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Private lender and investment fund Equity-One has marked its 20th year in business, revealing it has completed $2.7 billion in transactions over that time.
Melbourne-based commercial lender and investment fund Equity-One (majority-owned by Westlawn Finance Limited, part of the Consolidated Operations Group [COG]) has this month celebrated its 20th year in business.
Established in 2005, the private lender provides short-term, property-backed loans of between $50,000 and $10 million to Australian registered companies, trusts, and self-managed superannuation funds.
Its typical loan term is 12 months on interest-only repayments.
Over the past 20 years, the financial institution has continued to provide fast credit to commercial borrowers who do not meet bank policy, while providing investors with liquidity. It has completed $2.7 billion in investment transactions since 2005.
According to founder and managing director Dean Koutsoumidis, while the company has evolved over the last two decades, its clients still seek the same services today as they did when the office first opened.
He said: “While the way we do business evolves, with electronic/digital ways of signing documents and communicating, the core function of our firm remains the same. We focus on our people.
“The relationship with our borrowers, the brokers who introduce them, and the investors that fund our mortgages are our life blood. We aren’t really one entity, but rather the sum of all the relationships we have with clients.”
Koutsoumidis said that the team at Equity-One works tirelessly to deliver a high standard of service
He said: “If 20 years teaches you anything, it’s clear that strong client relations, providing the right working conditions and environment for staff and sticking true to the core values of the business is crucial to a quality business model.”
Senior portfolio manager Tom Danaher, who has been with Equity-One for 17 years, said: “Something that stands out to me is the longevity of service dedication from team members. The team continues to grow and when we do welcome someone new, it is not unusual to see them contribute to our business for many years.
“It is a testament to the loyalty of our staff but also the fun working environment we have created in the office. The staff genuinely enjoy each other’s company.”
[Related: Equity-One to be bought by Westlawn]
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