FMT cracks $2 bill

“This is a big moment for us,” chief executive Paul Bendall says.

FMT’s strongest growth has come from existing investors and borrowers sharing their positive experiences. “Most of our new investors come to us through word of mouth, from a friend, a family member, or someone they trust,” Bendall says.

FMT's has more than 7,000 investors and it offers a retail fund, PIE fund, and a wholesale fund

Its investments are secured by first mortgages over residential, commercial, and industrial properties across New Zealand.

“We maintain conservative loan-to-value ratios, a diversified portfolio, and a strong reserve fund; key pillars that help us manage risk and deliver consistent returns year after year. Our latest pre-tax annualised quarterly return is 6.76%. When you compare this to the one-year bank term deposit rates, which are averaging 3.92%, our rate is 284 basis points higher.”

“We’ve always focused on steady, sustainable growth, not chasing short-term wins," Bendall says.

The private credit market in New Zealand has seen growing interest in recent years, mirroring trends overseas.

“While it’s been around for a long time, awareness is increasing. New Zealand is viewed as a relative safe haven, and as a fund manager that invests solely in New Zealand, we’re well positioned.”