The NZ Herald-MTF Great New Zealand Road Trip covered 3,400 kilometers, meeting extraordinary Kiwis who embody resilience and hope during challenging times. Among the stories shared, the growth and philosophy of specialist lending company MTF stands out as a testament to the power of connection and local lending.
MTF’s Approach: A Return to Community-Centric Lending
MTF (Motor Trade Finance) operates a unique model that echoes the personal touch of traditional banking. With 54 franchises across New Zealand, the company empowers local franchisees to make lending decisions, fostering strong community connections.
“If you go in and see Dave in Nelson, Dave is the one who’s lending the money,” explains MTF CEO Chris Lamers. “You’re likely to see that person at the supermarket or footy club, so there’s a vested interest in doing good loans.”
This hyper-local approach ensures the company remains close to its customers’ lives, especially in communities facing economic hardships, like Timaru, where major employer closures are having a significant impact.
Resilience and Results
Despite the challenges of the past 18 months, including rising economic pressures, Lamers highlights the resilience of New Zealanders. “I’ve been impressed by how hard and how resilient Kiwis are to difficult situations,” he says.
MTF’s customer-centric approach is reflected in its exceptional results:
- Net Promoter Score (NPS): +80, significantly outperforming the industry average of +8.
- Loan Arrears: Below 1%, less than half the industry standard.
These metrics showcase MTF’s commitment to maintaining strong customer relationships and fostering financial stability.
Economic Optimism
Lamers is optimistic about New Zealand’s economic future. “We’ve developed a mindset of ‘Survive until ’25.’ By April or May next year, we should be on the way to recovery,” he predicts.
The company’s growth reflects this optimism. Since its founding in 1970, MTF has expanded to serve more than 70,000 customers with a lending book exceeding $1.1 billion—up from $670 million just three years ago. Lamers has set his sights on surpassing 100,000 customers, driven by a belief in New Zealand’s potential for growth.
Lessons in Leadership and Growth
Using a sailing analogy, Lamers describes MTF’s transformation under his leadership: “MTF was a well-built yacht in the harbour. All I did was hoist the spinnaker and take it out to sea.” His belief in setting audacious challenges has propelled the company to new heights.
As New Zealand navigates its economic recovery, MTF’s community-focused lending model offers hope and stability, proving that old-school principles can drive modern success.
