THE TEAM
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
ALASTAIR HOYNE
MLIBF CeMAP CPSP
CHAIRMAN & CEO
FINANZE GROUP
KAIRAN HOWARD-SHAWBELL
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
FINANZE GROUP
MICHAEL HOYNE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
FINANZE GROUP
PROPERTY FINANCE, BUSINESS FINANCE & INSURANCE
SAMANTHA DEMUTH
CeMAP
DIRECTOR - UK
PROPERTY FINANCE
JIMMY KEOHANE
COUNTRY HEAD - IRELAND
PROPERTY FINANCE
ESTATE PLANNING / WILLS, LPAS & TRUSTS
DAVID NICKLIN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
FINANZE LEGACY
JEN CRAWFORD
DIRECTOR & HEAD
OPERATIONS
LENDING
Alastair is a seasoned finance professional and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in creating and growing successful businesses across various sectors. He is the founder and CEO of Finanze Group, a diversified financial services company that delivers tailored and innovative solutions for property and business finance, protection and insurance, estate planning, lending & consulting. He is passionate about leveraging FinTech and PropTech to enhance the customer experience and optimize the financial outcomes for private and corporate clients.
At present he has taken the reins of Finanze Strategy, the Group's latest venture into property strategy consulting.
Prior to launching Finanze in 2021, Alastair founded and sold two companies while still at university, worked in investment banking for several years, and became COO of a £31bn investment manager in Hong Kong. He then established his own consulting and venture capital firm, investing in various industries, including private equity, real estate, renewable energy, cryptocurrency, and FinTech and PropTech startups. Alastair has a proven track record of managing key client relationships, leading high-performing teams, and generating exceptional returns.
He has held his position in the B&C Power List three years in a row now, ranking in the Top 30 UK brokers in 2022, the Top 40 most influential property professionals in 2023 and the Top 40 Industry Heroes in 2024 by Bridging & Commercial Magazine.
He is also a member of the Board of Advisors for Soulful Minds CIC and Repossession Rescue Network, two organizations that support people in mental health and financial distress. Alastair holds a BSc (Hons) in Management & Strategy from Aston University, CeMAP & CPSP from The London Institute of Banking & Finance. He speaks English, Italian, and French fluently.
Michael joined an international manufacturing & distribution company in 1978 as a graduate trainee. His early career was in HR. His experience and involvement in recruitment, organizational development and industrial relations proved invaluable for subsequent senior roles in purchasing, sales & marketing, operations management and general management.
He also ran successful projects in IT, total quality management and both downsizing and upsizing organisations. During a 37-year career he has worked in locations through the UK, in Ireland and Europe. He has also been afforded the opportunity of working for and with multiple nationalities benefiting from the contrasting cultural adjustments needed to work successfully in an international business environment.
Michael retired early to offer his experience in growing the family business and to spend more time outdoors.
With a remarkable journey spanning 15 years in the competitive world of professional football, Jimmy Keohane possesses a unique blend of discipline, determination, and strategic thinking. His career on the pitch has taken him through the ranks, including the League of Ireland, English Football League, UEFA Champions League, and UEFA Europa League Qualifiers.
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Jimmy's passion for learning extends beyond the football pitch. He earned a BSc in Mathematics from the Open University, demonstrating his commitment to personal and intellectual growth. Now, he's eager to leverage his analytical skills and strategic mindset to make a lasting impact in the fields of Property and Finance.
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Outside of his professional career, Jimmy is an avid traveller who embraces an active outdoor lifestyle. His appreciation for the environment, coupled with his curiosity for new technology, reflects his broad interests and his well-rounded approach to life.
Samantha, or Sam as she prefers to be known, started her career in financial services in 1997 joining Halifax as a Personal Banker and Trainee Mortgage Adviser. She then moved across to UCB Home Loans initially as a Mortgage Adviser, where she obtained her CeMAP, before transitioning into a Business Development Manager managing the firms broker networks for the next 5 years. With being so highly respected, one of her broker firms, Mortgage Eye, ended up approaching her about a role, working as an independent ‘whole-of-market’ broker for them which she chose to pursue.
As a result of the global financial crisis she decided to refocus her energies on a new career in technology within media and advertising where she worked for over 10 years with Mediaocean. She managed a portfolio of key agencies and business partnerships that made up over 60% of their EMEA business, offering outstanding client service through strategic planning, capturing business needs through successful delivery and ongoing support along with technical problem solving and coordinating software testing. She was also responsible for managing a team of 6 reports.
She returned to finance and mortgage advice in April 2021. She has developed a keen interest in property investment during the pandemic and wanted to move back to the industry. She setup her own firm, Native Mortgages as an AR of Linear and progressed through achieving CAS status. She joins Finanze at a period of exception growth of the brand and is looking forward to helping make people’s property dream a reality. Alongside her passion, experience and skill she is an expert problem solver. She never looks at a transaction as a ‘one-off’ instead preferring to understand her clients motivations, aspirations and needs to plan for a long term synergistic relationship.
