.
When he’s not working with brokers, you’ll likely find Steven out on his beloved boat, fishing rod in hand - or camping somewhere quiet, soaking up the peace of nature. A firm believer in balance, his motto is simple: family first, always.
Marketplace Finance Relationship Manager
Kim Le Sech
Relationship Manager - Marketplace Finance
With nearly 30 years in banking, including two decades with Westpac Group, Kim brings extensive experience across both residential and commercial lending. Known for her integrity, reliability, and people-first approach, she works closely with brokers to deliver strong commercial outcomes.
Commercial Property Market Insights
La Trobe Financial (and selected industry partners)
Gain valuable insights into current commercial property trends, market conditions, and lending opportunities, delivered by leading industry experts.
Tass Assarapin
Partner at Mitchell Brandtman
With extensive experience in the construction and property industry, having built his career through the firm’s cadetship program. He has played a key role in expanding its national presence, including establishing offices in Melbourne and Sydney, and now leads a growing team delivering major projects. Tass specialises in cost management, financial insight and risk advice, supporting financiers and developers from feasibility through to completion.
Panel Speakers
Host - Donelle Brooks
Head of WCFF
Donelle Brooks is a commercial finance leader and industry thought leader, known for building high-impact partnerships and challenging established practices. As Head of the Women’s Commercial Finance Forum (WCFF), she is driving a powerful movement focused on education, inclusion and lifting capability across the industry.
Cameron Garnham
Co-Founder and Executive Director of Strive Financial
Cameron brings 18 years of Private Lending experience as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Strive Financial. Having worked with thousands of clients on hundreds of different loan scenarios, Cameron’s experience in this field is extensive. Private Lending is a vital part of a broker's tool kit; however, understanding exactly HOW it works and WHY it works for clients is a must for anyone looking at using the products on offer.
Olga Koskie
Tax Assure CEO and Director
Olga Koskie is the CEO of Tax Assure, joining the business in 2019 and leading its growth through significant changes in ATO enforcement. With 16 years’ experience as a commercial litigator, she now specialises in ATO debt, helping brokers, accountants and advisers navigate and resolve complex matters directly with the ATO so clients can move forward. She was named Principal of the Year at the 2023 Women in Finance Awards and is known for her practical, transparent approach.
Event Terms and Conditions
As an association, our goal is to support our members by providing industry-leading events that offer valuable knowledge and networking opportunities. To ensure that these events remain accessible and at minimal cost, we charge a small administration fee of $49.00 + gst.
If you are unable to attend the event, we kindly ask that you notify us at least 24 hours in advance. This allows us to adjust accordingly and accommodate other attendees. If you fail to attend the event without providing 24 hours prior notice, a charge of $75 + gst will be charged to your account. This fee helps to cover the fixed costs associated with organising the event.
By registering for this event, you agree to the above terms and conditions, in addition to our standard terms and conditions listed on our website. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!