Profile
“In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, I reinvented CMI as a lender to meet the needs of mortgage brokers and their clients who were unable to get financing from banks and other traditional mortgage providers”
Bryan Jaskolka,
Canadian Mortgages Inc.
Cory Bannister is a seasoned leader in real estate private credit and one of Australia’s most respected commentators on credit and third-party origination. As senior vice president and chief lending officer at La Trobe Financial, he has spearheaded the company’s real estate private credit asset origination strategy, driving its rise to become Australia’s #1 originator of real estate private credit assets.
With more than two decades of experience, Bannister has played a pivotal role in shaping La Trobe Financial’s growth and success. Since joining the firm in 2000, he has held several key leadership roles, including head of credit and head of distribution. His deep expertise spans the entire loan origination process, covering third-party distribution, credit assessment and the settlement of both commercial and residential loans.
Bannister’s leadership in managing large-scale portfolios encompasses asset selection, allocation, risk profiling and audit oversight. His outstanding track record led to his appointment as senior vice president and chief lending officer in 2015. Under his direction, La Trobe Financial has achieved multiple accolades, including being named one of MPA’s Top Mortgage Employers for three consecutive years (2023–2025). Bannister himself has been recognised on MPA’s Global 100 list of mortgage leaders from 2019 to 2024 and was featured on Financial Standard’s Power50 list of influential social media figures.
As chairman of La Trobe Financial’s origination and credit committee and large loan sub-committee and an active member of the firm’s investment committee, executive and asset and liability committees, Bannister continues to play a central role in the firm’s strategic direction. He also contributes to industry advancement through his position on the MFAA National Lenders Forum.
Today, La Trobe Financial stands as Australia’s premier alternative asset manager with over $21 billion in assets under management, a testament to Bannister’s enduring leadership and commitment to innovation in real estate private credit.
333 Collins St, Melbourne 3000, Vic
13 80 10
cbannister@latrobefinancial.com.au
linkedin.com/in/cbannister
latrobefinancial.com.au
Cory Bannister
Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer
La Trobe Financial
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Bio
Milestones
“My approach is transparent and collaborative, focused on building trust and delivering clarity at every stage”
Bryan Jaskolka,
Canadian Mortgages Inc.
2000–2012
2015
2017–2022
2023–2024
2025
2000: Joined La Trobe Financial
2009: Promoted to Portfolio Manager at La Trobe Financial
2011: Appointed as La Trobe Financial’s Head of Credit Fund
2012: Appointed as La Trobe Financial’s Head of Distribution
2000–2012
Appointed as La Trobe Financial’s Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer
Awarded in the Financial Standard’s Power50 list of the most influential social media users in finance
2015
2017: Recognised on MPA’s Hot List
2019–2022: Recognised as one of MPA’s Global 100 – Mortgage leaders
2017–2022
La Trobe Financial – recognised as one of MPA’s Top Mortgage Employers
Recognised as one of MPA’s Global 100 – Mortgage leaders
2023–2024
La Trobe Financial – recognised as one of MPA’s Top Mortgage Employers
Recognised as one of MPA’s Global 100 – Mortgage leaders
2025
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
Jaskolka says, “By reimagining how the private mortgage market operates, we’ve created a trusted, technology-driven platform that connects investors seeking compelling fixed income alternatives with borrowers in need of flexible financing.”
His approach centres on balancing growth with integrity, structuring each mortgage thoughtfully while safeguarding the interests of both borrowers and investors. This philosophy reflects mature business leadership, as he recognizes that sustainable success requires mutual trust.
Jaskolka believes communication starts with listening, employing a transparent and collaborative approach that builds trust and delivers clarity at every stage. This philosophy permeates CMI’s culture, creating an organization where open dialogue and genuine collaboration guide every client interaction.
CMI’s target market – borrowers underserved by traditional lenders who face credit setbacks, are self-employed, or have non-traditional income – demonstrates Jaskolka’s commitment to meaningful social impact alongside business success.
“My approach is transparent and collaborative, focused on building trust and delivering clarity at every stage,” he explains. “I make it a priority to communicate honestly, explain complex concepts in plain language, and ensure clients feel heard, informed, and supported throughout the process.”
As CMI explores international expansion, including recent entry into the US market, Jaskolka’s vision extends beyond national borders. He aspires to leave a legacy of a more modern, professional, and ethical private mortgage industry, built on standardized processes, transparency, and accessibility.