About - Karis

Nicholas Christofi

CEO

Leading Karis is Nicholas Christofi, a name synonymous with structured finance. With extensive experience crafting complex financial strategies for prominent UK developers and investors, Nick brings a visionary approach that goes beyond conventional brokering.

Having undertaken his own developments and portfolio investments, Nick possesses a firsthand understanding of his clients’ needs. He also has over 15 years experience in property finance as a real estate debt advisor, specialising in structured finance. This combination has earned him a respected reputation as the go-to for highly complex or large value funding requirements.

Nick’s client base includes family offices, high-profile portfolio investors, regional & SME housebuilders and PE houses. He is equally passionate about supporting budding entrepreneurial clients, often playing a pivotal role in their growth and acting as an external finance director for their operations.

Prideful in deciphering clients’ long-term aspirations, Nick ensures partnerships with lenders are based on strategy and values rather than just one-off transactions. Leveraging longstanding relationships with industry-leading professional partners, he provides a seamless service with a refreshing level of honesty, known for his straight-talking style and keenness not to waste anyone’s time.

In addition, Nick is deeply committed to nurturing emerging talent in the industry, having successfully mentored and guided several young adults into becoming accomplished debt advisors.

02045533742 [email protected]

Demetrios Antoniou

Co-Founder

With over 20 years in real estate, Demetrios holds a BA and MA in Economics from Cambridge. After an illustrious career in corporate finance and involvement in numerous property acquisitions and disposals, he shifted his focus to property full-time.

As CEO of the Omega Group, a thriving social housing management firm, Demetrios led its growth to over 150 staff and a vast property portfolio before its sale to Mears Group PLC in 2017. In 2002, he became CEO of Diamond Corporation, a family office and property investment company, focusing on portfolio growth and office-to-residential conversion schemes.

The inception of Karis Capital in 2023 allowed Demetrios to combine his real estate and finance knowledge, advising budding investors and developers looking to scale their operations. With experience on both borrower and lender sides, he collaborates closely with clients and lending partners to structure mutually beneficial deals.

Keen to shift the industry from transactional brokerage models, Demetrios advocates for a fully integrated debt advisory service. As Chairman, he works behind the scenes on business strategy, growth plans, and key relationships, ensuring Karis is positioned to deliver the best outcomes for clients.

02045533735 [email protected]

Solomon Tzouvanni

Co-founder and Director of Karis Insurance

With over 20 years in the UK Insurance Sector, Solomon has an extensive background, including scaling and selling an insurance brokerage business in 2020. As the head of Karis Group’s Insurance division, he plays a vital role in ensuring our clients have the necessary protection for their diverse business ventures.

Solomon’s expertise extends to arranging insurance for some of the UK’s largest real estate investors, managing portfolios exceeding £500 million in value. He navigates both residential and commercial property insurance, specialising in complex developments with stringent bank requirements.

Outside of the traditional insurance advisor remit, Sol goes the extra mile, facilitating beneficial introductions between clients for potential opportunities. He operates by the rule that client services must be fast yet thorough, handling cases with meticulous detail to provide peace of mind to all parties involved.

Consistently receiving exceptional feedback, Solomon’s dedication to service excellence continues to drive him to new heights.

07801974207 [email protected]

Craig Scott

Managing Director

With an impressive 34-year tenure in the mortgage industry, Craig is a seasoned professional who has left an indelible mark. In the late 1990s, he transformed a brokerage from three directors into a powerhouse with 40 staff, subsequently selling it to a specialist lender in the credit-impaired market.

Adept in both residential and commercial transactions, Craig’s expertise lies in bridging, commercial, development and structured investment loans. His diverse client base includes developers, professional landlords, and estate agency partnerships.

Craig’s approach with new clients involves intuitive questioning to unveil the heart of borrowers’ aspirations and requirements. Firmly believing in equal importance for all clients, he provides meticulous service, whether handling high-value large transactions or single unit projects.

