Right products, right time for Thinktank’s private loans
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THINKTANK CONTINUES to excel at anticipating market trends, as evidenced by the growing success of two recently launched innovative private lending products, the Private Loan and the Residual Stock Loan.
“The response from brokers has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong early demand for both products,” says Belinda Wright, head of partnerships and distribution at the independent non-bank.
Thinktank saw a gap in borrower demand for flexible, short-term funding solution options for developers, property investors and business owners and launched the two products about six months ago.
“Since launch, we’ve seen a significant uplift in private lending enquiries, particularly from brokers working with property developers and investors seeking short-term funding solutions,” says Wright.
While traditional private lenders often impose high establishment fees, loan management fees, annual or extension fees and high interest rates, which can be restrictive for borrowers needing fast, short-term funding, Thinktank’s private lending products are much more palatable.
“These products offer a transparent fee structure, competitive interest rates and flexible loan terms coupled with high LVRs, and loan sizes up to $7.5 million,” says Wright.
Thinktank was launched in 2006 by a group of highly experienced professionals with extensive backgrounds in property finance, business lending, consumer finance, and third-party distribution. Established in response to the increasing demand for straightforward, set and forget commercial lending solutions, our product suite was extended in 2013 to include SMSF lending, residential loan options in 2018 and private lending in 2024. Today, Thinktank stands as one of Australia’s leading nonbank property lending specialists. Since 2017, we have diversified our lending base, enabling private and institutional investors the opportunity to acquire property secured bonds. As a leading independent lender, we have facilitated numerous commercial, residential, and SMSF lending solutions, and issued a substantial volume of bonds, recognised for their quality.
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BELINDA WRIGHT, ThinkTANK
Although the lending landscape has started to shift to a more neutral interest rate environment, the reality is that costs remain high and economic factors continue to pose challenges, making access to credit difficult for those with unique financial profiles.
“While the market is becoming more complex, we believe the underlying demand for simple and straightforward lending solutions remains constant,” says Wright.
Banks can be slow to respond to change and understand how that change affects outlier clients beyond so-called vanilla lending – this is a liability for clients that require a quick response even when the lending scenario may not be straightforward.
BELINDA WRIGHT, THINKTANK
“Economic conditions, interest rate uncertainty and ongoing property market activity have heightened the need for alternative funding solutions that prioritise speed and flexibility. A wide range of personal and business borrowers often require short-term property-secured capital to execute their plans without delay,” says Wright.
A bespoke response that clearly shows an understanding of more complex lending needs is also important to maintain broker confidence.
“Brokers value a partnership with a brand they can trust, that provides clarity in pricing and a common-sense approach to lending that isn’t dependent on credit scoring or constrained by arbitrary credit policies.”
The Private Loan and Residual Stock Loan offer competitive interest rates and flexible terms designed to meet diverse business needs. Introducing brokers can earn up to 2.0% up front and a 0.25% trail commission. Customers benefit from reduced set-up costs, extended loan terms of three months to three years, and a policy that eliminates early repayment fees and clawbacks.
With a maximum loan limit of $7.5 million and flexible servicing parameters – including interest coverage ratios ranging from 0.50x to 1.25x, no LMI and no title insurance – the products provide a versatile financial solution that is attracting more broker attention.
The Private Loan is designed for business owners, property investors and commercial borrowers needing short-term capital for investment, refinancing or business expansion. Security may take the form of residential, commercial or specialised properties or vacant land.
Thinktank sees significant potential for these products in the evolving environment.
“Going forward, it will be hugely valuable for brokers to gain confidence in private lending and understand the specific requirements and profiles of borrowers in this segment,” says Wright.
Brokers will be able to appeal to developers, property investors and high-net-worth clients who prioritise speed, simplicity and execution as well as certainty – a group that Thinktank’s style of private lending often appeals to. In this way, brokers can not only stay competitive but also capitalise on new opportunities, grow revenue streams and deepen client relationships through the delivery of integrated financial options and solutions.
“With an increasing number of Australian mortgage borrowers relying on brokers for comprehensive solutions, the demand for diversification in brokers’ service offerings has never been more critical,” says Wright.
