Introduction to ASAP Finance Limited: A Key Player in New Zealand's Property Finance
ASAP Finance Limited, registered as NZBN 9429035186380, is a privately held non-bank lender that commenced operations in New Zealand in 2004. Headquartered in Auckland, specifically at The Blade, Level 3, 12 St Marks Road, Newmarket, Auckland 1050, the company has established itself as a significant provider of property-backed finance. Unlike traditional banks, ASAP Finance Limited focuses exclusively on first-mortgage lending, catering to a specific niche within the financial market.
The core business model revolves around offering flexible and timely financial solutions for various stages of property investment and development. Its primary target market includes experienced property developers, investors, and home builders across New Zealand, as well as commercial borrowers seeking specialized funding. The ownership structure remains closely held by its founding partners, reflecting its private enterprise ethos.
Under the guidance of its leadership team, which includes an unnamed CEO and Principal Lending Manager alongside key specialists like Kashish Shah, Zdenka Gacikova, Kai (Kevin) Zhou, and Dan Ziqing Liao, ASAP Finance Limited prides itself on a hands-on approach. These specialists bring deep industry knowledge, particularly in project-specific funding strategies, which contributes to the company's ability to offer bespoke financing arrangements. This specialized expertise allows them to understand the unique challenges and opportunities within the New Zealand property market, providing more adaptive solutions than often found with larger, more rigid financial institutions.
Comprehensive Lending Solutions and Financial Framework
ASAP Finance Limited offers a diverse portfolio of loan products designed to meet the varying needs of the New Zealand property sector. These include Residential Investment Loans, Commercial & Industrial Loans, and critically, Development & Construction Finance, which supports projects from groundbreaking to completion. Furthermore, they provide Bridging Loans (both open and closed), Landbank Underwrites for strategic land acquisition, and even engage in Joint Ventures & Private Equity underwriting, showcasing a broad spectrum of property-centric financial instruments.
The company deals with substantial capital, with loan amounts starting from a minimum of NZD 300,000, extending up to a considerable NZD 50,000,000 per transaction. This significant lending capacity positions them as a viable option for medium to large-scale property projects across the country. Interest rates are competitive but sensitive to the loan term and perceived risk. While indicative rates typically range from 8% to 14% per annum, shorter terms (e.g., three to six months) generally attract lower margins. Conversely, higher-risk ventures or longer-term facilities might see rates exceeding this range, reflecting the lender's risk assessment framework.
Loan terms are typically short to medium, starting from a minimum of three months and standardizing up to twelve months. Extensions are often considered, especially for complex projects requiring more time for completion. Repayment structures are flexible, with interest-only being the standard. For construction and development projects, capitalised interest is frequently offered, allowing interest to be added to the loan balance during the project phase. Experienced developers may also negotiate part-interest repayment arrangements.
Regarding fees, transparency is a stated priority. An application or origination fee of 2% of the loan principal is typically charged, which can often be added to the loan balance. A brokerage fee of approximately 1% of the loan amount is payable to mortgage brokers involved in the transaction. Notably, ASAP Finance Limited asserts that there are no hidden fees, minimum lending fees, administration fees, or early repayment fees, provided 30 days' notice is given for early settlement. All legal costs associated with the loan are fully disclosed in the letter of offer, ensuring borrowers have a clear understanding of their financial commitments upfront.
All loans provided by ASAP Finance Limited require robust collateral, primarily in the form of a first-mortgage security over residential or commercial property. The loan-to-value ratio (LVR) can extend up to 75% based on a professional valuation of the property and its location, indicating a prudent but pragmatic approach to risk management.
Navigating the Application Process and Digital Engagement
Engaging with ASAP Finance Limited for financing begins through several accessible channels. Prospective borrowers can initiate an application directly via the company's official website, which features online enquiry and application forms. Alternatively, direct contact with lending managers through email or phone provides a more personalized touch. Many applicants also utilize broker-facilitated submissions, leveraging the expertise of mortgage brokers who are familiar with ASAP Finance Limited's processes and requirements.
The onboarding process includes a strong emphasis on compliance with New Zealand's Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act 2009. This involves thorough verification of identity, scrutiny of the source of funds, and identification of beneficial owners. For corporate entities or trusts, the collection of relevant corporate and trust documents is a mandatory step, ensuring legal and regulatory adherence throughout the loan lifecycle.
Underwriting and credit assessment at ASAP Finance Limited are characterized by an internal due diligence process, often performed by a team with backgrounds as former developers and investors. This practical experience allows for a nuanced understanding of project viability. A critical aspect of their assessment, particularly for capitalised-interest loans, is a clear and robust exit strategy, ensuring the borrower has a credible plan to repay the loan. For interest-only loans, serviceability remains a key focus. While credit checks are considered, each application is assessed on its individual merits rather than solely relying on automated credit scores, offering a more flexible approach to lending decisions.
One of ASAP Finance Limited's distinguishing features is its rapid disbursement capability. Following the acceptance of a loan offer and the completion of all necessary loan documents and funding conditions, funds are often disbursed within 48 hours via bank transfer. This speed can be a significant advantage for property professionals who require quick access to capital to seize time-sensitive opportunities or maintain project momentum.
