About Branded Financial Services

Branded Financial Services (BFS) is a respected provider of vehicle and asset finance solutions operating in New Zealand and Australia.

Established in 2011 in Australia and expanding into New Zealand in 2013, BFS was a captive vehicle financier providing branded retail and wholesale floorplan solutions to dealers and distribution partners. In 2019, BFS was acquired by Avanti Finance Group, a New Zealand-owned and operated financial services specialist. This bolstered BFS’s capabilities and solidified its position as a leader in the industry.

With offices in New Zealand and Australia BFS extends its reach nationwide in both countries through a dedicated network of sales professionals. Specialising in financing for a diverse range of vehicles, BFS meets the needs of individuals and businesses alike.

 

Central to BFS’s success is our robust network of partnerships with dealers, brokers, aggregators, and OEM and distributor alliance partners. Through these relationships and alliances, BFS provides a broad range of asset finance solutions as well as floorplan and white label capabilities, ensuring all customers have access to a tailored financial solution.

Committed to facilitating dreams and enabling journeys, Branded Financial Services continues to uphold its core values of being relentlessly helpful, doing what’s right and putting people first.

Meet our NZ team

Fred Ohlsson

Avanti Group CEO

Fred joined Avanti Group in February 2024 and has extensive experience in senior leadership positions in the financial services sector in both New Zealand and Australia.

Nish Sethi

Chief Financial Officer

Nish leads our finance team, bringing decades of global experience from New Zealand, Latin America and the United Kingdom. Nish has been with us since 2021.

Mike Down

General Manager Auto

Mike joined Avanti with 25 years’ sales and strategic leadership experience in the financial services industry in both New Zealand and the UK. He’s held roles in fleet management, asset finance and wealth management.

 

Paul Jamieson

Group Treasurer

Paul leads the Treasury function for Avanti, having joined in July 2019 following 20 years in banking and financial markets in New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

Olivia Meo-Groser

Chief Operations Officer

Olivia joined Avanti Group in 2023 as our Chief Risk Officer, moving to the Chief Operating Officer role in July 2024. Olivia has over 20 years’ experience in the financial services sector in New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Asia.

Mena Eskander

Chief Technology Officer

Mena started his first technology business in 2001 and is one of the co-founders of Motorcentral. He has a deep understanding of technology and how it can be utilised to create value for people and business.

Tracy Pennell

General Manager Strategic Projects

Tracy joined Avanti in 2023 and has 20 years of experience within the banking and finance sectors. Tracy has extensive experience in strategy, business transformation and product management.