“Private lending is a rapidly evolving space, and brokers who embrace it will gain a significant competitive advantage.”
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“Since launch, we’ve seen a significant uplift in private lending enquiries, particularly from brokers working with property developers and investors seeking short-term funding solutions”
“Over the next five years, we expect increased institutional involvement in private lending, which will propel greater product innovation and broader offerings away from traditional private and peer-to-peer finance”
With superior flexibility and competitive pricing, Thinktank’s private lending products empower brokers to convert fast-moving opportunities and set themselves up for future growth
While it won’t make you a cappuccino,
ScotPac’s Partner Portal makes helping commercial clients so fast and easy brokers will wonder how they did without it
The Residual Stock Loan is tailored specifically for developers looking to unlock equity in newly completed projects, particularly in high-demand metropolitan and growth areas. The products cover funding needs in both metro and regional locations, ensuring that brokers can support clients with diverse investment strategies.
“These loans are nailing the market need and enabling brokers to support a wider range of clients,” says Wright.
Thinktank’s private lending products
Thinktank’s record of innovation for the broker market speaks for itself. The launch of the two private lending products in 2024 is just the latest in its history of forward-thinking strategies in Australian lending markets.
Thinktank was launched in 2006 in response to a previously unanswered demand for straightforward, set-and-forget commercial lending solutions, and its product suite was extended in 2013 to include self-managed super fund lending. Since then, the total number of SMSFs has continued to hit highs, with the quarterly number of newly established funds surpassing 10,000 for the first time in the September 2024 quarter.
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Access to credit still tough for many
The fine print
More broker services needed as demand grows
Published 10 Mar 2024
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In 2018, Thinktank began offering residential loan options to brokers at a time when the MFAA put market share of new residential home loans settled by mortgage brokers at around 55%. The latest MFAA survey shows this share hitting almost 75%.
The launch of private lending products may similarly anticipate a boom in this area if Thinktank’s record is anything to go by.
“Over the next five years, we expect increased institutional involvement in private lending, which will propel greater product innovation and broader offerings away from traditional private and peer-to-peer finance,” says Wright. “Brokers who continue to develop a strong knowledge of this space will be well positioned to capitalise on this longer-term trend.”
With the non-bank’s track record of being right on the money when it comes to reading market trends, it will be a brave broker who doesn’t take careful note of Thinktank’s move into private lending products.
Thinktank extends product suite to include SMSF
2013
a history of products on the money
Residential or commercial property-secured lending for various purposes, including commercial or residential property or vacant land acquisition, refinance or equity release for non-personal use, working capital or business expansion
Private Loan
Residual Stock Loan
Purpose
Security
Flexible security requirements, standard residential, commercial, specialised securities, high-rise and inner-city apartments acceptable; refer to Thinktank for more details
Broker commission
Upfront: 0.60% + GST with flexibility up to 2.0% to be included in the establishment fee (eg lender establishment fee 0.50% + broker upfront 2.0% = 2.50%) Trail: 0.25% + GST
Loan size
Up to $7.5m based on location and LVR
Source: Thinktank
Residential or commercial property-secured lending for residual stock financing for property developers
For developments over 5 units, no more than 50% retained
Max 10 units per complex owned by borrower/related parties
Total complex size less than 50 units
In one line valuation
A history of innovative products that anticipate demand
Thinktank begins offering residential loan options
2018
Thinktank launches private lending products
2024
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E-newsletter
Contact Us
Contact Us
Australian Broker Talk
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Australian Broker Talk
Resources
TV
Sector Focus
Power Panel
Independent Feature
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Exclusive Leader Profile
Business Update
Business Focus
Big Deal
Premium Content
Technology
Reverse Mortgages
Investment Loans
Specialist Lending
SME
Commercial
Specialty
Best In Mortgage
News
News
Copyright © 2025 KM Business Information Australia Pty Ltd
RSS
Sitemap
About us
Conditions of Use
Privacy policy
Terms & conditions
People
Firms
For developments over 5 units, no more than 50% retained
Max 10 units per complex owned by borrower/related parties
Total complex size less than 50 units
In one line valuation