Acquisition delivers more options, faster approvals, and expanded support for brokers nationwide
This article was produced in partnership with Neighbourhood Holdings
Neighbourhood Holdings’ recent acquisition of Fisgard Asset Management Corporation marks a strategic union rooted in a shared mission: to elevate Canada’s alternative lending sector through scale, integrity, and innovation.
“The long-term goal is clear,” says Jared Stanley (pictured),
More options, faster turnaround, and a stronger national presence
With over $750 million under management and a 65-person national team, Neighbourhood now has the scale to invest even more deeply in what matters most to brokers and clients. The lender’s advanced systems don’t just move deals faster; they make the process clearer and more consistent.
Automated tools provide brokers with quick, transparent answers, while dynamic pricing and tagging automations ensure accurate quotes. Files are routed to the appropriate underwriter and law firm, and built-in AML safeguards flag high-value transactions in real time.
Overall, standardized underwriting guidelines and expanded digital tools mean information flows seamlessly from submission to funding.
“Brokers will see a smoother process from start to finish, with faster approvals and clearer communication along the way,” Stanley sums up. “A larger underwriting and BDM team means broader coverage and quicker responses, which helps brokers deliver competitive solutions to their clients with more confidence and less friction.”
Stanley points to Neighbourhood CEO Taylor Little’s recent comments about how the union means “one team, one platform” and a more consistent experiences for brokers nationwide. That consistency includes not fixing what’s not broken.
Every former Fisgard BDM, underwriter, and support
“We’re approaching integration with one clear goal: keep what brokers value most, responsiveness and service continuity,” Stanley says.
Preserving each company’s unique legacy
Fisgard’s investor relationships and operations remain unchanged, managed by the same trusted team through Fisgard Capital Corporation (FCC) and Fisgard Capital Management Ltd. (FCM). There is no service disruption; renewals, discharges, and borrower servicing continue as before. FCC oversees investment operations, while Neighbourhood’s exempt market dealer is rebranding as FCM to serve investors.
“This structure preserves each company’s legacy while building a cohesive, modern mortgage origination platform,” Stanley explains. “By combining the experience of Fisgard with Neighbourhood’s innovation, the joint platform aims to elevate standards across the alternative lending industry.”
All existing Fisgard brokers are now supported by the same team under the Neighbourhood name, with no need for additional onboarding. Brokers working with Neighbourhood will benefit from expanded product options, increased support, and a broader national reach while maintaining the same trusted relationships and service standards.
New mortgage originations are funded under the Neighbourhood banner, and brokers can continue submitting deals through their preferred platforms by selecting Neighbourhood as the lender.
Enhanced products: Look out for flagship ALTA
The acquisition is already positively impacting options for brokers and their clients. Enhanced product offerings include the one-year classic program, where brokers set their own fee; expanded second mortgage options; and the flagship ALTA program.
“One of the biggest pain points for brokers in the alternative space has been having to sell their own fee on top of a lender fee — the ALTA product removes that barrier and makes the conversation with clients simpler and more transparent,” Stanley says.
Designed for clients who fall between traditional and alternative lending criteria but still represent strong, low-risk profiles, the latter features no lender fee as Neighbourhood pays the brokerage a finder’s fee directly. The initial rollout focuses on two-year terms, supported by infrastructure designed for fast turnaround and consistent service.
Key priorities moving forward include scaling the Alt-A product line, investing in technology to enhance broker submission and funding efficiency, innovating new products, and exploring future strategic acquisitions to continue responsible growth.
“This launch positions Neighbourhood and Fisgard to serve a growing segment of Canadians who are well-qualified but underserved as lending standards continue to tighten,” Stanley notes.
A meeting of the minds, to meet future change
As regulations and bank criteria become more restrictive, alternative lenders will play an increasingly critical role in enabling homeownership and financial flexibility. The combined expertise and capital base of Neighbourhood and Fisgard allow them to offer practical, borrower-first solutions in their joint effort to simplify and professionalize the alternative lending space.
Both organizations are committed to raising industry standards by combining ethical lending practices with a client-first approach, powered by modern technology. Neighbourhood has long admired Fisgard’s reputation for integrity and professionalism, as well as its deep respect for the broker community — values that align closely with its own.
“That alignment has made the transition smooth and created strong synergies in how deals are managed and how service standards are maintained,” Stanley says. “The cultural fit has been remarkably natural, and I look forward to what this next chapter holds.”
Jared Stanley is senior director of originations at Neighbourhood Holdings, a mortgage lender based in Canada.
