Pepper Money New Zealand tops industry and adviser rankings as leading non-bank lender
Pepper Money New Zealand has been recognised as a leading non-bank lender, taking out the Outstanding Non-Bank Lender Recognition Award from Kiwi Adviser Network (KAN) and topping an independent adviser survey as the preferred non-bank lender.
The KAN award, presented by New Zealand’s largest aggregator, recognises excellence across the non-bank lending sector. Pepper Money ranked number one following a comprehensive member survey and judging process assessing performance over the 12 months to December 2025, with strong results across business performance, service innovation, channel support and community impact.
The recognition adds to Pepper Money’s growing momentum in New Zealand, with the lender also recently named advisers’ preferred non-bank lender in an independent industry survey commissioned by evolv Limited and conducted by Adaptive Intelligence. Pepper Money recorded the highest score among non-bank lenders at 81%.
The adviser-led research identified flexible credit policy, commitment to the adviser channel, helpful credit assessment staff, fast turnaround times and competitive pricing among the most important factors brokers look for in a lending partner, areas where Pepper Money continues to focus and invest.
Together, these accolades reinforce Pepper Money’s commitment to supporting advisers with really helpful loan options and a can-do approach to lending.
KAN CEO, Warwick Slow said the award highlighted Pepper Money’s consistent performance and commitment to the adviser channel.
“Pepper Money has demonstrated outstanding support for advisers through strong service levels, innovation and a genuine commitment to helping customers find a way forward. Their responsiveness, flexibility, and partnership approach stood out strongly, which was reflected in the votes by advisers within KAN," he said.
Pepper Money New Zealand Country Head, Campbell Smith, said the recent recognition was especially meaningful because it was driven by adviser and industry feedback.
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.
“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.”
“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. With advisers playing this critical role in the customer journey, Pepper Money continues to back advisers with market-leading turnaround times and a credit model built for a multitude of real-life scenarios,” he said.
“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised by KAN and grateful to our adviser partners for their trust and support. To also see that reflected in broader adviser research is fantastic recognition for our team and reinforces our commitment to being advisers’ first choice non-bank lender in New Zealand.”
Media Enquiries
Melissa Fanous
Pepper Money
Head of Communications
mfanous@pepper.com.au
0412 033 103
Ashley Cirovski
humann. communications
ashley.cirovski@humanncomms.com
0403 254 932
