Introducing PMA’s New Relationship Manager: Dushen Tissera

His familiarity with our full suite of loan products and the lending process enables him to accurately assess loan feasibility and help streamline the application process for brokers and clients alike – making him a perfect fit for his new role as Relationship Manager. Here’s a little Q&A we did with Dushen so you can get to know him: 

Meet Dushen Tissera – Relationship Manager at Private Mortgages Australia

Q1: Can you walk us through your career journey?

I started at NAB working in unsecured lending solutions, then joined Oak Capital as a BDM. When COVID hit, I shifted into a Credit Analyst role to meet business needs. After that, I worked as a Credit Analyst at Guardian Wealth Mortgage Managers. I later joined PMA as a Credit Manager but always felt that I would really relish the opportunity to take on the role of Relationships Manager so I’m very excited to be able to do that at PMA. 

Q2: Why do you think you make a good  Relationship Manager? 

I’ve always been a people person—I genuinely enjoy working through deals and finding solutions. Over time, I noticed many BDMs and RMs struggle in the private lending space due to a lack of technical knowledge. That’s why I embraced the Credit Analyst role early on—to build a strong foundation. After becoming Credit Manager and sitting on the Credit Committee, I knew I was ready to bring that expertise to client relationships.

Q3: What’s a common misconception business owners have about private lending?

Many think private lending is all about sky-high rates and opportunism. But that’s far from the truth. We’re here to support the right clients—whether they need to navigate financial difficulties or capitalise on time-sensitive opportunities.

Q4: What types of businesses do you usually work with?

We work with many different types of Australian SMEs, but most of our clients are brokers or borrowers looking for a solution that a mainstream lender isn’t able to provide or are needing fast finance that again, a bank isn’t able to offer.

Q5: Can you share a recent success story?

A client came to us after defaulting on a private loan—their lender was applying hefty penalties and threatening repossession. We stepped in quickly, refinanced the debt, cleared some ATO liabilities, and helped the client retain their properties. It was a great outcome under serious pressure.

Q6: What sets PMA apart from other private lenders?

PMA has been around for over a decade, so we’ve got a solid track record of delivering on our promises. But what really sets us apart is our hands-on, personalised approach. I’m available to walk clients through every step—from the first phone call to the day settlement happens. I don’t shy away from complex scenarios and will always go the extra mile to find a workable solution.

Q7: How do you stay ahead in today’s fast-moving finance world?

As a team, we stay sharp by monitoring trends in the property market, interest rate movements, and global financial events. Personally, I stay connected with accountants, lawyers, and insolvency experts, and I regularly read the Australian Financial Review to stay on top of market shifts.

Q8: What advice would you give to business owners exploring loan options?

Look at your situation holistically. Don’t just focus on interest rates or fees - step back and assess the bigger picture. While the interest rates charged by a private lender might be higher than a traditional lender, the speed in which they can move might mean you save money, or make money, in the long-run, making it worthwhile.  Most importantly, know your exit strategy. A strong exit is what will get you over the line with a private lender and what will get you back back to being able to borrow from a traditional lender.

Q9: What do you enjoy most about your role?

Helping people. It’s incredibly rewarding to provide support when others can’t. Seeing clients get through tough times and come out stronger, —that’s what keeps me motivated.

Bonus Question: Who do you barrack for in the footy?

Carlton—Go the Blues!

------------------------------------

At Private Mortgages Australia, we do things a little differently. Our Business Development Managers aren’t just focused on winning new business; they’re also your dedicated Relationship Managers. 

That means from your first inquiry through to settlement, you’ll be dealing with someone who understands your needs and is committed to seeing your loan through from start to finish. Even if you’re new to private lending, you’ll never be left in the dark. 

Our team keeps you fully informed with timely updates at every stage, ensuring a smooth and transparent experience you can trust.

Want to chat with Dushen about a loan scenario?

Book a meeting here: https://meetings.hubspot.com/dushen

[email protected]

0477 509 779

Or scan the QR code to save his details to your phone so you can get in touch when you need assistance.