Get to know ColCap Financial Group | About Us

ColCap Financial Group is a leading Australian-headquartered non-bank lender with a A$19 billion+ lending portfolio in Australia and the UK.

With a vision of delivering financial opportunities for finance customers, distribution partners and investors across global markets, ColCap brings together deep expertise in residential property lending and funding with proven product innovation capabilities, making it a financial partner that helps people make financial possibilities happen.

Daring to challenge

ColCap Financial Group was founded in 2006 by
CEO Andrew Chepul and COO Ilias Pavlopoulos.

Bringing extensive experience in the Australian mortgage market and a passion for building long-term business relationships and seizing innovative opportunities, the founders built an experienced team and leading non-bank lender which has had a meaningful impact for borrowers, partners and investors for almost 20 years.

Now as one of Australia’s largest non-bank lending institutions, with a $19 billion+ mortgage portfolio, ColCap has grown into a renowned, expanding global enterprise business.

Today, ColCap funds and distributes prime mortgages in Australia and the UK, combining its founders’ ‘dare to challenge’ promise with a foundational belief in the power of purposeful people to pursue what’s possible in property and investment.

ColCap Cofounders in navy suits standing side by side in a modern office setting with glass walls and natural lighting, both wearing glasses and smiling confidently at the camera.

We
innovate

We create better lending choices for quality borrowers underserved by banks and other lenders.

We
fund

We offer world-leading investment opportunities for domestic, international and private investors.

We
distribute

We reach borrowers through direct, broker and wholesale lending channels.

We
manage

We service and manage our loan portfolios to support customer outcomes and experience.

Care for our
people. Own what
we do. Lead by
example. Curious &
Innovative. Act with
integrity & respect.
Put the customer first.

Founded to innovate

In 2006, ColCap was born from a need for more innovative lending solutions for quality borrowers underserved by other banks and lenders. Originally founded as Columbus Capital by CEO Andrew Chepul and COO Ilias Pavlopoulos, the lender set about creating an enduring vision, going beyond the already mapped territory of other lenders, to bring new financial products and opportunities home to borrowers and investors

Building to last

ColCap built strong foundations for ColCap’s future while navigating the Global Financial Crisis. While there were some challenges within the global Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS) market, ColCap’s team reinforced existing loyal relationships with both its investors and customers, showcasing the business’ ability to see new opportunities where others see adversity, and safeguard financial stability through market cycles.

A brand new Origin

Origin Mortgage Management Services (Origin MMS) was purchased from ANZ Bank in 2012. Bringing to ColCap the oldest mortgage management book in Australia worth $2.3 billion, and opening a new channel for funding and originating mortgages, the acquisition and integration of Origin MMS proved ColCap’s ability to think bigger and seize new financial opportunities.

Setting up for scale

In 2012, ColCap Financial Group expanded into the Philippines, a move that prepared the business for scale. Growing to become a core part of ColCap’s integrated global business, and supporting a future move into the UK, the formation of a leading on-the-ground team in The Philippines set the stage for a true global enterprise business offering customers both operational and customer experience excellence.

Feeling like home

ColCap became a retail lending business in 2018 with the acquisition of Homestar Finance. Giving Australian property owners and investors a better deal, through great rates, great service and low fees, ColCap’s diversification into direct lending provided a new channel for mortgage origination, as well as further fulfilling its ‘dare to challenge’ promise of bringing innovative solutions to the Australian community.

Building for brokers

In 2021, ColCap purchased Granite Home Loans a lender purpose-built for the Australian mortgage broking channel. With a reputation for market-leading product innovation in specific lending niches, such as Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) lending, Granite has become a lender the broking market looks to when asking ‘what’s next?’ for mortgage products that solve the real challenges of clients.

Expanding our global footprint

In 2024, ColCap Financial Group bought UK mortgage finance firm Molo Tech Limited, following an initial investment in 2022. Combining Molo’s tech background and expertise in buy-to-let mortgages, with ColCap’s own experience in mortgages and funding, ColCap set about capitalising on the potential of the large UK market, and has seen strong growth in supporting non-resident and expat investment into the market.

Making strata smarter

Austrata Finance became a part of ColCap in 2024. Providing innovative finance options to the fast-growing strata community across Australia, who require tailored finance solutions to complete essential strata projects, ColCap has become a key new institutional funding player in the market. ColCap is now setting a new agenda of product choice for strata owners corporations and strata managers supporting customers into the future of strata.