Communication is paramount for Craig, known for his consistent and proactive case updates to all relevant parties believing a broker must be available at all times aside from the usual 9-5 working hour. Calm in crisis, Craig has been brought in to rescue deals where a lender has withdrawn at the last minute. Accountable and accessible, Craig’s tenacious approach ensures even the trickiest cases find a home.

Nurturing deep-rooted relationships over the years, Craig collaborates seamlessly, reciprocating favors and efforts. In addition to managing his client base, he oversees the broader sales team at Karis, offering case support and managing key lender relationships.

02045533733 [email protected]

Leoni Alexandrou

COO

With 13 years as a school teacher (BEd, Education) and 7 years as a Director of Operations, Leoni now holds the vital role of Chief Operating Officer at Karis. She oversees the setup and continuous advancement of the company’s infrastructure, extending her influence to compliance, HR, and IT to optimise business efficiencies and elevate the client experience. Leoni also provides support as Line Manager for the marketing and admin functions.

Providing unwavering support for key stakeholders, Leoni troubleshoots daily, proactively seeking solutions. Approachable and always on call, she believes open communication is crucial for business success.

Beyond her multifaceted role, Leoni has led numerous charitable drives and passionately supports the Women in Finance Charter and mental health initiatives. Her guiding principle: ‘I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying,’ perfectly encapsulates the firm yet fair balance that defines her approach, as agreed upon by all who have the pleasure of working with her.

02045533740 [email protected]

Kimberley Gates

Director of Client Partnerships

Kimberley brings over a decade of rich experience in the real estate sector, backed by a formidable network. Armed with a Masters in Marketing Communications & Branding, she held leadership roles in PropTech and Chartered Construction Consultancy firms in Surrey before venturing into the finance side of real estate in 2019.

As a prolific networker Kim quickly earned recognition winning ‘Rising Star: Broker Distributor’ at the BSLAs and a ‘Rising Star’ finalist at the BMAs in 2020. The judges awarded the accolades based on her ‘infectious enthusiasm, impressive network and ability to learn at a staggering rate of knots’. Now, as the Director of Client Partnerships at Karis Capital, she plays a pivotal role in expanding the firm’s clientele and managing key corporate accounts.

Kim takes pride in not only securing debt and equity but also adding value for clients and introducers. She excels in building enduring relationships with professionals in the property and construction spheres. Known for her knack in facilitating introductions, fostering relationships and cultivating opportunity, Kim hosts a spectrum of networking events – from large-scale soirées to intimate dining experiences and impromptu gatherings showcasing her commitment to client success.

In her multifaceted role, Kim also oversees the Karis brand image, communications, PR, and partnership strategy. Leveraging these aspects, she collaborates with clients and introducers, contributing to their growth plans also. Follow her on social media for insights into a wide range of real estate topics impacting our client base.

02045533739 [email protected]

Ben Hall

Director of Operations

With over 18 years in the mortgage industry, Ben hails from an extensive background of managing administration and operations within leading banks, lenders, and brokerages.

Ben’s role at Karis involves managing, growing, and nurturing the support team to optimise professionalism, compliance, and effectiveness. Responsible for building and enhancing business processes and systems, Ben ensures Karis procedures continually modernise, comply with the latest regulations, and remain fit for purpose.

Ben’s focus is on keeping the support team service oriented and adept at delivering optimal outcomes for clients. By running the support team at peak performance, Ben enables consultants to concentrate on client relationships and identifying ways to best meet their needs.

Ben takes pride in championing societal issues within the workplace and industry, promoting dialogue on mental health, working towards carbon neutrality, and addressing diversity in finance. Valuing genuine and honest dialogue, he believes understanding each other completely fosters the most effective collaboration. Guided by pragmatism, Ben embraces flexible thinking and prioritises practical solutions over ideals.

02045533730 [email protected]

Andreas Tzouvanni

Head of Client Money

Andy is Head of Client Money within the insurance division of Karis, entrusted with safeguarding and managing clients’ payments with the utmost diligence and care.

Andy has a over 20 years of experience in Property Insurance which has involved running his own insurance brokerage in London for 18 years which he successfully sold in 2020.

He specialises in both Commercial and Residential Insurance and is widely recognised across the real estate and insurance markets for his honest and efficient service.

