New owner, MD for Century 21

Julius Capilitan has become the new owner of Century 21 Financial New Zealand, and will take on the role of managing director of the firm.

Monday, November 18th 2019, 10:19AM

Capilitan, formerly the general manager of the financial services company, has bought out Joseph Lupi, former owner of Century 21 First Choice Realty.

Capilitan has broad retail and business banking experience, including residential and commercial lending, insurance and investments. He has held funds management and specialist roles at ANZ Bank, Kiwibank, AXA Group Investment, and NZX.

The new owner said: “A lot of bankers become brokers, but I’m now fortunate to take it another step and become the New Zealand master franchise owner for C21 Financial. It’s hugely motivating helping Kiwis and providing expert solutions. Clients may be seeking advice on how to build a property portfolio through to having had challenges securing funding. Our value is in helping people to navigate and secure a life-changing outcome,” he says.

Capilitan said the role of advisers would become more important as banks turn away customers.

“Often first-home buyers get rejected by others because they don’t quite meet the servicing requirements, they might not have the required deposit, or a lender does not want to approve the security on a particular property. However, we pride ourselves on being can-do, and clients really appreciate what we can achieve for them.”

The new boss takes on his role as the industry prepares for a wave of new regulation.

“The whole landscape for mortgage brokers and financial advisers is going to change within the next 12 months. Advisers will have to deal with a higher level of requirements and challenges under the new FMA regime," he added.

Capilitan said Century 21 is on a recruitment drive for new brokers across the country.

“C21 Financial is anticipating significant growth. We are now advertising for a number of brokers to join us throughout the country, who we will heavily support. We’re feeling very excited about what the future holds,” says Capilitan.

Tags: Century 21 people TMM people