
Independent advice on debt, equity and private capital so your clients can fund growth, manage risk and bring in the right investors without giving up unnecessary value or control.
I have introduced Charles to several clients in the last few months. He has achieved some extraordinary results for them with a review and renegotiation of their financing arrangements. Using his background and insights into the labyrinth of banking practices and tactics he has helped them make massive savings on finance costs and free them up from unfavourable lending restrictions.
Andy Rooke:
Founder, Grey Matters Advisory | 9000+ hours business board chair & executive coaching | Built & sold 3 businesses
I work with advisers, accountants, consultants and business owners to design, negotiate and execute funding solutions across the full capital stack. That includes restructuring existing debt, sourcing new lenders and arranging capital raisings with private investors and institutions. Debt Advisory and Capital Raising are available as standalone services, or combined where a mix of funding sources is the best outcome for the client. The focus is always on supporting strategy, protecting downside risk and freeing management to get on with running the business.
When a client only wants debt, we focus on the lending side. When a client only wants new capital, we focus on investors. When a combined approach clearly adds value, we design that together from the start so the CEO, CFO, advisers and board see the full picture and the trade offs.

Review facilities, assess risk, restructure costly facilities, and structure funding. Help diversify lender dependence, prepare info packs, negotiate terms, and create financial headroom for execution.

Help businesses balance equity and debt for growth, acquisitions, or succession. Handle capital raises, connect with investors, prepare materials, advise on valuation, and support negotiations.

Evaluate structures for cash flow, ownership, and control. Raise capital to reduce risk or drive growth, ensuring flexibility. Document plans for stakeholders.
Family owned and private businesses
Mid market trading companies and established SMEs
Entrepreneurs and private investors
Boards, family councils and executive teams working through major decisions
Most are dealing with one or more of the following:
Growth, expansion or roll out plans that require a more robust funding structure
Acquisitions or buy ins that may need either debt, new capital or a combination
Succession, intergenerational transfer or exit planning
Pressure from existing lenders, covenant issues or tight cash flow
A desire to bring in outside investors without losing control of the business
Some clients only need help to improve or restructure their debt position. Others only want support to raise capital from investors. Many larger or more complex situations need both. My role is to match the service to what is actually needed, around the priorities of the CEO, CFO, advisers and board.
Capability across debt, equity and private capital, available separately or in combination as needed
More than thirty years of experience in Australian business and commercial finance
Deep understanding of how credit teams, investment committees and private investors think and make decisions
Calm, practical support in complex or time sensitive situations where the stakes are high
Flexible engagement model, with the option for white label delivery under your brand
No commissions from lenders or investors, ensuring alignment with your client’s interests and supporting board level governance
If you have clients who are refinancing, acquiring, expanding, restructuring or considering a capital raise, a short conversation can often clarify what is realistically possible and how best to approach the market. Book a confidential thirty minute discussion and bring a real client scenario. Together we can map out practical options across debt, equity and private capital and identify whether your client will benefit most from Debt Advisory, Capital Raising or a combined approach that balances growth, risk and control.
A confidential 30-minute conversation to answer your questions and explore how finance can better support your strategy and your clients. This is what I do every day, helping businesses like yours unlock smarter funding strategies and deliver stronger outcomes.

Charles Zerafa – Commercial Finance Expert Strategic Debt Advisory | $1B+ Funded | Trusted by Australia’s leading accounting and legal firms, and by high-performing businesses in the top 5% of their industries.
With over 30 years of experience in commercial finance and more than $1 billion structured across complex transactions, I have also worked in banking and finance, as well as spent 5 years in commercial broking and debt advisory. I work as a discreet execution partner to help businesses and their advisers deliver high-stakes outcomes from leveraged acquisitions to distressed restructures and succession events.
In these moments, success doesn’t hinge on funding alone. It requires someone who can navigate lender dynamics, negotiate with counter-parties, and bring together legal, commercial, and strategic interests to get the deal done.
Strategic M&A and leveraged acquisitions
Founder exits and intergenerational succession
PE-backed growth or recapitalisation
Covenant breaches and distressed refinancing
Multi-site expansion or major capex events
Facility consolidation and debt simplification
Funding alignment ahead of equity events or exit
Deep credit expertise and lender-side insight
Stakeholder alignment between purchasers, vendors, financiers, and legal teams
Structured, executable funding outcomes that protect value and strengthen strategy
A calm, experienced voice in complex, time-sensitive environments
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