Since its launch in 2019, Rate Money has carved out a niche in the self-employed lending market.
Passing a new record in settled loans this year and helping over 8,000 business owners, it’s fair to say the lender has become a force to be reckoned with in its space.
However, Rate Money’s latest move is sure to raise a few eyebrows.
In an age of digital lead generation and bank branch closures becoming the norm, Rate Money decided to go against the grain, recently launching new branches in Brisbane and Southern New South Wales.
But with over 70 years of experience between them, Rate Money’s executive team knew that brick and mortar was essential.
“By being physically present, we can tap into local customer needs, understand the unique market dynamics, and build lasting relationships,” said Rate Money CEO and co-founder Ryan Gair (pictured).
“This not only strengthens customer loyalty but also gives us deeper insights into the markets and customers we serve.”
Now with 32 branches across Australia, Gair is vindicated by this decision to physically expand.
“Busy self-employed professionals value that personal touch – especially when it comes to significant financial matters – because it provides a sense of security and assurance,” he said.
Three weeks ago, Gair welcomed Julie Lawrence, Nicole Palazzi, and Sida Song, who are leading their respective teams at the newly formed Rate Money branches in Aspley, Fortitude Valley, and Logan.
This move marked the lender’s entry into the $156 billion Queensland home loan market.
Two weeks later, the company announced it had opened a branch in Nowra serving the broader South Coast communities of Kiama, Ulladulla, and Batemans Bay.
Headed up by South Coast co-principals Matt Cooney and Scott Morton, who also looks after Rate Money’s recently opened Southern Highlands branch in Mittagong, the additions to the Rate Money family bring decades of collective experience to the region.
Gair felt that these areas presented underserved markets where personalised, face-to-face financial consultation is lacking.
“We will fill this gap, build local relationships, and position ourselves as a trusted partner as these regions continue to grow,” he said.
The expansion comes on the heels of Rate Money reaching a major milestone—$8 billion in loans written.
This achievement reflects the company’s ability to address the unique challenges faced by self-employed borrowers, a group often overlooked by traditional lenders.
"Our success is built on a model that directly addresses the complexities of self-employment," Gair said. "From reducing clawbacks to removing risk fees, we’ve created a solution that prioritises the needs of our customers, franchisees, and referral partners."
Key to this success is the company’s 35-strong head office team, which has optimised processes and enhanced customer relationships, ensuring Rate Money delivers exceptional service across the board.
"This milestone is a testament to our team’s commitment to transforming the mortgage landscape for small business owners,” Gar said.
Importantly, Rate Money isn’t interested in growth for growth’s sake.
The goal for Rate Money is to build a network of 50 high-performing franchises, according to Gair, with a focus on ensuring each one is successful and thriving.
“Rather than expanding to 100 or 150 franchises, where performance can often be uneven, the immediate priority is on maintaining a strong, cohesive group of franchises,” he said.
Geographically, this approach ensures that our network remains strategically positioned across Australia, with minimal overlap and ample opportunities for all franchisees to grow their businesses without competition among themselves.
“We aim for each of our franchises to consistently deliver high performance across customer service, and operational excellence,” Gair said.
“By maintaining these standards, our franchisees are empowered to achieve their goals, build successful businesses, and experience the rewards of their hard work. Their continued success strengthens their connection to the Rate Money brand.”
