Releasing its FY25 half-year report, Chair Mark Darrow
commented: “We’re pleased to share our Half Year Report,
highlighting continued growth and investment in our people,
technology, brand, and local communities. At a time when
rising costs and economic uncertainty are prompting many
businesses to scale back, MTF is charting a different
course; one built on resilience, values, and long-term
thinking.”
Backed by a unique business model and
powered by strategic investment in brand and technology, MTF
is showing that it is possible to grow responsibly without
compromising affordability for customers.
“Now more
than ever, Kiwis need financial partners who are local, and
on their side,” says CEO Chris Lamers. “We are not
chasing short-term gains; we are building a business that
stands the test of time and helps communities thrive.
Looking ahead, we’re focused on what matters most
-delivering exceptional customer satisfaction, growing our
market share, driving total shareholder return, and building
for the future through continued investment in business
technology and transformation.”
Holding firm while
others retreat
In the face of economic pressure, MTF
has:
- Grown revenue –
while reducing administration overheads by 12
percent through disciplined cost
management - Reduced key customer fees
– including establishment, maintenance, and
settlement fees – while choosing not to pass on rising costs
to borrowers, protecting affordability at a time of
increasing financial strain - Increased market
share in personal lending – with year-on-year
growth of more than 20 percent, as reported by
Centrix - Continued investment in a new
technology platform – laying the foundation for
long-term efficiency, scalability, and customer experience
improvements. The programme achieved a significant milestone
in the first half, with the ability to process loans now
live. - Grown total assets up to
$1.23b - Refreshed the brand and increased
marketing investment – driving greater awareness
and preference in both vehicle and personal lending
categories - Achieved record originator
earnings of $48.1m, up 9 percent on last six
months - Increased dividend by 43
percent to six cents per share
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At the heart of
MTF’s approach is its franchise & approved dealer
model, with 54 locally owned franchises and 164 active
dealers embedded in communities across the country. As
shareholders in the business, MTF’s Originators bring an
ownership mindset to everything they do – driving
accountability, agility, and a deep understanding of local
needs – enabling MTF to remain close to its customers while
scaling effectively.
“Our Originators aren’t just
writing loans – they are local businesspeople supporting
their communities,” says Lamers. “That model gives us
strength, and more importantly, it gives us
purpose.”
“In the past 12 months, MTF has
increased its investment in technology and will be rolling
out a new platform over the coming year. At the same time, a
refreshed brand and increased marketing investment is
driving greater awareness and preference for the business,
showcasing the focus on small business and non-vehicle
loans.
“The investment in a new platform is an
investment in both technology and people, ensuring we can
leverage new systems to deliver on enhanced analytics, using
artificial intelligence to create better experiences for our
team and our customers, as well as launch new products and
continue evolving existing ones.”
Lamers
is frank about the pressures but remains
optimistic:
“It’s a competitive space, and we are
realistic about the challenges. But our focus is on
long-term, sustainable growth – where our customers and our
shareholders have a great outcome, rather than chasing
short-term wins at the cost of long-term
performance.”
Four years ago, MTF’s Board set in
place a new strategy – and that direction continues to
deliver.
“The ongoing, consistent investment in
business transformation and product diversification have
played a key role in positioning the business to weather
economic uncertainty while staying connected to customers
and ready to adapt,” says Darrow.
MTF’s strategy
stands in contrast to much of the industry – investing in
future capability rather than scaling back, and choosing to
grow with intention, not pressure.
“That why we will
keep making lending about people – and why we’ll continue
to earn their trust in a changing world,” says
Lamers.
About MTF:
MTF is 100
per cent New Zealand owned, and our history dates back to
1970. We provide innovative finance solutions to New
Zealanders through our 54-strong franchise network, vehicle
dealers and partners such as AMI. This has helped us grow
into a business with assets of more than $1.23b. We are
launching new products and partnerships while staying true
to our core – that we are people helping people, powered by
a world-class funding system. MTF has been recognised and
rewarded as the top-rated finance company in New Zealand, in
2024 the company was awarded Reader’s Digest Top Trusted
Brand award in the car loan provider category and rated the
top finance company on Trustpilot. MTF is listed on the
NZDX.
