Frank Danieli: The value-add of operational expertise – MA Financials’ Credit and Real Estate capability.

In this episode, Ryan Loehr speaks in detail with Frank Danieli, Head of Lending and Credit at MA Financial, formerly known as Moelis Australia. Frank has been with the firm for over a decade and responsible for MA’s Global Credit Solutions platform – covering asset-backed lending, corporate debt, bonds and credit opportunity verticals. Frank also has strategic oversight of the firm’s lending businesses, which include non-bank lending and financial technology platforms and its principal credit initiatives. Frank has a substantial background in corporate advisory, focused on special situations, M&A and financial services transactions.

For those not familiar with MA Financial, it's one of the most interesting financial services businesses in the country. It has earned a strong reputation in local investment banking ranks, which should come as little surprise given this business is a legacy of veteran investment banker and Billionaire Ken Moelis, and Andrew Pridham who at only 28 went on to become a UBS Head of Investment Banking, and thereafter Executive Chairman of Investment Banking at JP Morgan. Then UBS colleagues Chris Wyke and Julian Biggins coming together to now co-lead the firm. Both the founders and senior executives in the MA business have deep expertise in real estate, with several local pioneers in what A-REITs are today, and by nature of that, private credit and lending which complements it.

We talk to the types of investments and opportunities that the MA Business focuses on and reflect on how its team has delivered strong returns for investors – often by leveraging their operational expertise to drive additional returns. Examples include how the Redcape and MA Hotels business, owned by MA Financial have helped improve pubs and hotels operations and profitability; how acquiring Finsure a mortgage aggregator, has given the MA credit arm a unique set of data to monitor the health of Australia’s lending ecosystem; or how Retpro has given it’s real asset investments an operational expertise in managing retail property.

We touch on macro and financial conditions, MA Financial’s expected returns across different types of credit; and recent acquisitions including of US Credit Manager Blue Elephant; and the largest set of Marina’s in the Australian east coast from Balmain and Goldman Sachs. It’s a well-rounded and in-depth conversation for anyone learning about MA, particularly the history it has in driving operational value of assets and investments, but also, for those wanting to understand some of the benefits – and key considerations across the MA asset management product suite.

Disclaimer:
The information in this podcast series is for general financial educational purposes only, should not be considered financial advice and is only intended for wholesale clients. That means the information does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider if the information is appropriate for you and your needs. You should always consult your trusted licensed professional adviser before making any investment decision.