Democratising Property Investment: How MezFi is Opening Doors for Everyday Retail Investors
- Written by Jerome Dadon, Founder and CEO of MezFi
The launch of MezFi today [Friday 15th November] marks a watershed moment in Australian investment history – not just because we're introducing something entirely new, but because we're finally making something valuable that’s been available only to the privileged 1%, accessible to everyone.
For too long, I've watched as lucrative mezzanine finance opportunities in property development remained locked away behind high barriers to entry, accessible only to the ultra-wealthy and institutional investors. The minimum investments required were simply out of reach for most Australians, even those with significant savings. This status quo needed to change, which is where MezFi comes in.
Our platform represents more than just another investment opportunity; it's a bridge between traditional property finance and the digital age. By leveraging blockchain technology, we've been able to create Digital Fund Tokens (DFTs) priced at $5,000 AUD each – a far cry from the six or seven-figure minimums typically required for mezzanine finance investments in the past. This isn't about simply lowering the bar; it's about completely reimagining how property investment can work in the modern era.
The potential returns – targeted at 9-13% per annum – reflect the kind of opportunities that have historically been reserved for elite investors. But what excites me most isn't just the returns; it's the democratisation of access. Whether you're a teacher in Tasmania or a small business owner in Sydney, you can now participate in property development finance in a way that was previously impossible.
We've deliberately designed our platform to be as flexible as possible. Investors can buy in using either Australian dollars or cryptocurrency (USDC), and we've structured our Digital Fund Tokens to potentially allow for transfers prior to the end of the three-year investment term. This flexibility is crucial because we understand that circumstances change, and investors need options.
The integration of blockchain technology isn't just about modernisation – it's about transparency and security. Every transaction, every ownership record, is immutably recorded on the Ethereum blockchain. This level of transparency is unprecedented in traditional mezzanine finance, and it's something I believe will become the standard in the future.
I'm particularly proud of the team we've assembled to make this vision a reality. When industry veterans like Daniel Birner, with over $250 million in project experience, and Jim Hardy, with 40 years of banking expertise, saw the potential in what we were building, it confirmed that we were on the right track. Their expertise, combined with our innovative approach, creates a foundation of trust that's essential for any investment platform.
We've even added an artistic element to our offering, collaborating with renowned Australian digital artist Justin Maller to create unique digital art pieces for our DFT holders. This isn't just about aesthetics – it's about creating a complete investment experience that bridges the traditional and digital worlds.
Of course, as with any investment opportunity, particularly in mezzanine finance, there are risks involved. Our investors' security is subordinate to senior lenders, and we're completely transparent about this. We've registered with ASIC and structured our fund to provide as much protection as possible while still offering attractive potential returns.
Looking ahead, I believe we're at the beginning of a fundamental shift in how Australians think about and access property investments. The old models of either buying property directly or missing out entirely are no longer the only options. Through MezFi, we're creating a middle path that combines the stability of property investment with the accessibility of digital platforms.
This is personal for me. Having worked in funds management, I've seen firsthand how the traditional investment landscape often excludes capable, intelligent investors simply because they don't meet arbitrary wealth requirements. MezFi is about changing that narrative.
We're launching at a time when Australians are hungry for innovative investment opportunities, particularly in the property sector, and when the crypto winter seems to be well and truly over. Our platform provides a way for retail investors to participate in property development without needing millions in capital or special industry connections. It's about giving everyday Australians now and investors in New Zealand in the future the same opportunities that have historically been reserved for the few.
The future of investment is about accessibility, transparency, and flexibility. With MezFi, we're not just adapting to that future – we're helping to create it.
To find out more head to www.mezfi.com
DISCLAIMER
MezFi Pty Ltd ACN 665 150 612 (MezFi) is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No. 1302311) of Primary Securities Ltd (ACN 089 812 635, AFSL No. 224107) (Primary). Mezfi is only authorised to provide you with general information. Under no circumstances does Mezfi take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It is not intended to take the place of professional advice and you are advised to obtain your own investment, financial, tax and legal advice before taking any action. This article provides general factual information only and is in no way a solicitation to buy or any other offer. You should read the Fund’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination available on Mezfi’s website before making any decision in relation to this product. The information contained in the presentation are confidential and may not be reproduced in whole or in part. If the content of this publication (and/or presentation) conflict with any terms of the PDS, the terms of the PDS govern.
Any investment involves risk in whole or in part of capital loss, and the risk of loss of future and previous earnings.
