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NEW ZEALAND LIST OF P2P LENDING PLATFORMS

NEW ZEALAND LIST OF P2P LENDING PLATFORMS

For what is a list of Peer-to-Peer lenders platform is useful in New-Zealand ?

A list of New Zealand P2P (Peer-to-Peer) lending platforms is a structured catalogue of companies that legally operate peer-to-peer lending services within New Zealand’s financial system.

In New-Zealand as well, Peer-to-peer lending itself is a form of direct financing where borrowers and lenders are matched on an online platform, without the need for a traditional bank to act as intermediary.

In New Zealand, such platforms must be licensed by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013, which makes the list not just a casual directory, but an authoritative snapshot of who is allowed to run this type of service.

The importance of such a list lies in transparency and trust, because P2P lending involves individuals putting their money into loans that may carry higher risks than savings accounts, knowing which platforms are legitimate and regulated is crucial.

Which are the top ranking Peer-to-Peer lending platforms in New-Zealand ?

Here’s a refined, SEO-optimized overview of the top-ranking peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms in New Zealand, based on reliability, licensing, and popularity:

Top Peer-to-Peer Lending Platforms in New Zealand

1. Harmoney

  • Overview: Harmoney was the first licensed P2P lender in New Zealand, having obtained its license from the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in July 2014; it officially launched in October 2014.
  • Highlight: Historically the largest P2P platform in NZ, accounting for over half of the industry’s outstanding loans as of 2020.
  • Note: In April 2020, Harmoney ceased accepting retail (individual) investors, shifting to other funding mechanisms.

2. Squirrel Money (aka Squirrel)

  • Overview: A Kiwi-owned P2P lender popular for mortgage- and homeowner-focused loans, such as remodelling or home purchases.
  • Rates & Features: Offers interest rates comparable to banks (from ~6.59%), with establishment fees up to NZD 1,000. It also provides flexible savings and investment options offering “returns of up to 6.25% p.a.” and a low minimum investment of NZD 100.
  • Investor Confidence: Known for reliability, having never lost investors’ capital to date.Squirrel

3. Lending Crowd

  • Overview: Operating since 2016, Lending Crowd focuses on business, personal, and auto loans ranging from NZD 2,000 to 200,000.
  • Investor Appeal: Offers a tech-forward platform that connects investors directly with borrowers, including SMEs.

4. Southern Cross Partners (SCP)

  • Overview: A licensed P2P provider offering mortgage-backed loans.
  • Unique Model: SCP invests its own capital first, providing immediate funding to borrowers instead of waiting for peer investor matches—this mitigates delays in funding.blog.southerncrosspartners.co.nz
  • Security: Primarily offers first-mortgage loans, adding a layer of real property security for investors

5. Zagga

  • Overview: A non-bank P2P lender offering mortgage-secured investment opportunities.zagga.co.nz
  • Flexibility & Yield: Markets itself as providing high-yield alternative investments, with fast application turnaround and flexible terms.

6. Lendsphere

  • Overview: Operated by Crowdsphere, Lendsphere offers a P2P crowdfunding platform, enabling both retail and wholesale investors to fund loans secured against property (including first-ranking security).