In her free time, she has a keen interest in renewables, wellbeing, nature and the community with a desire someday to build inspiring, community- led energy efficient villages, that are multi-generational, with family and community at their heart.
MITCHELL BELLENIE
KAIRAN HOWARD-SHAWBELL
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
LENDING
GLOBAL HEAD OF OCC
LENDING
JAMES GUTIERREZ
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR & REGIONAL HEAD
APAC, OCC
LENDING
David has been involved in the Financial Services Sector for over 32 years, progressing through the ranks of various insurance companies before becoming a business owner and forming a financial services practice in 2002.
In 2017 he retrained as a specialist in estate planning as an IFA and set up his own estate planning company.
He is also the MD of RC Administration who administer over 800 SSAS pension schemes and is a Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute and holds the designation of Cert CII (MP) and the CII Financial Planning Certificate.
With his extensive background and knowledge in both of these areas a large part of what he enjoys most is helping others achieve their goals, whether it be through Estate Planning, setting up life assurance policies under trust or creating a strategy for a SSAS Member/Trustee.
David’s values are to treat everyone as you expect to be treated yourself, listen to and help as many people as he can to get to where they need to be.
A memorable moment in his own journey was receiving feedback from a customer saying “the reason I chose to work with you and your company was because you told me how great you can make me and not how great you are”.
Jenni has had a progressive career since 1986 with PA and Office Management roles for various private and Ltd companies within the Manufacturing, Marketing and Retail sectors, including household names such as Kellogg UK & Regatta Great Outdoors.
With an extensive administrative background she changed direction in 2019 and has been working for herself within the Wills & Trust industry operationally.
Based in the North West and after spending the last 4 years helping to build a successful wills & trust business with her partner Jenni is excited about the new opportunities available to help promote awareness of this important sector to the next level across the UK with the team at Finanze Legacy.
With a love for all things creative and travel based the dream is to eventually spend more time abroad and with extended family and friends.
DIANA LOPEZ
SENIOR ASSOCIATE, OCC
LENDING
TBC
GLOBAL HEAD OF CREDIT
LENDING
RACHEL SANTOS
HEAD OF CASE MANAGEMENT
LENDING
PROPERTY STRATEGY, PROCUREMENT & FUNDING
Rachel started her career working in retail, within account management and billing before moving into IT help desk support. Following which she worked in the property sector focusing on the sourcing new properties for investors, along with reaching out to owners to find properties for sale. Graduating with a degree in Programming and with further qualifications in Computer Hardware Servicing, her strengths have always been a methodical attention to detail and the ability to streamline business processes.
Working as the Head of Case Management for Finanze Capital, designing and managing the onboarding process for all new customers. This ensures that new clients get the best possible service all throughout their transactions with us. For returning customers she continues to look after them, ensuring documentation is up to date and accurate and assists the business team with preparing applications for underwriting.
ALASTAIR HOYNE
MLIBF CeMAP CPSP
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PROPERTY STRATEGY,
PROCUREMENT & FUNDING
Diana joins the Finanze Capital team as a business development manager, located in Manchester. With over 15 years of experience in customer service, she brings a strong foundation in understanding and meeting client needs. Her background includes both B2B (business-to-business) interactions and direct-to-consumer roles such as face-to-face and door-to-door sales, where she consistently excelled in building trust, nurturing relationships, and upselling.
Throughout her career, Diana has demonstrated exceptional versatility and adaptability. She is a fast learner who thrives on meeting deadlines and exceeding goals across different roles and industries. Her extensive experience in customer-facing roles has equipped her with excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills—making her a reliable and relatable professional who clients can count on. Diana brings passion to everything she does, approaching each task and interaction with energy, commitment, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.
Outside of work, she enjoys keeping fit and healthy, traveling, building relationships, spending quality time with family and learning new languages. These passions fuel her dynamic approach to work and help her connect with a wide variety of clients from all walks of life. As she steps into the world of property finance, Diana is excited to apply her knowledge and dedication to help clients achieve their financial and property goals.
James Gutierrez brings over 15 years of versatile experience to his role as Senior Associate, Lending within Finanze Capital, specialising in strategic relationship building, market analysis and tailored client solutions. With a proven track record across industries such as outsourcing, recruitment, media and financial services. James excels at identifying growth opportunities and delivering tangible value through carefully crafted brokerage solutions.
James’ background as Senior Customer Success Manager at Magic Inc. and Co-Founder of TNT Fight underscores his ability to manage complex client relationships and navigate diverse market landscapes. His cross-cultural proficiency as a dual citizen of the U.S. and the Philippines ensures effective communication and seamless execution of international transactions. Grounded in a strong understanding of psychology, James adeptly aligns client motivations with strategic outcomes.
