“This is a big moment for us,” said Paul Bendall, CEO.
“But more than the number, we’re proud of how we’ve got here, by being consistent, careful, and focused on people. We started out in the Bay of Plenty in 1996, and while our roots are still there, we’ve continued to grow with offices now in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington and with investors nationwide.”
FMT believes its success comes from putting people first. People are at the heart of everything the company does.
“We’re a proud Kiwi business made up of hardworking, smart people who care. We’ve now got over 70 employees nationwide,” said Paul.
“Our team shows up every day wanting to do right by our investors and borrowers. That’s what makes us different, and it’s what our customers tell us they value, and why they choose us.
We’re proud of what we do, and proud of the team behind it.”
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,” said Paul.
“That kind of trust is something you earn. It tells us we’re doing things right.”
Today, more than 7,000 investors trust FMT with their nest eggs. And with a minimum investment of just $500, plus options including a Retail Fund, PIE Fund, and a Wholesale Fund (for wholesale investors only) there’s an option that’s accessible to a wide range of New Zealanders.
“Our investments are secured by first mortgages over residential, commercial, and industrial properties across New Zealand,” said CEO Paul. “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.”
Paul added, “We’ve always focused on steady, sustainable growth, not chasing short-term wins. That’s why we’re here today. We’re not the new kid on the block, we’re a trusted, respected name in the market.”
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,” Paul said.
“In a time of global uncertainty and geopolitical tension, our local focus helps insulate us from broader volatility.”
“It’s about delivering returns our investors can rely on, year after year.”
Since launching in 1996, FMT has never lost a cent of investor capital, an impressive track record even through covid and the global financial crisis.
As FMT approaches its 30th anniversary in 2026, the company remains committed to sustainable, long-term growth.
“We’re excited about what’s ahead,” said CEO Paul. “We want more Kiwis to know there’s a down-to-earth, reliable, and people-focused alternative when it comes to investing and property finance. We’re here for the long run, and we’ll keep doing things the right way.”
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