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Experienced finance industry leader and former Thinktank general manager of growth and strategy, Peter Vala, has joined the advisory role of private lender Capspace.
In the position, Vala has been tasked with supporting Capspace’s national growth strategy, with a focus on strengthening commercial broker relationships and expanding the lender’s distribution footprint.
Having commenced in April 2026, Vala will also work closely with the lender’s leadership and sales teams to optimise aggregator relationships and origination pathways while providing strategic guidance across the business, according to Capspace.
Capspace co-founder and director John Encina called out Vala’s experience in the announcement, highlighting the importance of “deep industry insights”.
“Capspace was built with a deep understanding of the broker market,” he said.
“Our strategy has always been centred on building a business by brokers, for brokers: one that understands speed, consistency, communication and the importance of delivering outcomes that help advance Australian businesses and deepen broker–client relationships.
“Peter’s deep industry insights, experience, and values closely resonate with this vision as we continue extending our market presence nationally. This is particularly important at a time when private lenders are increasingly becoming strategic funding partners for commercial brokers.”
Meanwhile, Vala said experienced industry operators would have an important role to play in shaping the evolving direction of Australia’s private credit sector.
“It’s not just about solving an immediate funding issue; it’s about helping brokers guide their clients through every stage of their financial journey,” he said.
“Capspace represents a strong alignment with the evolving direction of the private credit sector and the growing importance of relationship-led lending within the broker market.
“The company’s broker-first model, combined with its focus on disciplined credit assessment and long-term borrower outcomes, closely aligns with my view that the future of private lending will be driven by experienced operators who understand both the broker industry and the ever-evolving funding needs of customers.”
Deep industry expertise
A well-known figure in the finance industry, Vala brings more than 40 years of experience across major banks, regional lenders, and non-bank institutions, including ANZ and St.George.
Throughout his career, he has also built a reputation as a passionate mentor and educator, helping hundreds of industry professionals develop their mortgage and commercial lending expertise through events, webinars, and speaking engagements.
Most recently, Vala was known for his work at Thinktank, where he spent 12 years helping shape the lender’s growth strategy and expand its loan book.
When announcing his “semi-retirement” in March 2025, as reported by Broker Daily sister brand The Adviser, Thinktank CEO Jonathan Street paid tribute to his influence.
“Pete’s drive, ethics and leadership have been instrumental in making Thinktank the company it is today,” Street said.
“Looking back on the past 12 years, it’s truly remarkable to see how far we’ve come and how well-positioned we are for what lies ahead.
“As Pete embarks on his next chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude for his many invaluable contributions, including over the last year in focusing on growth and strategy opportunities while managing the smooth handover to new leadership.”
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