At Finanze, James is committed to driving measurable results, enhancing client satisfaction and fostering long-term partnerships that support sustained business growth.
Kairan is a highly experienced finance professional and property finance broker with a career spanning over eight years in the sector. He began his journey in finance working with a prestigious family office in Mayfair, where he gained invaluable insight into the lending side of the industry. Since then, he has built a reputation as a trusted adviser to clients navigating the complex world of property finance.
As Global Head of Origination & Client Coverage, in Finanze Capital, he leads with a client-first mindset and a passion for delivering tailored financial solutions. With a deep understanding of the full property finance lifecycle — from BTL mortgages to large-scale development and bridging finance, as well as more niche strategies such as title splitting and lease extensions — he brings a strategic, solutions-oriented approach to every case. His ability to structure complex deals and align them with client goals has earned him the trust of developers, investors, and business owners across the UK.
Prior to joining Finanze Capital, Kairan held positions at specialist brokerages and lenders, refining his expertise in deal structuring, credit risk, and relationship management. Today, he channels that experience into helping clients access the right funding at the right time, with a focus on transparency, speed, and long-term value.
At Finanze Capital, he is also instrumental in shaping the company’s vision, culture, and growth strategy — always with a focus on innovation and client empowerment.
With a career dedicated to real estate and real estate finance, Mitchell Bellenie has developed an in-depth understanding of property markets across England and Wales. Starting out in estate agency at a young age, he quickly made his mark, transacting on over £100 million worth of property deals across London, the South Coast, and the South West. His sharp market insight and ability to identify opportunities positioned him as a top performer in the industry.
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In 2017, Mitchell transitioned into real estate finance, where he has played a pivotal role in helping start-up lenders expand their loan books at exceptional rates. His expertise extends beyond transactions, encompassing the design and implementation of sales, credit, and operational strategies that drive sustainable business growth. A firm believer in data-driven decision-making, Mitchell’s meticulous market research and analysis underpin his success in delivering strong, measurable results.​
Passionate about supporting the growth of first time property investors, portfolio landlords and developers, and even family offices, Mitchell’s commitment to helping businesses and individuals build profitable, long-term success is unshakeable.
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Outside of work Mitchell enjoys country life in the Cotswolds with his wife, son, daughter, cat, and dog. A keen motorcyclist, gym goer, talented home cook, and expert picture frame hanger-upper, he leaves it to others to decide which hobby needs prioritising!
Kairan is a highly experienced finance professional and property finance broker with a career spanning over eight years in the sector. He began his journey in finance working with a prestigious family office in Mayfair, where he gained invaluable insight into the lending side of the industry. Since then, he has built a reputation as a trusted adviser to clients navigating the complex world of property finance.
As Global Head of Origination & Client Coverage, in Finanze Capital he leads with a client-first mindset and a passion for delivering tailored financial solutions. With a deep understanding of the full property finance lifecycle — from BTL mortgages to large-scale development and bridging finance, as well as more niche strategies such as title splitting and lease extensions — he brings a strategic, solutions-oriented approach to every case. His ability to structure complex deals and align them with client goals has earned him the trust of developers, investors, and business owners across the UK.
Prior to joining Finanze Capital, Kairan held positions at specialist brokerages and lenders, refining his expertise in deal structuring, credit risk, and relationship management. Today, he channels that experience into helping clients access the right funding at the right time, with a focus on transparency, speed, and long-term value.
At Finanze Capital, he is also instrumental in shaping the company’s vision, culture, and growth strategy — always with a focus on innovation and client empowerment.
Alastair is a seasoned finance professional and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in creating and growing successful businesses across various sectors. He is the founder and CEO of Finanze Group, a diversified financial services company that delivers tailored and innovative solutions for property and business finance, protection and insurance, estate planning, lending & consulting. He is passionate about leveraging FinTech and PropTech to enhance the customer experience and optimize the financial outcomes for private and corporate clients.
At present he has taken the reins of Finanze Strategy, the Group's latest venture into property strategy consulting.
Prior to launching Finanze in 2021, Alastair founded and sold two companies while still at university, worked in investment banking for several years, and became COO of a £31bn investment manager in Hong Kong. He then established his own consulting and venture capital firm, investing in various industries, including private equity, real estate, renewable energy, cryptocurrency, and FinTech and PropTech startups. Alastair has a proven track record of managing key client relationships, leading high-performing teams, and generating exceptional returns.
He has held his position in the B&C Power List three years in a row now, ranking in the Top 30 UK brokers in 2022, the Top 40 most influential property professionals in 2023 and the Top 40 Industry Heroes in 2024 by Bridging & Commercial Magazine.
He is also a member of the Board of Advisors for Soulful Minds CIC and Repossession Rescue Network, two organizations that support people in mental health and financial distress. Alastair holds a BSc (Hons) in Management & Strategy from Aston University, CeMAP & CPSP from The London Institute of Banking & Finance. He speaks English, Italian, and French fluently.