Can you tell us about yourself and your background?
I’m an Executive Director and Head of Distribution at Pallas Capital, responsible for managing our investor base of high net worth individuals, family offices and wealth planners.
I was born and raised in Sydney. I started my working career with Arthur Young Chartered Accountants, but quickly moved into the world of International Banking when I joined Societe Generale as a 20 year FX dealer. My next big move was in 1996 when I took a role in Singapore. I thought it would last for about 3 years – and returned to Australia 20 years later!
During my time overseas I married, divorced and had three wonderful kids. I’ve now resettled at Manly Beach with my new partner, Kath, who happens to be a South African who I met whilst swimming in my budgie smugglers (but that’s another story).
How did you come to be part of the Pallas Capital team?
I first met Mark Spring (Pallas Capital Executive Director) back in 1988 and he played a key role in me moving to Singapore in 1996 to work with Prebon Yamane. Patrick Keenan (Pallas Capital Executive Chairman) was a part owner at Prebon Yamane at the time, so our relationship also goes back a long way. On returning to Australia, I was introduced to Dan Gallen in 2017. That was the early beginnings of the Pallas Capital journey.
What does a typical workday look like for you at Pallas Capital?
As Head of the Distribution Team, my day starts and ends with driving the business forward. It’s my job to make sure we have all the necessary information available to talk to our clients about our property backed offerings.
A big part of my role is always being available. Whether it’s a client wanting to chat about our loans, a team member with a question, or meeting a new contact for the first time and explaining what we do and the opportunities we bring to the table.
What has been your highlight at Pallas Capital so far?
There have been many as we’ve built the business from scratch. But I’d say the biggest has been working with a great group of people such as Patrick, Mark, Dan and Charles and the ever-growing Pallas Capital team.
With such diverse backgrounds and such a high level of trust between us all, there’s not much we can’t achieve together.
I’m 100% sure our business will continue to expand and deliver excellent opportunities for our clients.
What makes the Pallas Capital offering special for your clients?
Excellent risk adjusted yield potential between 7-15%, coupled with the stability of Commercial Real Estate debt products, provides them with outstanding income producing investment opportunities.
What are your personal goals for 2021 outside of Pallas Capital?
I’m always striving to better myself, and maintain my health and wellbeing. During such a challenging time, I’m also working hard to foster closer personal relationships with my family and friends. Oh, and to find the joys in home schooling without throwing a child off a balcony first!
I’m also looking forward to competing in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race in the Pallas Capital sponsored “Highly Sprung” 45ft Beneteau race yacht. Covid-19 permitting, we’ll be heading out of the Heads on 26th December.
If you would like to speak to Craig email him at craig.bannister@pallascapital.com.au