OUR TEAM
Chris Monaghan
Investment Committee Chair
Chris is a highly experienced real estate capital markets executive with over 40 years in the Australian property industry. He has held leadership roles at MA Financial, Armada Funds Management, and UBS, where he facilitated major property divestments, IPOs, and capital raisings. As Managing Director of Armada Funds Management, he oversaw its growth to $2 billion in assets under management. His governance expertise includes board roles at Knight Frank (SA) and Hooker Corporate Australia. Chris brings deep property market knowledge and strategic oversight to Quay Capital’s credit and investment decisions.
Craig Butcher
Managing Director
Craig founded Quay Capital in 2022, leveraging over 30 years of experience in funds management, investment, and structured finance. Since relocating to Sydney in 2012, he has been actively involved in funding private loans across Australia and New Zealand. Prior to launching Quay Capital, Craig co-founded a private equity firm managing over €3 billion in assets and held senior roles at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. His career also includes consulting at Boston Consulting Group. Craig’s expertise in credit structuring, risk management, and private capital markets supports Quay Capital’s development.
Michael Vella
General Manager
Michael has over four decades of experience in financial services, specialising in credit risk, lending operations, and funds management. Prior to joining Quay Capital, he was CEO of Schroders RF, overseeing a $480 million commercial real estate lending portfolio. He has held senior positions at RF Eclipse, PPB Advisory, and Mirvac Funds Management, with expertise spanning credit approvals, distressed asset management, and structuring senior and mezzanine debt facilities. Michael plays a key role in leading Quay Capital’s operations, credit risk management, and compliance framework to ensure seamless execution for clients and investors.
David Igla
Associate Director, Credit & Strategy
David is a credit risk and analytics specialist with extensive experience in Australia’s financial sector. Prior to joining Quay Capital, he held senior roles at the Commonwealth Bank, where he played a pivotal role in shaping credit policies for residential mortgages and credit cards. His expertise includes credit risk modelling, portfolio analysis, and lending strategy optimisation. At Quay Capital, David is responsible for credit policy development, risk assessment, and lending strategy, ensuring that the firm maintains a disciplined and data-driven approach to credit decisions.
Emma Kwan
Head of Administration & Operations Emma has over 15 years of experience in financial services, with a strong background in compliance, operational management, and financial planning. She has held key roles at AMP Financial Planning and Suncorp, focusing on regulatory compliance, process optimisation, and improving operational efficiency. Emma ensures the smooth running of Quay Capital’s administrative and operational functions, helping maintain high standards in client service, and internal processes. Her attention to detail contributes to the firm’s ability to operate efficiently and compliantly.
Steven O’Connell
Compliance Officer
Steven is a compliance and risk management professional with over 35 years in the financial services industry. His experience spans life insurance, asset management, superannuation, and financial planning, with a strong focus on regulatory compliance. He has served as a company secretary, managed custodial operations, and played a key role in large-scale financial transactions, including the sale of Mellon’s superannuation and consulting businesses. Steven chairs Quay Capital’s Compliance Committee and oversees regulatory adherence, ensuring that the firm meets all compliance obligations
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