Melbourne-based private lender
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.
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.
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 outcome driven mindset.
Mervin has built his career by solving challenging problems, building trusted relationships, and delivering outcomes others often shy away from. Whether structuring a funding deal, reviewing a property strategy, or driving a settlement to the finish line, Mervin focuses on what matters most, client-centric outcomes, open communication, and consistent follow-through.
He values long-term relationships over short-term wins, and many of his clients and partners return year after year because they know they’re in capable hands.
Outside the office, Mervin enjoys staying active, especially with CrossFit and is a keen tennis fan including having a hit from time to time. He also values unwinding with a well-earned Friday afternoon drink.
20+ Years in Financial Services
Building trust and delivering excellence
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
Security
Suitable for 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 – deciding the right type of debt (term loan, revolving credit, mezzanine finance, bonds, private debt, etc.)
Debt raising – sourcing lenders or investors and negotiating terms
Refinancing – replacing existing debt with better terms, lower cost, or improved flexibility
Covenant and compliance advice – ensuring debt terms don't constrain business growth or breach conditions
Restructuring & workouts – renegotiating debt when under financial distress to avoid insolvency
Capital optimisation – balancing debt vs. equity to lower cost of capital while managing risk
Why Choose Us
Tired of dealing with large corporates and empty promises? Experience the difference with Antilla with our commitment for 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 clear understanding of next steps.
Family-owned
Relationship-driven approach
Local Knowledge
Australian market expertise
Direct Access
Quick decision-making
Prompt Response
Our Partners
Charity Partners
Let’s Talk
165 Victoria Road, Northcote, Vic, 3070
Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
0433 999 306
Mervin.smith@Antillaprivate.com.au
Private capital, Trusted partnerships
Credit Representative Number: 569628 of Australian Credit Licence Number 384704. CAR number 001317132