07740182162 [email protected]

Paul Debney

Director - Commercial Finance

With an extensive 38-year banking career, Paul has spent 11 years on the specialist broker side, making him a seasoned professional in the industry.

Having previously managed three branches and the Corporate Banking Team at HSBC, Paul solidified his position in corporate finance, working on FCA mis-selling projects with Barclays Bank.

A two-time winner of the ‘Broker of the Year’ at the prestigious BSLA, Paul is a NACFB member and a qualified banker. His specialisation lies in commercial real estate and trading businesses.

Employing a methodical approach, Paul assesses clients’ needs and relies on long-established lender relationships to tailor solutions. Regularly collaborating with accountants and solicitors to find optimal solutions for their valued clients.

Well versed in both the specialist lender market and in high street banking operations, Paul’s knowledge has helped numerous clients navigate complex situations. From niche boutique lenders to government-backed schemes, he utilises a diverse range of options to assist clients in challenging circumstances.

With vast industry experience, Paul often lends his expertise to assist other team members in cases involving a commercial element. Believing consistency, honesty, and clarity to be key, Paul thrives on facilitating positive outcomes for his clients.

02045533745 [email protected]

Fodi Christodoulou

Director – Specialist Finance

With over 20 years in residential-led property finance, Fodi specialises in HMOs, BTL, residential multi-unit, semi-commercial portfolios, and HNW mortgages.

In 2022, Fodi clinched the ‘Complex Buy to Let’ Broker of the Year award, a testament to his extensive expertise as a CeMap qualified broker and vast experience covering regulated and non-regulated loan types.

Building robust relationships with key lenders, Fodi has cultivated a loyal client base, ranging from seasoned landlords to emerging property investors. His network includes diverse introducers including a multitude of non-specialist mortgage brokers.

Leveraging his wealth of experience, Fodi navigates the mortgage landscape to pinpoint lenders and products tailored to each client’s unique circumstances and goals. His focus remains on achieving the optimal balance between affordability and meeting tight timelines, consistently delivering top-tier advice.

02045533736 [email protected]

Luke Casey

Senior Associate – Structured Finance

Luke commenced his property finance journey in 2017, obtaining his CeMAP qualification after rigorous debt advisor training. Specialising in regulated and unregulated bridging, development, and commercial investment finance, Luke has since successfully advised on numerous high-value transactions.

Luke is highly regarded among the Karis client base for his consistent personable approach and efficient, no-fuss service. He attributes the speed and quality of his service to maintaining friendly relations with BDM and underwriters at specialist lending houses. Lenders tend to make a case from Luke or Karis a priority as they trust that the client and deal information has undergone a stringent vetting procedure prior to presenting to them.

In addition to his client-focused work, Luke provides mentorship to aspiring advisors within the Karis training programme, guiding them during their transition from Case Managers to Associates.

02045533741 [email protected]

Christian Artimadis

Senior Associate – Specialist Finance

Christian entered the property sector at a boutique estate agency, assisting homeowners and investors with acquisitions and lettings. A numbers geek at heart, he swiftly transitioned to finance in 2018, undergoing rigorous training before becoming a specialist debt advisor with a CeMAP qualification.

Christian now excels in residential investment finance, applying his methodological mindset to enhance his clients’ property endeavors. His expertise includes full portfolio reviews to optimise debt structuring and promptly securing the best market terms for purchases. Christian leaves no stone unturned in securing the most favorable terms in the market.

02045533732 [email protected]

Daniel Bassalian

Senior Associate - Structured Finance

Daniel’s hybrid role involves integral contributions and assistance with running cases for senior brokers whilst building his own client base. This has granted him an in-depth knowledge of the structured finance process.

A Real Estate BSc graduate, Daniel brings over 5 years real estate experience to Karis having previously worked client side with a property development firm. Specialising in development and complex/structured finance, he has a diligent approach with an impressive attention to detail ensuring a seamless process for the client.