In terms of technology, ASAP Finance Limited maintains a functional website that serves as its primary digital platform for online enquiries and applications. However, it is important for potential borrowers to note that the company does not have a dedicated mobile application publicly listed or promoted. Its online presence extends to LinkedIn, where it actively shares product insights and company milestones, connecting with a professional audience. Geographically, ASAP Finance Limited provides lending services nationwide across New Zealand, supporting a diverse client base of property developers, residential investors, and builders, having facilitated over NZD 3 billion in finance since its inception.
Regulatory Compliance, Market Standing, and Borrower Considerations
ASAP Finance Limited operates within New Zealand's regulatory framework, ensuring adherence to established financial laws and consumer protections. The company is regulated under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (AML/CFT), which mandates stringent processes for identity verification and transaction monitoring to prevent illicit financial activities. Furthermore, ASAP Finance Limited is a proud member of Financial Services Complaints Limited (FSCL), an external dispute resolution scheme. This membership provides an independent avenue for clients to address any complaints or disputes, reinforcing confidence in the company's commitment to fair practice.
It is crucial to understand that ASAP Finance Limited does not offer loans regulated by the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (CCCFA). Its focus is exclusively on commercial and investment lending, primarily to property professionals, rather than consumer loans. While not directly subject to all CCCFA provisions, the company voluntarily adheres to responsible lending principles, ensuring that all borrowers are assessed for their capacity to manage and repay the proposed finance. This distinction is important for potential borrowers, as the nature of the loan product and associated protections differ significantly from consumer finance.
As of 2025, there is no public record of any regulatory penalties or enforcement actions against ASAP Finance Limited, indicating a clean compliance history. The company upholds several consumer protections, including transparent disclosure of all terms and conditions in its offer letters. The FSCL membership ensures a clear and accessible complaints process, and the policy of allowing early repayments without penalty with 30 days’ notice further demonstrates a borrower-friendly approach for its specific market.
In the New Zealand market, ASAP Finance Limited holds a strong position among non-bank property financiers. Its peers include notable names such as First Mortgage Trust, Fortis Capital, Spinnaker Capital, and Vincent Capital. ASAP Finance Limited differentiates itself through several key aspects: its rapid settlement capabilities, often completing transactions within 48 hours; its flexible lending structures tailored to individual project needs; and its hands-on underwriting process, driven by industry practitioners who bring real-world experience to credit assessment. The company has demonstrated consistent growth, expanding its facilitated funding from NZD 2 billion in 2023 to over NZD 3 billion by 2024-2025, consistently deepening its specialization in development finance. It maintains strategic partnerships as a panel lender to major mortgage aggregators and benefits from funding lines supported by major banks like ASB and BNZ, alongside private equity facilities.
While ASAP Finance Limited receives positive testimonials from developers, particularly regarding its fast approvals and capitalised-interest facilities, public online reviews are somewhat limited. There are no public app store ratings due to the absence of a dedicated mobile app, and general online reviews on aggregator sites show mixed feedback regarding customer responsiveness. Common issues highlighted by some relate to the minimum loan threshold of NZD 300,000, which naturally excludes smaller borrowers, and the short-term nature of its loans, necessitating a clear and robust exit strategy for all applicants.
Practical Guidance for Potential ASAP Finance Borrowers in New Zealand
For property professionals in New Zealand considering ASAP Finance Limited, understanding its unique operating model is paramount. Firstly, it is critical to reiterate that ASAP Finance Limited is an institutional and commercial lender, not a consumer finance provider. This means its products are designed for property investment, development, and commercial ventures, requiring a minimum loan amount of NZD 300,000. Individuals seeking personal loans or smaller-scale financing for non-property related consumer purposes should look elsewhere.
Given the short-term nature of many of its loans, typically ranging from three to twelve months, potential borrowers must have a well-defined and realistic exit strategy. Whether it is through the sale of developed property, refinancing with a long-term lender, or other clear repayment mechanisms, demonstrating a solid plan is a key requirement during the underwriting process. The company's emphasis on capitalised interest for construction projects highlights its understanding of development cycles, but this structure still requires a robust end-game strategy.
The speed of disbursement, often within 48 hours, is a significant advantage for developers facing tight deadlines or seeking to capitalize on swift market opportunities. However, this speed relies on the applicant providing all necessary documentation efficiently and accurately during the application and Know Your Customer (KYC) phases. Ensuring compliance with AML/CFT requirements is non-negotiable and requires preparedness from the borrower's side.
When reviewing the loan offer, meticulous attention should be paid to the disclosed interest rates, the 2% application/origination fee, and any brokerage fees. While ASAP Finance Limited asserts no hidden fees or early repayment penalties (with 30 days' notice), understanding the total cost of borrowing is essential. Legal costs, which are part of the overall transaction, will also be clearly outlined in the offer letter. It is always advisable to seek independent legal and financial advice before committing to any loan agreement, regardless of the lender.
Finally, the requirement for first-mortgage security over residential or commercial property, with LVRs up to 75%, underscores the asset-backed nature of these loans. Borrowers must be comfortable with pledging substantial property as collateral. For property developers, investors, and builders in New Zealand needing agile, significant, and specialized finance for their projects, ASAP Finance Limited presents a compelling option, provided their project aligns with the company's lending criteria and their exit strategy is sound.
