Our Team

We combine institutional structuring with specialist credit execution, always aligned, always accountable, always security first.

Avalon Financial has deployed capital across 10+ transactions, focused on short-duration, first-charge lending with leverage typically around 65% LTV.

Philipp Braunwalder

Philipp Braunwalder is the co-founder of Avalon Financial, a UK-based private debt platform focused on short-duration, asset-backed lending.

He previously founded and led the UK business of Swiss Finance & Property, where he built the platform, structured transactions and managed institutional partnerships, including joint ventures with Redevco across the UK, Spain and Portugal.

He also held board-level roles within associated operating entities, including the Iberian hospitality joint venture platform.

Earlier in his career, Philipp worked at Turner Construction in the US, as well as UBS and Barclays, gaining experience across development, financing and capital markets.

Philipp holds an MBA from Georgetown University and a BA in History from UCL.

Director

Harry Baker

Harry Baker is the co-founder of Avalon Financial, where he leads origination, underwriting and execution across the platform.

He has structured and originated over £350 million of UK real estate loans, with a strong focus on disciplined underwriting and capital preservation.

He was previously Head of Credit at Aspen Bridging, where he was responsible for underwriting strategy, credit policy and portfolio risk management during a period of sustained growth. He later worked within Swiss Finance & Property’s UK platform, including board-level involvement in its Iberian hospitality joint venture with Redevco.

At Avalon, he focuses on originating opportunities, structuring transactions and actively managing risk through to exit.

Harry holds an MSc in Real Estate Investment and Finance from the University of Reading.

Director

Advisory Board

Marc Scrimshire

Marc Scrimshire advises Avalon Financial on credit discipline and risk.

He spent five years at Goldman Sachs within the Chief Underwriting Office, where he was a voting member of the Global Credit Markets Capital Committee, approving multi-billion financing transactions.

He began his career at HSBC.

He brings a rigorous, downside-focused approach to underwriting

Senior Advisor

Peter Braunwalder

Peter Braunwalder advises Avalon Financial on strategy, governance and institutional positioning.

He served as Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA from 2002 to 2008, having previously held senior roles at UBS across Tokyo, London and Zurich.

He has over three decades of experience in international banking and wealth management and has served on the boards of multiple financial institutions.

Peter provides independent perspective and strategic oversight as Avalon Financial scales.