Bluestone

Office address: 400 George St, Sydney, NSW 2000
Website: www.bluestone.com.au
Year established: 2000
Company type: financial services
Employees: 270+
Expertise: mortgage origination, self-employed lending, credit impaired solutions, debt consolidation, near prime lending, prime lending, home loans, SMSF lending, property investment loans 
Parent company: Cerberus Capital Management 
CEO and key people: Mark Jones (CEO), Tristan Sander (chief technology officer), Graham Lello (CFO), Jenny Ronald (chief product officer), Tony Macrae (chief commercial officer), Nicole Avery (chief marketing officer), Martin Barter (chief risk officer) 
Financing status: private equity-backed 

Bluestone Home Loans is a non-bank lender in Australia, known for flexible home loans that fit real life. For 25 years, it has helped Australians such as self-employed people, contractors and those with unique financial needs find the right loan. The firm works closely with brokers and supports people who may not meet strict bank rules.

History of Bluestone

Bluestone started as a specialist mortgage lender in 2000 and was founded by Alistair Jeffery, an experienced investment banker. The company set out to help people who needed more flexible lending options than the big banks offered. Their story has included many important steps and changes: 

• 2001: wrote $50 million in new home loans, showing early demand 
• 2002: completed its first Sapphire mortgage-backed securities deal 
• 2003: expanded into New Zealand, starting to help Kiwi borrowers 
• 2004: introduced reverse mortgages for older Australians 
• 2006: reached $1.5 billion in total loans written 
• 2007: became a full mortgage manager, handling loans directly 
• 2014: opened a second warehouse in Australia to support growth 
• 2017: surpassed $1 billion in new loans for the year 
• 2018: Bluestone’s APAC business was acquired by Cerberus, a global investment firm 
• 2019: released a new range of loans, including Prime products 
• 2021: switched to a modern loan platform called Mambu 
• 2022: launched home loans for SMSF property investors 
• 2024: won MPA’s Best Non-Bank Mortgage Lender in Australia

In 2025, Bluestone celebrated 25 years in business with a new brand and a sharper focus on customers. The refreshed look and vision highlight its growth as a major non-bank lender. It continues to lead with customer-first values and new ideas. 

Bluestone products and services

Bluestone takes a personal approach to lending by looking past the numbers to match each borrower with the right home loan. Here are their offerings: 

Main home loan products 

• owner occupier loans (buy a home): for people looking to purchase and live in their own home 
• residential investment loans (invest in property): for those wanting to buy property as an investment 
• SMSF residential investment loans (SMSF investment): for borrowers using a self-managed super fund to invest in residential property 

Solutions for different borrower needs

• low deposit loans: for buyers with a smaller deposit 
• self-employed loans: alternative income verification for business owners and contractors 
• poor credit loans: flexible options for people with a less-than-perfect credit history 
• refinancing: debt consolidation and switching loans made simple 
• loans for different circumstances: tailored solutions for unique or complex situations, such as irregular income or life changes 

Additional services

• rates and fees information: clear breakdown of loan costs and charges 
• broker hub: support, tools and resources for mortgage brokers working with Bluestone 

Bluestone Home Loans aims to provide accessible pathways to home ownership. By offering clear guidance and flexible options, they support individuals in navigating the process of securing a home. 

Company culture and values

Bluestone offers these benefits to help people thrive in their roles: 

• leave and flexibility: paid leave, volunteer days, study leave, parental leave, domestic violence leave, hybrid work options 
• wellbeing: wellness programs, free fruit and breakfast, flu shots, assistance programs 
• rewards: bonus scheme and service awards 
• growth: internal promotions, talent management, leadership development, succession planning, career pathways, industry memberships 
• community: ESG strategy, humanitarian donations, One Tree Planted 
• belonging: leadership, family culture, social events, diversity and inclusion 

Bluestone supports ReLove, a charity giving free furniture to people in need, through staff volunteering. The company measures its carbon footprint yearly and uses recycling, sensor lights and bamboo paper. The firm also cuts paper use by digitising records and choosing recycled, locally certified materials. 

About CEO Mark Jones and key people

Mark Jones has led the organisation as CEO since August 2023. With a background in finance and fund services, Jones has held significant positions across various companies, including Citi, Barclays Bank and Westpac. He Has over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry. 

Bluestone’s leaders are committed to smart lending, keeping customers at the centre and encouraging fresh thinking: 

• Tristan Sander leads as chief technology officer and brings expertise in data, analytics and cloud services 
• Graham Lello oversees as CFO, offering broad financial management and investment experience 
• Jenny Ronald is chief product officer, also known for product-led change in fintech and major banks 
• Tony Macrae heads as chief commercial officer and brings years of leadership in financial services and distribution 
• Nicole Avery manages as chief marketing officer and is skilled in brand, marketing and digital growth across industries 
• Martin Barter steers as chief risk officer and brings more than 35 years in risk, credit and business strategy 

This leadership team brings a range of experience across finance, technology, product development, marketing, and risk management to Bluestone’s operations. 

The future at Bluestone

Bluestone Mortgages marked its 25th anniversary by launching a new brand identity focused on customer needs and broker partnerships. The company upgraded its systems and gave brokers a special rate discount. This shows their promise to support brokers and help more Australians buy homes. 

The company also recently hired more BDMs and underwriters to support brokers. These new team members help brokers give faster service and better solutions. With these changes, the firm is ready for more growth and stronger broker partnerships.