Double recognition from KAN and independent advisers cements Pepper Money's position
Pepper Money New Zealand has picked up two significant industry endorsements in quick succession, reinforcing its position as the go-to non-bank lender for mortgage advisers across the country.
The lender took out the Outstanding Non-Bank Lender Recognition Award from Kiwi Adviser Network — New Zealand's largest aggregator — following a comprehensive member survey and judging process covering the 12 months to December 2025. The assessment spanned business performance, service innovation, channel support, and community impact.
Separately, an independent industry survey commissioned by Evolve and conducted by Adaptive Intelligence ranked Pepper Money as advisers' preferred non-bank lender, with the lender recording the highest score in the category at 81%.
KAN CEO Warwick Slow said the dual recognition reflected something genuine.
"Pepper Money has demonstrated outstanding support for advisers through strong service levels, innovation and a genuine commitment to helping customers find a way forward,” Slow said. “Their responsiveness, flexibility, and partnership approach stood out strongly, which was reflected in the votes by advisers within KAN."
That result placed Pepper Money ahead of all lenders surveyed — bank and non-bank alike. Among the major banks, ANZ led with 75%, followed by ASB at 71% and Kiwibank at 70%, while non-banks as a group outperformed their bank counterparts on the measures advisers care about most.
What advisers actually want from a lending partner
The independent research also shed light on what mortgage advisers value most when choosing a lending partner.
The survey of 224 brokers across 15 weighted attributes found flexible credit policy was the top priority (60.1%), followed by commitment to the adviser channel, accessible credit staff, fast turnaround times and competitive pricing. Digital tools ranked well down at 38.8% — personal, responsive service still outweighs technology for this cohort.
Campbell Smith, country head for Pepper Money New Zealand, said the lender has been deliberately investing in tools to reduce friction in the submission process.
"We're investing in practical tools that remove friction including direct lodgement via API and digital tools like our Product Selector, designed to make submissions faster and simpler," Smith said.
100% adviser-delivered and doubling down
With its entire New Zealand home loan business flowing through the adviser channel, Pepper Money's investment in adviser support is both structural and strategic. That focus reflects where the market is heading.
Cotality estimates broker-originated lending now accounts for roughly 60% of all new New Zealand home loans.
"With 100% of our NZ home loan business delivered through advisers, we're focused on doubling down on the things that help advisers win — speed, flexibility and genuine support," Smith said.
He said the recognition was especially meaningful given its source.
"These awards are a reflection of the strong partnerships we've built with advisers across New Zealand and the passion our team brings every day to helping advisers and customers succeed," Smith said.
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