How the merger of two major Canadian financial institutions is reshaping the broker experience
This article was provided by Home Trust
In a move that marks an exciting new chapter in Canadian mortgage lending, Home Trust and Fairstone Bank have joined forces to form one of the country’s most powerful players in the alternative financing space. The move unites two financial institutions with complementary strengths around two goals: enabling Canadians from all walks of life to access the financing they need and want, and giving brokers the tools to make it happen.
The merger brings enhanced strength, scale and service excellence to the broker community by combining Home Trust’s expertise in specialized mortgage lending with Fairstone Bank’s legacy of nearly 100 years in alternative lending.
Collectively, Fairstone Bank and Home Trust are now positioned to offer a more robust set of solutions to meet the evolving needs of borrowers across Canada. From a broker perspective, this means Home Trust can double down on its long-term commitment to helping broker partners expand their business in the alternative space.
“This merger is ultimately about growth, opportunity and financial access for alternative borrowers,” says Scott Wood, Chief Executive Officer of Fairstone Bank. “And for Home Trust broker partners, the merger enables us to provide more for their clients: more solutions, more avenues to strengthen relationships and opportunities to close more deals in an increasingly competitive environment.”
A vision for growth
As the CEO of the newly combined company, Wood is clear about what this means for the future of the Canadian mortgage landscape: a stronger financial foundation, an expanded product lineup and an unwavering commitment to the underserved.
“We are building one of the most financially secure and agile lending institutions in Canada,” says Wood. “With our combined scale, we can do more to support brokers, partners, and borrowers alike, while continuing to deliver on our core purpose: helping Canadians access credit to meet their financial needs.”
“As the alternative space grows, the need for flexible, common-sense lending is greater than ever. We want to expand access to lending by providing more solutions for a broad range of borrowers, including those who may not qualify with the big banks.”
Home Trust and Fairstone are uniquely aligned in that mission. Both organizations have long histories of helping Canadians navigate financial complexity by listening to the unique circumstances of each borrower and offering pragmatic lending solutions around their goals. The merger isn’t about changing direction—it’s about accelerating what already works.
“We’re stronger together,” says Wood. “Both Fairstone Bank and Home Trust are known for service, for relationships and for understanding the story behind every borrower. This combination means brokers can expect a more streamlined decision process, more robust solutions and even better service that is built on a foundation of trust.”
The focus on service excellence remains central. Wood says the merger will allow for greater investment in broker support, streamlining the process from submission to funding.
“It’s about giving brokers more so they can continue to build their business with confidence,” he says.
New products and expanded reach
As one unified organization, Home Trust and Fairstone Bank are focused on expanding their mortgage offerings to better support the broker community.
“We’re investing in growth, and that includes expanding our offering to brokers and their clients,” says Wood. “If you’re a broker looking to grow your business in the alternative space, this is your moment.”
New products that respond to evolving borrower needs are in the works, as well as stronger backend support, from underwriting to servicing, backed by increased investment in technology and operational excellence. These enhancements are designed to streamline the underwriting process and help brokers serve a broader range of clients.
Committed to the broker community
While the merger brings scale and new opportunities, one thing isn’t changing: the company’s commitment to the broker community.
Wood knows that Home Trust has built a strong reputation as a broker-first lender, and that commitment is only becoming more embedded in the unified company’s DNA.
“Our residential mortgage business is built on the success of brokers,” says Wood. “We know that strong relationships and responsive support are what brokers value most. We remain fully committed to delivering exactly that.”
That means continuing to partner with growth-minded brokers and supporting them with timely insights, ongoing education, and a transparent, consistent experience across the submission process.
“We invite you to take a fresh look at what’s possible,” Wood says. “This merger is an opportunity to rethink how you can leverage our experience and expertise to grow your alternative business. We’re here to help you do that.”
Level up your ability to service your alternative clients
With even greater resources and reach through its merger with Fairstone Bank, Home Trust stands ready to help you find prudent mortgage solutions for clients who fall outside traditional lending criteria, and in doing so, grow your alternative business.
From competitive rates to a streamlined submission process, Home Trust remains focused on helping brokers succeed in a changing market. With the strength of the combined group, there’s never been a better time to partner with a trusted name in alternative lending.
Speak to a Home Trust Business Development Manager today to see how our solutions can help you close more deals and build your business with confidence.
About Home Trust
Home Trust, now combined with Fairstone Bank, is a leading Canadian alternative lender offering a wide range of mortgage solutions for clients who don’t fit the traditional lending box. With decades of experience, a commitment to common-sense underwriting, and a broker-first approach, Home Trust empowers brokers to grow their business and deliver solutions for clients across the country.
