11 May 2015
LendMe First to Offer Secured Peer to Peer Lending
LendMe today announced that it has received its peer to peer licence from the Financial Markets Authority and is the
first peer to peer lender in New Zealand to specialise in secured lending; offering a range of loan products that will
be secured by mortgage over borrowers’ assets.
LendMe founder Mark Kirkland says that LendMe is very excited to receive its peer to peer lending licence from the
Financial Markets Authority. “Our intention is to become New Zealand’s most trusted P2P lender specialising in secured
loans between $25,000 and $2 million. We will deliver transparency, choice and control to kiwis borrowing and lending
money in New Zealand.”
“We are delighted to join Harmoney in helping disrupt the New Zealand financial services sector. Peer to peer lending is
hugely successful overseas and LendMe will provide a viable alternative to traditional financial institutions by
connecting people who want to borrow and lend money – kiwis funding kiwis, through a secure and trustworthy platform.”
“We are in talks with a number of organisations including banks both here in New Zealand and overseas as potential
institutional investors,” says Kirkland.
LendMe will offer kiwis secured loans for top-up deposits, home purchases, residential investments, commercial property,
business growth, new equipment and the rural sector. Loans will be secured against borrowers’ assets, in the majority of
cases by first mortgage over property.
“Borrowers who can show a good credit history and ability to service debt but don’t have a deposit and can’t borrow
through the traditional banks due to the current LVR restrictions, will be able to borrow 100% through LendMe to
purchase a home,” says Kirkland.
The rural sector will also be a key focus for LendMe with mortgages on farms and equipment, seasonal lending plus
environmental product lending on offer. Unlike traditional investment opportunities, lenders can expect to receive
higher returns on their money and will know exactly where their investment is going.
LendMe also intends to cater for older kiwis who are excluded by banks from borrowing money based on their age.
“Access to money for older people can be very difficult even though they may have an impeccable credit history and good
security to offer lenders. LendMe will allow older kiwis to borrow the money they need whilst ensuring lenders receive
great returns on well secured loans” says Kirkland.
LendMe has invested heavily in ensuring it has an advanced and secure online platform that meets all the requirements of
the Financial Markets Authority and provides a high level of trust and confidence for both lenders and borrowers.
LendMe CEO Dr Kerry Kirkland brings a strong marketing and business background to the start-up supported by a team of
experienced and highly-regarded financial services experts, with specific experience in investments and loans.
LendMe is working towards a mid-year launch and is committed to keeping kiwis informed about their progress including
details on their services and products.
ENDS