Driven By Our People, Delivering Lasting Value
At the heart of our firm is a steadfast commitment to consistent and enduring leadership. Our team brings a wealth of experience, diverse perspectives, and deep market insight, enabling us to navigate complexity, engage with unique counterparties, and deliver actionable market intelligence. This empowers our clients to execute even the most intricate transactions with confidence and precision.
Clients turn to us for our expertise and industry acumen. They stay with us, often for decades, not just because of what we know, but because of who we are.
“Our culture is our foundation. It defines who we are, how we operate, and fuels the commercial excellence we’re known for.”
– Charles A. Aziegbemhin
Founder & Managing Partner
Management Team

Agnelo Fernades
Vice President, Income Funds
Agnelo Fernades is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in Canada’s real estate finance industry. His expertise lies in ensuring the highest portfolio quality through adeptly managing investment criteria, leading capital deployment, and establishing exposure limits within risk appetite parameters. He boasts extensive experience in researching, underwriting, and skillfully negotiating new deals.
Agnelo’s illustrious career began at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), where he honed his skills before taking on the role of a sales mortgage account manager at Laurentian Bank. Currently, he serves as a mortgage lender and insurer with the esteemed Mortgage Alliance of Canada.
Agnelo holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Bombay. He is also a registered mortgage broker with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) and has successfully completed CGA Level 4, Law Clerk courses, and the Canadian Security Course. Overall, Agnelo’s wealth of experience and diverse skill set make him an invaluable asset in the dynamic world of real estate finance.

Mary Mahallati
Senior Consultant, Real Estate & Securities
Mary Mahallati is a highly accomplished real estate and financial advisor with over 15 years of extensive experience in the financial industry. Her career in finance began as a Mutual Funds Representative at a leading wealth management firm, where she developed a deep understanding of investment strategies and risk management. This foundational experience equipped her with the skills to analyze market trends, design tailored investment portfolios and deliver strategic financial solutions to her clients.
Mary is recognized for her expertise in comprehensive financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, risk management, and insurance. Her client-centric approach underscores her belief in the importance of fostering strong, long-lasting relationships, built on trust, transparency, and a deep understanding of her clients' unique financial goals. Mary’s ability to translate complex financial concepts into actionable strategies has made her a sought-after advisor for individuals and families seeking financial security and growth.
Her academic credentials reflect her dedication to continuous learning and professional excellence. Mary holds a Diploma in Accounting, which has strengthened her ability to assess financial statements and develop effective budgeting strategies. She also earned a Diploma in Auto Electric, further showcasing her versatile skill set. Additionally, she is mutual funds certified and a Licensed Life Insurance Agent (LLQP) accredited by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, ensuring her compliance with the highest industry standards.

Nisar Patel
Corporate Counsel
Nisar Patel is an accomplished legal and engineering professional with over two decades of experience spanning prestigious organizations such as Jacques Whiteford Ltd. (Stantec), Hatch Mott MacDonald, McCormick Rankin Corporation, Toronto Transit Commission, City of Toronto, and MEC Global Group Ltd. His extensive career is marked by a unique combination of legal acumen and technical expertise, making him a trusted authority in managing complex infrastructure projects, including buildings, bridges, and various large-scale structures.
As Corporate Counsel, Nisar excels in the nuanced areas of contract law and construction law, with a proven ability to assess, negotiate, and resolve intricate contract disputes. His deep understanding of relevant legislation, coupled with his strategic approach to stakeholder engagement, ensures successful outcomes in environments of medium to high complexity. Nisar’s strength lies in bridging legal frameworks with practical solutions, effectively mitigating risks while safeguarding project objectives.
Nisar’s technical expertise complements his legal proficiency, enabling him to evaluate constructability, conduct thorough technical assessments, and prepare comprehensive technical reports. His analytical skills allow him to identify and address potential challenges with precision, offering innovative solutions that enhance project efficiency and compliance.
A committed professional, Nisar is a licensed attorney with the Ontario Bar Association and the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. He is also a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario and holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Additionally, he is a certified project management professional, further underscoring his multidisciplinary capabilities.

