Founded in June 2015

2015

Forged in change

In New Zealand’s dynamic lending market, smaller financial institutions face the constant challenge of differentiating themselves amid economic uncertainty. For the team at CFML Loans, this has meant building resilience through both growth and challenges, while staying focused on client needs that larger banks may overlook. CFML Loans has evolved from a licensed managed investment scheme (MIS) fund manager into a non-bank lender by staying agile, fostering strong relationships and maintaining a clear strategic vision. Chief executive Johny Kale reflects on the company’s journey. “Watching what we have built from the ground up evolve into a licensed fund manager, and our journey to becoming a non-bank lender, has been incredibly rewarding,” he says. “While the path has not been easy, with many challenges along the way, we are steadily achieving our goals.” The transition from startup to a well-established non-bank lender has

Spotlight

For Ashlene Prasad, senior business development manager at CFML, the company’s forward-thinking approach and collaborative culture were key motivators when she joined the team. “I wanted to be part of a team focused on growth in the industry and contribute to building a strong brand,” Prasad explains. Her perspective highlights a common thread among CFML’s team members – a desire to contribute meaningfully in an environment that values collaboration and growth. For many at CFML, it’s the human element of their work that fuels their

CFML Loans is the lending arm of Conrad Funds Management Limited. CFML Loans is a non-bank lender that specialises in residential first mortgage lending. CFML Loans works with mortgage advisers throughout New Zealand to ensure customers get a quick response from our highly experienced lending team with over 30 years’ experience.

Company Profile

>$500m

Total loan settlements

80%

Maximum LVR for residential loan

30 years

Maximum loan term

65%

Maximum LVR for commercial loan

30 sqm

Minimum apartment size

Bio

Spotlight

Milestones

Media

Accolades

Company Profile

“The relationships we build with both lenders and mortgage advisers allow us to help those who can’t secure loans from banks. Making a tangible difference in someone’s financial journey brings me great satisfaction”

Johny Kale, CFmL Loans

Milestones

2011

2012

2015

2016

2019

2021

Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.

2012

Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.

2015

Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.

2016

Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.

2019

Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.

2021

Karen Adams

Read on

Milestones

2011

2012

2015

2016

2019

2021

Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.

2012

Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.

2015

Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.

2016

Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.

2019

Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.

2021

Karen Adams

Read on

2015

2016

2018

2021

2022

2025

Founded in June 2015

2015

Becomes a licensed managed investment scheme fund manager

2016

Established as a non-bank lender

2018

Reaches $100 million in assets under management

2021

Reaches $200 million in assets under management

2022

Reaches $240 million in assets under management

2025

Milestones

The people behind the loans

Published 14 Apr 2025

Find out more

Brent Malcolm

Yuan Fang

Johny Kale

Read on

CFML Loans has grown by embracing change, fostering strong relationships and maintaining agility – overcoming challenges while keeping clients at the heart of its strategy

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Ashlene Prasad Senior business development manager

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY

Brent Malcolm Mortgage and credit manager

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY

Johny Kale Chief executive

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY

Executive leaders

CFML Loans

BDMs in the spotlight

Being picked to lead ORDE's distribution team

career highlight

3 years

tenure at current position

Years of experience

Resources

News

Specialty

Best in Mortgage

Mortgage Industry

Companies

People

Newsletter

About us

Authors

Conditions of Use

Terms & Conditions

Sitemap

RSS

News

MORTGAGE INDUSTRY

BEST IN MORTGAGE

SPECIALTY

Resources

Companies

People

Newsletter

About us

Authors

Conditions of Use

Terms & Conditions

Sitemap

RSS

News

MORTGAGE INDUSTRY

BEST IN MORTGAGE

SPECIALTY

Resources

Companies

People

Newsletter

About us

Authors

Conditions of Use

Terms & Conditions

Sitemap

RSS

Ashlene Prasad

“No two transactions are the same, and the need to adapt to a changing market is ongoing. We can’t afford to sit still”

Brent Malcolm, CFML Loans

“My greatest satisfaction comes from providing timely solutions under pressure, reinforcing CFML’s reputation as a trusted and results-driven financial partner”

Yuan Fang, CFML Loans

“Last year was tough, but with support from the industry, I was able to navigate through challenges. This experience led to personal growth and opened up new opportunities”

Ashlene Prasad, CfmL Loans

been defined by intentional development and strategic pivots. CFML’s ability to adapt quickly has become a hallmark of its success. “I’ve always enjoyed working with smaller, growing companies,” Kale continues. “The ability to adapt and pivot quickly when opportunities arise is invaluable.” Brent Malcolm, mortgage and credit manager at CFML, agrees, emphasising the company’s ability to respond to market conditions. “CFML is a growth-oriented company that thrives on its ability to adapt,” he says. This adaptability has positioned CFML well in a lending environment full of both challenges and opportunities.

passion. The ability to assist clients who might otherwise struggle to secure financial support is at the core of their mission. “The relationships we build with both lenders and mortgage advisers allow us to help those who can’t secure loans from banks,” Kale says. “Making a tangible difference in someone’s financial journey brings me great satisfaction.” Yuan Fang, head of client relations and business development manager, echoes this sentiment. “What drives me is building long-term, trusting relationships with advisers.”

