METRO Finance has appointed Francis Almeida as business development manager for its new dealer finance division, covering Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. 

He brings more than 35 years of experience across banking and automotive finance to the role, specialising in asset finance, motor vehicle finance, consumer and commercial lending, SMSF lending, franchise finance, credit and training.  

Mr Almeida joins from Angle Auto Finance, where he spent two years as state training manager for business performance across Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.

Francis Almeida business development manager dealer finance division, Metro Finance

Before that, he was senior business manager at Berwick Mazda and a dealer account manager at Toyota Finance Australia. 

Mr Almeida said the automotive finance market had shifted. 

“The market has changed significantly, and today’s customers are looking for choice, convenience, affordability and speed,” he said.  

“We’re focused on helping dealers deliver practical finance solutions quickly, so customers can get behind the wheel of their dream vehicle with confidence.” 

Mr Almeida said he was drawn to Metro’s approach to dealer relationships.  

“We’re the bridge between customers and dealerships, helping both achieve their goals,” he said.  

“What really stood out to me about Metro is our commitment to building long-term, sustainable relationships. That’s what sets us apart.” 

Metro Finance launched its dealer finance division earlier this year with the appointment of automotive industry veteran Dane Drayton as head of dealer. 

The non-bank lender was founded in 2011 and surpassed $6 billion in loan book value in the 2026 financial year. It has provided in excess of $10 billion in lending to more than 120,000 customers.