Francis Okhankhue
Vice President, Underwriting
Francis Okhankhue is a seasoned finance professional with extensive experience in accounting and financial management. He began his career at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Nigeria as an Investment Analyst, where he gained critical insights into financial markets and investment strategies. He later joined United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, where he ascended to the position of Regional Controller, managing complex financial operations and ensuring organizational efficiency.
At Oceanic Bank, Francis gained significant international exposure, serving as Chief Inspector on secondments to Ghana, Gambia, Cameroon, and São Tomé and Príncipe. These assignments allowed him to navigate diverse regulatory landscapes, oversee cross-border financial operations, and implement robust controls that contributed to organizational success. His ability to adapt to complex and dynamic environments underscore his strength in managing multi-jurisdictional projects and diverse stakeholder relationships.
A graduate of the prestigious Auchi Polytechnic in Nigeria. His academic foundation has been instrumental in shaping his expertise in financial analysis, regulatory compliance, and strategic decision-making. He is a certified Income Tax Professional and an Investment Funds Advisor, earning certifications from the Canadian Securities Institute. Licensed by the Government of Canada to provide income tax services, he collaborates with the Canada Revenue Agency to assist clients with tax compliance and advisory needs. Additionally, he provides tailored accounting and financial advisory services to businesses, leveraging his extensive experience in financial planning and risk management.
Francis's blend of international banking expertise and Canadian financial advisory credentials enables him to bring a unique, multidimensional perspective to underwriting and financial management.

Akbar Ali
Associate Partner
Akbar Ali is a seasoned financial consultant with over 12 years of expertise in project investment advisory and financial analysis. Renowned for his strategic acumen, Akbar has played a transformative role in shaping high-stakes financial decisions across diverse sectors, including aviation, construction, ICT, and oil and gas. He has consistently delivered results by guiding clients through complex funding processes, conducting detailed feasibility studies, and developing robust business plans that foster sustainable growth.
Akbar provides CFO-level support to organizations, ensuring alignment between financial strategies and long-term business goals. Collaborating closely with senior management, he delivers actionable insights on financial planning, budgeting, and cost optimization, solidifying his reputation as a trusted advisor for businesses seeking to expand and streamline their operations.
Akbar's expertise is further underpinned by significant audit experience gained during his tenure at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Pramod Panthi & Associates. At BPCL, one of India’s leading energy companies, he conducted financial audits and evaluated compliance and control systems. His work at Pramod Panthi & Associates involved auditing financial institutions and corporate clients, ensuring rigorous governance and adherence to statutory regulations.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree and is a dual-qualified Chartered Accountant, accredited by both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN). His exceptional ability to navigate intricate financial landscapes and drive impactful outcomes makes him an invaluable partner to businesses aiming for financial excellence and sustainable success.

Mohammed Khusdin
Associate Partner
Mr. Mohammed Khusdin is widely recognized as a leader in fundraising and corporate advisory, with a proven track record of successfully managing capital solutions exceeding USD 7.5 billion for mid-to-large-scale projects globally. His expertise spans diverse industries, including Oil & Gas, Petrochemicals, Renewable Energy, Telecommunications, Airlines, Manufacturing, Real Estate, and more. Specializing in financial structuring, strategic growth planning, and corporate turnaround strategies, Mr. Khusdin provides tailored solutions that drive sustainable growth and financial optimization.
Throughout his career, Mr. Khusdin has demonstrated exceptional leadership and financial acumen. In a pivotal role as Chief Financial Officer at Gulf Plastic Industries, Bahrain, he oversaw financial management, developed strategic roadmaps, and implemented investment plans, significantly contributing to the company’s financial stability and growth. His experience also includes key roles in risk management, compliance, and assurance services, where he helped clients enhance operational efficiency and ensure regulatory adherence. Notably, during his tenure at RSM Bahrain and Lochan & Company in India, he played a crucial part in risk mitigation strategies and the development of robust financial controls and governance frameworks across various industries.
Renowned for his strategic vision and pragmatic approach, Mr. Khusdin excels in crafting innovative capital solutions that address the unique needs of his clients. His extensive experience navigating complex financial ecosystems and delivering value-driven results has positioned him as a trusted advisor to businesses and stakeholders worldwide. Through his leadership, he continues to empower organizations by leveraging his comprehensive industry knowledge and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Mr. Khusdin’s qualifications further underscore his expertise. He is a Chartered Accountant (CA) certified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), reflecting his deep proficiency in financial management, auditing, and corporate finance. His dedication to delivering exceptional results has made him a highly sought-after professional in the realm of capital solutions and corporate advisory.