With a broad network, Daniel regularly engages with professionals to identify synergies and maximise value for clients. Committed to the long-term success of Karis, Daniel takes pride in going above and beyond, making himself available at all times of the day. He appreciates the diversity and dynamic nature of the real estate and finance industry, embracing the challenge with the mantra: “Always deliver more than is expected”.

02045533734 [email protected]

Francesco Amato

Senior Associate - Specialist Regulated Finance

Francesco specialises in regulated residential mortgages with 9 years’ experience in finance and a CEMAP qualification. This experience has equipped him with a depth and breadth of residential market knowledge to find solutions for even the most complex of residential borrower profile and circumstance.

Franco regularly assists clients who may struggle to secure a standard residential mortgage (HNWs, foreign nationals and those with complex income streams or adverse credit history) to secure the funds required to buy their dream home. He also delivers a valuable service for property developers who are looking to provide their buyers with mortgages to purchase at the exit stage of a scheme.

Franco operates with trust, integrity, and transparency at the core – imperative skills for the regulated side of real estate finance. He takes the time get to the heart of the borrower’s requirements and work with them, and any associated property professionals within the transaction, to successfully purchase their desired property.

02045533747 [email protected]

Ravi Sejpal

Insurance Team Manager

Ravi is our Insurance Team Manager with 15 years of experience specialising in SME and Property Owners Insurance. He provides comprehensive solutions for commercial and residential properties, including let and owner-occupied, as well as commercial combined insurance for the hospitality sector.

Currently, he is expanding his expertise through training in Professional Indemnity, Contractors All Risk, and Cyber Insurance. Ravi also holds a BSc (Hons) in Business Management.

Ravi has a client-centric approach which includes listening to clients and understanding their unique needs, ensuring the best possible solutions and services. He immerses himself in clients’ businesses to align insurance solutions with their strategic goals. His friends and family are his main driving force and goes by the motto ‘Never fear a storm, learn to dance in the rain’ reflecting on this determination and perseverance within his role

02045533744 [email protected]

Charlatte Casey

Senior Case Manager

Commencing her career in 2021, Charlatte swiftly became a vital member of the administration team. Her primary focus is assisting clients with residential and buy-to-let mortgage applications.

Charlatte has an impressive depth of knowledge of the various lenders’ processes and preferences. This enables her to preempt potential application issues, swiftly collaborating with clients to rectify them without delay. Serving as a pivotal point of contact for all parties, she ensures everyone is updated at every step of the process.

A self-confessed people person, Charlatte consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, alleviating the administration burden and providing seamless support to all associated professional parties.

02045533731 [email protected]

Hayden Watts

Case Manager

Hayden, a budding real estate debt advisor, is on the path to CeMAP accreditation. Currently assisting senior brokers, he liaises with clients, lenders, and professionals to keep everyone updated, preempt issues, and deliver solutions on active cases. Proactively involved in all areas of the business, Hayden is infectiously enthusiastic about delivering for valued clients. He thrives on building trusted relationships and lives by the motto, ‘how big would you dream if you knew you couldn’t fail.’ A rising star in the real estate finance world.

02045533738 [email protected]

Alex Demetriou

Case Manager

Alex, armed with a BA in History, concurrently worked on an expansive real estate portfolio within a Family Office. Recognising his passion for property, especially on the funding side, Alex made a strategic move to Karis Capital in 2024.

Currently pursuing a CeMAP qualification, Alex plays a crucial role in the team, handling organisational, operational, and administrative tasks. His efforts are focused on creating streamlined processes to enhance workflow efficiency.

A skilled communicator, Alex is instrumental in client liaison, supporting Karis debt advisors in seamless communication with clients, lenders, and other professionals. Known for going above and beyond, he anticipates issues and alleviates administrative burdens for clients, contributing significantly to successful loan completions.

Guided by Bruce Lee’s philosophy, “There is no weapon more deadly than the will,” Alex embodies a determined spirit. As he progresses through our mentorship program, we anticipate great contributions from him.

02045533746 [email protected]

Nick Nicholas

Consultant

Nick brings a wealth of experience in devising and implementing corporate strategies, especially in navigating financial challenges within construction, building, maintenance, and manufacturing sectors. He is a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and a qualified ACA.

