Management Team

Damien boasts a rich history in the banking and finance sector, amassing over a quarter-century of profound experience. His areas of expertise encompass fund management and bridging finance, underpinned by his tenure in diverse high-ranking roles across credit, risk, financial hardship, bankruptcy, strategic business services, and policy oversight. Damien’s stewardship has seen him oversee portfolios valued at upwards of $2.4 billion.

Furthermore, his consultancy endeavors have benefitted the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA, previously ITSA) and the Australian Federal Government, notably contributing insights on the Hayne Royal Commission and the recent amendments to the National Consumer Credit Protection (NCCP) Act.

Beyond his professional commitments, Damien places a high value on forging and nurturing connections with investors, brokers, and borrowers, ensuring they receive comprehensive support throughout the loan repayment process. He founded Capital Bridging Finance as a response to the unmet needs within the short-term lending market, providing expedient solutions in instances where conventional lenders fall short.

Damien’s personal life is equally rich and engaging. He dedicates his time to offering pro-bono debt consulting services to acquaintances and engages in activities that fuel his interests, such as pursuing pilot lessons, cherishing moments with his family, and indulging in the excitement of NRL games. Whilst taking his work seriously, Damien always sees the lighter side to life and enjoys playing practical jokes on his staff.

With 20 years’ experience in strategic policy, programme delivery, government relations and communications roles, Richard leads Capital Bridging Finance’s business development team – delivering innovative financial solutions for small businesses and high-net-worth clients.

Holding a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Melbourne, Richard excels in crafting data-driven strategies and building stakeholder trust. As a former chief of staff to federal cabinet ministers, Richard has led work in diverse fields ranging from small business and multi-billion-dollar service delivery reform, to government digital services and defence.

Richard is also an officer in the Royal Australian Air Force (Reserve), a licensed pilot, and in his spare time enjoys spending time with his family and restoring vehicles and motorcycles.

The founding partner of Davis Lawyers is Paul Davis has over 35 years of legal experience specialising in commercial, finance and property law. Upon graduating from the University of Queensland with dual degrees in Commerce and Law (with honours) Paul began his legal career with the pre-eminent Brisbane legal firm, Feez Ruthning (now Allens Linklaters). He then worked with Blake Dawson Waldron (now Ashurst) and was appointed the youngest ever partner with the Brisbane based firm of Barwicks Wisewoulds. After leaving Barwicks, Paul established Davis Lawyers with the corporate mission to service his increasing client base.

Paul has specialised in the real estate, banking & finance and infrastructure projects section of the law and has been exposed to a wide variety of transactions and industries. His experience with drafting Barwicks Wisewould’s entire legal precedents honed his legal drafting skills.

Regularly playing cricket (University of Queensland), tennis and golf, Paul is a keen sportsman.

Sean started his career in the early 2000s in a 2-partner firm located on the Gold Coast that specialised in small business and family groups. After 2 years with JWA Accountants, he moved into an internal finance accounting role with a public finance group specialising in property. Over the next 4 years, his role within the group changed from producing management accounts to general-purpose reporting, and finally back to taxation.

Sean is a current ADF member spending the last 9 years as an active reserve member within an Infantry battalion. He received the Soldiers Medallion in 2014 and was promoted to Lance Corporal. Sean also received recognition within his company winning soldier of the year and best shot.

Sean now runs his accounting practice on the Gold Coast, with clients located around the country, as well as the UK, Japan, and Canada. Sean is also a director of a consultancy firm within the NDIS sector providing companies and NFP with back office and IT support. He also sits on several advisory boards for Indigenous businesses, assisting with internal accounting control and system processes.