Richard Taylor
CEO & Director – Finance
Filippo Sciacca
Executive Director – Investor Relations, Asset Management and Compliance
Anthony Russo
Non-Executive DirectorMr Russo brings over 38 years of business leadership and entrepreneurial experience to ASCF, having founded and directed Australian companies across retail, construction, manufacturing, marketing and hospitality.
Most notably, Mr Russo was the founder and director of Pizza Capers, growing the brand to over 120 stores nationally and internationally.
Following the successful sale of the company, his deep interest in investment led him into the private lending sector, where he has spent the past 12 years gaining extensive experience in alternative finance and structured lending solutions.
With a strong track record in business growth, strategy and investment, Mr Russo brings valuable expertise to ASCF, further strengthening our leadership team.
Peter Aubort
Compliance Committee ChairmanMr Aubort has worked across the financial services industry for over 22 years and has extensive expertise in the operation of both registered and unregistered managed investment schemes, having worked for eleven separate Australian financial services (AFS) licensees across his career, all of which have been involved in the establishment and operation of schemes. Mr Aubort has a Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) from the Queensland University of Technology, a Diploma in Financial Planning 1 from the Financial Planning Association of Australia, and RG146 certificates in securities and managed investment schemes from the Securities Institute of Australia.
Mr Aubort is also a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia. Mr Aubort is responsible for ASCF’s compliance obligations pursuant to the Corporations Act and ASIC policy, and our obligations to our investors.
Joe Bennett
Senior Executive – Head of Distribution (Lending)Mr Bennett has over 25 years experience in the banking and finance industry in Australia across three tier-one financial organisations. Having completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree with Griffith University in 1993, Mr Bennett began his banking career with CBA and spent 7 years gaining a solid foundation in banking and finance both in operations and as an Assistant Relationship Manager.
Moving to NAB in 2000, he spent the next 9 years as a Business Banking Manager proactively sourcing and fostering Business Banking relationships to provide his clients with fully integrated financial services solutions.
Molly Michelmore
Relationship Executive – LendingMs Michelmore joined ASCF in 2018 and has extensive knowledge in all areas of the business. Initially starting in the investor department, she then moved into accounts, and 3 years ago made the switch to lending, where she was initially involved in loans administration.
In 2025, she was promoted to the position of Relationship Executive and now looks after the lending needs from a panel of brokers in NSW. Miss Michelmore is RG 146 compliant.
David Hui
Relationship Executive – LendingMr Hui has over 12 years’ experience within the lending and broking industry. In that time he has completed transactions for clients within the mining servicing industry, property developers, the medical industry, along with first home owners and investors.
Mr Hui holds a Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management and is a member of the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia.
As Relationship Executive – Lending, Mr Hui develops relationships within our loans broker network and provides lending solutions for our direct clients.
Sam Akram
Relationship Executive – LendingMr Akram is a dedicated and results-driven professional with over a decade of experience in commercial finance, private lending, credit risk, property, and business development.
He completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree with Western Sydney University in 2014, along with a Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management.
Throughout his career, he has worked at prominent organisations such as the Commonwealth Bank, Athena, and RAMS.
As a Relationship Executive, Mr Akram builds and nurtures strong relationships within the broker network, offering customised lending solutions to meet the needs of our clients.
Kristyanne Knapman
Loan Operations ManagerMs Knapman has a Bachelor of Education from Griffith University and brings her extensive experience in customer relations to ASCF as Loan Operations Manager.
She assists In the day-to-day management of the loan portfolio and is responsible for managing the loan extensions and arrears working directly with our CEO.
Ms Knapman also coordinates with compliance and loan processing teams on the ongoing administration of the insurance and valuation requirements of securities in accordance with our compliance plans. She also heads up the special projects team.
Roberto Sciacca
Senior Relationship Executive – InvestingMr Sciacca has a Bachelor of Commerce from Bond University on the Gold Coast with a major in Marketing and a minor in Real Estate and is RG146 compliant having successfully completed the Tier 1 – Generic Knowledge & Securities and Managed Investments (General Advice) subjects from Kaplan. He has also completed subjects in the undergraduate Real Estate Valuation Course and postgraduate Psychology Course from the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane.
Mr Sciacca has worked in the banking industry with the NAB as well as in corporate sales in the communications industry.
As Investor Relations Executive, Mr Sciacca cultivates ASCF’s relationship with its investors and services their requirements.
John Reghenzani
Head of ComplianceMr Reghenzani has experience exceeding 25 years across the Australian financial services industry spanning roles in private legal practice, as a Senior lawyer at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and working in-house as a compliance manager and advisor to ASIC-regulated managed investment, asset management and retail and wholesale banking businesses.
Mr Reghenzani has a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws from Monash University and a Master of Laws from the University of Queensland.
Mr Reghenzani reports to and works with the ASCF Compliance Committee and ASCF Credit Committees to support compliance with ASCF’s Australian Financial Services and Australian Credit licenses and associated regulatory requirements.