In addition to his accounting background, Nick has successfully consulted for real estate companies, aiding in obtaining planning permission and forecasting project costs. His recent achievements include playing a pivotal role in managing the buyout of a large housing management company and assisting a family office property investment firm in scaling their operations.

At Karis, Nick oversees the internal finance function, focusing on financial strategy, reporting, and forecasting. A skilled negotiator, he consistently demonstrates expertise in financial, operational, and change management. Nick excels in onboarding partners, clients, and teams to deliver organisational excellence.

His strengths lie in managerial, financial, organisational, and strategic planning, specialising in the development of efficient systems—both accounting and procedural. A logical thinker, Nick is adept at implementing change to reduce costs and maximise profitability.

02045533744 [email protected]

Harry Antoniou

Consultant

With over 20 years in real estate, Harry served as the COO of the Omega Group, adeptly managing a team of 150+ staff across multiple locations. His background encompasses extensive involvement in social housing property management, overseeing 5000 properties for private landlords. He has also successfully led the construction and operation of over 350 units through office-to-residential conversions and new build schemes.

Harry excels in the comprehensive management of real estate assets, combining proficiency in property development, property management, social housing, and strategic planning. His specialism lies in overseeing entire project lifecycles, with a keen understanding of construction, design, compliance, and the complexities of property transformation.

Harry strives for success through meticulous planning, adherence to regulatory standards, and a focus on sustainable and socially responsible practices. His expansive knowledge is readily available to Karis stakeholders and large client accounts, aiming to add value and streamline their real estate operations.

02045533737 [email protected]

Nick Georgiou

Consultant

Nick serves as a consultant and board member at Karis, where he over sees the financial management and reporting operations in an advisory capacity. Additionally, he provides guidance to the company’s founders on scaling, growth strategies, and potential exit structures.

Having been qualified since 2008, Nick initially worked in private practice. By 2016, he had ascended to the position of partner at an accountancy firm. Nick has extensive experience in facilitating equity and debt fund raises, particularly within the technology and property sectors.

02045533743 [email protected]

Nicholas Christofi

CEO

Demetrios Antoniou

Co-Founder

Solomon Tzouvanni

Co-founder and Director of Karis Insurance

Craig Scott

Managing Director

Leoni Alexandrou

COO

Kimberley Gates

Director of Client Partnerships

Ben Hall

Director of Operations

Andreas Tzouvanni

Head of Client Money

Paul Debney

Director - Commercial Finance

Fodi Christodoulou

Director – Specialist Finance

Luke Casey

Senior Associate – Structured Finance

Christian Artimadis

Senior Associate – Specialist Finance

Daniel Bassalian

Senior Associate - Structured Finance

Francesco Amato

Senior Associate - Specialist Regulated Finance

Ravi Sejpal

Insurance Team Manager

Charlatte Casey

Senior Case Manager

Hayden Watts

Case Manager

Alex Demetriou

Case Manager

Nick Nicholas

Consultant

Harry Antoniou

Consultant

Nick Georgiou

Consultant

WE’VE WALKED in YOUR SHOES

We’re a highly qualified real estate finance & insurance team with a track record of originating client debt and securing cover on an impressive scale.

Meet the team

Nicholas Christofi

CEO

Demetrios Antoniou

Co-Founder

Solomon Tzouvanni

Co-founder and Director of Karis Insurance

Craig Scott

Managing Director

Leoni Alexandrou

COO

Kimberley Gates

Director of Client Partnerships

Ben Hall

Director of Operations

Andreas Tzouvanni

Head of Client Money

Paul Debney

Director – Commercial Finance

Fodi Christodoulou

Director – Specialist Finance

Luke Casey

Senior Associate – Structured Finance

Christian Artimadis

Senior Associate – Specialist Finance

Daniel Bassalian

Senior Associate – Structured Finance

Francesco Amato

Senior Associate – Specialist Regulated Finance

Ravi Sejpal

Insurance Team Manager

Charlatte Casey

Senior Case Manager

Hayden Watts

Case Manager

Alex Demetriou