Loan Market invests in AI, coaching and growth tools
Christchurch will host Australasia’s largest aggregator event for the first time when Loan Market’s flagship adviser conference, Scale Up, comes to New Zealand in August 2026.
Loan Market New Zealand national director Nicole Ferguson (pictured right) announced the news at last week’s 2025 Scale Up on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, attended by nearly 700 advisers and industry partners.
“Scale Up 2026 will be the adviser event of the year,” Ferguson said. “We can’t wait to host our Loan Market family at the prestigious Te Pae Convention Centre in the heart of Christchurch and showcase the very best of Kiwi hospitality.”
The announcement comes as New Zealand’s mortgage adviser sector nears 50% market penetration, with growing competition across aggregators and lenders, and market activity is expected to lift in 2026 amid improved borrower sentiment and widespread expectation of a 25 bp OCR cut.
A landmark event for advisers
Scale Up is Loan Market’s marquee gathering, renowned for its immersive atmosphere, industry-leading content, and adviser recognition. It draws professionals from across Australasia to learn, network, and celebrate achievements.
This year’s “Serious Growth” theme reflected the network’s momentum. With more than 50% of New Zealanders now using a mortgage adviser, Loan Market advisers grew by 25% year-on-year while maintaining a Net Promoter Score above 98.
Ferguson addressed the disruptive potential of AI, emphasising the need for businesses to adapt and integrate new technology. She confirmed that investment in AI, marketing, and business coaching will be a key focus in the coming year.
Business coaching and adviser growth
Loan Market CEO David McQueen (pictured left) highlighted the success of the Elevate business coaching programme in Australia, which delivered:
- 77% increase in appointments
- 56% growth in settlements
- 82% of businesses expanding team capacity
Ferguson announced Elevate will launch in New Zealand, offering personalised coaching and accountability for advisers, with clients “front and center.”
She also credited the network’s specialist support areas – Recruitment, Kaizen, MyCRM, and Marketing – as “an extension of your business” and key to achieving 25% growth.
Brand, marketing, and tech investment
McQueen said the group will direct “serious investment” into brand, marketing, and technology to strengthen adviser businesses.
“When we listen to advisers and back you with the right tools, the right people, and the right belief, you do what you’ve always done, you grow even better businesses and do more for your clients,” he said.
Packed programme and headline speakers
The two-day conference featured futurist and AI thought leader Joel Pearson, Boost Juice founder Janine Allis, brand strategist Adam Ferrier, and motivational speaker Travis Bell. Mindfulness expert Chelsea Pottenger headlined the Leading Ladies picnic event.
Sessions explored:
- Positioning as the most trusted adviser in the market
- Local marketing strategies to win more clients
- Choosing the right business structure
- Harnessing MyCRM tools
- Using commercial tech for new revenue streams
- Growth through trail book acquisition
Celebrating Kiwi excellence
At the Loan Market International Awards, New Zealand’s Paulette Trotter won multiple honours, including Top International Adviser, while Cameron Marcroft received the Chairman’s Choice Award. ANZ was named Lender of the Year (NZ) and Tower took Insurance Partner of the Year (NZ).
“I’m immensely proud of our Kiwi cohort – their commitment to excellence, client service, and contribution to the Loan Market family is second to none,” Ferguson said. “Serious Growth starts here – not just in words, but in how we show up, support each other, and move forward together, creating more opportunities for Kiwis to access quality financial advice.”
Earlybird registrations for Scale Up 2026 open in September for the Loan Market and NZFSG network.
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