Non-bank lender extends regional presence

The non-bank lender plans to open branches in Dubbo, Armidale, Albury, Nowra, Orange, Bathurst, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Grafton, Parkes and Singleton.

Speaking about the initiative, inTouch Home Loans chief executive Paul Ryan said the plan would provide genuine job opportunities for these communities as well as a much needed alternative to the big four banks.

“Under the banner of intouch Finance, rural and regional Australia will get greater access to financial products including home loans, commercial loans, business finance, farm financing, debtor finance, asset and leasing finance, wealth creation through financial planning and risk insurance,” Mr Ryan said.

Mr Ryan, who grew up in Armidale, said he understood the pressures facing country people.

“My own family experienced troubled times...... it has a huge impact for everyone involved .........and unfortunately many families continue to face the same kinds of pressure and are struggling to find financial options as the banks monopolise the marketplace,” he said.

“If you think about the recent Queensland floods, the devastating bushfires in Victoria two years ago, the droughts, the pressure from mining companies to take over land, environmentalists telling you what you can and cannot do with your land and the high Australian dollar which is crippling exports, these are difficult times for rural communities.”