Source: NZ news tips
23rd October 2025 – Lending Crowd Limited (“Lending Crowd”) has reopened its platform to borrowers, positioning itself as part of the new wave of competition and innovation the Government is calling for in New Zealand’s financial services sector.
The licensed peer-to-peer lender, regulated by the Financial Markets Authority, is once again offering secured and unsecured loans from $2,000 to $200,000. At this stage, all loans are being funded solely by majority shareholder Finance Direct Limited (“FDL”), a licensed non-bank deposit taker and participant in the newly introduced Depositor Compensation Scheme (DCS).
Investor participation will be reintroduced in a staged reopening. When that happens, Finance Direct will continue to invest in loans alongside external investors, ensuring the parent company shares both the risk and the reward – a level of alignment designed to give investors greater confidence.
The relaunch arrives at a time of significant regulatory and market change. The Government’s introduction of the DCS, together with the forthcoming open banking framework under the Customer & Product Data Act, reflects a commitment to broaden competition and empower challengers to the big four banks.
“The Government has made it clear it wants non-bank lenders to step up, innovate, and compete. With Lending Crowd and Finance Direct working together, we are primed to do exactly that,” said MD Wayne Croad. “Right now, we’re back serving borrowers with a slick, technology-driven platform. And when investors return, they’ll be participating directly in loans – with Finance Direct investing alongside them.”
Borrowers already recognise the value of the model, with five-star Google Reviews consistently praising Lending Crowd’s speed, transparency, and lack of bank-style bureaucracy. The platform has been built for a digital future, we wish to take advantage of open banking systems as they roll out in New Zealand.
By reopening to borrowers now, Lending Crowd provides households and SMEs with immediate access to alternative finance options, while preparing to bring investors back into a marketplace underpinned by regulation, technology, and parent-company backing.
About Lending Crowd Limited
Lending Crowd Limited is a licensed peer-to-peer lending platform regulated by the Financial Markets Authority. It connects borrowers with finance through a digital-first platform designed for speed, transparency, and user experience. Lending Crowd is majority-owned by Finance Direct Limited, a licensed non-bank deposit taker and participant in the Depositor Compensation Scheme, with more than 25 years in financial services.
