Fico Finance is here to help you find funding fast.

24-hr turnaround from inquiry to indicative terms.
Deal directly or through your advisor.
Competitive rates.
Flexible terms and loan structures.
Experienced property finance provider, established in 1985.

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.

Finance that fits

We offer flexible, risk-based pricing tailored to loan type, term and location. Pricing structures are 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.

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How it works

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

Our Process

Number 1 for Fico Finance loan process

Application

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

Download application form
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Initial review

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

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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.

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Credit approval

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

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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.

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Loan documentation and settlement

Fico instructs solicitors to isssue loan documents. Documents are usually issued the same day if instructed before 12 noon.
 

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

Finn Brooke - LLB, BA

Chief Executive Officer

Finn holds an LLB/BA from the University of Canterbury and brings over 20 years of experience in commercial finance, specialising in capital raising, strategic growth, and investment management. Before relocating to Nelson, he founded and led an Auckland-based brokerage and finance consultancy, connecting clients with debt and equity solutions for property projects. At Fico Finance, Finn oversees business development, strategy, and growth initiatives, driving the company’s expansion and performance across New Zealand.

Finn Brooke Chief Executive Officer from Fico Finance NZ

Finn Brooke – LLB, BA 
Chief Executive Officer ​

Scott Dodd - M.Sc, B.Sc

Director - Investments & Special Projects

Originally from the UK, Scott holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Mathematics. He began his career in computer science before transitioning into property and finance, bringing a unique analytical perspective to those fields. He served as Managing Director of Fico Finance for 15 years, spearheading the company’s expansion into a nationwide lender. Now focusing on strategic investments and special projects, he leverages his deep industry experience and mathematical rigour to identify opportunities and manage outcomes.

Scott Dodd, director investments & special projects at Fico Finance

Scott Dodd – M.Sc, B.Sc 
Director –  Investments & Special Projects

Bruce Yelverton - MBS (Banking), F Fin.

Senior Business Manager

Bruce brings over 30 years of banking and finance expertise to Fico Finance, where he focuses on advisor relations and specialises in commercial lending, property finance, project funding, and asset management. He holds a Master of Business Studies (Banking) from Massey University and has previously operated his own advisory practice. Bruce carries out due diligence on lending proposals and structures finance solutions for advisors, brokers, and borrowers. His approach centres on building lasting relationships and delivering outcomes that work for all parties.

Bruce Yelverton at Fico Finance, 2025

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

Brendon Grundy - CA, B.Com

Financial Controller

A Chartered Accountant with over 25 years’ experience in Nelson, Brendon joined the Fico Finance team in early 2015 and has worked across a number of different industries including property development, property investment, construction, manufacturing, horticulture, aviation, and finance. At Fico Finance, he manages the financial side and supports senior management with loan and investor management, ensuring accurate, transparent, and efficient financial processes. Brendon takes pride in keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Brendon Grundy Financial Controller at Fico Finance, 2025

Brendon Grundy – CA, B.Com
Financial Controller

Sue Buckendahl

Borrower & Investor Relations

Sue has 30 years’ experience in finance, working in lending management, administration, and credit management for Waimea Finance and Fico Finance. She is the first point of contact for lending and investment enquiries, providing clear, professional, and timely support to borrowers and investors. Sue is known for her friendly approach and genuine care for clients.

Image of Sue Buckendahl, in charge of Borrower & Investor Relations at Fico Finance, 2025

Sue Buckendahl
Borrower & Investor Relations

Jeani Coetzee

Client & Partner Relations / AML Officer

Jeani is a primary point of contact for borrowers, advisors and aggregators at Fico Finance, ensuring enquiries are handled efficiently and with clarity from initial inquiry through to post-settlement. With a background in financial services and client engagement, she supports strong, responsive relationships with Fico’s borrowers and advisor partners. As AML Officer, Jeani oversees Fico’s AML/CFT framework, promoting robust risk management, monitoring and regulatory compliance.

Image of Jeani Coetzee at Fico Finance, 2025

Jeani Coetzee
Client & Partner Relations / AML Officer

Directors​

Brent Ferguson, Chairman at Fico Finance

 ​Brent Ferguson
Chairman

Scott Dodd, director investments & special projects at Fico Finance

Scott Dodd – M.Sc, B.Sc
Director

Geoff Lawes Board Member Fico Finance NZ

Geoff Lawes
Director

Paul Le Gros Director at Fico Finance NZ

Paul Le Gros
Director

Mark5938webOpt

Mark Ferguson
Director

Gareth Lawes, Director at Fico Finance NZ, 2025

Gareth Lawes
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.