Christo Balfe "My Story" 

My career began over 30 years ago, and it's been shaped by one constant: finding practical solutions when conventional approaches fall short. Today, as Founder and CEO of Commercial Finance Advisors Worldwide, I help businesses access funding when traditional banking routes simply aren't available.

How It All Started

I've always been drawn to understanding how things work - from the operational mechanics of waste recycling plants to the complexities of cross-border financing. This curiosity led me through various sectors, each teaching me something new about business challenges and, more importantly, how to solve them.

My early years in operations at companies like Fyffe's Ireland and later in commercial roles taught me that every business has unique requirements. There's rarely a one-size-fits-all solution, especially when it comes to funding.

Building Networks, Creating Solutions

Over the years, I've developed relationships with over 5,350 investors, including family offices, institutional investors, private equity firms, and debt providers across 10 countries. These aren't just contacts in a database - they're partnerships built through trust and delivering results.

Working with an FCA-regulated partner in the UK, I can now facilitate funding from €5 million to €5 billion across various sectors. But the numbers aren't what drives me - it's knowing that the right connection can transform a business.

What I Do Now

Commercial Finance Advisors Worldwide focuses on funding solutions across multiple sectors, with particular expertise in Cleantech, Waste Recycling, Energy Infrastructure, and Mining projects. My environmental background means I understand project mechanics, operational requirements, and regulatory frameworks - not just the financial aspects.

We also work across Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, AI, Edtech, Medtech, Fintech, Media & Gaming, and Real Estate projects. I offer two approaches: working through FCA-regulated partners or direct access to investor networks, depending on what each client needs.

My Approach

I believe in thorough preparation. Every project gets comprehensive due diligence, reviewing investment documentation, financial materials, and assessing viability. I provide regular progress updates because transparency builds trust, and I maintain ongoing relationships to support clients through multiple funding rounds when needed.

Operating from Galway in Ireland and Riga in Latvia, with partners across multiple jurisdictions, I can facilitate both domestic and cross-border transactions whilst ensuring local market expertise is available.

Why This Matters

After three decades in business, I've learned that the best solutions often come from understanding not just what a business needs, but how it actually works. Whether it's the mechanics of a recycling operation or the regulatory requirements of a renewable energy project, knowing the operational reality makes all the difference in structuring the right funding.

That's my story - combining sector knowledge with practical experience to provide straightforward funding solutions for businesses seeking alternatives to traditional finance.

Commercial Finance Advisors Worldwide was founded with a passion for helping businesses succeed. Our team of experts have a deep understanding of the finance industry and a proven track record of facilitating strategic funding partnerships.

With a focus on project finance, startups, growth companies, and the SME sector, we are committed to supporting businesses in achieving their goals and driving economic growth.

Our core funding is facilitated through a strategic partnership with an FCA-regulated entity in the UK, granting us access to diverse capital sources including institutional funds, family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and private lending networks.