Fatma Taylan
Partner & COO
Fatma Taylan Fatma Taylan has over twenty years of experience working at all levels at various international organizations within the Financial Services Sector both in Turkey and the UK. She specializes in strategic and management consulting, program/project management, due diligence, financial modeling, valuations, financial and regulatory reporting, internal & external auditing, business model designs & transformations, data management, risk & compliance, and change management.
She has the management responsibility for DiliCapital’s governance, operations, finance, and corporate development functions. She heads our Consulting Practice, where she leads the team for successful and effective planning, design, execution, monitoring, risk management, controlling, and closure of projects.
Before joining DiliCapital, Fatma founded BNAS Ltd, a UK-based boutique consulting firm. Before founding BNAS, she worked for international consulting firms and Big Four (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, SMART, Mazars), where she has successfully led and delivered various public and private projects to State Governments, banks, insurance companies, brokers, rating agencies, Lloyds of London and to the regulatory bodies in Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
Fatma received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from Marmara University in Istanbul, Turkey, where she received an Honor’s degree. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant. She also holds certifications in project management, lean/six sigma, and risk management.

Charles A. Aziegbemhin
Managing Partner
Charles A. Aziegbemhin is the Founder of Dili Capital Corp. Since the founding of DiliCapital and its predecessor Company, Lepton Financial Corp, in 2006, Charles has been instrumental in the strategic direction of the Firm and the financing, acquisition, restructuring, management, acquisition, and disposition of investment assets of over USD 2 billion. He heads the firm’s structured financing practice.
Charles has extensive work experience in structured finance, real estate, the equity markets, debt instruments, insurance, renewable energy, and management. He has championed and built a reputation for developing business models and strategies that help incubate new companies into revenue-generating engines for engineering companies, real estate investment firms, and mortgage investment entities.
Charles began his career with Celestica-IBM and SpaceTech. In 2003 while working in ECCMOX in Markham, Ontario, Charles led a team of engineers and consultants to collaborate with SNC Lavalin Profac to implement a massive greenhouse gas reducing project for the Government of Canada that saves the Government hundreds of millions of dollars.
He holds a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering with a specialization in financial engineering from Ryerson University, Toronto. He is a professional engineer and holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designations from the Canadian Securities Institute. He is the author of the bestselling book “Private Mortgage Wealth.”
Board of Advisors

Ivan Wordsworth
Board of Advisors
Mr. Wordsworth is a seasoned leader in strategic marketing and operations, with extensive experience at the intersection of marketing and technology. He has conceived and executed hundreds of global marketing campaigns, loyalty programs, and digital platforms for renowned consumer brands such as PepsiCo, Disney, and Kimberly-Clark. In 2010, Ivan shifted his focus to digital transformation, taking on the role of Director, Digital Strategy & Engagement at Wordsworth World.
Throughout his career, Ivan has been an active thought leader, contributing to numerous industry councils and boards, including The Canadian Marketing Association, The Brand Activation Association, and The Association of National Advertisers.
Beyond his professional work, Ivan has been deeply involved in volunteering, serving on various committees and boards, including those of United Way, Imagine Canada, the University of Manitoba Business School Foundation, Red River College, and the Manitoba Marathon Foundation. Since 2010, he has been a board member and Chair of the Human Resources Policy.
Ivan holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba and a Masters Certificate in Project Management from York University.

Daniel Lofton
Board of Advisors
Mr. Lofton is the President and Founder of LoftonGroup Limited. He previously served as President and CEO of Datacasting Corporation and Daimler Aerospace, as well as Vice President and Business Manager at Zee Systems Inc. and Business Unit Manager at Computing Devices Company. With nearly two decades of experience in engineering and technology companies, Mr. Lofton held numerous senior management positions before establishing Lofton Group.
He is a Member of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Strategy Committee, and Member of the Audit Committee for holding entities in AG, Switzerland. Mr. Lofton joined the Board in 2020, where he currently serves as Chair of the Audit & Finance Committee. He has also been actively involved in advocacy, serving as a member of the R&D Committee for the Aerospace Industry Association of Canada and as an Honorary Member of the Mexican Association of Distance and Continuing Education.
Mr. Lofton holds both a Bachelor's and master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Waterloo.

