Specialist lending, mastered by Pepper Money

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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

IN A lending landscape where traditional credit policies and algorithms often fall short, Pepper Money consistently steps up to serve Australians whose financial stories don’t fit the standard mould. Pepper Money’s rise as Australia’s leading specialist lender is solidified by an eight-year streak as MFAA Specialty Lender of the Year, coupled with a loan book surpassing $20 billion and a 25-year unblemished track record of creating financial inclusion. Mario Rehayem, CEO of Pepper Money, says this is scale with purpose – delivering value to borrowers, brokers and the broader market.

Pepper Money is a people-focused non-bank, providing a refreshingly real-life approach to lending across home loans, commercial loans, equipment finance and car loans. We work with all sorts of people and businesses, from blue-collar to blue-chip. We take a uniquely flexible, human approach, assessing each person’s situation individually. Since 2000, we have helped over 530,000 Australians achieve their financial goals. We are consistently recognised as Australia’s leading non-bank lender, known for being broker-friendly, with supportive and responsive BDMs. We offer a wide range of products that meet different customer needs – especially those of non-conforming and self-employed customers.

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MARIO REHAYEM, PEPPER MONEY

Specialist lending serves individuals with unique financial circumstances. By focusing on practical solutions and lasting relationships, Pepper Money continues to reshape lending to fit real lives, rather than expecting people to conform to rigid standards. “Life is unpredictable, and many borrowers have experienced temporary setbacks such as job loss, illness or personal challenges that impacted their financial standing,” Rehayem says. These individuals aren’t poor money managers; they’ve simply faced short-term hurdles. Specialist lending recognises that real-life situations don’t always fit traditional lending criteria, and offers solutions that understand the needs of everyday Australians.

“We’ve built a brand that exemplifies trust amongst our brokers and customers. Our people take pride in their work and the contribution we make in our communities,” Rehayem says. “Pepper Money is more than just a lender; we are a group of people with the same values that want to apply our can-do attitude to every interaction with our brokers and customers. “Our credit policies are designed for real life, not just ideal scenarios; our experiences are designed around the broker and their customers. Specialist lending isn’t about providing a loan; it’s about creating financial inclusion, being there when it matters most and fostering a customer for life.”

Pepper Money’s eighth consecutive win as MFAA Specialty Lender of the Year represents more than recognition – it demonstrates consistency, evolution, and trust built over 25 years. Recognised across multiple states, including NSW, Qld, WA and SA, the award is voted for by brokers and industry partners, making it one of the most meaningful accolades in the sector. “This award means a great deal to us because it’s voted by our valued partners and the wider industry,” says Rehayem. “It’s a reflection of the reputation we’ve built for ourselves, the consistency we deliver and our ability to listen, adapt and act on what brokers need to succeed.” As economic uncertainty and life’s unpredictability create new challenges for borrowers, the demand for flexible, real-life lending solutions has never been greater.

In CY2024 alone, over 6,000 mortgage brokers and asset finance introducers lodged applications with Pepper Money, and more than 5,000 new brokers and introducers were accredited. These numbers reflect growing preference for Pepper Money’s broker- and customer-first approach, which includes co-designed tools and continuous feedback through its Broker Research Hub. “We have invested heavily in digital platforms that simplify the application process, making it easier for brokers to navigate and manage,” says Rehayem.

“Our credit policies are designed for real life, not just ideal scenarios; our experiences are designed around the broker and their customers”

“We help brokers increase the number of customers they can assist, whilst also giving them comfort that we will look after their customers post settlement”

Pepper Money combines broad product coverage with credit policies designed for real life, and a consistently fast and seamless service proposition – all with the aim of empowering brokers to help a diverse range of customers find tailored, long-term solutions

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

Specialist lending creates financial inclusion for borrowers who fall outside traditional lending criteria. Whether for self-employed clients, borrowers with complex income structures or those with imperfect credit histories, Pepper Money’s specialist loans provide essential access to finance. “Our strength lies in our ability to meet people where they are, providing helpful loan options,” says Rehayem. “Brokers that take the time to understand their clients’ needs and adopt real-life solutions enhance their reputation as versatile and resourceful brokers; they become the go-to brokers in their communities.” To date, Pepper Money has helped over 84,700 specialist customers. This substantial commitment to specialist lending demonstrates a core business strength that drives significant value for both borrowers and the broader lending ecosystem. “Our commitment to broadening brokers’ access to solutions has been relentless. Over the past 25 years, we have applied and continue to apply significant investment towards broker education, innovative tech-enabled processes and superior product design.”

84,700+

Pepper Money – the specialists in specialist lending

Pepper Money’s pre-application tool called the Pepper Product Selector (PPS) allows a broker to quickly and easily understand if Pepper Money has an option for their client with an indicative rate and repayment. The PPS technology leverages credit data integrations to automate the process and takes all the guesswork out in a matter of minutes. These technological tools are designed to make specialist lending easier, faster and more accessible for brokers and their clients, combining efficiency with the personalised assessment that specialist lending requires.

Why specialist lending matters

Mastering specialist lending solutions

A customer for life

Published 25 Aug 2025

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Pepper Money’s approach to specialist lending extends beyond individual transactions to building relationships that endure over time. The lender’s local customer service team supports clients not just through the application process but throughout their lending journey. As borrowers’ financial circumstances evolve, Pepper Money offers flexibility to adapt, whether through refinancing, rate reviews or tailored loan modifications – providing options that support them not just today but across a lifetime of lending needs.

The MFAA awards reflect Pepper Money’s ability to deliver consistent credit decisions across a range of products, and exceptional customer experience both pre- and post-settlement. “Brokers are voting with their feet,” says Rehayem. “They’re choosing Pepper Money because we’re a brand they can trust. We help brokers increase the number of customers they can assist, whilst also giving them comfort that we will look after their customers post settlement.”

Accolades won by Pepper Money in 2025 (to date)

Source: Pepper Money

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Premium Content

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Reverse Mortgages

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About us

Conditions of Use

Terms & conditions

People

Firms

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Advertising

Authors

E-newsletter

Australian Broker Talk

Events

White papers

Webinar

Australian Broker Talk

Resources

Sector Focus

Power Panel

Independent Feature

Executive Team Profile

Exclusive Leader Profile

Business Update

Business Focus

Big Deal

Premium Content

Technology

Reverse Mortgages

Investment Loans

Specialist Lending

SME

Commercial

Specialty

Best In Mortgage

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A brand built on trust

Eight years of consistent excellence

Why brokers choose Pepper Money

new brokers and introducers accredited in CY24

5,000+

of consistent delivery

25 years

MFAA Specialty Lender of the Year

Source: Pepper Money

MARIO REHAYEM, PEPPER MONEY

Industry recognition and impact

Specialist Lender of the Year (MFAA)

Non-Conforming Lender of the Year (WeMoney)

Best for Self-Employed Buyers (WeMoney)

5-Star Mortgage Innovator (Australian Broker)

As Pepper Money celebrates its eighth MFAA win, the focus remains firmly on future growth and development. The lender continues deepening broker relationships, expanding specialist offerings and helping more Australians achieve their financial goals. “We appreciate every broker, introducer, aggregator and partner who chooses to work with us,” says Rehayem. “Your support drives us forward, and we’re truly grateful. Together, we can deliver really helpful loan options that make a real difference for someone who really needs it.” With a proven track record, cutting-edge tools and a mission to help people succeed, Pepper Money continues leading the specialist lending space by making the moving of mountains for borrowers with complex financial circumstances an everyday reality.