Fico Finance is here
to help you find funding fast.
Borrower Overview
First and foremost, we are business people, not bankers, and loans are our business.
It’s what we do all day, every day, and we’re always looking for ways to say yes.
Our finance rates
Our base pricing for first mortgage transactions is 11.95% p.a. + fees. Pricing structure negotiable for strong deals.
Types of loans
Fico provides loans secured by residential or commercial property, for business or investment purposes.
Core Products
- Fico Premium:
for low LVR deals in main centres - Fico Standard:
for deals outside the square - Fico Development:
for project funding
What we lend for
- Property development and project funding
- Investment purchases
- Bridging and short term transactions
- Mezzanine funding
- Rescues
Loan Features
Urgent approvals and settlements
We understand that time is money and we strive to provide an efficient and responsive service. Fico Finance's credit committee reviews loan applications daily. Once an application is approved, Fico's streamlined documentation process delivers rapid loan settlements.
Nationwide lending
Fico Finance offers first and second mortgage secured funding to businesses, investors and developers throughout New Zealand.
Transparent pricing
Fico Finance's flat pricing structure means no surprises for borrowers. Interest is charged on drawn funds only, borrowers do not pay line fees for unutilised funds and there are no costs or penalties for early repayment.
Flexible LVR
Fico Finance lends up to 65% of property security value on first mortgage security, with higher loan-to-value ratios considered on a case-by-case basis. With the ability to lend against second mortgage security on either a stand-alone or supporting basis, Fico offers flexible funding for borrowers with strong equity positions.

How it works
We take a consultative approach to workshop deals, achieve fast settlements and where necessary, restructure or extend facilities.
Our Process

Application
Send completed application form or advisor application pack to loans@fico.co.nz.

Initial review
Application is reviewed by the Fico business manager who will get in touch to discuss and request more information (if needed).

Indicative approval
If the loan application appears to meet all criteria, indicative terms and pricing are issued. In most cases this can be done within 24 hours of receiving the application.

Credit approval
If loan terms and pricing are accepted, the application goes to credit for assessment. The credit team receive and review applications daily.

Letter of offer
If approved, Fico issues a conditional letter of offer. Once a signed offer is returned, Fico works with you to meet the initial loan conditions.

Loan documentation and settlement
Loans can be settled within 72 hours of correct and complete loan documentation being received.
FAQ
Our core products are Fico Premium for low LVR deals in main centres, Fico Standard for deals outside the square and Fico Development for project funding.
We also offer standard business loans, short term and bridging finance, mezzanine funding and rescues.
Fico offers loan terms from 3 - 12 months, with longer terms available on a case-by-case basis.
Fico offers principal and interest, interest only, capitalised and partially capitalised loans.
Get in touch.
We know the only constant in business is change, and when your situation changes we want to do everything possible to help find a suitable solution.
Talk to us. We will listen.
If you have any concerns or a complaint please make sure your first step is to let us know. We understand things can go wrong from time to time, and when that happens we want to hear about it and then put it right.
You can see full details on our complaints page here.
About
The Fico Finance of today was formed by the merger of Waimea Finance Limited (est. 1985) and Fico Finance Limited (est. 2001).
The Fico Finance board is comprised of the principal shareholders and a founding partner of a well-known local law firm, all of whom bring a wealth of shared business expertise.
Team

Scott Dodd – M.Sc, B.Sc
Managing Director

Bruce Yelverton – MBS Banking. F Fin.
Senior Business Manager

Finn Brooke – LLB, BA
Senior Business Manager

Brendon Grundy – CA, B.Com
Financial Controller

Sue Buckendahl
Borrower & Investor Relations
Directors

Scott Dodd – M.Sc, B.Sc
Managing Director

Brent Ferguson
Director

Geoff Lawes
Director

Paul Le Gros
Director
History Highlights
- 1985 – Waimea Finance established to finance Brent Ferguson Motor’s clients.
- 1995 – Waimea Finance begins lending to the general public.
- 2001 – Fico Finance is established.
- 2004 – Waimea Finance and Fico Finance merge.
- 2006 – Fico Finance takes over the Nelson Finance Centre.
Community outreach
- 2010 – Fico Finance announce their naming sponsorship of the Nelson Giants.
- 2014 – Fico Finance become a cornerstone sponsor of Nelson Tasman Big Brothers Big Sisters organisation.
- 2016 – Fico Finance supports Nelson Cancer Society
- 2023 – Fico Finance continues to support many local charities.