He is also responsible for creating and reviewing regulatory compliance documentation including ASCF Policies and staff training. Mr Reghenzani also coordinates and completes internal audits, and interacts with external auditors on matters related to audits of the business’s internal controls.
Davina Knight
Compliance ManagerMs Knight has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Business in Human Resources Management from Central Queensland University, a Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies from College of Law and is currently studying a Master of Applied Law with College of Law. Ms Knight is RG146 complaint. Ms Knight is a registered solicitor.
Ms Knight has 7 years of experience working as a Compliance Manager for AFSL and ACL licensees in the financial services industry has 13 years of experience working in training, recruitment and accounting firms, and has returned following a year of practice in a law firm focused on Funds Management.
Ms Knight reports to and works with the ASCF Compliance Committee and ASCF Credit Committees in order to maintain compliance with Australian Financial Services and Australian Credit Regulations and legislation. Ms Knight works closely with the Head of Compliance and the Directors in creating and reviewing regulatory compliance documentation including ASCF Policies and staff training. She also coordinates and completes internal audits, and interacts with external auditors on matters related to audits of the organisation’s internal controls.
Kai Draper
ICT ManagerMr Draper has over 25 years experience in the ICT industry and has managed ASCF’s ICT requirements since inception. In 2019 Mr Draper joined ASCF full time as ICT & Marketing Manager.
Bringing his extensive skills in house ensures ASCF’s security and ICT needs are maintained to the highest levels.
Mikaela Gladden
Marketing AdministratorAs ASCF’s Marketing Administrator, Ms Gladden oversees the daily execution of marketing campaigns, promotions, and sales support.
She works closely with both the investment and lending teams to ensure seamless communication and strategic alignment across all marketing initiatives.
With a keen eye for detail and a results-driven approach, Ms Gladden plays a key role in enhancing brand visibility, driving engagement, and supporting business growth.
Nick Alcock
Senior Relationship Executive – InvestingMr Alcock brings years of executive experience from industries across Europe to his current role in Australia, where he has been active for two decades.
His career has spanned services and finance, including roles in residential and private lending with a national brand, before transitioning into the investment sector.
With a fervent interest in investments, property, and finance, he holds a Certificate IV and a Diploma in Financial Services (Finance/Mortgage Broking), as well as a Certificate IV in Property Services (Real Estate). As a Senior Investor Relationship Executive, Mr Alcock provides ASCF’s investors with detailed information and advice on our funds and is RG146 compliant having successfully completed the Tier 1 – Generic Knowledge & Securities and Managed Investments (General Advice) subjects from Kaplan.
Isaac Field
Investor Relations OfficerMr Field is a hands-on investor with significant investment experience in Australian real estate, ASX-listed companies, Venture Capital endeavours, and managed funds.
Holding Business certificates and further education including RG146 General Advice and RG146 Managed Securities, Mr Field has formed an excellent foundational understanding of business and financial services industry.
Being the first point of contact for all of the Investor calls, Mr Field deals with all aspects of Investor requests from education about the products we offer, account setup, Individual verification, and any troubleshooting. In addition to this, he manages a number of clients within the company, ensuring any queries are answered promptly and efficiently.
Anton Crismani
Investor Relations OfficerMr Crismani has extensive investment operations experience with a variety of boutique asset managers coupled with a robust academic background and a keen interest in capital markets.
A proud graduate of Griffith University, Anton is currently pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 1 certification to further enhance his expertise in the field of finance.
Passionate about investing and capital markets, Mr Crismani is committed to providing exceptional service and support, contributing to the efficient and effective management of investment portfolios. In his spare time, he enjoys staying updated on market developments.
Harrison Gaffney
Loan Administration OfficerMr Gaffney joined ASCF in 2021 with a background in business administration gained through running his own business. He is responsible for the oversight and preparation of ASCF loan documents from inception through to settlement.
Mr Gaffney holds a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking. Mr Gaffney works closely with our Relationship Executives, processing loans from application through to post-settlement. Mr Gaffney is also developing relationships with our mortgage broker network to assist with business development.
Alex Taylor
Loan Administration OfficerMr Taylor joined ASCF in 2022 and holds a degree in Behavioural Science from the University of Queensland.
He is responsible for the oversight and preparation of ASCF loan documents from inception through to settlement.
Mr Taylor is RG146 compliant having successfully completed the Tier 1 – Generic Knowledge and Securities and Management Investment subjects. He has also completed several courses from the Bachelor of Business Management course at the University of Queensland.
Liz Harvie
Accounts ManagerMs Harvie heads the company’s Accounts Department and is responsible for the processing of the investor and loan transactions for all of the retail funds. Ms Harvie is fully compliant with the company’s accounting software and works closely with our CEO Richard Taylor in all aspects of accounting and loan management.
Prior to joining ASCF, Ms Harvie spent time running the Accounts department at a large property manager in Canberra providing investors with detailed property returns information for their annual Tax Returns.