Yuan Fang Head of client relations/business development manager

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY

Auckland

Based in

Scaling a hedge fund from $100m to $1.7bn in assets under management in just 2.5 years amid the aftermath of the GFC

Career highlight

Auckland

Based in

The ability to continually exceed financial targets, and working with people of varied skills and experience

Career highlight

Auckland

Based in

Mentoring and empowering women in the industry here in NZ and in Australia

Career highlight

Auckland

Based in

Securing largest three-month period of settled loans since inception during the 2024 product launch

Career highlight

This strong relationship focus extends beyond external partnerships and influences CFML’s internal culture. Many team members cite this people-centric approach as a key reason for joining the company. Malcolm highlights the inclusive environment at CFML, where team members are encouraged to contribute ideas. “I value the opportunity to listen to my team’s thoughts and ideas, which builds confidence in the solutions we deliver,” he says. Prasad, too, emphasises the importance of building relationships, both within the industry and with clients. “I genuinely care about fostering long-term connections that make a real difference in driving success,” she says. “The relationships I build create lasting impact – whether with advisers or clients.”

Perhaps the most significant challenge CFML Loans has recently faced was the untimely death of a key leader, Patrick Middleton, which tested the resilience of the entire team. “The loss of Patrick, our CEO, a highly respected leader in the team and the market, was a major challenge,” Malcolm reflects. “His problem-solving mindset and mantra, ‘Is there another way to look at this?’ continue to shape our approach.” Kale acknowledges the profound impact of this loss, while honouring the progress that was made in difficult times. He says, “The past year has been challenging, marked by the reorganisation of the company and the loss of my dear friend, mentor and co-founder, Patrick Middleton. He would be incredibly proud of what the team has achieved.” The loss also deeply affected Fang, who recalls how Middleton’s mentorship played a pivotal role in her development. “He truly cared for everyone and remained dedicated to his work until his passing,” she says. “His leadership shaped me into the driven and confident professional I am today.” Despite personal and professional challenges, the team has pushed forward, finding strength in each other and in their shared commitment to the company’s vision. Prasad shares her experience: “Last year was tough, but with support from the industry I was able to navigate through challenges. This experience led to personal growth and opened up new opportunities, which ultimately paved the way for an exciting career shift.”

Navigating loss and change

In the fast-paced mortgage industry, no two transactions are the same, and constant adaptation is crucial. For professionals like Malcolm, the variety of challenges keeps the work engaging. “No two transactions are the same, and the need to adapt to a changing market is ongoing. We can’t afford to sit still,” he says. This dynamic environment allows the CFML team to hone their problem-solving skills as each client presents unique variables. Their adaptability and commitment to personalised service were demonstrated as the team worked tirelessly to close many deals during tough times. The collaborative spirit at CFML shone through as team members worked late into the night to ensure clients’ needs were met.

The daily challenge of lending

“My greatest satisfaction comes from providing timely solutions under pressure, reinforcing CFML’s reputation as a trusted and results-driven financial partner,” Fang adds.

For Kale, personal connections offer valuable insights into economic conditions. “My mother has a large extended family – one of 18 – so I have a lot of relatives. This gives me a strong sense of how New Zealand’s economy is performing, which complements formal economic indicators.” Prasad, too, emphasises the importance of community connections, particularly in mentoring other women to foster career growth and leadership. “I help advisers grow their businesses, while also mentoring staff and building their personal branding over the last five years,” she says. This focus on mentoring aligns with CFML’s broader mission to nurture talent and capacity within the industry.

Building community connections

As interest rates begin to fall, CFML sees potential for increased activity in the property market, though the team remain mindful of short-term challenges. “With interest rates dropping, we expect market activity to rise as people invest or rebalance their property portfolios,” Malcolm explains. This cautious optimism comes with an understanding that economic stability is essential for sustained growth. “We may face challenges over the next six to 12 months, but if inflation and unemployment remain stable, I believe New Zealand will be in a much stronger position by year-end,” Kale adds. As a smaller institution, CFML’s ability to adapt quickly to shifting market conditions gives it an edge over larger competitors. “We have the ability to pivot quickly, which allows us to take advantage of opportunities when they arise,” says Kale.

Looking ahead with cautious optimism

In an ever-evolving industry, the ability to reassess and adjust approaches is a vital asset. CFML’s operational philosophy reflects this, ensuring it remains adaptable while building strong relationships with clients and advisers. Looking ahead, CFML believes that a continued focus on flexibility and personalised service will position the company well in the changing landscape. Fang highlights the potential for improvement within the industry. “There is always room for improvement in how we serve clients,” she says. “Striking the right balance between advanced technology and personal service will ensure a smoother, more efficient experience for borrowers.” As the company continues to build on its strong foundation, Kale concludes: “We are committed to finding solutions for clients who fall through the cracks of traditional banking, and we will continue to do so, guided by the memory of our co-founder.”

The value of versatility

Yuan Fang

As New Zealand’s property market navigates choppy waters, Vincent Capital’s lending team share insights on adapting to changing tides and steering developers towards calmer seas

Yuan Fang

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH