Real-life lending earns this award-winning lender top adviser ratings
This article is sponsored by Pepper Money
In NZA’s Advisers on Lenders 2025 survey, Pepper Money was ranked as one of the leading non-bank specialist lenders in New Zealand. Advisers rated the lender highly for flexibility, transparency, competitive pricing, a wide product suite and being easy to work with.
The company earned five medals across multiple categories, including three golds for product range, credit policy and interest rates. It was the only specialist lender to secure first place in three categories.
Pepper Money’s country head, Campbell Smith, says, “Adviser endorsement means a lot because it reflects what matters most to our partners: consistency, smart tools and genuine support.”
Advisers also described a growing preference for lenders that act as genuine partners, take a solution-focused approach and provide loan options that help clients move forward. Pepper Money’s performance suggests its real-life lending model continues to gain traction.
To meet this demand, the lender has focused on initiatives that help advisers secure the best outcomes for their customers:
- expanded its adviser network
- launched new products
- refined workflows
- assisted borrowers who had limited choices elsewhere
Backing advisers at every stage
This adviser-first structure shapes the New Zealand business. Adviser relationships inform product development, support systems and service delivery.
Pepper Money continues to pay trail commission, which it views as a long-term commitment to adviser businesses. The lender says paying trail commissions recognises the ongoing work advisers put into each client relationship and helps sustain their service.
“We know how hard advisers work to get the deal done. Trail commission is our way of backing that effort – not just at settlement, but for the full journey,” says Smith.
As competition and market conditions evolve, Pepper Money’s focus on adviser partnerships remains unchanged and its flexible lending solutions continue to guide its approach.
A lender built for real life
Pepper Money promotes a lending approach designed to accommodate a range of financial circumstances, including clients who are self-employed, have complex income or present unique credit histories. The lender emphasises financial inclusion and responsive credit assessment.
Over the past year, it has accredited more than 400 new mortgage advisers, bringing its network to nearly 1,600 advisers across New Zealand. More than 500 advisers lodged deals during the same period, which Pepper Money views as evidence of growing engagement and the ease of doing business with its team.
Delivering really helpful support
Fast approvals, often within 24 to 48 hours, remain part of Pepper Money’s service proposition. In the Advisers on Lenders survey, advisers highlighted consistency and trust as key considerations when evaluating lenders. Pepper Money’s strong performance in product range and credit policy suggests that advisers view its decisions as reliable and workable.
Advisers also noted the value of lenders that simplify their role rather than adding administrative steps. Pepper Money’s streamlined processes, pre-screening support and digital tools were cited as examples. Others pointed out that interest rates matter less if approval timelines are slow or policies are rigid, which has increased the appeal of Pepper Money’s credit approach.
Education remains a focus. The lender’s Insights webinar series has drawn more than 2,000 attendees and featured specialists from Centrix, Cotality, REINZ and Chapman Tripp. Regular product webinars with scenario-based guidance add to this support.
Pepper Money highlights several recent service enhancements:
- a smarter product selector tool
- ongoing access to personal BDM support
- real-time assistance from credit assessors, including direct phone access during assessments
- process efficiencies noted by advisers
“These aren’t just features – they’re solutions co-designed with advisers, based on feedback. Because when advisers speak, we listen,” says Smith.
Why advisers continue to choose Pepper Money
The lender’s tools and processes are shaped by adviser feedback, which informs ongoing improvements and product updates. Pepper Money emphasises consistent credit decisions, a strong experience before and after settlement, and lending solutions that reflect individual client needs.
These factors have contributed to increased adviser engagement and growing recognition across the market. Recent industry results suggest advisers regard Pepper Money as a lender that provides meaningful support and dependable real-life lending solutions.
“That’s why more advisers are choosing Pepper Money – and why we’re committed to helping them succeed,” Smith concludes.