Malissa Calandra
Board of Advisors
Malissa Calandra is the Managing Director of Maylandra Capital, a leading investment firm headquartered in Calgary, Canada. In her role, Malissa is at the forefront of driving the firm’s strategic vision and execution, overseeing key investment activities, and fostering growth across diverse sectors. Under her leadership, Maylandra Capital has successfully identified and executed transformative investments, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner in the industry.
Before founding Maylandra Capital, Malissa amassed extensive experience in investment management and strategic leadership. She held a pivotal role at Memont Family Office, where she spearheaded investments across consumer sectors and industries influenced by consumer behavior. Her strategic insights and ability to identify high-potential opportunities contributed significantly to the firm’s success in delivering sustainable value.
Earlier in her career, Malissa held positions with prominent firms such as Pace Capital and Investia Securities. Her roles in these organizations honed her expertise in capital markets, portfolio management, and financial advisory services. In addition to her corporate accomplishments, Malissa has demonstrated a commitment to community and corporate governance by serving on the boards of Save and Care Canada, where she played a key role in steering organizational strategy and impact initiatives.
Malissa’s academic credentials include a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calgary, where she honed her leadership and analytical skills, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) from the University of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Her educational foundation, combined with her professional experience, has made her a respected leader in the investment management space.

Andrew Macnab
Board of Advisors
Mr. Macnab serves as the President of iVizinc Canada, where he oversees corporate strategy, planning, compliance, and financial reporting. Prior to this, he held prominent roles as Senior Vice President and Treasurer, as well as Senior Vice President of Investor Relations at Celestica. With over 25 years of experience at iVizinc, Celestica, and other organizations, Mr. Macnab has held various senior leadership and business development positions. He was President and CEO of Atlantic International from 1981 to 1998, responsible for operations across Canada, the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Additionally, Mr. Macnab served as the CEO of Lucacell, a leading nationwide company in Mexico, and CEO of iVizinc’s Global Solutions Inc., a global connectivity business that provides lit and dark fibre primarily to international enterprises. He also served as Area President for iVizinc’s operations in Canada, overseeing all aspects of business in the Northeast provinces.
Mr. Macnab began his professional career at Deloitte. He holds an MBA from the University of Calgary, a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Western Ontario and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Our Foundation for Innovation

We believe that intellectual capital is critical to positive economic impact and providing innovative solutions. We are proud of the accomplishments of our colleagues at the firm.
Our people build rewarding careers because of our entrepreneurial spirit, a commitment to our people, and the high expectation for excellence. Our people are skilled problem solvers with the belief that challenges are opportunities.
The people at DiliGlobal have collectively participated in their combined careers in hundreds of transactions totaling billions of dollars in acquisitions, project developments, and financing.
Our professionals bring diverse investment banking and management expertise, with exemplary accomplishments and deep knowledge that serve as an invaluable resource to both the firm and our clients.
Our Dedication to Our Team
We are deeply committed to attracting and retaining a diverse and talented team. Our People Charter serves as the foundation of our corporate culture, fostering a long-term environment where employees feel at home at DiliGlobal. We proudly consider our team members family, and our goal is to create a space where everyone can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Growth
We are proud of our cultural diversity. Our differences guide our innovation and inspiration, so we see diversity and inclusion as both a strategic advantage and an ongoing opportunity. We set out our commitments to:
- Respect differences
- Performance Management
- Career Management
- Rewards and Recognition
- Professional Networks
- Employee Engagement
- Well-Being
Our support for individuality is strongly reflected in our corporate responsibility and diversity initiatives
We evaluate performance based on what you do and how you do it
We support clear career progression and the flexibility for development in a wide variety of roles through our Career & Competency Framework
We acknowledge achievements that boldly exemplify our shared values to deliver outstanding results
We promote thought leadership and knowledge sharing across the team through professional communities and digital communication platforms
We encourage sharing among colleagues and formal two-way dialogue between employees and management.
We provide a healthy and safe working environment and programs that encourage work-life balance.